The Keystone College Department of Performance Music will once again welcome guests to “Jazz Night at the Eckel Family Pavilion.” This yearly outdoor event, which takes place near the College’s athletic fields on campus, will be held on Sunday, July 14, at 7 p.m., with a weather location at The Theatre in Brooks Hall. Any location change due to weather will be announced at www.facebook.com/musicatkeystone. This is the ninth year that the College held this outdoor concert. Performing at this free concert will be the KC Jazz Ensemble plus guest musicians who participated in the 2024 Keystone College Jazz Ensemble Experience over the past two weeks.
The Jazz Ensemble Experience, offered free of charge by the College, is a summer program which allows guest musicians an opportunity to see what it’s like to be a part of the KC Big Band. This year, over 30 current musicians and 27 guests participated in The Experience. Musicians range in age from high school upperclassmen through adult, community musicians. The Performance Music staff encourages all ability levels to participate, and all ability levels are welcome.
Ron Jackson, a community musician who has played with the groups for nearly a decade, states, “The KC Jazz Ensemble Summer Experience is a wonderful opportunity for local musicians to join in on the superb program offered summer after summer by Mr. Jeff Tylutki. Three intensive two-hour rehearsals, capped by a free community offering of a concert at Eckel Pavilion, give all participants a chance to learn unique jazz stylings, many in combination with great student vocalists.”
Ruby Moyer, a Tunkhannock High School student participant, said, “As a young musician playing with seasoned players can be intimidating, however this camp has made it a priority to welcome me and other teens. Playing with such an incredible band has given me the opportunity to work with more developed musicians and experience a unified sound.”
Alexandra Thornton, an Abington Heights High School graduate and Keystone’s Class of 2024 Outstanding Graduate, shared, “I look forward to camp every summer. I started in high school and continued while I was a student at Keystone. Each year I have been challenged to grow as a musician. The camp brings together exceptionally talented and genuine individuals, creating a remarkable opportunity to collaborate and play jazz music. “
In addition to the music on July 14, guests will be treated to complimentary wine tasting for those over 21 and S’mores for any children in attendance. Guests can also purchase food such as pulled pork sandwiches and snacks or are welcome to bring their own food and beverage as this is a BYOB event. Doors open and food will be available starting at 6:30 p.m. Seating will be available, but guests may also bring along folding chairs or a blanket. Concert attendees are welcome to come early to enjoy the outdoors and walk the trails on campus before the concert begins. Director of Bands & Performance Music Jeff Tylutki indicates, “This is definitely not your typical sit silently in an auditorium kind of concert. We’ve always treated this summer event like a backyard party, with everyone just kind of finding their place to listen, visit with friends, throw a frisbee, and enjoy food and drink.”
Details are available at www.keystone.edu/music and at www.facebook.com/musicatkeystone. For more information on this event or Performance Music at Keystone, please email music@keystone.edu or call 570-945-8599.
Recognized as one of the best educational values in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Keystone offers undergraduate and graduate degree options in liberal arts and science-based programs in business, education, natural science, environmental science, and sports and recreation management. Located on a beautiful 276-acre campus, 15 minutes from Scranton, Pa., and two hours from New York City and Philadelphia, Keystone is known for small class sizes and individual attention focused on student success through internships, research, and community involvement.
