Alon Nechushtan - Venture Bound Quintet
Thursday, March 5
7:00 p.m.  | The Hill Theater in the Scott Center | Free"The single most salient fact about current jazz is its ongoing globalization. Jazz is an open-ended, self-renewing art form that draws strength from sources far outside itself. Example: Venture Bound. It is hardcore, up-to-the-minute small-ensemble jazz with a unique sonic signature.

Alon Nechushtan was born in Tel Aviv. Nechushtan now lives in New York and has internalized its unforgiving energy. He characterizes his album as “a continuous journey through a New York night seeking adventure. Nechushtan himself is so embedded in the album concept that you are less aware of him as a soloist than as an intelligence that ties everything together. But in fact his individual piano statements are varied, concise and complete, sometimes twisting long, fine strands, sometimes digging in and grooving. In the new millennium, many compelling jazz voices have come from Israel: Add Alon Nechushtan to the list.”     – Thomas Conrad at Jazz Times Magazine

Alon Nechushtan is a fearless explorer of sound, weaving jazz, classical, and global influences into music that defies boundaries. A pianist, composer, and bandleader, his work spans from orchestral commissions to electrifying jazz ensembles, reflecting a deep curiosity and a bold, improvisational spirit.

Alon has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, and The Blue Note Jazz Club. His compositions have been commissioned by ensembles across the globe, from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra to The Tel Aviv Soloist Orchestra, and he has collaborated with jazz greats such as Donny McCaslin, William Parker, Dave Liebman, and Frank London.

With 10 internationally released albums on labels like Tzadik, ESP, and Enja, Alon’s recordings showcase his eclectic vision—whether reinterpreting Thelonious Monk, fusing jazz with Middle Eastern grooves, or leading his critically acclaimed piano trio.

For more information about Alon Nechushtan, go to www.musicalon.com

WORKSHOP:  A Composition Workshop with Alon Nechushtan 

Thursday, March 5
2:30 p.m.  | PNC Rehearsal Hall (Room T404) | Free

Dirk Quinn BandThursday, March 12
7:00 p.m.  | The Hill Theater in the Scott Center | FreeDirk Quinn is the guitarist for the jazz-funk outfit that coincidentally bears his name. Based out of Philadelphia, the group travels extensively, boasting well over a decade of relentless performing. Alongside longtime members Rory Flynn (bass) and Cody Munzert (keys), as well as a dynamic lineup of talented drummers and percussionists, the band has diligently crafted a unique and sincere style that truly transcends genre — blending groove, improvisation, and soul into a sound that feels both refined and loose. Their infectious energy and musical chemistry consistently captivate diverse audiences, with fans ranging from the beard-stroking jazz heads to the jam-band wanderers. Their extended improvisations are rich with great melodic sensibilities and playful rhythmic experimentation — this is music to awaken and uplift the soul!

WORKSHOP:  An Improvisation Workshop with Dirk Quinn

Thursday, March 12
3:00 p.m.  | PNC Rehearsal Hall (Room T404) | Free

Symphony of Heroes: A Night of Video Game Music

Thursday, April 30

7:00 p.m.  | The Hill Theater in the Scott Center | Free