IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 15, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:

Office: 724.738.4854

Cell: 724.991.8302

Jazz Ensemble honors organ recipient at Wednesday concert  

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University Jazz Ensemble will honor heart transplant recipient John-Paul May from Harrisville when he attends the ensemble’s Wednesday concert at the University Union, the site where his medical intervention unfolded.

            “We plan to dedicate a song in celebration of John-Paul’s recovery and continued good health. The title of the song is ‘Hullabaloo’ by Alan Baylock, which is a New Orleans-style tune,” said SRU’s Stephen Hawk, associate professor of music and ensemble conductor. “New Orleans is the perfect musical style because in New Orleans, music is celebration of life.”

            May and his mother, Sue May, were at a jazz concert May 9 when Pennsylvania State Police interrupted it to announce a heart was available at Children’s Hospital for the 10 year old. The audience rose to its feet and applauded as police whisked the boy out of the building. 

             “He’s doing quite well,” said Hawk, who conducted the spring concert and invited the family to attend Wednesday’s concert.

            The Jazz Ensemble will perform at 7:30 p.m. The concert features vocalist Tammi Dahl, an SRU graduate, singing works by Nancy Wilson, Diane Schuur and Diana Reeves. 

             Dahl entertains in the Pittsburgh area as a solo artist and with her variety band Dreamscape and jazz band Catro. Pittsburgh’s Whirl magazine named her one of the top 5 entertainers in Pittsburgh. She has opened for Lionel Richie, Huey Lewis and Robin Williams, among others.

            The SRU Jazz Ensemble is comprised of undergraduate musicians chosen by audition. The ensemble has performed at jazz festivals in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia and with jazz legends such as Bob Mintzer, Kenny Burrell and Paquito D’Rivera.

            Tickets, available at the door, are $3 for adults and free for SRU students.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives