MCG Jazz to Receive 2006 Mellon Jazz Community Award During 20th Anniversary Celebration Concert

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 9  /PRNewswire/ -- Mellon Jazz will recognize the achievements of one of Pittsburgh's most distinguished jazz organizations by presenting the 2006 Mellon Jazz Community Award to the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild (MCG) during MCG Jazz's 20th anniversary concert on Saturday, November 11, at the MCG concert hall on Pittsburgh's Northside.

James P. McDonald, Mellon first vice president and director of community affairs, will present this year's Mellon Jazz Community award. Accepting on behalf of the MCG Jazz program will be Bill Strickland, MCG founder and president and chief executive officer of Manchester Bidwell Corporation, and Marty Ashby, executive director of MCG Jazz. Taking the form of an original glass sculpture by noted Pennsylvania glass artist Kathleen Mulcahy, the award will be accompanied by a $5,000 contribution from Mellon Jazz to MCG.

"Mellon Jazz and the MCG share a strong commitment to strengthening Pittsburgh's jazz tradition through great live jazz performances, strong jazz education programs and community outreach," McDonald said. "We've been an enthusiastic supporter and collaborator of MCG Jazz throughout the program's 20-year history.  And this being our own 20th season of support for jazz in Pittsburgh, we can't think of a better way to applaud them at their special anniversary event than to present to them the 2006 Mellon Jazz Community Award."

"It is an honor to be recognized by Mellon Jazz for our contributions to the local and national jazz community," says Marty Ashby, executive director of MCG Jazz. "Pittsburgh has a rich history in jazz music and MCG Jazz has developed over the last 20 years by celebrating that rich tradition. Our current focus on jazz education and partnerships with other jazz institutions will help us to continue to bring world class jazz to the Pittsburgh community."

Featuring a number of jazz greats, including pianist Hank Jones, saxophonist Jimmy Heath and drummer Roger Humphries, the November 11 concert is part of a yearlong celebration of MCG Jazz's 20th anniversary.

The Mellon Jazz Community Award recognizes local individuals, organizations, musicians, programs and institutions for their significant contributions to jazz in the southwestern Pennsylvania area. Previous Mellon Jazz Community Awardees include the late Walt Harper, Tony Mowod, Joe Negri, the African American Jazz Preservation Society of Pittsburgh, the Afro- American Music Institute, WDUQ-FM, and Duquesne University's Mary Pappert School of Music. Last year's recipient was the University of Pittsburgh's Annual Jazz Seminar and Concert.

Mellon Financial Corporation's year-round celebration of jazz excellence, Mellon Jazz is marking its 20th anniversary in Pittsburgh this year and 21st in Philadelphia. In both cities, Mellon Jazz supports non-profit organizations engaged in live jazz performances and jazz education, and recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to each city's rich jazz tradition. More information on Mellon Jazz activities is available on the Mellon Jazz link at http://www.mellon.com/. 

DATASOURCE: Mellon Financial Corporation



CONTACT:  Ron Sommer of Mellon Financial Corporation, [phone], or

 



Web site:  http://www.mellon.com/

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