Mellon Jazz at the Hill House

-- Jazz Returns to the Hill District for Four Sundays in September -- 


PITTSBURGH, Aug. 28  /PRNewswire/ -- The Hill House and Mellon Jazz are bringing Sunday jazz back to the Hill District in September.

Mellon Jazz at the Hill House begins on Sunday, September 3, at the Kaufmann Auditorium with an open jam session that invites all musicians to join musical director Horace Turner on stage from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Open jam sessions also will be held on September 10 and 17.  The open jam sessions are free to the public and will include light refreshments.

Mellon Jazz at the Hill House will culminate on September 24 with a Kenny Blake Concert from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Tickets for the Blake concert are $25, and will include a Soul Food Buffet.  The proceeds of Mellon Jazz at the Hill House will benefit the James F. Henry Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships of up to $500 for post-secondary workforce training (college, vocational or technical). Eligible applicants include current and former Hill House program participants.

In addition, the program will feature performance and jazz education workshops at Hill House for students on each Saturday during September.

"Mellon Jazz at the Hill House is an opportunity to pay tribute to the Hill District's jazz legacy.  With the support of Mellon, we can begin to revitalize the Hill as a regional and national center for jazz," said Evan Frazier, president and CEO of the Hill House.  "The Hill House is ever grateful for the support of Mellon Jazz as we strive to provide enriching cultural experiences for the Hill District and surrounding communities," Frazier said.

"The Hill District has enriched the Pittsburgh tradition in many ways," said James P. McDonald, Mellon first vice president and director of community affairs.  "But when it comes to jazz, the achievements of this distinctive community extend far beyond the boundaries of Pittsburgh -- the Hill District's contributions to jazz are truly world-class.  With Mellon becoming an increasingly global business, this is an especially appropriate time for us to become involved in Hill House's work sustaining and strengthening the Hill District's great jazz tradition," McDonald said.

For more information about Mellon Jazz at the Hill House, call Eunice Boyd 412-392-4450.

The Hill House Association is a comprehensive community service provider and facilitator that meets the needs of Hill District residents and diverse constituents in the Greater Pittsburgh area.  By housing health, education and human service agencies under its roof, the Hill House serves as a one-stop resource for individuals looking to improve their lives.  Over the past four decades, it is estimated that the Hill House has provided care and support for more than 500,000 children, adults and seniors living in urban environments. In 2005, nearly 70,000 were impacted directly or indirectly by Hill House programs.

Mellon Financial Corporation's year-round celebration of jazz music, 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 Pittsburgh's rich jazz tradition. More information on Mellon Jazz activities is available via the Mellon Jazz link at http://www.mellon.com/. 

DATASOURCE: Mellon Financial Corporation



CONTACT:  Eunice Boyd of Hill House Association, [phone], or

; or Ron Sommer of Mellon Financial Corporation,

[phone], or 



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

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