Jazz Greats Tribute Russo
TOLEDO, OH: Kelly Broadway and Ramona Collins lead the bill of jazz greats paying homage to the late vocalist Mary Ann Russo on September 22nd. Toledo School for the Arts’ annual Songs for Our Sister event will be held that Saturday at 8pm at the Valentine Theatre. Joining Broadway and Collins will be Russo’s own daughter, Lisa Young, plus Joel Zmuda, Kim Buehler, Lori Lefevre, Ellie Martin, Sixth Edition and the Toledo Jazz Orchestra.
Songs for Our Sister supports TSA students through the funding of vocal jazz lessons, a graduation scholarship and tuition to the New York Voices Summer Camp at BGSU. Ticket prices are $32, $27 and $22, available directly through the Valentine (419.242.2787 or valentinetheatre.com). This event is sponsored by Owens Corning and The Blade.
Mary Ann Russo was touted as Toledo’s unofficial “Queen of Jazz,” up until her death in 2008. Russo began her music career at just six years old on WSPD’s Kiddies Karnival program. In her teens she performed with the Jimmy Reem Snyder Band and as a vocalist in another band led by Jack Runyan. She went on to be featured in the Johnny Knorr Big Band and the Jackson Big Band, as well as her own group, All That Jazz. Russo was a Toledo legend, and many still remember her on the circuit between Rusty’s, Murphy’s, and former hotels The Hillcrest and the Commodore Perry.
Toledo School for the Arts is honored by the opportunity to pay tribute to Mary Ann Russo, and to help keep her music and memory alive.
Toledo School for the Arts is a grades 6-12 charter school in downtown Toledo. TSA serves over 500 students from 23 school districts, and has received Excellent Report Cards from the Ohio Department of Education for the past seven years. The school’s mission is to provide students with creative opportunities to achieve personal and academic success through arts-based learning. TSA prepares students as lifelong learners and productive members of society with appreciation for, and competence in, the arts.
Contact: Dave Gierke, TSA Development Director | 419-246-8732x223 | [email protected]
Press Release Contact Name: Lindsay Williams
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 4192468732
Organization Name: Toledo School for the Arts
Website or Link: www.ts4arts.org