Kicking Off the 2025 Art of Jazz Series with Dena DeRose’s Inspiring Music
Long-time fans of the Art of Jazz Series are thrilled about the upcoming kick-off of the 2025 Art of Jazz Series at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum with an extraordinary performance by the internationally acclaimed jazz pianist and vocalist, Dena DeRose. Ahead of her much-anticipated concert on Sunday, February 2nd at 3 PM, we had the unique pleasure of speaking with Dena about her storied career, her special connection with Buffalo native and drummer Sherrie Maricle, and what audiences can look forward to at this opening event.
Q: Your career has taken you around the world, from your early beginnings in Binghamton, New York, to teaching and performing in Europe. How have these experiences shaped your musical voice as both a pianist and a vocalist?
Dena DeRose: Traveling around the world since 1999 to perform the music I love is one of the most gratifying and educational experiences that have shaped who I am as an artist and person today.
Q: You’ve received international recognition and have built a stellar reputation as an artist and educator. Looking back, what moments in your career stand out as defining or particularly meaningful?
Dena DeRose: One moment in my career that stands out is getting to sing with the great bassist Ray Brown back in the late ’90s at the Stanford Jazz Festival. I was asked to fill in for the saxophonist who couldn’t make the gig. I was no ‘Ella,’ but Mr. Brown was encouraging and gave me this opportunity, pointing me out in the room and saying, ‘You’re going to sing with us!’ Standing in front of his big sound on the bass while singing “The Nearness of You” was like laying my head on a huge, comfortable pillow.
Another defining moment was opening for Diana Krall at the Estoril Jazz Festival in the early 2000s. It taught me a lot about the business of jazz, musicianship skills, and the importance of stage presence. It was also the first time I’d played for an audience of 2,000+ people.
Q: You and Sherrie Maricle have a musical partnership that spans four decades. Can you share what makes your musical relationship so special?
Dena DeRose: Sherrie and I played in an all-female rock band called The Look in the tri-cities area of Binghamton back in the early to mid-’80s! We also played with saxophonist and head of jazz at BU, Al Hamme, and his Jazz Big Band for concerts, dances, etc., in the ’80s.
In those same years, we had the opportunity to play with legendary bassists Slam Stewart and Major Holly at Binghamton University (Harper) for an afternoon concert organized by Al Hamme. Once either of us moved to NYC, we didn’t play together for many years but instead followed each other’s careers. Recently, we’ve returned to making music together from time to time, and it’s wonderful!
Q: This performance at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum marks the start of the 2025 Art of Jazz Series. What excites you most about performing in Buffalo and being part of this renowned series?
Dena DeRose: I’ve wanted to perform at your Art of Jazz Series for many years! It’s always been about great artists and educationally driven performances. I’ve heard from friends that the jazz fans there are ‘serious,’ and I’m sure they are, with the wonderful musicians that have come out of Buffalo and other upstate NY cities over the years.
Q: What can audiences expect from your performance on February 2nd, and are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited to share?
Dena DeRose: Our concert will draw music from my previous recordings, along with a few new songs from my upcoming HighNote release due out in March 2025. We’ll also do some songs that Sherrie and our bassist, Jeff Campbell, would like to play from their various recordings.
Don’t Miss This Memorable Afternoon of Jazz!
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as Dena DeRose, alongside Sherrie Maricle and Jeff Campbell, opens the 2025 Art of Jazz Series at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. This event is sure to delight and be added to the growing list of memorable Art of Jazz Series concerts!
Get your 2025 Art of Jazz Series season subscriptions and tickets today!
Go here –>> Art of Jazz Series 2025
