An intimate jazz experience filled with joy!
Those who attended Sunday’s Art of Jazz Series premiere at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum were treated to a rare gem — an unforgettable performance by the Dena DeRose Trio featuring the phenomenal Sherrie Maricle on drums and the versatile Jeff Campbell on bass. The atmosphere was alive with excitement, warmth, and an undeniable sense of connection between the artists and the audience.
Before the concert, attendees enjoyed a celebratory Community Spotlight Chat with Jennifer May, founder of the renowned Ladies First Jazz Big Band. Jennifer shared the inspiring story of how the all-female big band began and evolved into one of Buffalo’s most cherished musical ensembles.
Opening with a stunning rendition of Sunday in New York, Dena DeRose set the perfect tone for the afternoon. Her smooth, captivating vocals and brilliant piano playing filled the room, turning it into a sanctuary for jazz lovers. The trio kept the energy high with memorable highlights such as the uplifting Day by Day and a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Bob Dorough.
The chemistry among the musicians was something to witness. Sherrie Maricle delivered an electrifying drum performance that held the audience spellbound, while Jeff Campbell’s bass work added beautiful depth and texture throughout the performance. Their seamless interplay made the music come alive in thrilling and unexpected ways. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause after each solo.
It was clear the audience loved every moment — with cheers, spontaneous callouts, and a standing ovation that reflected just how much joy this concert brought to everyone present.
For an insightful view from an audience member, here is one of the region’s best jazz vocalists, Cheryl Ferris: It was a high-energy show, but I loved the quieter moments. “Only Trust Your Heart” was beautifully performed. And, “Hold Fast to Your Dreams,” which was a gorgeous piece of music written by Dena DeRose to accompany the lyrics to Langston Hughes’s poem “Dreams” was really moving.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who attended and supported the Art of Jazz Series. Your faith and trust in this series allow us to continue bringing some of the most talented and amazing music creators to Buffalo for enriching and memorable experiences.
Relive the magic by exploring the incredible photo gallery by JazzBuffalo contributor Jack Zuff, who beautifully captured the spirit of the event.
For those who attended, we’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and memories in the comments. What were your favorite moments? Let’s celebrate this beautiful afternoon of jazz together!
Spectacular show! What a treat. Being relatively new to the area, I am so impressed with the music scene in Buffalo. I’m looking forward to attending the remaining shows in the Art of Jazz series. I also want to give a shout-out to the sound engineers—I could hear every nuance of the performance. Dena’s scat singing was amazing, Jeff’s playing had such warmth, and Sherrie’s drumming was complex and “tasty.”
David, welcome and so glad you discovered this tremendous series. Your comment is very much appreciated!! Hope to see you at the remaining Art of Jazz Series concerts! Tony