A special musical connection featuring Paul Marinaro and Bria Skonberg
As the Artistic Director of the Lewiston Jazz Festival, one of the greatest joys is discovering the connections between artists, music, and the stories we share with our community.
Sometimes those connections are carefully planned. Sometimes they reveal themselves naturally over time.
This year at the Lewiston Jazz Festival, two extraordinary performances came together in a way that immediately felt meaningful to me—and I believe it will to you as well.
On Friday, August 28, we welcome acclaimed vocalist Paul Marinaro.
On Saturday, August 29, we welcome celebrated vocalist, trumpeter, and composer Bria Skonberg.
At first glance, these are two unique artists with their own distinctive voices.
But listen a little closer, and you discover a beautiful connection.
Both artists are carrying forward the legacy of one of the greatest figures in American music history:
Duke Ellington.
And that connection begins with one of Ellington’s most beloved compositions:
“Mood Indigo.”
Paul Marinaro: Mood Ellington
Paul Marinaro has long been recognized as one of today’s finest jazz vocalists—a DownBeat Rising Star and a performer with a rare ability to bring honesty, sophistication, and emotional depth to every song he interprets.
His groundbreaking new recording, Mood Ellington, is a deeply personal exploration of the music of Duke Ellington.
Rather than simply revisiting familiar standards, Marinaro approaches Ellington’s remarkable compositions with a fresh perspective, revealing new layers of emotion and meaning.
That is the magic of great jazz.
The songs remain timeless, yet each generation of artists discovers something new within them.
Through his remarkable voice and storytelling ability, Paul reminds us why Ellington’s music continues to resonate nearly a century after it was created.
Bria Skonberg: Indigo
The following evening, the Lewiston Jazz Festival welcomes Bria Skonberg, an artist who represents the continuing evolution of jazz.
A gifted vocalist, trumpeter, and composer, Bria has become internationally recognized for her ability to honor jazz traditions while bringing her own creativity, energy, and perspective to the music. She is a JUNO Award winner and a perennial presence in the DownBeat Poll for both trumpet and vocals.
Her newest recording, Indigo, marks an exciting new chapter in her artistic journey.
For the first time, the album places her vocals at the center alongside her acclaimed trumpet artistry, showcasing the full range of her musicianship and expression.
The title itself creates a wonderful connection to Ellington’s iconic composition “Mood Indigo”—a reminder that the music of the past continues to inspire the voices of today.
Bria represents that bridge between generations: respecting the traditions that came before while helping shape where jazz continues to go.
In many ways, these two recordings create a musical conversation—one artist looking deeply into Ellington’s legacy, and another carrying that legacy forward through a new generation of jazz expression.
Two Nights. One Musical Conversation.
One of the reasons live jazz remains so powerful is that it is never simply about the notes.
It is about the stories behind the music.
It is about the artists who carry those stories forward.
It is about the shared experience between musicians and audiences.
This year, the Lewiston Jazz Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience that connection.
Friday evening, Paul Marinaro will explore the timeless artistry of Duke Ellington through Mood Ellington.
Saturday evening, Bria Skonberg will continue that conversation through Indigo and her own evolving musical voice.
Two artists.
Two perspectives.
One enduring legacy.
The music of Duke Ellington reminds us that great art does not belong to one moment in time. It continues to live, evolve, and inspire new generations.
Experience These Performances Up Close
For those who would like to experience these performances from a closer perspective, a limited number of reserved up-front seats are now available.
Only 50 reserved seats are available for each headline performance.
Reserved seating is $25 per evening.
This is a special opportunity to experience two internationally recognized jazz artists in an intimate setting at one of the region’s most beloved summer jazz traditions—the largest free jazz festival in the region.
As Artistic Director, these are the moments that make presenting the Lewiston Jazz Festival so rewarding—bringing together great artists, great music, and our community for experiences that we can share together.
Join us:
Friday, August 28
Paul Marinaro
Saturday, August 29
Bria Skonberg
Reserve your seats and be part of two memorable evenings of jazz at the Lewiston Jazz Festival.
https://www.lewistonjazz.com/jazzclubtcks
Lewiston Jazz Festival
August 28–30, 2026
