Phil DiRe “Legacy” CD Release Celebration

In May 2021, the jazz community in Buffalo and beyond lost one of the pillars of the storied history of jazz in Buffalo.  Phil DiRe forever cemented his legacy when he founded the Buffalo Jazz Ensemble in the early 1970s.  Which, became fertile ground for the eventual launching of the careers of Spyro Gyra, saxophonist Joe Ford, bassist Sabu Adeyola, and others.  His efforts back then led to the jazz on the steps of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery which ultimately became sponsored by the Buffalo News after its initial few years.

For more about Phil DiRe and his influential jazz history in Buffalo, click on the link below to read this JazzBuffalo article:

Phil DiRe, A Giant In Jazz And Life, Leaves A Lasting Legacy

Before his passing, DiRe penned and composed original tunes that were recorded in Florida with nationally renowned jazz musicians.  On this date, a special celebration of the special person Phil DiRe was to all of us, his special music, and the CD release of “Legacy” will take place.

An occasion to honor the enduring legacy of a true Buffalo treasure.

The event will consist of a concert by a few of the many talented jazz musicians and friends in Buffalo Phil DiRe performed with over the years.  Including those who shared the stage with him at recent memorable appearances at the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY.  Scheduled to perform are George Caldwell – on piano, Tim Clarke – on trumpet, Nelson Rivera – on tenor sax, Preston Brown – on drums, John Hasselback, Jr. – on trombone, Wendell Rivera – on percussion, Rick Strauss – on guitar, and Sabu Adeyola – on bass.

All those in attendance will receive a free copy of the “Legacy” CD to take home.  So that his music lives on.

Tickets for the event are at no cost but the family asks for considering making a donation.   All donation proceeds will go towards supporting the establishment of a “Phil DiRe Scholarship Program” for young musicians.

The event is being produced by a lifelong friend of Phil DiRe, Don Angelo, the Buffalo broadcasting legend, and Buffalo Broadcasting Association Hall of Fame Inductee.  With support from Tony Zambito of JazzBuffalo and Michelle DiRe-Peters.

To attend the event, to be held at the University of Buffalo – Slee Hall, please reserve your spot and donate by using the ticketing checkout below.  Be sure to scroll within the checkout box.  Or, for a better view of reserving a spot and making a donation to the scholarship, you can go directly to this link on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/563548287097

Please note: due to the limited capacity and although tickets are at no cost to you, you must register and have a ticket to enter the auditorium.  So be sure to reserve a spot and get a ticket if you wish to attend.