Vocalist and Trumpeter Nate Birkey to Bring Evening of Jazz to the Ware Center, 2/7

When Nate Birkey last appeared at the Ware Center - over two years ago - he not only sold out, but brought the audience to its feet for a long standing ovation at the end. Seems Lancaster just couldn't get enough of Birkey, so the Ware Center is bringing him back Friday, February 7 at 7:30 PM in an all new performance specifically designed for the year's most romantic holiday.

This performance is dedicated to Keith Mohler, the creative director of the Jazz-in-the-Sky series.

Nate Birkey's quiet but intense demeanor typifies an artist restlessly pursuing the evolution of his own musical personality. As composer, trumpeter and vocalist, he imbues warmth and broiling energy into his music. Nate is joinged by New Jersey pianist Ron Ozwanski and the great bassist Tony Marino.

Birkey has released seven albums for the California-based Household Ink Records. With the 2008 releases of Almost Home and Christmas- - Birkey takes another step upward and outward.

Deftly mixing standards tastefully delivered, warm and imaginative originals in various genre leanings, and material from less-trodden sources - Birkey has an engaging way with a song, as a fluid improviser and vocalist of understated grace.

A Colorado native, Nate attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Seattle Pacific University, and the University of California Santa Barbara, where he remained based for many years after. An eastward move to New York City in 2005 broadened his horizons and deepened both his artistic resolve and his musical evolution.

Whether performing his own music or jazz classics, Birkey steadfastly holds steadfastly confident with thoughtful arrangements that instill a sense of wonder as to what's coming next. Nate's subtle vocal and trumpet approach has often been compared to that of Chet Baker and MiLes Davis respectively. A sound poised and assured, powerfully stark and spare, it creates an atmosphere at once solitary and electric.

Birkey will perform in the Grand Salon at the Ware Center, 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster PA. The Salon is a beautiful, glass walled room that overlooks the city of Lancaster. At night the lights of the city coupled with the soft glow of candles on each cabaret table, make for an unforgettable evening of romance.

Tickets are: $20 each | $5 for students | $65 for a table for four. Tickets may be purchased by calling 717-872-3811 or 717-871-2308, ordered online at www.artsmu.com or in person at the Ware Center Box Office (42 N. Prince St., Lancaster) or the SMC building on MU campus. Box Office hours are Mon-Fri 8:30 AM to 4 PM. If still available, tickets may be purchased the day of the show, one hour prior to the performance. However, advance ticket reservations are strongly encouraged...there are a limited number of tickets for sale.

Discount parking passes for the Prince Street Garage are also available on check-in.

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