St. Stephen's Episcopal Church To Host Solo Benefit Concert Featuring Jazz Pianist Fred Hersch

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church-a historic Philadelphia parish founded in 1823 with a strong commitment to the arts-presents twelve-time Grammy Award-nominated jazz pianist Fred Hersch in a solo concert on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. Proclaimed "the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz over the last decade" by Vanity Fair and "a living legend" by The New Yorker, Hersch has been featured as a leader or co-leader on over three dozen albums, and will perform works from throughout his storied career.

Proceeds from the concert benefit the inaugural season of arts programming at St. Stephen's, which closed its doors in 2016 and re-opened in early 2017 with the innovative mission of creating a new model of urban church that redefines congregation through a commitment to worship and the arts.

The benefit concert kicks off a new solo performance series at the church, The Future of Jazz Piano, curated by Fred Hersch, which highlights a new generation of critically acclaimed jazz pianists. Upcoming performances include: Glenn Zaleski (November 8), Sullivan Fortner (February 7), and Micah Thomas (April 18).

About The Future of Jazz series, Hersh explains, "From my more than 35 years teaching jazz piano at many elite conservatories to my more than 40 years living in New York City and keeping an ear to the ground, I have been aware of-and in many cases, mentored-some of the bright young lights of the jazz piano scene. My series this year shines some light on three particularly strong solo pianists. Playing solo is a true test of pianistic resources, imagination, and awareness of all of the many historical styles of jazz piano. And these young artists are more than up to the task!"

Prior to the concert on September 28 at 6:30 p.m., Hersch will read from and sign copies of his memoir, Good Things Happen Slowly, published in September 2017 by Crown Archetype Books/Random House. Good Things Happen Slowly was named one of 2017's Five Best Memoirs by The Washington Post and The New York Times.

Fred Hersch Benefit for St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Arts Programming
Friday, September 28, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.
Book reading and reception at 6:30 p.m.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
19 South 10th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Tickets for the Fred Hersch solo concert are available by visiting https://st-stephens-philadelphia.ticketleap.com/fred-hersch/. $150 Supporter tickets included reserved concert seating, and invitation to the pre-performance book signing and reception. $50 Benefit Tickets include concert seating. $15 tickets for artists, seniors, students, and veterans are also available.

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