Maestro Phil

From David Gans' GD Hour Log Blog:

Phil Lesh to conduct 3/18
Gala Benefit Concert for Young People’s Symphony Orchestra & the Jazzschool Set for Sunday, March 18

Grateful Dead Bassist & YPSO Alumnus Phil Lesh to Guest-Conduct

Two unique Berkeley music institutions — Young People’s Symphony Orchestra and the Jazzschool — will benefit from a fund-raiser concert to be held Sunday, March 18 at 7:30 pm at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, who once played violin and trumpet with YPSO and credits the organization with starting his career, is the evening’s guest conductor. Composer Jake Heggie is the Master of Ceremonies.

The concert, Classical Meets Jazz Meets Phil Lesh, will open with the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra performing Berlioz, Mussorgsky, Ellington, and Mancini. The Jazzschool Advanced High School Jazz Workshop, under the direction of Jazzschool faculty member Michael Zilber, will play a set, and the concert’s grand finale (”Trane of Thought” by Jack Perla, and an arrangement of Jerry Garcia’s “Shakedown Street”) will be performed by all. A dessert reception to meet the artists follows the concert.

“One of the biggest reasons I’m so excited about the collaboration with YPSO,” says Jazzschool Director Susan Muscarella, “is that I feel it’s a wonderful opportunity for students in these two stylistically diverse groups to be exposed to each other’s music.”

Tickets are $75 general admission and $25 for ages 21 and under. They may be purchased by check or credit card; online, by phone (510-845-5373), or by fax (510-841-5373). Tax-deductible contributions enable YPSO and the Jazzschool to maintain and expand their commitment to excellence in music education and community outreach programs.

http://jazzschool.inhousetickets.com/evinfo.php?eventid=14136