The Art Blakey Centennial Celebration with Bobby Watson (Alto Saxophone), David Schnitter (Tenor Saxophone), Donald Brown (Piano), Essiet Okon Essiet (Bass), Carl Allen (Drums) …and introducing Givton Gelin (Trumpet).

Preserving, protecting and honoring the legacy of Art Blakey, The Art Blakey Centennial Celebration Band is an elite line-up of alumni members of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.

Art Blakey was born 100 years ago, on Oct. 11, 1919, and America's homegrown music — jazz — might not sound quite like it does today if it weren't for the influence of the late drummer.

"I would call Art Blakey's music the spine of the jazz tradition post-World War II," Giovanni Russonello, a music critic for The New York Times, says. According to Russonello, Blakey's rhythmic groove set the pace for jazz in the second half of the 20th century. "He was playing music that was meant to pull people together, and that was why I think he became such a great mentor, such a great carrier of the tradition and passing on of the tradition. That beat was magnetic. That beat was a rallying cry [and] it was also a gathering place."

Blakey himself learned from his elders. He grew up in Pittsburgh and was playing in jazz clubs as a teenager while working in steel mills during the day. In his 20s, the drummer made a name for himself with some of the biggest big bands and the early beboppers before passing on his knowledge to the next generation.

Art Blakey’s band, The Jazz Messengers, was considered the quintessential forum for musicians who wished to hone their talent and leave their own mark on the jazz scene. Preserving, the legacy of Art Blakey, The Art Blakey Centennial Celebration Band is an elite line-up of alumni members, each now a longtime leader on his own and considered among jazz’s most accomplished players – including Bobby Watson (alto sax), Essiet Essiet (bass), Donald Brown (piano), David Schnitter (tenor sax), Carl Allen (drums) and introducing Giveton Gelin (trumpet).

The Art Blakey Centennial Celebration

DATE: Friday, March 20, 7:30 pm

Art Blakey was often called the father of hard bop. He was responsible for producing and developing more jazz talent than any other band leader during his more than six-decade career.