5th Annual Ralph Pucci Jazz Set
THE LOWDOWN: CONVERSATIONS WITH CHRISTIAN®
VIRTUAL EVENT
The 5th Annual Ralph Pucci Jazz Set year was like no other, with host CHRISTIAN McBRIDE joined by internationally acclaimed musician, composer, and cultural ambassador WYNTON MARSALIS. The two met in a Philadelphia high school classroom when McBride was 14 years old. Today, they are two of the most influential musicians on the scene, and share a lifelong passion for mentoring the next generation of young jazz musicians.
For five years, RALPH PUCCI International has partnered with nationally recognized music education organization JAZZ HOUSE KiDS® and its Artistic Director CHRISTIAN McBRIDE, six-time GRAMMY-winning bassist and host of SiriusXM radio show, The Lowdown: Conversations with ChristianⓇ. Each year JAZZ HOUSE KiDS turns Ralph’s New York luxury furniture design gallery into a world-class jazz club.
THE LOWDOWN: Conversations with Christian® with special guest Wynton Marsalis + tomorrow’s rising stars
Joining Christian and Wynton on stage were four of our brilliant alums: JULIAN LEE on tenor sax, ZOE OBADIA on alto sax, ISAIAH THOMPSON on piano and ZACH ADLEMAN on drums. Like many of our students, they started at the JAZZ HOUSE as early as elementary school, their parents dropping them off and saying, “This is where you’re coming every week after school.” Through the music, education, mentoring, and leadership they received, they found their path and developed lifelong friendships. We couldn’t be more proud of them and all of the young people who have found a home at the JAZZ HOUSE!
“ This is an organization that is a beacon of light on what is know to be a barren cultural landscape. [ JAZZ HOUSE KiDS] is deserving and worthy of support from all who wish to see an actual movement in the direction of excellence for our young people. Count me in that number. They are onto something special.“
— WYNTON MARSALIS
ABOUT RALPH PUCCI
RALPH PUCCI International is a luxury furniture, lighting and mannequin company, regarded as one of the best in the world. The gallery and showroom is based in NYC, with outposts in Miami and Los Angeles.
“Jazz runs through RALPH PUCCI veins, both the person and the place. It is the soundtrack that fills our galleries.“
— RALPH
ABOUT JAZZ HOUSE KiDS
OUR MISSION IN ACTION…YOUR SUPPORT HARD AT WORK!
JAZZ HOUSE KiDS is the brainchild of founder, MELISSA WALKER. For 18 years, the JAZZ HOUSE has been swinging doors open for young people and our emerging musicians are soloing and singing their way to greatness! Our mission uses jazz an an instrument of change. Every day of the week through a series in-school and out-of school programs, we help young people gain an Artistic Edge through music, mentoring, education and apprenticeship. Together, we build thriving communities, and foster community leaders and global citizens.
Host
Producer
The Dinan Family Foundation
Jayne + Hans Hufschmid
Associate Producer
Event Sponsors
Arthur Barnes
Lisa + James Cohen
Steven Johnson
Christina + Donald Savoy
Rita + Terry Woodard
Patrons
Carol + Phil Gellos
Susan + Chris Gifford
Cinta + Steve Kemp
Ralph Pucci 5th Annual JAZZ SET: 2021 Program Book
The JAZZ SET reunites two of the most omnipresent figures and cultural ambassadors of our time: virtuosic bassist, composer and Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival, Christian McBride with