Scholastic Swing at the Sherman” featuring guest artist Lou Marini

Lou Marini is no stranger to either the Poconos or the music of Al Cohn. About Al, Lou states: “To me, his charts are the embodiment of a natural inherent swing. They just feel right and natural to play. They reflect his intelligence and great sense of humor. And, above all, they swing.” In addition to appearing at last year’s Scholastic Swing at the Sherman, Lou performed with the East Stroudsburg High School (South) band in 1985 and with the East Stroudsburg University band in 2000, both times under the direction of Patrick Dorian.

It’s been said that a person can be described by the company he keeps. When saxophonist Lou Marini is introduced on stages and recording projects worldwide, it’s amidst luminaries like James Taylor, Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Buddy Rich, Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Doc Severinson, Blood Sweat & Tears, Steely Dan, Woody Herman, Steve Tyrell, and the Rolling Stones. Many know “Blue Lou” from his participation in the Dan Akroyd / John Belushi cult band phenomenon, The Blues Brothers, born out of the Saturday Night Live band, where Lou’s signature wailing sax is imitated to this day.

COTA CampJazz, an educational outreach program of the Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts (COTA) Fund for Young Musicians, will benefit from a portion of the proceeds from the concert. This program provides an opportunity for young musicians to study the art of jazz improvisation by working in small groups with the jazz masters of the COTA organization. The fifth-annual camp will be held this summer from July 25 – 29 at various historic sites in Delaware Water Gap, including the Deer Head Inn. For more information or to register, visit www.campjazz.org.

Dedicated to preserving all forms of jazz from all eras, the Al Cohn Memorial Jazz Collection was founded in 1988 to honor the life and legacy of Al Cohn – legendary saxophonist, arranger, composer and conductor, and long-time Pocono resident. The collection is housed in Kemp Library on the ESU campus and consists of jazz recordings, oral histories, music mauscripts, photographs, books, videos, and original art and memorabilia, all generously donated over the years by supporters from around the world. For more information, visit www.esu.edu/alcohncollection.

The COTA Festival Orchestra has performed at the annual Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts jazz and arts festival throughout its 31-year run, and has twice toured Europe as the Phil Woods Big Band. The members include: Nelson Hill, Jay Rattman, Tom Hamilton, Bob Keller, and Jim Buckley (saxes); Ken Brader, Danny Cahn, Eddie Severn, and Patrick Dorian (trumpets); Rick Chamberlain, Fred Scott, Kevin Haines and Jim Daniels (trombones); Eric Doney, Evan Gregor, Bill Goodwin and Marko Marcinko (rhythm).

Eager to bring this big band music into the heart of the community, the Sherman Theater offered to partner the “Library Alive” series. Built in the 1920s, the recently-renovated Sherman Theater is equipped to present many of today’s biggest shows. Complete with full bar and restaurant, it offers everything needed for a complete evening of entertainment. Audiences and performers alike have been awed by the fantastic acoustics, comfort, and historic feel of this rejuvenated downtown performance venue.

Library Alive concerts are part of the ESU Jazz Synergy Series sponsored by the ESU Music Department, the ESU Regional Jazz Coalition, and the Al Cohn Memorial Jazz Collection. For more information, call Bob Bush at (570) 422-3828 or send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To find out more about the Smithsonian’s Jazz Appreciation Month go to:

www.smithsonianjazz.org.