Spring Brings Jazz to Walter Robinson American Legion

Spring into the new season with live music at the first at the Sewickley American Legion.

Doors open at 5 p.m. today before the vibrant takes the stage at 6 p.m. to perform a variety of classic and R&B tunes.

Geronimo Pratt, event promoter, said he hopes the community comes out to see the band and support the .

“It’s a historical landmark, so there’s the importance of keeping it open,” Pratt said.

The Chadwick Street post fell on hard times and filed for bankruptcy in early December. The post has been working to come back in a down economy after years of decreased membership and mismanagement. A fundraising dinner took place to keep the post open.

Pratt said tonight’s event also benefits the post, that hosted the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Count Basie in its heyday.

Pratt said the hope is to .

“The whole thing with the Legion is preserving. We’re preserving history here. Although this is a new era, we’re trying to preserve the musical message to the community.”

Red Velvet Jazz Band performed at the fundraiser and did so well, the musicians were invited back for this inaugural spring jazz festival.

“During the fundraiser, many people were excited and enjoyed their music – just the skill. I felt they were the best band to pick.”

If you go:

Time: Doors open at 5 p.m. Music from 6-10 p.m.

Place: 20 Chadwick St., Sewickley.

Price: $10 admission; Dinner, dessert and drinks available for purchase.