Joe Magnarelli (a.k.a. “Mags”) has been blowing away audiences in NY City for over 30 years, while frequently touring internationally as well. He’s been known to pack Small’s in Greenwich Village — a club that has been the source of many great performers for the WJMAC stage.

“Magnarelli is a stalwart master of strong, lyrical, straight ahead blowing” (Downbeat magazine).

“Joe Magnarelli has all the essentials one looks for in the best jazz musicians. There’s his unshakeable time feel that makes his work vigorous and forward moving. His tone is bold yet breathy, and while it recalls Kenny Dorham’s or Donald Byrd’s, it’s more his own than anyone else’s. And he crafts captivating, propulsive improvisations, taking fluid bits of sumptuous melody and edgy statements from the jazz lore and ties them together into long enchanting chains of musical thought” (Los Angeles Times).

He is accompanied by organist Akiko Tsuruga, a recognized performer and composer in her own right, who calls WJMAC favorite Dr. Lonnie Smith her mentor. Of course, we know Mike Allen (tenor sax) and Julian MacDonough (drums) will provide solid support and their own bit of color to the evening.

Line Up

Joe Magnarelli — Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Akiko Tsuruga — Organ
Mike Allen — Tenor Sax
Julian MacDonough — Drums

Admission is at the door only: $20 General, $16 CENTER Early Members, $10 WJMAC members, $5 WJMAC students

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ABOUT THE ORGANIZER

Led by Artistic Director Julian MacDonough, Whatcom Jazz Music Arts Center brings local, regional, and nationally-recognized jazz artists to Whatcom County, as well as offering jazz combo classes to aspiring young musicians, encouraging and cultivating the next generation of jazz artists, lovers, and audience members. Learn more at https://www.wjmac.org.