On Stage Celebrates the Music of Ellyn Rucker Share
On Saturday, March 20, at 10 pm, KUVO’s performance series “On Stage” features the music of local piano heroine Ellyn Rucker. Born and raised in Des Moines, Ellyn started playing piano when she was eight, and classical music was her pursuit at Drake University. After raising her family, she’s been singing, playing and swinging jazz since 1979.
Ellyn’s stylings and virtuosity have earned her a seat next to Marian McPartland on NPR’s “Piano Jazz,” and on tours and festivals around Europe and the U.S. Her recordings are on the Capri and Leisure record labels. She has called Denver her musical home for decades.
Rich Chiaraluce Genre - Jazz
Originally from New Haven, CT, Rich Chiaraluce attended the Navy School of Music and went to Colorado Springs, CO to play with the NORAD Band in 1967. After his Navy service, he studied woodwinds at the University of Northern Colorado, graduating in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education.
Rich is the lead alto player with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. This is a position he has held for a number of years. Working with Buddy Morrow was truly a privilege for Rich. The band has performed several times at Montreal Jazz Festival in a Battle of the Bands with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Who won? TDO was smiling afterwards. He was also the leader of the Artie Shaw Orchestra for several years.