SRU offers café-style show
SLIPPERY ROCK — Jazz guitarist Joe Negri will initiate Slippery Rock University's café-style performance series at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Negri is well known in the area as “Handyman Negri,” from the children's television show “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood,” a role he enjoyed for more than 30 years.
The Joe Negri and Friends in Concert program, part of SRU's Performing Arts Series, will be in the University Union Multi-Purpose Room.
Negri will be joined by bassist Tony DePaolis, drummer Thomas Wendt and guest vocalist Maureen Budway.
Negri has performed with such musical greats as Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Eartha Kitt, Yo Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman and John Williams.
Budway, born and raised in Pittsburgh, started her jazz singing career with her brother, jazz pianist David Budway. She recently performed a Gershwin tribute with him as part of the Pittsburgh Symphony's Paris Festival 2012.
She is a member of the voice faculty at Duquesne University and performs regularly.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for senior citizens, $16 for youths, and $8 for SRU students. Tickets are available by calling 724-738-2018.Remaining shows in the performing arts series are The Moscow Boys Choir's “Christmas Around the World Tour,” Dec. 2; “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” March 9; and The Hunts, a performing family, April 28, which will also be presented café-style.All concerts are at 7:30 p.m., except the Hunt Family step-dance performance, which is at 4 p.m.
