Thursday, March 6, 2025
10:00 am - 11:30 am | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Free of Charge
In part 3 of this series, Nicole takes us on a musical voyage to explore the works and legacy of the legendary English-American jazz pianist and composer Marian McPartland.
Best known for hosting “Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz” on National Public Radio for over 30 years (1978 to 2011); making it one of the longest running national performance programs on public radio. During her tenure, Marian would host over 500 iconic musicians, singers, pianists + more.
This “informance” – by Nicole, will highlight some of the most magical moments from Marian’s Radio show – including interviews with Ramsey Lewis, Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, Bill Evans, Willie Nelson and Tony Bennett.
Nicole will also dive into a symphonic composition by Marian McPartland and briefly explore the classical side of the Grammy and Lifetime Achievement award winning phenomenon.
This event is generously sponsored by Bob and Charlotte Otto.
Getting Here
Community Room at Arizona Musicfest
7950 E Thompson Peak Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Directions
7950 E Thompson Peak Pkwy
7950 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
Led By
Nicole Pesce *
Pianist, keyboardist, composer and arranger Nicole Pesce entertaining audiences with a unique blend of virtuosity, humor, and pizzazz. Nicole’s “Happy Birthday Variations” video has over six million views on YouTube, and Nicole was recognized by Arizona Foothills Magazine with their “Best of 2014” Award for Best Local Band/Musician. With a repertoire consisting of over 12,000 memorized songs, Nicole is often dubbed “the human iPod,” and is hailed as “one of the top ten musicians to hear in Phoenix,” by the Arizona Republic.
Nicole has performed for George Benson, Muhammad Ali, Ricky Martin, President George HW Bush, Waylon Jennings, Taylor Hicks, Janet Napolitano, Shaquille O’Neal, President Jimmy Carter, Chris Rock, Steve Nash, The Gypsy Kings, Glen Campbell, Margaret Cho and Brian Setzer. She’s appeared with American Idol contestant David Hernandez, The Moscow Ballet, Zowie Bowie, and the casts of Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein, and Mamma Mia!
* returning Musicfest artist