Pittsburgh Jazz Network
Jack Cenna
Male
Las Vegas, NV
United States
Profile Information:
- Pittsburgh Connection
- Born and raised in Pgh and had the honor and privledge of working with and learning from some of Pittsburgh's best musicians, which gave me the experience and afforded me the opportunities to further my profession.
- Favorite Pittsburgh musicians/performers
- So many greats here, but my list is of musicians that have touched my life and shaped my career from Pittsburgh directly are: Jack Purcell, Joe Negri, Frank Ostrowski, Stan Leonard, Ernie Matteo, Don Aliquo, Mary Lou Haugh, John Costa, Bobby Negri, Sandy Staley {I've never heard a better vocalist}, Lenny Rogers, Randy Purcell, Bobby Boswell, Harold Betters, John Wilson and many more and I thank you all for your kindness, loyality,inspiration and motivation. I have found from my travels and experience that Pittsburgh musicians are second to none. I love you all !
- Favorite Jazz Radio or media station
- Kunv-- The University of Nevada Las Vegas Jazz Station
- Favorite Pittsburgh Jazz Venue
- I've been gone from Pgh. for quite a while, so I'm not aware of the hip,in places but anywhere there is great music played by great musicians is my favorite venue.
- About Me:
- Jack Cenna Pittsburgh born and raised , educated at Eastman School of Music and Curtis Institute of Music came home after school and performed in Pgh. Symphony as first call extra percussionist for 4 seasons and playing percussion with Dave Stock and the Pgh. New Music Ensemble, Director of Percussion Studies at University of Pgh.,all the while playing commercial music as a freelancer, mainly playing drums. I have had the best of orchestral and commercial worlds and experience in Pgh.I Worked the Holiday House for 3 1/2 years with Randy Purcell. playing drums and percussion 7 nights a week 50 weeks a year all the while taking off to work with all the musicians I previously mentioned. I moved to Las Vegas in 1981 and have had a rich and rewarding professional life working in every major hotel for almost every act over that time. I have been fortunate to have been associated and affiliated with the great musical director, Vinnie Falcone as his personal percussionist for the past 27 years performing for the elite of the entertainment world. I am a die hard Pgh. sports fan {Steelers, Pirates, University of Pgh,} and really miss and love the city , the musicians,the rich culture,heritage,history and the diverse ethnicity of this great city.
- Website:
- http://jackcenna.com
- Artist or Fan
- artist
Dr. Nelson Harrison
Welcome! So glad you found us and it will be great to be able to keep in touch this way. No matter how far and wide we travel, Pittsburgh will always be home. I remember our few gigs in the good old days and I'm glad to see you are successfully active still. Perhaps you can recruit Rico, Lou Cardo and any other Pittsburghers in Las Vegas to join us as well if you see them. We want the world to know that we have always had an unbeatable musical tradition in the 'Burgh. Thank you for joining.
Feb 7, 2009
Dr. Nelson Harrison
Contact Marty Ashby, who is a member of this network. You can send him a direct message. Add him as a friend. He is the source of the cards.
Feb 11, 2009
Jerry Lucarelli
It is great hearing from you. I often talk about you as being one of best
durmers I have ever worked with. I know you still have your talent.
I am still teaching in the Keystone Oaks School District as an Instrumental Music Teacher. I have two more years before I retire; can't wait!
I still have my jazz quintet and still play around town. We play the
Jazz Society around twice a year and some of the Jazz Clubs.
However, "Things Are Not What They Used To Be."
I teach jazz piano on Saturday at the church where I am the Organist
and Choir Director.
I have also been very fortunate to win the ASCAPLUS AWARD
five years in a row for my jazz compositions.
In the last several years I have been in to Bill Evans to the point of
obnoxiousness. He was the Master!!!
Nelson Harrison get's a big feather in his hat for starting this Web-Site.
Great Nelson!
Jack , I saw your nephew the teacher at District Band last year.
I told him just how great of a Percussionist you were.
I hope you are doing well, and stay in touch with me. My email is
pianojerry@hotmail,com
Again, great hearing from you.
Jerry Lucarelli
Feb 14, 2009
SANDY STALEY (VAPORETTI)
YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE WE SHARED A STAGE. I HAVE HEARD
THAT YOU HAVE DONE WELL IN VEGAS AND RIGHTFULLY SO. PGH.
HAS SURE REAPED AN ABUNDANT JAZZ HARVEST..... I DO HEAR FROM
RIC TORACASO WHEN HE COMES TO TOWN. DANNY VARLOTTO, THE
DRUMMER, JUST YESTERDAY WAS TALKING ABOUT LOU CARTO.
DANNY NO LONGER PLAYS. HE GOT INTO REAL ESTATE YEARS AGO
AND MADE TOO MUCH MONEY TO PLAY. HAHAHAHA THAT IS VERY
STRANGE FOR A MUSICIAN. I'VE ALWAYS SAID THAT THIS IS A
WONDERFUL WAY TO MAKE A HORRIBLE LIVING, AS A RULE. BUT, IT
SURE HAS BEEN A BALL FOR ME. GREAT LIFE, GREAT PEOPLE.........
PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH. IT HAS WARMED MY HEART TO HEAR FROM
YOU. BY THE WAY, GO TO CDBABY.COM & YOU CAN WRITE IN MY
NAME & HEAR A CD I MADE IN 2005. LONG STORY INVOLVED. STAY
WELL AND AGAIN, STAY IN TOUCH.
LOVE, SANDY STALEY
Feb 14, 2009
Jerry Lucarelli
My brother Lou said to tell you hello. He was really surprised when I told him I was in touch with you.
Bad news Jack, Aldo DiIanni passed away Saturday. Funeral is Wednesday March 4th/09
Stay well,
Jerry
Mar 3, 2009
Jerry Lucarelli
I will give lou your regards.
Thanks,
Jerry
Mar 8, 2009