(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)December 3, 2001

(Mahwah) -Award-winning pianist, composer, conductor and arranger Dick Hyman and celebrated clarinetist Ken Peplowski, will team up Saturday, December 15 at 8 p.m. in the Sharp Theater at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Together they will present The American Songbook: Of Thee I Swing focusing on such great American composers as Gershwin, Porter and Arlen.

For almost 50 years, Hyman, called “a musical chameleon” because he commands so many styles, has been involved in the music industry as a pianist, arranger, conductor, composer and organist. His versatility in the jazz world has earned him much respect. He can replicate the style of the American giants of jazz piano and has released over a hundred albums under his own name since the early 1950s. He worked on nine scores for director Woody Allen as well as for the film Moonstruck. In addition, he also played the piano on the soundtracks of The Godfather, The Wiz, and The Night They Raided Minsky’s.

He has performed on at least a thousand recordings and has toured Europe with one of the greatest musicians in the country, the late Benny Goodman. Since 1985 he has been artistic director for the acclaimed Jazz in July concerts at New York’s 92nd Street Y. In 1995 he was inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame of the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies and The New Jersey Jazz Society. He also recently received the Satchmo Award, the highest honor to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to jazz from the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Also, he recently released an educational CD-ROM titled Dick Hyman’s Century of Jazz Piano, which includes videos, `etudes, biographical information and jazz quizzes.

Also noted for his prolific musical career in jazz is Peplowski, whose great musicianship and ability to entertain audiences has enabled him to work with some of the best musicians in the world including Benny Goodman, with whom he performed as tenor saxophonist from 1984-1988. Following that, Peplowski pursued a solo career where he made a name for himself as an old school jazz improviser who is constantly seeking lyricism. He continues to tour the world 12 months a year performing in the top jazz clubs, performing art centers, jazz festivals and symphony halls.

His professional career dates back to his youth in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. At 10, he and his 12-year old brother, Ted, put together a Polish polka band. After graduating college, his musical abilities flourished and his career took off. He freelanced around New York City, toured with Goodman, played in the Tommy Dorsey Band under the direction of Buddy Morrow and recorded 16 solo albums for the prestigious Concord Jazz recording label. In addition, he also made movie soundtracks and commercial recordings.

Tickets are $20 for general admissions, $15 for seniors and $10 for students with a valid I.D. The Sharp Theater is located in the Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts on the Ramapo College campus. For information or to order tickets, call (201) 684-7844.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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