On three consecutive Thursdays (February 23, March 1, and March 8), the Burchfield Penney Art Center hosts cabaret jazz greats Steve Ross, Kathleen Landis, and Bob Dorough respectively.

Each of these singer-pianists has received international acclaim entertaining in intimate jazz and cabaret settings. Their main focus has been keeping the American Songbook tradition alive. All three have also played in small and large concert and hall venues. Unlike most traditional singers who offer a “list” of unconnected standards, this trio has honed the difficult but rewarding cabaret theme-oriented shows that elevate their performances to intimate theater-like experiences.

Steve Ross begins the series with an afternoon lecture/demonstration (12:15–1:30 p.m. in Rockwell Hall 124) focusing on his career, titled From Saloon to Salon: Traveling With My Piano. The evening show at the Burchfield Penney (7:00 p.m.) presents his popular tribute to Fred Astaire, Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.

The afternoon presentations are hosted by Buffalo State music professor Chuck Mancuso and author of Popular Music and the Underground: Foundations of Jazz, Blues, Country, and Rock, 1900-1950 and series coordinator, promoter, founder and alumni Ari Silverstein.

The events are funded by FSA Grant and the Student Life Office.

Afternoon events are free. Evening performances are $10/$5 and free for Buffalo State students.

By phone at (716) 878-6011 during gallery hours or online at www.BurchfieldPenney.org.