The Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center is so excited to bring you our Jazz at Emerson Series – monthly concerts totally devoted to jazz! For this concert, we’re bringing back piano/wind jazz duo Dan Pincus and Jim McElhaney, with special guest Jack Brand on drums! Jim and Dan met in the ’70s while attending Northern Illinois University and formed “Ocean Roads,” a jazz fusion group. After college, the two went their separate ways, but reconnected over 25 years later when they found themselves back at NIU, working in the IT department. They began playing together again, this time as a duo, about 8 years ago and haven’t looked back! In the time between, after studying with Dan Haerle in the internationally respected North Texas State University jazz program, Mr. Pincus began performing as a solo jazz pianist and with small groups in Dallas and Chicago. Mr. McElhaney also studied jazz at North Texas State University and has since worked with Rockford jazz legends Mike Alongi, Carl Cole, Al Feeney, Jack Brand and Guy Fiorenza, as well as the Ted Weems Orchestra. Since reforming as a jazz duo, Dan and Jim have also been very well received as part of our own Music on Main Series. Jack Brand began playing drums in 5th grade, and since then he has become one of the area’s most sought-after drummers. Jack was formerly Director of Percussion at Beloit College and now teaches privately. He has published instructional materials and a world-acclaimed biography of renowned jazz drummer Shelly Manne. Jazz at Emerson takes place one Thursday per month at our historic Emerson House in the heart of Rockford’s cultural corridor. Relax with wine and light refreshments, have fun with your friends, and meet the artists after the concert! Doors open at 5:00 pm. Seating is limited, so arrive early! This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.