Strolling down Jazz Alley

ASHLAND The Paramount Arts Center’s 2024 Jazz Alley Series will begin with a performance by saxophonist, flutist and internationally known recording artist Greg Abate on June 1 at the Paramount Art Center.

He has played with various orchestras and has recorded a total of 23 pieces as leader and worked with many jazz greats.

Other shows:

Jewel City Jazz Orchestra June 15

This non-profit organization was established in 2018 to promote jazz education and performance in underserved communities in West Virginia. Performers are music professionals and educators from the Huntington and Charleston area.

Mike Tracy Quartet featuring Sean Parsons on piano July 26

Mike Tracy has performed and taught all over the world. He retired from being director of jazz studies at the University of Louisville School of Music, where he taught jazz saxophone, jazz repertoire and several ensembles, in addition to teaching Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops and Louisville Jazz Workshop.

The quartet includes seasoned musicians performing standards, jazz classics and Brazilian and Latin selections.

New Orleans All Stars Aug. 10

The New Orleans All-Stars is a group composed of the elite traditional jazz musicians. The band often performs for the American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines, but also finds the stage at Prservation Hall to be welcoming. Each member works in a variety of different musical groups in New Orleans in addition to their roles for the All Stars.

Laila Biali Aug. 24

Straight from Canada, Laila Biali is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, pianist and radio talk show host. She has headlined festivals and venues in five continues performing her own sound, which mixes jazz and pop.

Bob Thompson and The Unit Aug. 31

Since 1991, Bob Thompson has been a pianist, and regularly featured artist on West Virginia’s NPR syndicated radio show, “Mountain Stage.” He is renowned internationally and, in 2015, was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame.