Rio Clemente Comes to Centenary Stage Today

From Manhattan's famed Birdland to the Lincoln Center and even a performance at the White House this past December, anyone who has listened to Rio Clemente play piano comes away in awe. A native of Morristown, NJ and a member of its Hall of Fame, Rio Clemente, will make a stop at the Little Theatre today, February 17th at 2 p.m. for his annual Valentine's Day performance at Centenary Stage Company.

This master pianist, also known as "The Bishop of Jazz," mixes a strong classical background with a rich knowledge of jazz history, then adds an amazing sense of creativity and interpretation. The result is music that transcends all others, and nearly always produces a standing ovation and cries for "more."

Clemente's career began with a BMI scholarship for musical theatre and subsequent studies at Julliard School of Music. Along with his classical training, Clemente developed a style embracing a diversity of music that makes him one of the most expressive and versatile pianists anywhere. He's been named Professional Artist of the Year by the Arts Council of the Morris Area, New Jersey Monthly Magazine named him among its "Top 40 New Jerseyans", and the New Jersey Jazz Society named him Musician of the Year.

Tickets for Rio Clemente's Valentine's Day Concert are $17.50 in advance and $22.50 at the door. The performance is today, February 17th at 2 p.m. at the Little Theatre on 400 Jefferson Street. To purchase tickets or to find more information on other performances in the 2012-2013 season, visit www.centenarystageco.org or call (908) 979-0900. Patrons are encouraged to check the age recommendations for individual shows.

The Centenary Stage Company is a not-for-profit professional equity theatre, in residence at Centenary College, dedicated to serving as a cultural resource for audiences of the Skylands Region with professional music, theatre and dance events and arts Education programs throughout the year.

Pictured: Rio Clemente. Photo Credit: ­­Susan Kaminsky.