Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band Artist Bios Members News June 26, 2025 Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band 17-piece all-star jazz ensemble under the direction of bandleader Marko Marcinko The Emmy-nominated, award-winning Scranton Jazz Festival (SJF) Big Band is a 17-piece band composed of world-class jazz musicians who live in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe counties and surrounding areas. Under the direction of drummer and arranger Marko Marcinko, this large jazz ensemble performs classic big band arrangements and modern selections that play a monumental role in jazz history. The band features Chris Rogers, Eddie Severn, Nate Birkey and Ken Luckey on trumpet; Bill Smith, Mike Fahn, Brody Segan and Mark Lusk on trombone; saxophonists Nelson Hill, David Mirarchi, Tom Hamilton, Sal Giorgianni and Jim Buckley; Steve Rudolph on piano; Paul Rostock on bass; Marko Marcinko on drums and percussionist Bob Velez. In 2022, the SJF Big Band received a Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Award for its television production of the “Swinging Jazz Nutcracker Suite” and an Emmy Award nomination. Over the years, the band has performed with jazz greats including Phil Woods, Jon Faddis, Jimmy Heath, John Pizzarelli, Ilona Knopfler, Randy Brecker and Dave Liebman. This all-star jazz ensemble will conclude the 20th annual Scranton Jazz Festival with a brassy, swinging sound that will bring music lovers back to the days when big bands were king. Ilona Knopfler Jazz Vocalist/International Performer/Hospitality Entrepreneur Jazz vocalist Ilona Knopfler was born into a musical family in Paris, France. Her mother was a singer, and her father was a pianist. By the time she was in preschool, Knopfler had traveled the world.This early exposure to world cultures is evident in her 2005 recording for Mack Avenue, “Live the Life.” Recorded in Paris and New York, Knopfler sings in English and French on this album. Her parents’ musical careers took the family all over the world, eventually bringing them to Hong Kong, where Knopfler took to the stage for the first time at age 6. She began singing professionally at 15, performing with small groups and big bands at the famous Jazz Club in Hong Kong, where she quickly became a house favorite. When she turned 18, she moved to New York City and studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. Knopfler signed with Mack Avenue in 2003 and released her debut, “Some Kind of Wonderful” that same year. The album featured her interpretation of pop tunes from the 1960s and 1970s with a jazz flavor. It was lauded as “a courageous journey through the heart of pop music,” and “a promising debut.” Critics noted that she had “the instincts of a fine jazz vocalist” and was “someone to watch in the years to come.” An all-star jazz group joined Knopfler to perform jazz standards on “Live the Life” (2005). A cast of international musicians added to the CD’s global spirit. Among the more than 30 musical artists who contributed their talents to “Live the Life” are Alain Mallet on piano, James Genus and Rufus Reid on bass, Marty Ashby on guitar, Paquito D’Rivera on clarinet, Antonio Hart on saxophone, Sean Jones on trumpet and the New York Voices. In addition to her musical career, Knopfler began working in the hospitality industry in 1989 in Hong Kong before moving to New York, and then Atlanta. She worked her way up through almost every role within a restaurant. Most recently, she was the managing partner of Le Bilboquet Atlanta and Denver. In 2021, she founded IAM Hospitality Group. Carl Fischer Multi-instrumentalist/Longtime band member of Billy Joel Carl Fischer represents the epitome of musical dedication and versatility to which musicians aspire. His approach combines a deep passion with humble expertise, making his craft a showcase and a masterclass featured on a global stage. As a multi-instrumentalist on trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone and saxophones, Fischer’s ability and talent established him as a dynamic and sought-after musician throughout the industry. “The crowd goes nuts … He’s just such a good musician. He just blows people away.”―Billy Joel/SiriusXM Radio Interview Inspired by his father, Carl Fischer’s musical journey began with the trumpet at age 5 and evolved through diverse experiences, from the bar band to the circus. His professional path saw significant milestones, including performances with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra under Wynton Marsalis. During his transformative tenure with jazz trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson, Fischer became a featured soloist, musical director, and the first trumpet player to open for Ferguson in his more than 40 years of touring. Ferguson’s praise of Fischer as “one of the best jazz trumpeters of today” marked a high point in Fischer’s early career. Since joining Billy Joel’s band in 2005, Fischer has been part of an extraordinary journey marked by unmatched milestones in Joel’s career. This includes a decade-long, record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden, standout performances at the 2024 Grammy Awards, platinum records and DVDs (Joel’s “Last Play at Shea”), and a consistent worldwide touring schedule. Fischer’s role in all of these has also been accentuated through celebrated collaborations with music icons such as Chick Corea, Paul Simon, and most recently Sting, showcasing his versatility and the high regard he garners in the music industry. In addition to his work with Joel, Fischer has distinguished himself as a featured soloist alongside the legendary Diana Ross, served as music director and lead trumpet player for the iconic jazz-rock horn band Blood Sweat & Tears, and spent more than 12 years alongside jazz trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson. He shared the stage with a remarkable array of talent within the music industry, including Wynton Marsalis, Aretha Franklin, Steven Tyler, Elvis Costello, and Gavin Degraw, among others. He performed for President Obama, the Kings of Thailand and Bahrain, and the Prince of Morocco, and he has been a recurring feature performer of the National Anthem for the New York Yankees. In April 2020, Carl Fischer’s Sunshine City Brass made waves with “Down by the Riverside,” featuring a blend of Fischer’s instrumental talent and vocals from his bandmate Michael DelGuidice from the Billy Joel band, earning acclaim and a featured spot on Fox Television. Born during the pandemic, the group offers a jazz journey blending northern and southern grooves, embodying the spirit of the Big Easy with a Big Apple energy. The band also has a regular residency in St. Petersburg, Florida, featuring Yankee star, legend, and guitar great Bernie Williams. This project stands as a testament to Fischer’s ongoing commitment to exploring new musical landscapes and his ability to captivate audiences with his innovative sound. In recent years, Fischer launched “The Tuesday Night Hang with Carl Fischer,” an interactive livestream featuring discussions and music insights that has become a regular feature on the Billy Joel Channel on SiriusXM. Another highlighted project of Fischer’s is TËTI (Tribute to Evolutionary Trumpet Icons), which celebrates the luminaries of trumpet playing, honoring artists such as Louis, Dizzy, Miles, and Maynard—musicians who were not just virtuosos but pioneers who defined and transcended musical genres. Fischer brings their legacy to life, with arrangements like “What a Wonderful World” and the “MF Spirit Medley” offering a modern homage that captures their groundbreaking spirit. Fischer’s passion for music extends well beyond his performances. He is deeply involved in music education and has developed a significant presence in the world of musical instrument design. He conducts workshops for students at universities and secondary schools, covering a wide range of topics from trumpet, trombone, and saxophone techniques to rhythm section dynamics. His commitment to education is matched by his innovative contributions to instrument design. In collaboration with Warburton Music Products, Fischer has been instrumental in the creation of the “CF Horn,” a testament to Fischer’s influence and reputation in the music community. Furthermore, his long-standing partnership with mouthpiece expert Gary Radtke of GR Mouthpieces has led to the development of the “Carl Fischer Signature Series” line of mouthpieces. This line has been groundbreaking, offering solutions that have revitalized the careers of professional musicians while also providing valuable tools for beginners and students. Fischer’s dedication to music, education, and design is profound, embodying a lifestyle rather than merely a career. His efforts enrich the music industry and empower musicians across all levels of expertise, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the art of music. Marko Marcinko Drummer/Pianist/Musical Director Founder & Artistic Director, Scranton Jazz Festival Bandleader, Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band “Marko Marcinko’s drumming poses an unorthodox opening to ensemble and improvisation inside of 90 seconds, and we know we are in for a swinging ride.” ―Jazz Improv Magazine, Vol. 5, Number 1 Beginning his musical career at 14, a musical family inspired Marko Marcinko. He performed at weddings, country clubs, and resorts in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania throughout his teens. Marcinko studied jazz and classical piano and music theory at a local college prior to earning a bachelor of music degree in music performance at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. While there, he toured and performed with the university’s top concert jazz ensemble while refining his training in classical/ethnic percussion, drums, piano and arranging/composing. Marcinko was recently awarded the prestigious Centennial Medalist Award from The University of Miami, Frost School of Music. The Centennial Medal honors alumni who have distinguished themselves across various disciplines, genres and career paths. In celebration of this honor, he performed with fellow university alumni Bruce Hornsby, Ben Folds, Will Lee, Pat Metheny, Jon Secada, Joshua Henry, Andrew Synowiec, Ashley Pezzotti, Shelly Berg and more earlier this year. Throughout his career, Marcinko has accompanied notable musicians on drums and piano including Jon Secada, Juan Gabriel, Melba Moore, John Legend, Clay Aiken, Connie Francis, Constantine Maroulis and Little Anthony & The Imperials, among various others in the jazz world. He shared the stage and accompanied legendary comedians Joe Piscopo, Joan Rivers, Jay Leno, Bob Newhart and Don Rickles. He has performed with jazz legends such as Clark Terry, Phil Woods, Al Grey, Rob McConnell Johnny Coles, Bob Dorough, Lew Tabackin, Mark Murphy, Bucky Pizzarelli, Urbie Green, Joe Temperly, Bill Crow, Michael Brecker, Ross Tompkins, Mulgrew Miller, John Hicks, Hod O’Brien, Randy Breaker, Arturo Sandoval, Dave Samuels, Mike Stern and Will Lee. He spent three years touring and recording as a drummer with jazz legend Maynard Ferguson and the 10-piece Big Bop Nouveau Band. He also composed and arranged for the group. For more than a decade, he toured and recorded with the great jazz saxophonist Dave Liebman. Marcinko has played with hundreds of musicians, adapting to their style while holding true to his unique and precise delivery in every beat. He is recognized by drum endorsing companies (Zildjian Cymbals, Yamaha Drums and Hardware, Vic Firth Drum Sticks and Brushes, Aquarian Heads, Dynamic Percussion, Longo Snare Drums) and has been featured in magazines, newspapers and trade publications including Modern Drummer, Talking Drums, Jazz Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Village Voice, The L.A. Times, All About Jazz and LA Scene magazine. His exceptional career has offered deep insight into the music industry. Through his recordings, compositions and compilations, bands, teaching experiences, and collaborations with fellow musicians, he has forged a unique path that helped shape the Scranton Jazz Festival. As a founder of the festival, Marcinko has brought the best jazz musicians to the City of Scranton annually for a music-filled weekend since the festival’s inception in 2005. Integrating the PA Jazz Institute and students of its camp into the festival ensures the Marcinko Jazz Legacy will shine on and continue for future generations for many years to come. His dedication to his art, his passion for music, and his love of people have propelled him to an amazing height in today’s jazz world. Jeff Barone Guitarist/Producer New York City-based guitarist Jeff Barone has developed a strong reputation through his recordings, “Crazy Talk” and “Open Up,” as well as his live performances and work as a record producer. He has worked with trumpeter Tom Harrell’s Quintet along with groups led by Bobby Caldwell, Mike Clark and Blue Note artist Reuben Wilson. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and at jazz festivals including the JVC Jazz Festival. Barone is an active studio session guitarist, and he has worked on Broadway shows such as “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Cats,” and “Wicked” to name a few. He has worked or recorded with actors and singers such as Melissa Manchester, Linda Lavin, Kathleen Turner, Al Martino and Billy Stritch. He has produced recordings such as “Until It’s Time to Go” by guitarist Jack Wilkins (Max Jazz 2009); “Express Lane” by Jim Silberstein; (Consolidated Artists 2009 co-produced with Harvie S.); and “Drive Time,” by Mike Dubaniewicz (Jazzed Media 2010). Barone was also featured in Scott Yanow’s book titled, “The Great Jazz Guitarists: the Ultimate Guide” (Hal Leonard Publishing). Mary Ann McSweeney Bassist/Pianist/Violinist Born in Aptos, California, Mary Ann McSweeney began playing piano at age 5 and violin at age 8. In high school, she fell in love with the acoustic bass while watching Ray Brown perform at the Concord Jazz Festival. At 16, she was chosen to play at the Monterey Jazz Festival with the All-Star band fronted by Thad Jones and Mel Lewis. McSweeney has played with jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Joanne Brackeen, Lee Konitz, Gil Goldstein and Bucky Pizzarelli. She has also played for renowned conductors Leonard Bernstein, Lalo Schifrin and John Williams. McSweeney has performed with Renee Rosnes, Vic Juris, Ken Peplowski, Dennis Mackrel, Lewis Nash, and Larry Goldings. Her Big Band experience includes Maiden Voyage and Diva. She has led her own quintet at the Seixal Jazz Festival in Portugal and performed with the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival at The Kennedy Center. McSweeney has arranged for and recorded with Warner Brothers artist Lea Delaria. Recent engagements include the Berkshire Jazz Festival with Veronica Swift, and the Roswell Jazz Festival in New Mexico, where she performed with Ken Peplowski, Randy Sandke, Holly Hofmann, Chuck Redd and Mike Wofford. She has toured Europe and has performed with David Krakauer’s Klezmer Madness and five-time Tony award winning vocalist Audra McDonald. Her orchestrations can be heard on Chita Rivera’s CD titled, “Now I Swing” and her version of “Avenue Q Swings” is available on iTunes. McSweeney performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival with Claire Daly and the Baritone Monk Band, which was rated in the top 10 on jazz radio in the USA. In addition to working as a full-time professional bassist in New York City, McSweeney was on the faculty for the Middle School Jazz Academy at Lincoln Center for 12 years. She performed at the White House with the Eli Yamin Quintet and at The Kennedy Center Gala with the Clayton/Hamilton Orchestra. McSweeney was musical director/arranger for three shows at NYC’s Birdland Jazz Club featuring Jane Monheit in a program that included selections from Irving Berlin and the Cole Porter musical, “Anything Goes.” She has played more than 45 Broadway shows, including Tony award-winning “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” Her original music can be heard in the documentary “From Allegiance to Broadway.” She can be seen on Broadway playing bass for the “Girl From the North Country,” which re-opened in October 2021. She performed in Greece and Berlin with her Urban Fado Project and performed a live recording at the Shapeshifter Lab in Brooklyn New York, featuring new compositions played by Grammy Nominated Violinist Sara Caswell. Sal Giorgianni Saxophonist At an early age, Sal Giorgianni was playing saxophone professionally. At 18, he was a featured soloist with the Ellenville Jazz Ensemble and performed opposite Dizzy Gillespie at the 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. After receiving a scholarship to The University of Miami School Of Music, Giorgianni was granted the rare opportunity to perform with Stan Getz on Miami Beach at The Fontainebleau. At 20, he performed at the famed Village Vanguard jazz club in New York with Larry Coryell, Albert Dailey, Buster Williams, and Billy Hart. He later went on to perform and record with other great jazz artists such as Miles Davis, George Gruntz, Arturo Sandoval, Elvin Jones, Joe Henderson, the Gil Evans Orchestra, Jimmy McGriff, Lou Rawls, Rachelle Ferrell, Bob James, John Scofield, Bob Mintzer, Eddie Daniels, the Bobby Watson Big Band, Dave Liebman, and many others. His festival appearances in the U.S. and abroad have included Newport, JVC, Ravinia, Montreal, Vancouver, Lugano, Berlin, Hong Kong, Paris, Milan, Glasgow, Corsica, Ljubljana, and numerous others. One famed performance, along with a record and a film, was that of the 1991 Montreux Jazz Festival featuring Miles Davis with Quincy Jones conducting. This concert went on to be the historical and Grammy award winning record “Miles Davis and Quincy Jones: Live at Montreux.” While finishing a two-and-a-half-year run with Maynard Ferguson, Giorgianni had the distinct pleasure and honor of playing a command performance for the King of Thailand in Bangkok. His career has included performances with famous jazz artists, and his diversified sax style has led him to perform with many pop artists as well, such as Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, Ashford & Simpson, Cyndi Lauper, Glenn Jones, Daryl Hall, Sister Sledge, and a five-year stint with The Rascals. He has also performed and recorded with famous Latin and World music artists such as Glenn Monroig in Puerto Rico and The Gipsy Kings. Through all of these musical experiences, Giorgianni has crafted his own style of saxophone playing that stands on its own. His playing, production and composition as a solo artist can be heard on his CD releases for Windhouse Records titled, “Sal Giorgianni – Sango,” “Sal Giorgianni – Blue ’N’ Boogie,” and his latest recording “Sal Giorgianni – Angel Eyes.”
