On January 17,2020, Roots2Rock is hitting our tagline…”and all the music in-between” when we feature The Lenny Marcus Trio from Hollins University. Marcus is a well known jazz musician who just happens to make his home in the Roanoke Valley. He learned from the best at a very early age.
Getting the Calling
Marcus’ mom played upright bass and his dad played piano. They both loved jazz and had weekly “Sunday Jazz Parties” at his childhood home in Silver Spring, Maryland. All the hip artists coming through the Washington, DC, area would come to these parties. Jazz guitarist Charlie Byrd, Jazz pianist and composer Ray Bryant, jazz saxophonist Richie Cole and others shared their talents with young Lenny. It was then he got the calling, the calling to be a jazz musician.
The road to New Orleans
Marcus went to college at Louisiana State University. Through an exchange program at LSU, he was able to study under Alvin Batiste, a great jazz clarinetist and educator.
Lenny Marcus studied under Jazz great Ellis Marsalis
Batiste hooked Marcus up with his good friend, Ellis Marsalis to study piano. Marsalis is the father of two other jazz greats Branford and Wynton Marsalis. From there Marcus’ New Orleans connections grew and he honed his skills playing around New Orleans and recording with other artists.
Watch the The Lenny Marcus Trio live stream on Roots2Rock’s Facebook Page. You can learn more about The Lenny Marcus Trio at www.LennyMarcusMusic.com.
What is Roots2Rock on the road?
Our Roots2Rock on the road series is just as it sounds. Our crew packs the gear in the wagon and hits the road to bring you live music streamed on our Facebook page. These live streams come from taprooms, smaller listening rooms and even recording studios. When we say live we mean a multi-camera switched live stream that will immerse viewers into the performance. In addition to music you see interviews with the artists and the people who run our unique venues. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to find out when the next live stream will be.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help promote artists and small businesses by telling their stories. We invite you to watch Roots2Rock then visit our venues, restaurants, shops and outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Virginia’s Blue Ridge region so special. To learn more about our region click hereContact us to learn more about Roots2Rock.
