Jay Rowe To Feature Original Music At The MAC

Jay Rowe is both a local hero and a world renowned musician and composer. Each year, Jay organizes a jazz concert to benefit Milford's music education in order to give back to the community that gave him a nudge in the right direction. And now the MAC wants to give back to Jay by celebrating his original music in a special concert that features his talents to the fullest.

Jay's mother, Mia Distasi, came from a musical family so Jay grew up with music all around. A local teacher, Jay's mom encouraged her son's musical interests and Jay started playing guitar when he was eight. Later, he took piano lessons from a legendary Milford piano teacher, Pat Neznick.

School served as an outlet for Jay's skill and passion, as teachers encouraged him to play for school assemblies, and join music clubs and activities. Rowe went on to earn a bachelor of music degree from New England Conservatory of Music in Boston in 1985. Since then he has performed and recorded with artists such as Marion Meadows, Nelson Rangell, Ken Navarro, Chieli Minucci and Special EFX, Chuck Loeb, Kim Waters, Pat Dinizio and more.

Jay performs regularly at many major jazz festivals in the United States and has also performed at festivals in Portugal, Mexico, South Africa, Norway, China, Japan and Indonesia. As a solo artist, he has recorded and released six CDs: "A Dream I Had" (1994), "Jay Walking" (1997), "Laugh Out Loud" (2001), "Red, Hot and Smooth" (2006), "Live At Daniel Street" (2011), and "Smooth Ride"(2016).

Over the past 16 years, Rowe has donated nearly $78,000 to the Milford school district, thanks to his annual concerts.

MAC Live events are set in a cabaret atmosphere with candle-lit tables and a BYOEEE* vibe (Bring Your Own Everything Except the Entertainment) Concessions are also available in the MAC's Speakeasy Lounge.

Purchase tickets milfordarts.org or call 203-878-6647, Tuesday- Friday 10am - 5 pm.

Students tickets are $5 at the door with valid ID and based on availability.

This series is sponsored by Berchem Moses, Attorneys and Counselors at Law