Penn’s Peak would like to welcome Spyro Gyra to the stage!!

Spyro Gyra had its start in Buffalo, New York in the late ‘70’s.  They began playing an informal weekly jam session, “Tuesday Night – Jam Jazz” at Jack Daniel’s.  Eventually, the owner wanted to put their name on his marquee, but they did not really have one.  So, jokingly, Jay Beckenstein – founder and saxophonist – said spirogyra, as in the algae commonly known as “pond scum.”  The next week, the owner had their “new” name up in lights incorrectly spelled as Spyro Gyra and that’s how it all began. 

Their music combines jazz with elements of R&B, funk and pop to create the smooth jazz sound they are most known for portraying.  In fact, Billboard said Spyro Gyra was the most successful jazz artist of the 1980’s.  Over the last 30 plus years together, Spyro Gyra has amassed over 25 albums and sold over 10 million copies.  In 2009, they received a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album for 2008’s A Night Before Christmas.  Their latest album is 2009’s Down The Wire

The line up of Spyro Gyra has changed over the years, but there have always been two constants, Jay Beckenstein and Tom Schuman.  They met in high school and formed a band, but then went their separate ways for college.  They still managed to play together over the summers and eventually formed Spyro Gyra.  Along with Jay on Alto Sax and Tom on keys, they also have Scott Ambush on bass, Julio Fernandez on guitars and Bonny B. on percussion.   

Come and enjoy the smooth jazz sounds of Spyro Gyra on Friday, April 23rd at Penn’s Peak!!