SCETV and USC Press celebrates jazz legend Marian McPartland with book launch event at Koger Center for the Arts

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV), in partnership with the University of South Carolina Press, announced a special event celebrating the launch of Shall We Play That One Together: The Life and Art of Jazz Piano Legend Marian McPartland, a biography by acclaimed jazz historian Paul de Barros. The event will take place on Oct. 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Gallery on the second floor of the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia.

This unique evening will feature live music from a jazz trio led by Mark Rapp of ColaJazz, light refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet author Paul de Barros, purchase signed copies of the book, and delve into the life and legacy of one of jazz’s most influential figures- Marian McPartland.

Paul de Barros, known for his extensive work in jazz, has crafted a compelling narrative that chronicles McPartland’s journey from the British novelty circuit to becoming a revered jazz pianist and the voice of jazz in America. Shall We Play That One Together: The Life and Art of Jazz Piano Legend Marian McPartland explores McPartland’s 30-year tenure on her NPR show, Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz, where she introduced tens of thousands of listeners to jazz music through interviews and performances with legendary artists.

The event will also mark the kickoff of a new season of ColaJazz Presents, a series dedicated to showcasing the rich jazz culture in South Carolina, featuring the ColaJazz Trio led by Mark Rapp.

Event Details

• What: Shall We Play That One Together? Book Launch and Jazz Celebration
• When: October 1, 2024, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Where: The Gallery, 2nd Floor, Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29201
• Cost: Free admission; books available for purchase onsite

 This event is free and open to the public. Information on parking for the event can be found on the Koger Center for the Arts website.

More information and registration is available online.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the legacy of Marian McPartland, whose contributions to jazz are immeasurable. This event not only honors her incredible life immortalized in the book but also brings together our SC Public Radio community to enjoy the timeless art of jazz.” –SC Public Radio Director Sean Birch

“Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz, on syndicated broadcast out of WVIA in Scranton, Pennsylvania, was a staple of my college years and she was my guide to the Great American Songbook. My discovery that her acclaimed show, featuring jazz greats ranging from Esperanza Spalding and Bobby Short, originated in Columbia, South Carolina, was a revelation. USC Press is honored to publish Paul de Barros’s biography and help introduce McPartland, herself a jazz great, to a new audience of readers and listeners.” – University of South Carolina Press Director Michael J. McGandy

• SCETV, in partnership with the University of South Carolina Press, is hosting a special book launch and jazz celebration for Shall We Play That One Together: The Life and Art of Jazz Piano Legend Marian McPartland by Paul de Barros.
• The event will take place on Oct. 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia.
• The evening will feature live music by the ColaJazz Trio, led by Mark Rapp, light refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and a book signing with author Paul de Barros.
• Paul de Barros’s biography chronicles Marian McPartland’s rise from the British novelty circuit to becoming a major jazz pianist and the host of NPR’s Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz, where she introduced jazz to a wide audience over 30 years.
• The event is free and open to the public, with books available for purchase onsite.
• More information and registration is available online.

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice, Downing of a Flag and How She Rolls. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.

About the University of South Carolina Press

The University of South Carolina Press is a leading academic publisher, dedicated to advancing knowledge and scholarship through the publication of outstanding books across a range of disciplines, including history, literature, and the arts.