Bay View’s Performing Arts and Education Programs have teamed up to host keyboardist Scott Healy, who will give a live demonstration of the beginnings and development of jazz and roots piano. He will begin with Scott Joplin, and include James P. Johnson, Jelly Roll Morton and Fats Waller, focusing in particular on the evolution of the “swing” feel and improvisation. Other topics will include the role of the left and right hands, stride, boogie-woogie and blues styles, and a non-technical explanation the basics of jazz harmony and its evolution. 

About the speaker/artist: Best known as the keyboardist for late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien, Scott Healy is a jazz and rock keyboardist, organist and accordionist, and a composer, arranger and producer. He has performed and/or recorded with Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Al Green, BB King, Jackson Browne, Levon Helm, Branford Marsalis, and Tony Bennett.  Healy also scores feature films, produces records, and leads his ten-piece jazz group, The Scott Healy Ensemble.  His composing and arranging credits include the Portland Maine Symphony Orchestra, the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble, and the Mel Lewis Orchestra, as well as recording artists Ricky Martin and Christina Aguilera.