Jazz Legend Ronny Whyte Returns to the Columns Museum

The Ronny Whyte Quartet will perform in the Foundation Room of The Columns Museum on Saturday, February 25th at 4:00pm.

Mr. Whyte is considered a premier interpreter of Classic American Popular Song, an outstanding jazz pianist, and a successful songwriter. As the story goes, Ronny spent his first six years of life in a log cabin that his father built on the outskirts of Seattle, where he would “pet the deer and beavers on his way to the outhouse.” Quite different from Ronny’s world today, as he now lives in a house with indoor plumbing!

Ronny was featured on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz on NPR. An ASCAP Award-winning songwriter, his lyric Forget the Woman was recorded by Tony Bennett and his music for The Party Upstairs won the MAC Award for Best Song of 2006. He produces and hosts Midday Jazz Midtown at Saint Peter’s in Manhattan, a weekly concert series.

For two years Ronny appeared Off-Broadway in the hit musical Our Sinatra as well as its two national big band tours which played more than ninety cities. He was featured twice at New York’s JVC Jazz Festival, and there was inducted into the Cabaret Jazz Hall of Fame.

The Museum is pleased to welcome Ronny and his talented players back, however, neither Mr. Whyte nor the Museum staff can accurately say just how many years he has appeared for the benefit of the Museum. “At least nine, but not more than 12.” Said Lori Strelecki, longtime museum director. “We just make up a number every year. We are going with 10 this year.”

Mr. Whyte will be accompanied by some extremely talented “side men” including Boots Maleson on bass, Sean Harkness on guitar and local favorite and self-proclaimed “dust ball” Richard Cantor on drums.

Please join us for a wonderful time for a great cause, and for a song and a smile.

We cannot wait!

Tickets are $40 per person and include the show, wine, and hors d’eouvres.