Pietra Group opens Focus on Faculty season

SUNY Oswego’s Focus on Faculty series returns with music faculty member Mario Pietra’s jazz-fusion combo, The Pietra Group, performing at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, in Tyler Hall’s Waterman Theatre.

In addition to being an assistant professor of music, Pietra is an upright and electric bassist, composer and educator. He also is a section bassist for the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, and the principal bassist for the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes. He is very active around New York, performing and recording with a variety of jazz groups, orchestras and other musical projects. 
 

The Pietra Group won a SAMMY (Syracuse-Area Music Award) of the best jazz album of 2022 for their record “People Chain.” The group performs fully original compositions by Mario and his brother Joe, who plays piano and synthesizer. The Pietras brothers are joined by guitarists Mathew Albeck and Drew Serafini, vibraphonist Matt Hoffmann, drummer Byron Cage and percussionist Josh Dekaney. 
 

Their music draws from the jazz tradition of spontaneity and improvisation, while expanding upon short-form jazz with more narrative. Together, they are set to perform new original compositions from their upcoming album “The Forgotten Field.”
 

Focus on Faculty concerts showcasing the university’s talented music department faculty in their areas of expertise while providing entertainment to the campus community.

Admission is free, although donations are accepted to support the Music Department.

-- Written by Jose Vazquez Nava of the Class of 2027