Skip to content

Tag: Stephen Philip Harvey Octet

Friday Night Lights: Two Saxophonists Debut New Directions

Published 27 October, 2026 By John Chacona

“I play energy, not notes,” Nathan-Paul declares on his press site, and if you’ve ever heard him play, you know it’s true. With interests as a broadcaster, musician, label owner and composer. Stephen Philip Harvey seems to be energy embodied. So catching up with these two protean creators reveals only a single frame in the epic film of their careers.

But this week is a rich moment to do so as both bring new projects to northeast Ohio on Friday, Harvey at BOP STOP and Nathan-Paul at BLU Jazz+.

Read moreFriday Night Lights: Two Saxophonists Debut New Directions
Leave a Comment

A Big Week In NEO For Little Big Bands (And A Big Big Band)

Published 29 July, 2025 By John Chacona
Bobby Selvaggio and Stephen Philip Harvey

Why are these men smiling?

At the poker table a pair of eights is nothing to get excited about, but on the jazz calendar it’s a winning hand. And NEO is holding it this week thanks to a pair of concerts–both tied to upcoming recordings–featuring dynamic octets led by Stephen Philip Harvey and Bobby Selvaggio.

Read moreA Big Week In NEO For Little Big Bands (And A Big Big Band)
Comments closed

Pittsburgh’s Jazz History Flows From Reggie Watkins’ Horn

Published 17 June, 2025 By John Chacona

When Reggie Watkins came on screen for our video interview last week he wore a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball cap. When I jokingly expressed my sympathy for his devotion to the once-proud team now seemingly committed to mediocrity, Watkins would have none of it. He’s a Pittsburgh ride or die, but intercity rivalries aside, he also loves Cleveland jazz and returns to a familiar stage at BOP STOP for a gig Friday.

Read morePittsburgh’s Jazz History Flows From Reggie Watkins’ Horn
Comments closed

“Local, Organic” Hingetown Jazz Festival Returns Saturday

Published 29 August, 2024 By John Chacona
Trumpeter Garrett Folger leads a quintet at the 2023 Hingetown Jazz Festival. photocredit: Amber Rogers, Local 4 Music Fund

Labor Day is a circle-the-date weekend for jazz in the Midwest with free festivals in Detroit and Chicago. The organizers of the Hingetown Jazz Festival would like to add their event to the list, and judging by the success of the inaugural all-day, all-free festival last year, they just might have a chance.

Read more“Local, Organic” Hingetown Jazz Festival Returns Saturday
Comments closed

Stephen Philip Harvey Runs On Big Nerd Energy

Published 28 May, 2024 By John Chacona

Stephen Philip Harvey is a saxophonist, educator, composer, arranger, clinician, label executive, husband and son. Though he just turned 32 last Friday, you have to wonder where he gets the energy.

“I think it’s unfortunately a symptom of high functioning anxiety,” he said with a laugh that belied the sentiment. “Realistically, and emotionally,” he added, “I just really, really love music.”

Read moreStephen Philip Harvey Runs On Big Nerd Energy
Comments closed