Paul Asaro is one of the finest of a select group of pianists who perform the very demanding two-handed styles of jazz including stride, ragtime, blues, boogie-woogie and swing. He will be on stage in Centerville on Thursday, Nov. 12 at Simon Estes Auditorium. Paul’s performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and is part of the 2009-2010 concert series sponsored by the Centerville Concert Association.

“Mr. Asaro at the piano is a one man orchestra, his left hand often representing reeds and strings, the right hand a Sousa-influences brass band,” said Alvin Klein of the New York Times.

Paul performs at jazz and ragtime festivals, clubs and theaters worldwide and has appeared on stage with musical legends and luminaries such as Leon Redbone, Steve Allen, Marian McPartland, Orange Kellin and Duke Heitger. He was featured as “The Professor” in the award winning Broadway production and national tour of “Jelly Roll! The Music and the Man” performing alongside the show’s creator and star Vernal Bagneris. Asaro has had long runs as house pianist aboard the legendary New Orlean’s steamboat “Delta Queen,” in Chicago with Jim Beebe’s band and in Seattle as a regular solo pianist at “Julia’s in Wallingford.”

When on the road, Paul tours with Leon Redbone and with his own trio and he recently paused to appear on Jim Cullum’s “Riverwalk Jazz” program for National Public Radio. When off the road, Paul performs solo regularly at the Blind Pig, a club in his home base of Champagne, Ill.

In his program in Centerville, you’ll hear such familiar favorites as “Ain’t Misbehavin,” “This Is So Nice It Must Be Illegal,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Tiger Rag,” “Original Jelly Roll Blues” and “Maple Leaf Rag.”

Admission is by season membership, which are still available for the five remaining concerts in Centerville and three in Ottumwa. Single tickets will be available at the door for $15. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this fabulous concert of hot jazz!