“Ran Blake Day” Declared in Springfield

“Ran is a legendary pianist. He's 84 years old and he was born in Springfield. We actually got the Mayor to declare June 1 'Ran Blake Day' in the city. Not only was he born in Springfield, his great-grandfather was mayor of Springfield,” said Glenn Siegel, coordinator of Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares and the UMass Amherst Fine Arts Center's Magic Triangle Jazz Series.

”As a renowned pianist, composer, and educator, Ran has created a unique style of music that combines blues, gospel, classical and film noir influences into an innovative and dark jazz sound,” wrote Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno in the proclamation.