Pianists Gay Galvin, left, and John Paris will reunite for an evening of jazz and American Songbook standards Sept. 13 at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts in Yuba City. Courtesy photos of Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Following past years’ popular “176 Keys” and “Tickle the Ivories” concerts, dueling pianists Gay Galvin and John Paris will return for another evening of audience favorites. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts in Yuba City. The program will feature piano jazz and standards from the American Songbook. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $20, or $10 for students under 18.

Piano bars were once a staple of nightlife. According to theater historian John Kenrick, “A piano bar is a hybrid creature: part performance space, part living room, part cruise-a-thon, and part saloon. The bar is there to sell drinks, the pianist is there to perform, and the crowd is there to sing, listen, drink, and socialize. All of this means that it’s impossible to predict what a given evening’s chemistry will be, even if most of the people on hand are regular customers.”

Galvin began playing piano at age 6. Trained in classical and jazz styles, she has performed in big bands, musicals, jazz trios, classical ensembles and rock groups. She has a master’s degree in jazz piano performance and teaches classical/Suzuki piano and jazz/improv in her Marysville studio. Galvin leads the Gay Galvin Trio, the Yuba Sutter Youth Choir and co-founded the Yuba Sutter Big Band.

Paris, a retired music educator, previously worked with Merv Griffin, Jerry Lewis, the Minneapolis Symphony and the Moody Blues. While jazz is his specialty, he also composes original new age music and is known for improvisational solo piano performances reminiscent of Keith Jarrett. Paris has played Carnegie Hall and was awarded “Best Jazz Album of the Year” by Enlightened Piano Radio.

Attendees can also visit the Art Box Gallery inside the theater to view and purchase works by local artists. Proceeds benefit the artists. Free parking is available on nearby streets and in adjacent lots. For more information, visit yubasutterarts.org.