Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Star's Hopeful Mass

Esteemed jazz guitarist and television personality Joe Negri, known to many from "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," is set to perform his original composition, "A Mass of Hope." Negri, who will be 82 years old during the performance, considers this religious-themed work his life's "dominant work."

Composed over 25 years ago following a commission from the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese, "A Mass of Hope" integrates jazz idioms with touches of Brazilian music and jazz-rock fusion. The upcoming performance at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center will feature Negri's jazz trio, accompanied by soprano Maureen Budway, baritone Thomas Douglas, and a 80-member chorus.

Negri, a Mount Washington resident, has refined the composition since its inception, expanding its instrumentation to include keyboards, trombone, and choir. He previously recorded the piece with the Duquesne University Choir and performed it recently in Ohio. Negri expressed excitement about returning to Lincoln Park, praising its magnificent stage lighting.

Despite the solemn inspiration, Negri promises "buoyant melodies" that audiences can remember and hum. Students performing in the choir primarily know Negri from his "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" role, adding a special significance to the event for them. The performance is viewed as a valuable cultural and musical experience, highlighting American jazz heritage for the young musicians.