Howie Smith, Ken LeeGrand & Ernie Krivda: A Conversation with Three Saxophone Legends

Dominick Farinacci Hosts a Conversation with three saxophone legends of Cleveland

Ahead of their performance with Dominick Farinacci for Tri-C JazzFest, join us for an extraordinary and rare conversation with three iconic saxophonists who have shaped the sound of Cleveland’s music scene for decades — Ernie Krivda, Howie Smith, and Ken LeeGrand. These Tri-C JazzFest legends have performed on stages around the world and have mentored generations of musicians right here in Northeast Ohio. In this intimate talk, they’ll reflect on their remarkable careers, share stories from their lives and the Cleveland jazz scene, and discuss the city’s rich and evolving musical legacy. This is a one-of-a-kind gathering you won’t want to miss.

This talk will be followed by a jam session open to all musicians from the community.

Ernie Krivda

"The music I play, a lot of the inspiration for it comes from the culture that is here in Cleveland." - Ernie Krivda

“No doubt about it, Ernie Krivda is one of the originals of the tenor saxophone” wrote Bill Donaldson for Cadence Magazine about the legendary jazz musician whose 6 decade on the music scene is already filled with a new burst accomplishment with across the board critical acclaim for his 2011 CD, "Blues for Pekar." The Capri Records release was dedicated to the late Cleveland author and jazz commentator, Harvey Pekar, who had proclaimed Krivda as “one of the best jazz tenor men in the world.” This recording came right on the heels of two other highly acclaimed CD’s, "Live at The Dirty Dog" and "November Man" (both on CIMP). These recordings continue a period of intense activity, achievement and recognition. In 2009, Ernie Krivda received the Cleveland Arts Prize award for lifetime achievement in music. The banner year ended with Krivda being awarded a CPAC (Community Partnership of Arts and Culture) Fellowship worth twenty thousand dollars. In a career that spans over 50 years, Krivda has earned the respect of his peers and the accolades of critics. His very personal and distinctive improvisational style, along with his unique compositions, has been documented on over 30 recordings under his name and many others as a guest artist. In the last decade and into this one, he has set a most prolific pace with eleven releases since 2003 and more to come.

Ken LeeGrand

Ken LeeGrand is a celebrated saxophonist, educator, and producer whose versatile career has shaped Cleveland’s music scene for decades. Known for his powerful solos, tight horn section work, and surprising skill on classical clarinet, Ken’s musical range spans jazz, gospel, classical, and beyond.

He has performed with legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Michael McDonald, and The Funk Brothers. As co-founder of Horns and Things, he opened for jazz greats like Dexter Gordon, Freddie Hubbard, Phillip Bailey, and Najee, and recorded four acclaimed albums with the group. Ken has also contributed to theater productions at Karamu House, Cleveland Playhouse, and Playhouse Square, and performed at top venues like Blossom Music Center, Jacobs Field, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

As a session musician, Ken has recorded for jingles, theme parks, and national releases, including work with Kelly Chapman, Cliff Habian, and Bill Ransom. He’s also collaborated with Cleveland icons Bob Ivory and Dunn Pearson.

Ken is a passionate educator. For over 30 years, he’s served as resident artist with the Shaker Heights Band Department and currently directs Jazz at the Music Settlement (J@MS), part of the Berklee City Music Network. He’s helped countless students earn scholarships to top music schools and continues mentoring young talent.

Still active in the studio and on stage, Ken remains deeply committed to music. From his beginnings in East Cleveland to national acclaim, his journey is one of dedication, artistry, and impact.

Howie Smith

“… an electrifying and versatile soloist.” (The New York Times)

A virtuoso saxophonist, composer and jazz musician, Howie Smith does not easily fit into a single category. As a performer he has worked with musicians, organizations and composers as diverse as Anthony Braxton, Gary Burton, Dizzy Gillespie, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Elvis Presley, Pauline Oliveros, the Cleveland Orchestra and the Tone Road Ramblers. His recorded performances are equally diverse: from the big bands of Phil Wilson and Frank Mantooth to the Australian quartet Jazz Co/op to saxophone concertos by Edward Miller, Salvatore Martirano, Donald Martino and David Baker (the latter three recorded with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony). He has also presented numerous concerts and workshops throughout the United States, Canada, South America, Europe and Australia.

His catalogue of compositions is extensive. He has created works for conventional big bands and combos; for string, wind and percussion ensembles; for electronics; and for mixed media. He is a professor emeritus at Cleveland State University, where he was the coordinator of jazz studies from 1979 to 2006 and served as chair of the Art Department from 2003 to 2007. He has been associated with Yamaha as an artist/clinician since 1971.