Steve Rudolph

Born in Evansville, Indiana, Steve studied trumpet and composition under scholarship at Butler University. He switched his instrumental focus to the piano at age 22 and was hired by Buddy Morrow to perform with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1977. Since moving to Harrisburg PA in 1978, he has been largely responsible for the growth and development of the thriving jazz scene in Central Pennsylvania. Steve is Past President and a founder of the Central PA Friends of Jazz, one of the most successful jazz organizations in the country.

Presented as an “Emerging Artist” at the Jazz Times Convention in New York City in 1998 and winner of the 1999 Jazziz Magazine - Seven Springs Jazz Festival Piano Competition, Steve also received the prestigious 2002 Harrisburg Arts Award for his service to the community. Seven European tours including a 2003 tour of Russia and Siberia, soloist with Miami’s New World Symphony and receiving the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Jazz Fellowship in 1995 and 2001 highlight his career. Steve has appeared in concert with Louie Bellson, Al Grey, Buddy Tate, Clark Terry, Paquito D’Rivera, Herb Ellis, Buddy DeFranco, Terry Gibbs, the Mills Brothers, Buddy Morrow and countless other jazz greats. A recording artist and producer, Steve has eight CDs on the R&L Records, one on Dreambox Media, and three on PACT Records. He has recorded with Matt Wilson, Johnny Coles, Cal Collins, Roger Humphries, Joe Hunt, Bill Goodwin, J.D. Walter, Ali Ryerson, Dwayne Dolphin, Vinny Valentino, Paul Langosch, Tom Strohman, Amy Banks and many more.