DARE TO BE AN OPTIMIST.

Saxophonist and composer John Petrucelli brings The Endurance of Optimism to BOP STOP as part of his December tour, celebrating a new live album born from an extraordinary, unplanned evening of music.

Originally captured on an iPhone with no intention of becoming a record, The Endurance of Optimism preserves something rare: the spontaneity, vulnerability, and unmistakable magic of musicians creating together in the moment.

Joined by guitarist John Shannon and drummer Zaire Darden, Petrucelli explores the music and spirit of the album through a fresh musical conversation, where lyrical melodies, adventurous improvisation, and the chemistry of the trio create new possibilities.

At its heart, The Endurance of Optimism is about choosing hope, embracing uncertainty, and remaining open to the unexpected beauty that can emerge along the way.

An evening celebrating the power of live music, human connection, and the courage to remain an optimist.

Tickets for tonight are $25 (a $3 per ticket processing fee will be added to your purchase).

This event will also be livestreamed on BOP STOP's Youtube Channel at showtime. Accessing the stream is free but donations are encouraged and directly support the band.

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John Petrucelli | Tenor Saxophone

Dr. John Petrucelli is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, educator, and founder of PETRUCELLI, an independent musical instrument brand. Described by All About Jazz as “a musician with a burning desire to explore,” Petrucelli has performed with artists including Geri Allen, Terence Blanchard, Victor Lewis, and Billy Hart. He returns to BOP STOP celebrating his latest album, The Endurance of Optimism (2026), a deeply personal live recording born from a spontaneous performance captured on an iPhone.

https://petrucelliofficial.com

John Shannon | Guitar

Pittsburgh-based guitarist and composer John Shannon brings together jazz, blues, rock, and adventurous improvisation. His career includes performances with Hiromi's Sonicbloom, international touring, and numerous recordings as a bandleader. Shannon recently released A Day in Tarifa, an album celebrating the soulful tradition of jazz guitar.

Zaire Darden | Drums

Zaire Darden is an accomplished drummer, composer, and educator whose playing has made him a prominent voice in Northeast Ohio's jazz community. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, where he studied with Billy Hart, Paul Samuels, and Jamey Haddad, Darden has performed extensively with pianist Theron Brown and numerous other artists.