MEET THE MUSICIAN AND CHEF
JEREMY RUSSO
Jeremy Russo was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV and expressed a love for music at an early age. This developed into a passion for the cello and he ultimately went on to earn his Bachelor of Music degree and Master of Music Degree in Cello Performance.
Jeremy has performed across the globe, appearing on stages such as Carnegie Hall in NYC, Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and the Smith Center in Las Vegas, as well as stages in Europe and Asia. In Las Vegas, he has frequently shared the stage with current legends, namely Andrea Bocelli, Adele, and The Eagles. Jeremy also regularly performs with the Las Vegas Philharmonic during their regular concert season at the Smith Center. He maintains a full private teaching studio while working regularly with local youth orchestras and public school orchestra programs.
Aside from music and cooking, Jeremy enjoys snowboarding, hiking, exploring international cuisine all with his lovely wife, Soo Yeon, who is also a fantastic violinist and educator.
A FAMILY HISTORY
LAS VEGAS, NV- EARLY 1960's
Jeremy's grandfather James Russo borrowed $500 from a friend and opened a small Italian deli called Palermo's Deli. A few years later, Jeremy's uncle Paul Russo finished his service with the U.S. Army and went into business together with Jeremy's Grandfather, James, and built PJ Russo's Italian Market and Restaurant.
By 1970, PJ Russo's had become one of the top Italian delis and family restaurants in Las Vegas. They offered a variety of imported Italian products, house-made Italian classic dishes, and outstanding service that locals would frequent for years.
Jeremy started cooking while in music school and the inspiration from the family restaurant during his youth began to take shape. He continued to refine his cooking skills and soon discovered that his two passions--great food and live music-- were a necessary combination. In 2022, Jeremy founded ENCORE Events, a private dining and live music experience.
