Tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore (Horace Silver, Ray Brown) and pianist Tamir Hendelman (Jeff Hamilton Trio, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra) celebrate the centennial of the late great tenor saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and actor Dexter Gordon, who was among the most influential early bebop musicians. Gordon’s studio and performance career spanned more than 40 years, and included being nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in the film Round Midnight and winning a Grammy for the soundtrack album of the same film.
Janet Klein's Hollywood Party!
Oh, gee! Oh, joy! Join vivacious chanteuse Janet Klein and dazzling piano virtuoso Frederick Hodges for a marvelous musical soiree of toe tapping songs from Hollywood musicals of the late 1920s and early 1930s, with exciting hit songs by America’s top composers, such as the Gershwins, Rodgers and Hart, and other greats. Don’t miss this wonderful musical event!
Brazilian choro, samba, jazz and more!
Straight from touring in Brazil, and as faculty at California Brazil Camp, Julio Lemos returns to the Bay Area for the first time since 2020, for a special duo concert with percussionist Ami Molinelli. The show will feature new original music from Julio Lemos: instrumental choros and sambas with jazz influences. Featuring music from his new album Brasil Acustico, be prepared to be transported straight to the iconic sounds of Brazil and the innovative sounds of samba and choro, with original works like "Vai Meu Samba." This is a special concert for one evening only.
New Orleans-based, San Francisco-raised vocalist Anna Laura Quinn returns to the stage at Piedmont Piano with her sublime "Quinn-tet," featuring Rob Reich on accordion and piano, Terrence Brewer on guitar, Joe Kyle Jr. on bass, and Justin Ouellet on violin. The band will play arrangements from ALQ's 2022 release "Open the Door" and delve into Anna's growing repertoire of music written by celebrated female composers from across musical genres.
Two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Mads Tolling and pianist John R. Burr met 10 years ago, and the two have become fast friends – this year releasing their debut album Ramblin’. With a set list that includes fresh takes on music by Toto, John McLaughlin, and Victor Young, Mads and John take the listener on a captivating musical journey filled with rich improvisations and heartfelt interplay.
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm
9-time Grammy Nominee Tierney Sutton and piano powerhouse Tamir Hendelman join forces for a joyous celebration of Summer, with songs by the Bergmans, Mercer, Legrand and more. Intimate and swinging , this program will touch and inspire you.
Joining vocalist and pianist Dena DeRose is her long time rhythm duo that reside in the Bay Area, Peter Barshay on bass and Akira Tana on drums. Over the past 15+ years, this trio has brought fun, spontaneity, and joy to audiences with DeRose’s arrangements of the Great American Songbook, Jazz Standards, and her original works. Top quality Jazz… in the moment…will be what happens…don’t miss out!!
Jazz Piano Masters Series
Michael Wolff returns to Piedmont Piano Company for a gorgeous evening of jazz. Michael will also be reading excerpts from his best-selling memoir, On That Note!!
The Goldberg Variations
Bach's Goldberg Variations, plus a little bit of discussion and a surprising musical pairing! The Calgary Herald wrote in 2022 that "Breen's performance of the Goldberg Varaitions by Bach will be long remembered;" Rachel was also featured in the 2021 award-winning podcast 30 Bach, which explores these variations through an array of its most famed interpreters.
Pianist Hannah Mayer, trombonist Oliver Tuttle, and bassist Aidan McCarthy form a unique trio showcasing their interpretations on jazz standards, Brazilian music, show tunes, and original compositions. Currently pursuing musical and collegiate endeavors around the country, the trio began playing in this configuration during high school through a monthly residency at The Cheeseboard in Berkeley, and have been close friends and collaborators ever since.
Erik Jekabson joins forces with New Orleans native vocalist Kenny Washington to bring the sounds of New Orleans to Oakland. Featuring an all-star quintet of Erik Jekabson on trumpet, Rob Barics on clarinet and tenor sax, Rob Reich on piano, Ron Belcher on bass and Deszon Claiborne on drums.
SECOND SHOW ADDED
5:30pm / 8pm
New York’s rising star pianist and Los Angeles native Noah Haidu joins forces with jazz icons Buster Williams and Lenny White in support of his joyful and expressive new album Standards (2023, Sunnyside Records). This recording and tour celebrates the 40th anniversary of Keith Jarrett’s great Standards Trio. In 2021, The Wall Street Journal described Haidu’s tribute as “Sounding buoyant and free like a pent-up spirit released.” (Larry Blumenfeld); while Downbeat Magazine called it “A stunning and heartfelt tribute.” (Alexa Peters)
JAZZ CAMP JAZZ FEST
Kyle John Blaze will be debuting new songs and arrangements from his newest and past albums. He has played separately with Colin and Steve before, but he is honored to be playing with all the Hogan brothers together for the first time. Also added to the show is Erik Jekabson on trumpet. Be ready for a night of smoking hot playing, deep rich vocals, and a lot of good humor.
JAZZ CAMP JAZZ FEST
Drummer and Jazz Camp West Artistic Director Allison Miller kicks off this year’s Jazz Camp Jazz Fest!
Spanish virtuoso pianist Alex Conde presents ''Jazz and Flamenco,'' a solo piano concert full of energy and sensitivity. He will play original compositions and arrangements of music by Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell, from his albums Descarga for Monk and Descarga for Bud, both praised by Downbeat Magazine and All About Jazz.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Contemporary virtuoso pianist, collaborator, composer, arranger, producer, educator, Yamaha Artist, multiple Grammy® nominee and 2010 Grammy® winner Laurence Hobgood has enjoyed a multi-faceted and dynamic career. Recognized for his dazzling piano technique and his signature style of composing and arranging, he's been transporting audiences both at home and abroad for over thirty years.
Jazz drummer and co-leader of the Grammy© nominated Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Jeff Hamilton brings his trio to the piano store for the first time. Don’t miss this intimate evening with Jeff Hamilton (drums), Tamir Hendelman (piano), and Jon Hamar (bass). They will be playing selections from the last 30 years of The Trio's existence.
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm / 8pm
Dubbed a prodigy in the jazz world, saxophonist Grace Kelly teams up with award-winning jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman to celebrate the music of one her favorite jazz records, People Time, Stan Getz’s recording with Kenny Barron. They also tip their hat to Stan’s recordings with Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Chick Corea. Don’t miss this very special debut duo performance!
Another Bach Fest!
Concert and Singalong
Soprano Mary Ellen Callahan presents a program of Bach Cantatas, accompanied by pianist Daniel Lockert. They will perform “Ich habe genug”, the famous gorgeous cantata, and "Weichet nur betrubte Schatten," the adorable wedding cantata interspersed with an opportunity to sing two Bach chorales with Mary and Dan.
Jazz Piano Masters Series
For this rare Bay Area solo piano concert, Myra Melford will be performing original compositions and improvisations.
Drummer Allison Miller and pianist Carmen Staaf continue the collaboration they began on the acclaimed Science Fair with Nearness, a new duo album release that freely explores originals and standards with playful intelligence and deeply synced connection. “Allison Miller and Carmen Staaf share an affinity for incorporating unexpected elements within familiar forms. That was obvious on their previous collaboration, the 2018 album Science Fair, recorded with a trio and quintet. Here, they use it to great effect on a set of piano and drum duets.” (John Frederick Moore, Jazziz, 2022)
Jazz icon Michael O'Neill teams up with the lead vocalist from Santana, Tony Lindsay, and Latin Grammy winner Omar Ledezma, along with John R. Burr (piano), Dan Feiszli (bass), Jason Lewis (drums), and Erik Jekabson (trumpet) to play Latin arrangements of tunes by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, Bill Withers, and some standards based on arrangements by the members of the band. Each member of this stellar band has contributed their vision to the music, making this very much a collaborative effort.
Longtime musical associates Peter Apfelbaum (piano, saxophone) and Josh Jones (drums, percussion) return to the piano store for their first public concert here since January 2019. In their largely improvised performances, Apfelbaum's expansive, polyrhythmic approach to the piano combines with Jones's mastery of Afro-Cuban rhythms. Celebrating 44 years of performing together, they will be playing material from their shared partnership in Apfelbaum's Hieroglyphics Ensemble and Don Cherry's Multikulti, possibly interspersed with a cover or two.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Edward Simon, a native of Venezuela, has made a name for himself over decades in America as a jazz improviser, composer-arranger and band leader, with his profile heightening in recent years as he has explored the commonalities jazz can have with the folkloric sounds of Latin America.
"Love Letters from Jamie" will showcase vocalist Jamie Davis’ way with love songs and ballads while including some swinging elements, a nod to the blues, and lots of love to welcome Spring. So, sit back and enjoy the velvety, rich baritone voice of Jamie Davis, backed by an impressive, all-star band: Matt Clark (piano), Ron Belcher (bass), Leon Joyce, Jr. (drums), and Michael O'Neill (saxophone).
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm
9-time Grammy Nominee Tierney Sutton returns with pianist Tamir Hendelman for an intimate and swinging evening of songs about LOVE. Sutton is heralded for her abilities as a jazz storyteller and her ability to use her voice as an instrument. Hendelman is known for his sense of swing, imaginative arranging, sensitive touch and his work with vocalists from Natalie Cole to Barbra Streisand.
Wil Blades on Hammond organ and clavinet delivers cutting solos and deep bass lines that make for a thick stew of soulful harmony and daring improvisation, while Scott Amendola behind the kit creates beats that are simply unstoppable, simultaneously pushing the duo to heights unknown and sending the listener into a joyful sonic trance.
Los Angeles based pianist, Max Haymer, is thrilled to bring his trio to the piano store for the first time. Known extensively for his work as the pianist for 10x Grammy Winner Arturo Sandoval, as well as Jazz Vocal Icon Jane Monheit, Haymer also is making waves with his own "high energy" piano trio. Specializing in re-imagined Broadway and Jazz Standards, as well as Afro-Cuban Jazz, Haymer promises to deliver a memorable show for all that come to enjoy!
Martin West, Music Director
This 11th annual free chamber music event will include movements from Saint Saens evocative Piano Trio in E minor, Brahms Gypsy G minor Piano Quartet, a rarely heard Clarinet Quintet by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor as well an original piece by SFB bassist and composer Shinji Eshima. We are pleased to announce that Britt Day will be taking part in this performance.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Virtuoso pianist-composer Jeff Gardner will make his Bay Area concert debut in a two-part concert. The first half will feature his compositions mixing Brazilian rhythms, Contemporary Classical Music, Blues, and Jazz. In the second half Jeff will invite premier Brazilian guitarist Ricardo Peixoto for their first concert as a duo for a program of Brazilian Jazz including bossa, samba, baião, and chorinho.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
TWO SHOWS
5:30pm - Geoffrey Keezer, solo piano
8pm - Geoffrey Keezer & Gillian Margot
GRAMMY-winning composer/pianist/arranger/producer Geoffrey Keezer presents a full evening of jazz. The first show will be a set of solo jazz piano. He will then be joined by scintillating and soulful vocalist Gillian Margot for the second show. Tickets sold separately for each set.
Bach Fest! Concert AND Singalong
Soprano Mary Ellen Callahan presents a program of Bach Cantatas, and includes a Bach Chorale singalong after both the joyful "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen" and the poignant and uplifting "Non sa che sia dolore". On piano will be our ubiquitous and skilled Bay Area pianist, Shuyi Hsieh. Solo Bacho gloria!
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist, composer, and singer/songwriter Kevin Hays’s many recordings have received critical acclaim from The New York Times, Downbeat Magazine and Jazz Times. The Kevin Hays Trio performs pianist Kevin's lyrical and compelling originals, jazz standards, and beautiful arrangements of the American Songbook, along with reimagined songs from the pop/folk world. Kevin will be joined by David Ewell (bass) and Colin Stranahan (drums).
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm
8-time Grammy Nominee Tierney Sutton returns with pianist Tamir Hendelman for a special duo evening. Sutton is heralded for her abilities as a jazz storyteller and her ability to use her voice as an instrument. Hendelman is known for his sense of swing, imaginative arranging, sensitive touch and his work with vocalists from Natalie Cole to Barbra Streisand.
Maria Muldaur & her Jazzabelle Quintet return to the piano store for a special "Music for Lovers" Valentine show. Treat yourself to an evening of romantic love songs guaranteed to put you "in the mood" & inspire you to fall in love all over again. Featuring pianist John R Burr, guitarist Danny Caron, bassist Ruth Davies, sax/clarinetist Kristen Strom, & drummer Mark Lee. Join Maria after the show for a romantic glass of wine and chocolate goodies!
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm
We are very pleased to present Benny Green in an evening of solo jazz piano, as he makes his debut Piedmont Piano Company debut. Benny is looking forward to the upcoming release of his solo album, recently recorded here at the piano store. He will present a thoughtful evening of solo piano that will include standards, originals and selections from the album, scheduled for release later this year.
Seven Shades of Violet (Rebiralost) - Trio Revolutions
Michael Echaniz presents selections from his upcoming debut concept album, Seven Shades of Violet (Rebiralost), to be released on Ridgeway Records with financial support from New Music USA’s Creator Development Fund in 2022-23 and InterMusic SF’s 2020 Musical Grant Program. In this one-time, special performance, highly arranged, innovative, award-winning compositions will be transformed and revolutionized through the egalitarian spontaneity of the piano trio. Observe the cutting-edge!
“Deep River”
The Oakland Symphony offers a free community event "Deep River: Harry Burleigh and the Founding of Black Classical Music." This event with film and live music will be presented by Joseph Horowitz, the acclaimed author of Dvořák’s Prophecy, and will feature soprano Shawnette Sulker. You’ll gain insight into Dawson’s masterpiece, the “Negro Folk Symphony,” its history, influences and, until very recently, it’s unjustified neglect. Prepare to be enthralled by one of America’s very greatest symphonies.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
We are always pleased to welcome Portland-based jazz pianist and teacher Randy Porter to the Piano Store. A true Jazz Piano Master, Randy will present an evening of thoughtful interpretations of classic modern jazz, standards from the Great American Songbook, and popular music from all eras.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Mitchel Forman (piano) and Kevin Axt (bass) have been performing together in a variety of settings for the past 15 years. Their deep friendship is evident both on and off the stage as they seamlessly weave a supportive web of creativity and innovation. They have played with a wide variety of artists and can be heard in a trio setting on the 2015 release, Puzzle.
TWO SHOWS 5pm (sold out) & 7:30pm
Pianist and composer Hannah Mayer returns with a stellar group of musicians: Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee (sax), Isaac Coyle (bass), and Jayla Hernández (drums). This performance will feature original compositions, reimagined music from the Broadway repertoire, and other favorites.
Celebrating the Season
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm
This special, swinging and soulful concert is a "must see" show for all fans of contemporary Jazz and Blues. With holiday classics and carols getting the signature Nicolas Bearde high-energy makeover, it's a show you won't want to miss. Joining him on stage are some of the Bay Area's best: John R Burr (piano) Ruth Davies (bass), and Leon Joyce, Jr (drums).
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Taylor Eigsti is excited to return to the piano store for a rare solo performance. Eigsti recently won a 2022 GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for his most recent album Tree Falls, released in 2021 on GSI Records.
Blues, Boogie Woogie, Jazz
Lluís Coloma playing solo reveals a deeper side of this virtuous and renowned Barcelona pianist. Over the years, the piano has become an extension of his own body, the perfect instrument to express himself in a natural, spontaneous and unique way. Solo in front of the piano Lluís creates his own compositions, interprets some personal favorites, and paints surprising textures always imbued with Blues and Boogie Woogie, which are the roots of his very varied influences. He's created a cocktail of styles that over time has become his own signature sound, where each theme is a landscape within his own musical universe.
Harmonic Alchemy Album Release Show
This trans-oceanic chamber jazz ensemble, led by trombonist Ryan Keberle, presents original chamber jazz that bridges the divide between these two musical styles. Reverso’s repertoire features original compositions by all three members of the ensemble recently recorded on their latest album, Harmonic Alchemy, inspired by the music of Gabriel Faure. Reverso blends “pulsating motifs, long painterly lines, open fields and pointillist statements into a fascinating whole.” (Jazz Times)
Blossom-ing! CD Release
Vocalist Roberta Donnay celebrates the music of Blossom Dearie with Mike Greensill on piano, Ruth Davies on bass, Mark Lee on drums, and Danny Caron on guitar. "With her singularly enticing sound, few contemporary vocalists are as well suited to dustily vintage material as jazz-blues stylist Roberta Donnay." –Jazz Times
Duo Violao returns to the Bay Area with plus one, Ami Molinelli to perform new material that explore the intersections between choro and samba. Duo Violão plus 1 started with two guitarists, Rogério Souza and Edinho Gerber, and the desire to explore and expand the musical possibilities of playing two violões, or Brazilian guitars. During their first visit to the Bay Area in 2015, they met percussionist Ami Molinelli and the musical connection was immediate. Rogerio Souza 7-string guitar, Edinho Gerber 7-string guitar and Ami Molinelli-percussion.
The Music of Eddie South: The Dark Angel of the Violin
Violinist Jeremy Cohen performs Eddie South's compositions and arrangements, and brings forward the story of this important and under-acknowledged artist. Audiences will be enlightened and enriched to hear Cohen’s message of Eddie South's musical gift to the world. Hear this elegant music and learn the story of this great American artist known as the “Dark Angel of the violin.” Jeremy will be joined by Larry Dunlap on piano, Dix Bruce on guitar, Dan Feiszli on bass, and David Rokeach on drums.
Featuring Steve Schaeffer and David Hughes
Russell Ferrante, continuing his 42 years with Yellowjackets, released a beautiful jazz trio album titled Inflexion in early 2021. Inflexion or inflection comes from the Latin root inflexionem meaning to bend in, to change direction. This music is indeed very personal and intimate and one could say it bends in. The band features the beautiful interplay between Russell Ferrante (piano), David Hughes (bass), and Steve Schaeffer (drums).
Points of View Album Release
Bill Ortiz, one of Bay Area’s most in demand trumpet players brings his 6 piece band to celebrate the release of his album Points Of View. This record’s blend of jazz, afro-cuban, R&B, gospel and blues reflects the broad stylistic approach he brings with his playing. Rounding out the ensemble is a true all-star cast, with vocalist Terrie Odabi, saxophonist Howard Wiley, pianist Matt Clark, bassist Gary Brown, and drummer Lorca Hart.
The No Piano Orchestra is trumpeter Josh Reed, vibraphonist Dillon Vado, with drummer Tim Bulkley, and bassist Peter Barshay. In addition to original work, the NPO will feature unique and adventurous approaches to some of the endless variety of great jazz and other compositions.
POSTPONED - The No Piano Orchestra to perform.
Art is unable to join us but his musical associates bassist Peter Barshay, vibraphonist Dillon Vado, drummer Tim Bulkley, and trumpeter Josh Reed have formed the No Piano Orchestra and will present original works as well as unique and adventurous approaches to some of the endless variety of great jazz compositions.
Pianist/keyboardist, singer, composer, arranger Matt Jenson lights up the connection between roots-reggae and soul-jazz with his Mix Up Mix Up band featuring trombonist Jeff Cressman, guitarist Jesse Engel, drummer Reese Bullen, and bassist Rob Ewing. The group presents original compositions and creative re-workings of pop, jazz and reggae anthems by Bob Marley, Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk, Marvin Gaye, George Gershwin, Chopin and more. Their creative interplay, embedded in the intoxicating riddims of Jamaican reggae in an acoustic jazz setting, gives nourishment to the mind, body and soul. Feel the positive vibrations of the Mix Up Mix Up!
Sharmila G. Lash returns after 3 years with her “Music for, by, and about Women” project, presenting a set of chamber vocal ensemble pieces, followed by a set of jazz tunes. They will present music by Melissa Dunphy, Reena Esmail, Mary Lou Williams, and more. With a very special guest!
A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthood Mar Monte.
Jazz Piano Masters Series
2ND SHOW ADDED!
5pm & 7:30pm
Michael Wolff brings his Trio to Piedmont Piano Company, featuring Mike Clark on drums, for a gorgeous evening of jazz. Michael will also be reading excerpts from his best-selling memoir, On That Note!!
Jazz Piano Masters Series
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm
Composer and band leader Gerald Clayton searches for honest expression in every note he plays. With harmonic curiosity and critical awareness, he develops musical narratives that unfold as a result of both deliberate searching and chance uncovering. Don't miss this GRAMMY-nominated pianist's first appearance at the piano store.
Jazz Piano Masters Series
Herbie Hancock says of Carmen Staaf: “A consummate jazz pianist with equal talent in composition, orchestration and arranging… She very much displays a complete knowledge of the history of her instrument but more importantly Carmen is constantly reaching beyond history and is not afraid to go into the unknown and challenge herself at every moment. A bright future awaits her.” Staaf will present a set of standards and originals in this rare solo showcase.
Miniatures: from Bach to Kurtag
Rachel Breen returns to the piano store for a solo piano recital. Her program includes two suites, the first by one of the giants of western civilization, J.S. Bach. The second suite of miniatures is on the surface scattered with differences—culture, time period, geography, religion—but is deeply linked by the humanity of its composers and our humanity as listeners.
After two years of pandemic lockdown in Denmark, jazz bassist and vocalist Kristin Korb is returning to Northern California with a new project that departs from her traditional song well and dives deep into the exploration of pop tunes that burst with Korb’s trademark exuberance and inspired arrangements. Joining her for this concert is her LA-based partner in time Andy Langham (piano) and Bay Area legend Mary Fettig (woodwinds).
Jazz Piano Masters Series
From North to South: A Tribute to Duke Ellington and Tom Jobim
Tamir Hendelman famously drives the piano seats of his own trio, the Jeff Hamilton Trio, and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. With blistering technique, a quick improvisor's wit, and profoundly refined pianism, Tamir's creative arrangements and crystalline touch can be heard on recordings by Roberta Gambarini, Barbra Streisand, Graham Dechter, and Richard Galliano. Expect a dynamic, intimate, and exciting solo exploration of iconic pianist-composers Duke Ellington and Antonio Carlos Jobim’s musical worlds.
Jazz vocalist and pianist Dena DeRose returns to Northern California after these past two Covid years to perform songs from her most recent recording called Ode To The Road, some new original compositions, and some other gems from her previous 13 CDs.
Joining her for this concert is her long time Bay Area rhythm section of bassist Peter Barshay and drummer Akira Tana.
Hannah Mayer leads this group of talented Bay Area musicians who met in high school and are each currently attending music conservatories across the country. This performance will feature original compositions, improvisational takes on music from the Broadway repertoire (specifically the music of Stephen Sondheim), as well as other known favorites. Hannah Mayer (piano), Tommy Noble (alto saxophone), Oliver Tuttle (trombone), Isaac Coyle (bass), Jayla Hernandez (drums).
Jeff Oster, Michael Manring, Carl Weingarten
Ambient music can often be fascinating for a variety of reasons, but there’s an extra layer of intrigue when it’s performed live. That’s part of the appeal of the trio known as Blue Eternity. Made up of trumpet/flugelhorn player Jeff Oster, bassist Michael Manring, electric guitarist Carl Weingarten, a Blue Eternity live show unfolds in an unhurried pace, like a slow motion jam.
Triangular Conversations
Returning to the Bay Area for his first live concert after the pandemic, Brazilian pianist and composer Jovino Santos Neto teams up with bassist Peter Barshay and drummer David Flores to present his Brazilian music in a piano trio format. The compositions by Jovino, Hermeto Pascoal, and Marcos Valle will serve as points of departure for inspired musical conversations among the three players. The music will range from the lyrical to the deep grooves this trio can generate. Each show is always unique.
Night at the Movies
Svetlana and her award-winning New York Collective will take listeners on a dynamic musical journey with innovative jazz arrangements of soundtracks from the American Movie classics and French New Wave, to modern day Academy Award-winners and Animated films. This concert reflect moments of joy, passion, sharp humor, reflection, and most of all, fantasy, and will transport the audience to the carnival of sound, seamlessly moving from sophisticated retrospection to a rowdy “exuberant, foot-stomping music combining swing and pop-singer/songwriter sensibilities" (WPIX11TV, NYC). Be ready to sing along or do some swing dancing!
Randy Porter and his trio (piano, bass, drums) return to the piano store and will share their collective musical powers to some Jazz Standards, some originals, and some in-the-moment improvisation fueled by the inspiring audience Piedmont Piano Company always brings.
TWO SHOWS 6pm & 8pm
Dayna Stephens is globally recognized as a saxophonist, composer and arranger, and was the first-place recipient of the 2019 and 2020 DownBeat Critics Poll in the category of Rising Star—Tenor Saxophone. NPR’s Kevin Whitehead had this to say about the saxophonist’s unique style, “Dayna Stephens can cry and rip it up on tenor, but at heart, he’s a streamlined melodic player. His handsome down-the-middle tone is not too heavy or light, though he can lean either way. His sound is sleek, with very light vibrato. And the lines he improvises are uncluttered and well-organized. His horn sings.”
Legendary trumpet master Eddie Henderson has been a prolific performer and recording artist for more than five decades, since his years as a member of Herbie Hancock’s group, and continuing through multitudes of recordings and appearances as both sideman and headliner. Here he leads a New York-based quartet, featuring his current band members, pianist Peter Zak, bassist Marcos Varela, and frequent collaborator, drummer Sylvia Cuenca.
David Franklin performs music from his new album Passings. This instrumental collection is David’s 10th album and features the great bassist Michael Manring and David’s son, Alex (Owl Licks) Franklin. A free CD will be given to all attendees.
Pianist Marie-Luise Hinrichs of Cologne, Germany will play her very own solo piano arrangement of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's famous masterpiece, "Stabat Mater" composed in 1736 during the last weeks of his short life at the age of 26. In the second half of the program, Marie-Luise will play keyboard sonatas by Padre Antonio Soler (1729-1783) and Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757), and her own piano arrangements of Gregorian chant-style pieces by Medieval German abbess Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179).
Join NYC-based pianist-composer Mathis Picard in celebrating Live at the Museum, his celebrated sophomore release and debut solo album recorded in January 2019 at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Through Picard's own refined curatorial lens, the music of this album honors the works of the great classical and jazz composers that were influential to Picard's personal musical journey with daring and evocative interpretations of classic pieces, and an impressive array of original compositions.
TWO SHOWS 5:30 (SOLD OUT) & 7:30
Vocalist Christelle Durandy fuses Afro-Caribbean, jazz and other polyrhythmic sounds in a provocative exploration of the African diaspora’s diffuse and powerful musical energy - a multicultural complexity Christelle herself embodies. Backed by her band Sanktet (a play on the French “cinq têtes,” or “five heads''), Christelle draws upon her polyglot background to celebrate and expand the diaspora’s vibrant musical conversation. With Isaac Schwartz (drums), Steve Hogan (Electric bass), Nathan Bickart (piano), Mena Ramos (percussion).
Whatever musical action you take, do it with conviction. ACT, don't just act. Other players must also take action with the same level of conviction. Thus, they reACT, not simply perform a reaction. With Art Lande (piano), Carl Schultz (saxophones), and Tim Wendel (guitar), the interplay of this dynamic is on full display, and from this conviction comes cohesive, melodic, intricate, expressive and compelling music.
A benefit concert to help the other ordinary families in Ukraine
Non-profit Jazz at the Ballroom (JATB) presents a concert to benefit humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. "My Ordinary Family" sets to music the true story of August Paszkudzki, an ardent American jazz lover, and his bravery in World War II Lviv. The concert is performed by August’s grandson, well known jazz pianist Konrad Paszkudzki and vocalists Olivia Chindamo and jazz legend Carmen Bradford. The band shares a collection of songs of the 1930s - 1940s. 100% of the proceeds from this concert will go to the IRC in Ukraine.
Acclaimed vocalist Sharon Azrieli is joined by pianist-composer Tamir Hendelman and his band for an evening of songs from their newly released album, Secret Places - A Tribute to Michel Legrand, with Katisse Buckingham (saxophone, flute), Alex Frank (bass), and Dean Koba (drums).
Martin West, Music Director
This tenth annual free chamber music event will include movements from the Schumann Piano Quintet, Debussy’s ethereal Sonata for Flute,Viola and Harp, William Grant Still’s bluesy Suite for Violin and Piano and more surprises! We are pleased to announce that pianist Britt Day will be taking part in this performance.
Singer, guitarist, and composer Badi Assad has emerged as one of the most versatile artists of her generation. With 18 albums released worldwide and over 40 countries visited, her 2006 CD Wonderland was selected among the top 100 by the prestigious BBC London and was also included in the top 30 on Amazon.com.
Femeninas: the Songs of Latin American Women
Edward Simon brings his quartet with Adam Cruz, Reuben Rogers, and Luis Quintero, joined by multi-award winning Mexican singer Magos Herrera. Together they will be performing a selection of songs by Latin American female songwriters including Violeta Parra, Chabuca Granda, Marta Valdes, and Elizabeth Morris.
Craig Handy delivers his fired-up musical Jazz quartet based in the spirit of Post Bop, with acoustic instrumentation, infectious swing, rigorous improvisation and deep, collaborative exchange. He incorporates an approach that invokes reflection and challenges the imagination. The audience may be treated to an invitation to join in vocally or rhythmically, to bring on musical healing, soothing, wailing, protesting, deep breathing, or interstellar exploration. You’re sure to be recharged and invigorated by these musical wizards of Jazz artistry.
POSTPONED
Watch for new date
JaZzLine INSTITUTE with LifeForce Jazz Collective present BAJABA Showcase, featuring the Tony Lindsay Quartet, with Tony Lindsay (vocals), John R. Burr (piano), Gary Brown (bass), and Ron E. Beck (drums). Hosted by KCSM’s Leslie Stoval.