NYS Music 202​1

Category: News

  • Gene Simmons Schools Schalmont Music History Students

    The Schalmont School District recently shared on their Facebook page this week that legendary glam rocker Gene Simmons virtually met with high school students on June 16.

    gene simmons schalmont
    Simmons on the Zoom call with Schalmont Students

    Once a New York City teacher himself, Simmons agreed to spend 30 minutes with the Schalmont rock history students to answer some questions. He ended up speaking for over an hour giving advice, sharing stories and engaging in jovial conversation.

    The virtual meeting came together with the help of Schalmont High Senior Gabe Unser, who looked up the musician on his website.

    I found a media contact online and said ‘I don’t know if I can ask this but we have a History of Rock Music class and we were wondering if Gene would be able to talk to our class.’ She replied he’d be happy to.

    Gabe Unser

    According to Unser’s teacher, Robert Renzi, Simmons does not usually answer to inquiries but was moved by the message and decided to take the opportunity.

    Simmons recalled how committed he and the rest of KISS was to practicing endlessly in their small New York City apartment. He simultaneously worked various jobs during that time, including teaching 6th grade.

    Simmons 1960s teacher photo compared to his iconic rock persona. Credit: KISS Facebook Page

    Simmons’ key piece of advice was to ignore the naysayers and do what you love. But, he was quick to say to not quit your day job in the process. Simmons also noted he has never drank alcohol or used illegal drugs and encouraged students to do the same.

    The thing we did right is we did what we envisioned and put together a band we had never seen on stage before.

    Gene Simmons

    When a student asked if they could get autographs, or at least for their teacher as a retirement gift, Simmons agreed to send each person an autograph. He ended the meeting by telling students they could do anything if they put in the time and encouraged them not to be afraid of failure.

    Kiss in London – May 1976 Credit: Photo by Andre Csillag/REX/Shutterstock

    This is not the first time Simmons got in touch with his teacher side. While filming his reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, he visited public school music charity organization, Little Kids Rock.

    Simmons ditched his celebrity status in the clip, interacting with the children one-on-one, sharing valuable advice similar to his meeting with the Schalmont students, and even playing bass along with them. Simmons teamed up with Fender to donate guitars and other musical supplies to the charity before he left.

    After multiple decades and a successful music career, it seems Simmons never really quit his teaching day job!

  • Symphony Space Announces Milestone Events For 2021-22 Season

    Symphony Space makes a memorable return to its Upper West Side building for the 2021-2022 season that brings beloved cultural institution’s programs (Selected Shorts, Wall to Wall, and Bloomsday on Broadway) to new heights.

    The company has upgraded its Peter Jay Sharp Theatre and Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre with state-of-the-art equipment to both capture and stream performances along with presenting select future works from within the theatre for both in-person and virtually to viewers around the world.

    Symphony Space

    Programming will include three ‘Milestone Events’:

    Wall to Wall Selected Shorts, the “First-Ever Literature-Based Wall to Wall Event,” Allowing actors the capability to read, “Great,” fiction to a live audience combining two beloved signature Symphony Space programs (March 26, 2022)

    This monumental event celebrates—and expands upon—the literature-in-performance series in which well-known screen and stage actors read classic and new short fiction in front of a live audience.

    Symphony Space

    Symphony Space’s 50th Music Wall to Wall, a Marathon Tribute to Quincy Jones (May 14, 2022)

    Quincys discography makes him an ideal artist to honor at the 50th Wall to Wall. His global impact crosses from genres to generations, disciplines, and cultures.

    This tribute to Quincy will be a gathering of musicians, singers, dancers, actors, and more, along with a day-long, nonstop celebration. And, all of it will be free and open to the public, as every Wall to Wall has been since our founding.”

    Bloomsday on Broadway Celebration Featuring a New Production from Elevator Repair Service to Mark the Centenary of James Joyce’s Ulysses (June 16, 2022)

    Symphony Space

    Symphony Space’s annual Bloomsday on Broadway offers artists the chance to apply their own vision to the James Joyce masterpiece Ulysses, displaying across the decades the inspiration a brilliant work can have.

    The 2021-2022 Season will also include Residencies with Acclaimed Musicians Ravi Coltrane (February 3-5, 2022) and Meshell Ndegeocello (February 24-26, 2022)

    Ravi Coltrane is a Grammy nominated saxophonist, bandleader and composer while eleven-time Grammy nominee Meshell Ndegeocello is known for, “Merging soul, rock, and hip-hop to make a kind of R&B that is at once cerebral and interstellar” (Pitchfork).

    Symphony Space, A preforming Arts Center in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Provides viewers with superb virtual performances, along with carrying potentials for accessibility into the future, through select programming presented in a Hybrid Format for Both In-Person and Remote Viewers.

    The Peter Jay Sharpe Theatre

    Symphony Space’s 2020-2021 virtual events engaged audiences in all 50 states, along with 56 countries.

    “What defines Symphony Space is our unique convening of artists and writers,’ Says executive director Kathy Landau. “This season is built around a magnificent array of artists and important milestone events, and we can imagine no better way to once again throw open our doors and welcome in audiences who found out about us during the last year.”

    Symphony Space traces its beginnings to Wall to Wall Bach, a 12-hour music festival conceived by playwright-director Isaiah Sheffer and conductor Allan Miller in 1978. With the success of the event, Sheffer and Miller decided to lease the building and turn it into a permanent cultural venue.

    Symphony Space
    The Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre

    Tickets go on sale in August, when additional season programming will be revealed.

    To Learn more about Symphony Space and their mission visit the webpage here

  • Levin Brothers’ Vaccinating Rhythm Tour Announces Bearsville Theater Show

    Woodstock’s Tony and Pete Levin bring their Levin Brothers Vaccinating Rhythm tour to the Bearsville Theater on June 26, 2021, as part of a select tour of shows. The duo was founded by Pete and Tony Levin in 2013, after 5 decades of performing and recording with the titans of music in jazz, fusion, rock, pop, and world music. Now, they are set to tour New York alongside an outstanding supporting jazz lineup at the Bearsville Theater.

    After guesting on each other’s projects, the Levin Brothers finally decided to create their own jazz band. To date, the Levin Brothers have released 2 albums – the self-titled first album in 2014, and the follow-up live album Special Delivery in 2017. The band has toured all over the USA, Mexico, El Salvador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Japan.

    Since graduating from the Eastman School of Music, Tony Levin, one of the most recorded bassists in the history of music, has become bass and Chapman Stick voice for Peter Gabriel and King Crimson. He has played on notable recordings for icons John Lennon, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, Carly Simon, Buddy Rich, Gary Burton, and Chuck Mangione. Currently, tours and records with Stick Men, Levin Brothers, King Crimson, and Peter Gabriel.

    After graduating from the Julliard School, Pete Levin became a synthesizer specialist among New York City recording studio scene. Over the years, he has graced hundreds of jazz and pop recordings, performing with many artists including the following: Gil Evans, Jimmy Giuffre, David Sanborn, Annie Lennox, Charles Mingus, Jaco Pastorius, Lenny White, and Paul Simon.

    A veteran of the New York Jazz scene, Jeff ‘Siege’ Siegel has become a who’s-who of jazz artists. A member of Sir Roland Hanna’s Trio from 1994 to 1999, he has performed and recorded with jazz legends including Ron Carter, Kenny Burrell, Lee Shaw, Jack DeJohnette, Benny Golson, Frank Foster, Helen Merrill, and Mose Allison.

    Additionally, contemporary Jazz guitarist Jeff Ciampa has recorded and toured with some of the most well-known jazz, pop, and rock stars, including the following: Harry Belafonte, Jon Lucien, Dave Matthews, Mark Egan, Bill Evans, Al MacDowell, Ornette Coleman, Lew Soloff, and Lenny White.

    All tickets are $50 General Admission in advance and $55.00 general admission at the door. Doors open at 6:30 PM ET and the show begins at 8:00 PM ET. For tickets, visit www.bearsvilletheater.com

    Bearsville Theater’s Jazz Brunch lineup

    For the finest jazz, food, and drink in the Catskills, experience the Bearsville Theater’s Jazz Brunch every Sunday through Labor Day with the following artists:

    6/20 – Pete Levin
    6/27 – Christine and Elliott Spero
    7/04 – The Peter Einhorn Trio
    7/11 – Elliott Spero
    7/18 – Chris Milletari
    7/25 – Ken McGloin and Jim Curtain
    8/01 – The Peter Eiinhorn Trio
    8/8 – Pete Levin
    8/15 – Marrotta Trio
    8/22 – Baron Raymonde and Bennett Hiscox
    8/29 – Perry Beekman
    9/05 – The Peter Einhorn Trio

  • The 31st Bard Music Festival Announces Programming

    The Bard Music Festival will return for its 31st season with an exploration of the life and work of Nadia Boulanger. Nadia Boulanger is the pioneering Parisian pedagogue, composer, conductor, pianist, organist, and indomitable personality who shaped more than a generation of American musicians.

    Through a series of themed concert programs, Nadia Boulanger and Her World pays tribute to one of the most important female figures in the history of classical music.

    Bard Music Festival

    Works will be featured by Nadia Boulanger, J. S. Bach, Grażyna Bacewicz, Lili Boulanger, Johannes Brahms, Elliott Carter, Aaron Copland, Gabriel Fauré, Walter Piston, Raoul Pugno, Francis Poulenc, Jean Françaix, Peggy Glanville-Hicks, Philip Glass, Adolphus Hailstork, Dinu Lipatti, Marcelle de Manziarly, Olivier Messiaen, Claudio Monteverdi, Thea Musgrave, Julia Perry, Astor Piazzolla, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Erik Satie, Ethel Smyth, Igor Stravinsky, Germaine Tailleferre, Louise Talma, Louis Vierne, George Walker, and Charles-Marie Widor.

    bard music festival

    Weekend One: Music in Paris

    August 6
    Program One: The Exemplary Musician

    August 7
    Program Two: Contemporaries and Colleagues

    Program Three: 88 x 2: Music for 2 Pianos

    August 8
    Program Four: The Epitome of Chic: Paris Between the Wars

    Program Five: Teachers, Mentors, and Friends of the Boulanger Sisters

    Weekend Two: The 20th Century Legacy of Nadia Boulanger 

    August 12
    Program Six: L’Esprit de Paris

    August 13
    Program Seven: Crosscurrents: Salon and Concert Hall

    August 14
    Program Eight: Boulanger the Curator

    Program Nine: Remembering Ethel Smyth and Boulanger’s Circle at Home and Abroad

    August 15
    Program Ten: The Catholic Tradition in France: Clarity and Mysticism 

    Program Eleven: Boulanger’s Legacy: Modernities

    Program Twelve: Boulanger’s Credo

    Check out more articles from NYS Music on the Bard Music Festival here.

  • Virtually all Restrictions on Businesses and Social Gatherings Lifted Throughout NY

    Governor Andrew Cuomo lifted virtually all restrictions on businesses and social gatherings across New York State on Tuesday, June 15. The lifting of restrictions on businesses and social gatherings will make a huge impact for the music industry as it comes back to life. 

    In New York State, 70 percent of adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine already, which is a huge turn of events from New York being one of the worst impacted states at the beginning of the pandemic. Throughout the course of the pandemic, the death toll in New York has reached nearly 53,000 which is one of the highest in the country.

    Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke on the lifting of restrictions at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan saying, “This is a momentous day and we deserve it because it has been a long, long road,” and added that the changes meant a “return to life as we know it.”

    This lifted restrictions means that restaurants will no longer be forced to space tables six feet apart; movie theaters will be allowed to pack their auditoriums without spacing seats apart; and entering commercial buildings won’t require a temperature check. .

    lifted restrictions
    Empire State Plaza on June 15, 2021 – photo by Pete Mason

    There are some restrictions that will stay in place for the time being though. New York will still abide by mask guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has advised that unvaccinated people should wear masks indoors and maintain social distancing. There will also be some stricter restrictions remaining in certain environments like health care facilities, schools, public transit and homeless shelters.

    Some decisions will be up to the individual proprietor like the decision to end many of the precautions, such as allowing vaccinated customers to walk around without masks. Some businesses may decide to keep these types of precautions in place in order to allow their clientele and employees to feel safer until more people are vaccinated in their individual counties. 

    With these restrictions being lifted bars, venues, and live entertainment businesses will be able to open at full capacity throughout New York and bring live music back stronger, bigger, and better then before. 

    For more information on the lifted restrictions visit Governor Andrew Cuomo’s website.

  • Celebrating the Life of Tupac Shakur: What to Know about the Rap Legend

    Today marks what would have been Tupac Shakur’s 50th birthday. 25 years after his tragic death, Shakur is still relevant within pop culture as his influence has paved the waved for the generations that followed. Born, Lesane Parish Crooks, in the East Harlem Section of Manhattan, Tupac is widely recognized as one of the most influential rap artists of all time and was even named on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of 100 Greatest Artists.

    Every rapper who grew up in the Nineties owes something to Tupac. People either try to emulate him in some way, or they go in a different direction because they didn’t like what he did. But whatever you think of him, he definitely developed his own style: He didn’t sound like anyone who came before him.

    — 50 Cent

    Despite hailing from New York, Shakur’s ambitions were never rooted to the City, attending performing arts school in Baltimore, alongside Jada Pinkett, later moving out West in pursuit of his dreams as a rapper. Shakur would link up with hip hop group Digital Underground in 1991, going from dancer to roadie to band member. Much of his early solo work was produced by Shock G, Digital underground’s frontman.

    Here we can see a young Tupac Shakur performing live on the Arsenio Hall Show alongside Shock G during the height of the group’s popularity, serving on backup dancer duty.

    Shakur was placed in the center of the East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry in the mid-1990’s. On November 30, 1994, after arriving at the world-renowned Quad Studios for a recording session, Tupac was ambushed by a group of stick up kids looking to relieve the rapper of his jewelry. Shakur shot himself in the groin while reaching for a gun to protect himself. The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy were at Quad Studios at the time of the attack. Tupac subsequently blamed them for setting him up, and thus began the rivalry that would eventually prove fatal to both sides.

    Shakur’s parents had been active Black Panther Party members in New York in the late 1960s and early 1970s. A month before Tupac’s birth, his mother Afeni was tried in New York City as part of the Panther 21 criminal trial.

    Watch How Tupac Influenced the popular book, The Hate You Give

    Tupac’s first stage name was MC New York, in 1989. Shakur’s discography includes eleven albums, seven of which were posthumously released. Greatest Hits, a collection of Tupac’s most popular songs is currently the best selling rap-compilation album of all time

    Watch Tupac And Biggie Preform in Brooklyn

    Tupac is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, selling over 75 million records worldwide. In 2002, he was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. In 2017, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the first year he was eligible.

    Watch Tupac Roam the Streets of NYC

    During Shakur’s film career, he starred in the movie Juice, which was written and shot in NYC.

    25 years after his death, Tupac and his music is still a significant impact in our society. Tupac’s birthday is celebrated by hip hop and music lovers worldwide.

    On September 7, 1996, Tupac Shakur was fatally shot after leaving a boxing match at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. At approximately 11:15 pm, a white Cadillac pulled up next to the BMW sedan that was escorting Tupac and fired several shots. Shakur was hit four times and the driver — Death Row head honcho, Suge Knight — had a bullet lodged in his head. Shakur remained on life support for six days after his shooting. Eventually passing on September 13, 1996.

    Whats your favorite Tupac Song? Let us know in the comments below.

    Fans can celebrate Tupac’s career by listening to his music here on Spotify.

  • Ronnie James Dio Cancer Fund To Celebrate Icon’s Upcoming Birthday With Celebrity-Packed Fundraiser

    The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, founded in memory of the late heavy metal icon, will join forces with virtual event producers Rolling Live Studios to celebrate Ronnie’s birthday on Saturday, July 10. The global fundraising event will bring together celebrities and fans all over the world to honor Dio’s undeniable impact both on and off the stage.

    Rolling Live Studios / Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund
    Rolling Live Studios | Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund

    Hosted on rollinglivestudios.com beginning at 2:00PM PT, this star-studded event will feature special guest performances, interviews and birthday messages from artists including Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell); Teddy ‘Zig Zag’ Andreadis (Guns N’ Roses, Alice Cooper); Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Beck, Bogert & Appice); Vinny Appice (DIO, Black Sabbath); and more (full list at the bottom of this page).

    The Stand Up And Shout For Ronnie James Dio’s Birthday virtual event will feature brand new performances and stories from Ronnie’s friends and fans, as well as exclusive archival footage from Dio’s life and long-spanning career. Additionally, the event will show never-before-seen footage from Dio Cancer Fund events held in Los Angeles since 2011 when the organization began. Through musical performances and storytelling, a wide array of guests will celebrate the life of a man who deeply influenced their lives through his artistry and larger-than-life presence.

    Ronnie James Dio Cancer Fund Birthday Fundraiser Goes Virtual

    The frontman for Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and DIO, Ronnie lost his battle with gastric cancer in 2010. Throughout his career, he was a passionate supporter and contributor to charitable work and numerous animal charities. The icon was not only well respected for his talent, but also admired and loved by his peers and fans worldwide, many of which included renowned celebrities, musicians, and prominent individuals from all walks of life.

    The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, dedicated to cancer prevention, research and education, has raised over $2 million in its history. In February, 2020, the organization’s held its last in-person event during the 10th Anniversary Gala at the Avalon in Hollywood. Additionally, its annual Ride For Ronnie Motorcycle Ride and Concert and Bowl For Ronnie Celebrity Bowling Tournament have been suspended as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more, check out the list of the upcoming shows at NYS Music as well as our Stream and Support page.

    undefined
    (Jason Belmonte, Wendy Dio, Geezer Butler, Dr Sandeep Kapoor, Dr Wong)

    Tickets are on sale now HERE with General Admission tickets priced at $20. Rolling Live Studios will also offer special merchandise packages and virtual VIP experiences for fans.

    Additional performers include Michael Angelo Batio (Nitro, Holland, Shout); Joey Belladonna (Anthrax); Chuck Billy (Testament); Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses, Slash’s Snakepit); Melody Cristea (Liliac); Aynsley Dunbar (Journey, Frank Zappa); Frank Ferrer (Guns N’ Roses); Lita Ford; Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Country Communion); Terry Ilous (Great White, XYZ); LA metal band Liliac; Sean McNabb (Quiet Riot, Dokken); Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, DIO); Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne); Glen Sobel (Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires); Lajon Witherspoon (Sevendust); and Brent Woods (Sebastian Bach, Wildside).

    Also participating will be members of the DIO band–Simon Wright, Oni Logan, Scott Warren, Bjorn Englen and Rowan Robertson, who will also appear with fellow castmate Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt) from the Las Vegas production “Raiding the Rock Vault.” Radio and television personalities Eddie Trunk and Matt Pinfield will be on hand during the broadcast conducting interviews with artists as well as with Dio producer Wyn Davis and Ronnie’s widow and long-time manager Wendy Dio.

  • Goose Announces New “Fred” Festival for August 2021

    Goose has announced new “Fred” festival. The festival will take place on August 20-22, 2021 in Arrington Virginia on LOCKN’ Farm.

    Goose is a band that fluidly travels through genres but generally makes its way back to the Indie-Groove sound. The band hails  from Connecticut and is made up of Rick Mitarotonda on vocals and guitar, Peter Anspach on vocals, keys, and guitar, Trevor Weekz on bass, Ben Atkind on drums, and Jeff Arevalo on vocals, percussion, and drums. They recently just released their newest album on June 4, 2021 titled Shenanigans Nite Club.

    Goose was supposed to perform at LOCKN’ last year for the first time but unfortunately couldn’t when the festival was cancelled due to COVID-19.  Goose’s Peter Anspach spoke on the festival and their experiences not getting to take the stage at LOCKN’ saying, “Last year, we were booked at LOCKN’ and we were so excited to perform on that legendary stage for the first time. We were all pretty disappointed after the festival was canceled so it’s an honor to be invited back to the farm for our own event. Along with an amazing lineup of incredible bands, we have a ton of surprises planned and we can’t wait for all of you to #getinvolved.”

    The Fred festival’s line up includes Goose, Dawes, Dr. Dog, Cory Wong, Hiss Golden Messenger, Grateful Shed, aGOOSEtic Trio, Vasudo, Sammy Rae & The Friends, and Elephant Proof.

    Tickets went on sale on Friday, June 4, 2021. Tickets for both day passes and weekend camping passes are available. The festival is also hosting Yoga, hiking, and team activities throughout the festivities. 

    For more information on Fred The Festival visit the website. For more information on Goose visit their website.

  • NIVA And Others Call on SBA To Release Grant Funds

    The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), along with several other leading arts organizations, has urged the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman to immediately fund all agencies and organizations eligible for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). Furthermore, NIVA has called on the SBA to resolve any interagency issues or barriers to funding.

    According to a recent NIVA press release, “The $16.1 billion SVOG program, signed into law in December 2020, provides eligible movie theaters, live venue operators and promoters, talent representatives, and performing arts organizations with grants equal to 45% of their 2019 gross earned revenue, up to a maximum of $10 million.”

    Financial support from the government has been crucial to venue operators in the age of COVID-19 as live performances and showings halted to a stop. However, those in the industry have called out the SBA’s shortcomings and broken promises to struggling businesses.

    The SBA failed to meet the June 9 deadline to “grant funds to those businesses suffering 90% or more losses and to begin making grants to the second tier of businesses suffering 70% or more losses.” Out of over 14,000 possible grants to first and second priority businesses, the SBA has fulfilled only 90.

    SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman

    With the delay of SVOG funds, many businesses are failing to keep their doors open and book talent as live shows are finally starting to return. Fortunately, Congressional advocates and the White House itself have started to prioritize holding the SBA accountable for their promises and addressing bureaucratic delays.

    The nationwide recovery of the live arts and entertainment ecosystem depends on the successful delivery of this vital federal relief. As the performing arts venues and organizations that are the fabric of communities across America, we are proud of collective efforts to fight for our survival, and we are rallying to cross the finish line.

    Lisa Richards Toney, President and CEO, Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP)

    Regardless of the increasingly positive outlook, leaders and business owners remain displeased over how long it has taken to receive federal economic support.

    Over 95% of the revenue of artists, gig workers and talent agencies have been annihilated for 15 months and this is unsustainable…over 1 million jobs in the arts have been lost, countless businesses have shut down, and we are on the verge of more devastating losses. We can go no longer as we have exhausted the funds from our savings, PPP Loans, EIDL loans and whatever assistance we have. We need money now.

    Charlotte Lee, Founder of Performing Arts Managers and Agents Coalition (PAMAC)

    NIVA’s demands have been called on a unified front with the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), the League of Historic American Theatres, the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), Performing Arts Managers and Agents Coalition (PAMAC), and the Performing Arts Alliance.

    While the exact next steps are unclear, shuttered venues undeniably need this relief sooner rather than later.

  • Flushing Town Hall Announces First in Person Event Since COVID-19

    Flushing Town Hall announced their first in person event since the onset of COVID-19 in March of 2020 that will have a 42 person capacity. The event will host the Queens Jazz Orchestra Ensemble on Friday, June 18 at 7PM EST for a live tribute to the late NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath.

    NEA Jazz Master and former Music Director of Flushing Town Hall’s Queens Jazz Orchestra Jimmy Heath passed away on January 19, 2020 at the age of 93, he passed the baton to his protégé Antonio Hart. This event is in honor of Jimmy Heath and his legacy. The Queens Jazz Orchestra Ensemble performing at Flushing Town Hall for this event and is comprised of six amazing musicians who all had a personal connection to Master Heath and are celebrating his legacy:  Antonio Hart who is the Leader and Saxophonist, Freddie Hendrix on Trumpet, Steve Davis on Trombone, Jeb Patton on Piano, David Wong on Acoustic Bass, Vince Ector on Drums. 

    This will be the first small live audience at Flushing Town Hall since March of 2020 with the onset of Covid-19. The event will observe Covid-19 safety measures that include mask requirements and social distancing. The concert will be simultaneously live streamed for a virtual audience at home for those who can’t make it in person. 

    Antonio Hart spoke about the event saying, “Due to Covid, the Queens Jazz Orchestra has not been able to perform together, but I am delighted to bring a smaller unit of members of the ensemble to Flushing Town Hall to celebrate Master Heath.”

    The event is also in honor of Flushing Town Hall’s 42nd anniversary, 42 in-person tickets are available ($15/$12 members), and unlimited virtual tickets ($10/$7 members) for audiences at home. All tickets can be purchased online here: flushingtownhall.org. Details about the logistics and safety requirements, including mask wearing and social distancing, to attend the event in-person are posted on the here.

    For more information on the event visit Flushing Town Hall’s website. 

Built in Breakdance