Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
John Scofield will perform at an all-star benefit concert at the Jazz Gallery on Nov. 1, with proceeds going to provide assistance to the people of Puerto Rico.
(Photo: © Nicholas Suttle)Jazz musicians are coming to the aid of victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. The stellar level of musicianship at two upcoming benefits in New York will make each concert a must-see event. And fans will feel great about helping support an extremely important cause.
On Oct. 23, (Le) Poison Rouge will host a benefit concert titled Salsa Meets Jazz for Puerto Rico! The venue is located at 158 Bleecker Street, the former site of the legendary jazz venue The Village Gate.
The title of the benefit nods to The Village Gate’s storied Monday night Salsa Meets Jazz series. Bandleader/percussionist Bobby Sanabria will host this star-studded concert, which will raise money and provide support for musicians in Puerto Rico through the efforts of the Jazz Foundation of America.
Fans can choose one of four ticket tier options ($100 VIP Meet and Greet + Gold Circle Seating; $50 Gold Circle Seating: $35 General Admisison Seating; or $25 General Admission Standing). Additional donations will be collected at the venue.
Sanabria will lead his Multiverse Big Band, who will collaborate with numerous special guests, including three recipients of the NEA Jazz Master honor: reedist Paquito D’Rivera, trumpeter Jimmy Owens and percussionist Candido. Other guests include musicians David Amram, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis, Larry Harlow, Eddie Montalvo, Antoinette Montague and Brenda Feliciano, as well as poets Mariposa and Felipe Luciano.
All proceeds go to the Jazz Foundation of America Relief Fund for the Musicians of Puerto Rico. For more on the JFA, visit its website. For more on (Le) Poison Rouge, visit its website.
On Nov. 1, the Jazz Gallery will host an event titled Fuerza Puerto Rico! Participating musicians at the all-star event will include Peter Bernstein, Dave Douglas, Kurt Elling, Marcus Gilmore, Larry Grenadier, Jon Irabagon, Branford Marsalis, Christian McBride, Luis Perdomo, Jorge Roeder, Rudy Royston, John Scofield, Bill Stewart and Miguel Zenón.
The Jazz Gallery is located at 1160 Broadway. Tickets are $50 and all proceeds go to the Puerto Rico Recovery Fund. There will be sets at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. For tickets and information, visit the Jazz Gallery website or call (646) 494-3625.
“Hurricane Maria was the worst storm to hit the island of Puerto Rico in almost a century,” said Zenón, a native of San Juan. “I hope you’ll join us to help the people of Puerto Rico recover from this devastating catastrophe. It’s going to take years for the island to recover, but residents need immediate help. … We’re honored that so many incredible musicians have chosen to donate their talents to help raise badly needed resources, and that the Jazz Gallery is providing a wonderful venue so that we can perform for everyone who wants to help.”
This is the second benefit concert organized by Zenón. The first took place Oct. 8 at Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, California, and raised more than $20,000. To read DownBeat’s recap of that event, click here.
To make a donation to the Jazz Foundation of America, visit its website.
To make a donation to the Red Cross, visit its website. DB
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
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