Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York will celebrates the 90th birthday of Thelonius Monk with two concerts featuring the likes of Slide Hampton, Junior Mance, Jimmy Owens, Ben Allison and Matt Wilson.
“Monk’s influence permeates all aspects of performed and composed music from the 1940s to the present; his creativity is the foundation upon which today’s jazz artists stand,” said Martin Mueller, Executive Director of New School Jazz. The concerts are part of Jazz Presents, an annual series at The New School that showcases the work of New School Jazz faculty in collaboration with the rising stars of jazz —New School Jazz alumni and students. Jazz Presents is sponsored by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts and The Julien J. Studley Foundation.
On Wednesday, Oct. 10, the evening of Monk’s birthday, the school will present “The Monk Influence.” New School Jazz musicians and guests artists will interpret Monk’s compositions in the mainstream tradition. Faculty member Jimmy Owens leads the ensemble on trumpet and flugelhorn, with Slide Hampton on trombone, faculty member Junior Mance on piano, Kenny Davis on bass and Eric McPherson on drums. The show is at 8 p.m. at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance Space, 55 W. 13th St., 5th floor. Admission is $10, and free to students and New School faculty, staff and alumni with ID.
On Oct. 30, “The Monk Confluence” will feature the newest generation of New School Jazz faculty and friends for an evening of contemporary interpretation of Monk. New School Jazz faculty member Steve Cardenas will lead a piano-less quartet on guitar, performing familiar and less known Monk compositions with Ben Allison on bass, Matt Wilson on drums and New School Jazz student Yonatan Voltzok on trombone. The show begins at 8 p.m., and is at the same location with the same ticket fees as the Oct. 10 show.
For more information e-mail boxoffice@newschool.edu.
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
