Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
In Memoriam: Ken Peplowski, 1959–2026
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
Guitarist and vocalist Leni Stern’s return trip to Africa was intended as an opportunity for her to thank all of the musicians who worked on her latest album, Africa (ILSR), but it ended up a far more involved journey. The trip included concert performances and a recording session with Salif Keita, during which they covered U2’s “One,” with Stern on guitar and Keita on vocals.
Stern’s new disc was recorded in Africa, with African musicians, at the pace of African life. Two years in the making, the CD integrates African and Western music forms. “I want people to hear what Africa sounds like,” Stern said. “Africa deserves our respect, not just our mercy.”
Stern will be touring the country, below is a list of gigs:
Nov. 13: 55 bar, New York City
Nov. 21: Bowery Poetry Club, New York
Nov. 28: Freight and Salvage, San Francisco
Dec. 1: The Metropolitan Cafe, Los Angeles
Dec 5: 55 bar, New York City
Jan. 17: Scullers, Boston
Jan. 22: Yoshi’s, San Francisco
Feb. 12: University of Maryland, College Park, Md.
More info: lenistern.com
Peplowski first came to prominence in legacy swing bands, including the final iteration of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, before beginning a solo career in the late 1980s.
Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
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