Mar 2, 2026 9:58 PM
In Memoriam: John Hammond Jr., 1942–2026
John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
Wynton Marsalis is the featured performer on Velocity Broadcasting’s first “In Higher Definition Private Performance Series.” These concerts will be broadcast in Morton’s The Steakhouse private boardroom locations across the United States on Oct. 6 and 7. DownBeat is also collaborating on this presentation.
“No one else in the nation is offering fans this unique way of enjoying a live concert,” Marsalis said. “Jazz is an expressive, evocative form of music and with this concept—combining top quality audio, visual and dining—fans will experience an intimate listening session. I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
Audiences will view Marsalis’ concert via satellite in Morton’s boardrooms that are equipped with high-definition projection systems, 108” screens and 7.2 surround sound with 11 speakers. The suite accomodates up to 40 guests in each location. Morton’s four-course dinner is included in the concert package.
“Jazz icon Wynton Marsalis is the perfect ambassador to join us in introducing this groundbreaking concept that will clearly redefine the entertainment medium,” Philip Elias, chief executive officer and executive producer of Velocity Broadcasting, said. “What better combination—Morton’s exceptional menu and the finest jazz performed by a living legend?”
“Jazz has always been ahead of trends in music, so Wynton Marsalis’ ‘In Higher Definition’ makes perfect sense,” said DownBeat president Kevin Maher. “A trend-setting artist in a trend-setting atmosphere.”
For more information go to: VelocityBoxOffice.com
Hammond came to the blues through the folk boom of the late 1950s and early 1960s, which he experienced firsthand in New York’s Greenwich Village.
Mar 2, 2026 9:58 PM
John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater will be among the headliners at this year’s DC JazzFest.
Mar 2, 2026 9:48 PM
The first wave of artists scheduled to perform at the 2026 DC JazzFest have been announced. This year’s headliners…
Blindfold Test proctor Ted Panken, left, with the Grammy-winning Nicole Zuraitis.
Feb 24, 2026 12:00 PM
After earning the 2024 Best Jazz Vocal Album Grammy for her seventh album, How Love Begins (La Reserve), comprising 12…
“These days, with curated news, where people only get half the story, people can’t even speak to family members anymore,” Schneider laments.
Mar 10, 2026 1:43 PM
Maria Schneider is doing her part to try to fix what ails America. Which got her thinking about crows, specifically,…
