Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Miguel Zenón will lead a benefit concert for victims of Hurricane Maria in Berkeley, California, on Oct. 8. The powerful hurricane was the worst storm to hit the island in almost a century.
(Photo: © Jimmy Katz)Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria, the worst storm to hit the island in almost a century. Puerto Ricans lost power, homes were damaged or destroyed by massive flooding, and first responders scrambled to rescue people who were trapped. Relief agencies worked hard to get food and medical supplies to those in need. The recovery will be a long, difficult process.
In support of the hurricane victims, jazz artists on the West Coast will perform a benefit concert, Juntos por Puerto Rico, on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St., in Berkeley, California. Tickets are $60 premium advance, $40 general advance and $44 at the door. Additional information can be found at the Freight & Salvage website.
Event organizer Miguel Zenón, a DownBeat Critics Poll-topping alto saxophonist and Puerto Rican native, notes that the Juntos por Puerto Rico concert will be an opportunity to provide aid to a community in need and to celebrate Puerto Rico’s rich musical tradition. “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,” said Zenón, who will also perform at the event. “We’re honored that so many incredible musicians have chosen to donate their talents to help raise badly needed resources, and that Freight & Salvage is providing a wonderful venue so that we can perform for everyone who wants to help.”
Performers will include Obed Calvaire, Marco Diaz, Robin Eubanks, David Flores, Jose Roberto Hernandez, Zakir Hussain, Sean Jones, Rebeca Mauleon, Javier Navarrete, Rico Pabon, Pedro Pastrana, Joshua Redman, David Sanchez, John Santos, Shefali Shah, Marcus Shelby and Saul Sierra.
For more information on the concert, click here.
To donate to Hurricane Maria relief via the Red Cross, click here.
To read a story about the Jazz Foundation of America’s relief efforts in Houston in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, click here. DB
“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…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
Mar 24, 2026 11:42 AM
Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…
