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…
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
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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