I hope the new season with all its colors and crisp air has been treating you well. As for me, I’m thrilled to be out of the heat! Candy tends to walk at a fast clip, and I’m looking forward to showing up at my NYC gigs NOT looking as if I’ve stepped out of a sauna!
Last week, Candy and I returned after celebrating the wedding of Al Hicks and Alexis Acevedo in Hawaii. It was an incredible time, and such a blast to be with the "Keep On Keepin On" crew again... as well as trying to surf (Candy too)!
After settling back in NYC, I had the great pleasure of performing with a wonderful pianist and educator, Jeremy Siskind at the Bard Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Hudson, NY. We were joined by two incredible vocalists, Brianna Thomas and Vuyolwethu Sotashe. It was a lot of fun exploring a wide range of songs centered on the theme of Protest and Reconciliation.
Next up are a few very special gigs in the City I’m particularly excited about. First, I’ll be joined by my favorite guitarist, Peter Bernstein and bassist Evan Gregor at a new jazz spot called Django, located at The Roxy Hotel in downtown Manhattan this Wednesday. 10 pm!
Then, this Thursday I’ll be participating in a very unique event held in honor of Oscar Peterson on a Yamaha Signature Series Bosendorfer piano based on Oscar’s own beautiful instrument, and sharing the stage with Renee Rosnes, Peter Washington and Bill Charlap. Huge thanks to Kelly Peterson for allowing me to be a part this WBGO-Yamaha Artist Services Event. This is going to be a lot of fun!
Finally, I’ll be back at the Django Jazz Club with Rob Duguay's Songevity on Saturday before heading to Europe with my trio. It’s a busy month, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so thankful for your support, and hope to catch up with you at one of these performances. Until then, all my best to you.
Justin