Violinist

He began classical piano studies at age 4 and won a BMI composers award before attending Yale University, where he majored in musical theory and composition.  At Yale, his studies with noted African art theorist Robert Farris Thompson inspired him to immerse himself in the world of Afro-Caribbean music.  Upon returning to NYC he played with, arranged and composed for some of the great salsa artists of the 1970s and 1980s, including Celia Cruz, Ruben Blades, and Daniel Ponce (featuring Tito Puente).  A highlight of this period was an appearance in Rio and São Paolo opening for the legendary João Gilberto in a duo with vocalist Bebel Gilberto. He also toured with David Byrne (“Rei Momo”) as keyboardist and vocalist.

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Steven Sandberg Quartet

Miller Symphony Hall

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 Stretto Piano Festival Closing Night Celebration, taking place on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 7:00 pm. This grand finale will be hosted at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre, located at 250 95th Street, offering a night of exceptional music and artistic brilliance.

The closing night will feature the extraordinary talents of Jed Distler, a renowned composer and pianist, known for his captivating interpretations of Thelonious Monk's compositions, alongside jazz and world music improv greats Zach Brock and Steve Sandberg. Special guest artists, including the celebrated French violinist Jean-Luc Ponty and jazz legend Stanley Clarke, will also grace the stage, making it a night to remember.

Zach Brock, a Grammy Award-winning violinist and a key member of the contemporary jazz band Snarky Puppy, will showcase his exceptional improvisational skills and virtuosity. His performances are a testament to his dedication and passion for music, having been recognized as one of the most influential musicians of his generation.

Steve Sandberg, an Emmy-nominated pianist, composer, and raconteur, will enchant the audience with his unique blend of classical, jazz, and global music traditions. His performances are known for their virtuosic improvisation and deep emotional connection, offering a musical experience that transcends genres.

Tickets for this spectacular event are available for purchase, with prices ranging from $25 to $50. This is a visiting presenter event, promising an evening filled with musical masterpieces and performances that highlight the incredible talent and diversity of the participating artists.

Don't miss the chance to be part of the 2024 Stretto Piano Festival's closing night celebration. Secure your tickets now for an evening of unforgettable music and artistic excellence.

2024 Stretto Piano Festival Closing Night Celebration

Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space

“One of the notable post-millennial voices in jazz violin” (All About Jazz), Zach Brock is the music’s most vital young violinists, best known as a GRAMMY-winning member of Snarky Puppy and for his collaboration with bass legend Stanley Clarke. He performs music from his latest GroundUP release, Dirty Mindz, with his superb trio.

The Kentucky native began his violin studies at four and after honing his craft through high school, eventually decamped to Chicago for studies at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music and the beginnings of his jam-packed professional career. Mentored by eminent jazz pianist Phil Markowitz and now based in New York, Brock has lent his virtuosic melodicism to work with Wycliffe Gordon, Idan Raichel, Frank Vignola and Snarky Puppy keyboardist Bill Laurance, winning DownBeat’s 2013 Critics Poll for Rising Star Violinist.

Zach Brock

SFJAZZ Center

Kate Baker’s debut recording was her late husband Vic Juris’s swan song. But that’s not the beginning, nor the end, of the story. In early 2019, the married collaborators — who had performed together for two decades — recorded Return to Shore. A captivating set of duo recordings, the album showcased Baker’s fluid, radiant voice and Juris’s supple guitar mastery in an intimate, unadorned setting. Tragically, soon after these sessions, Juris learned he had neuroendocrine cancer. That New Year’s Eve=, the disease took his life at 66

Kate Baker

Room 623

Empire Central is an homage to Dallas, with many of its songs inspired by the collective’s time in the city. And like the city, the eclectic 19-piece electric ensemble is big and bold, chill and laid back, rooted in its native culture while reaching forward. Led by Michael League on bass, Snarky Puppy was formed in 2004 by 10 friends who were enrolled in the jazz program at the University of North Texas. With 13 albums in 18 years that have garnered four Grammy Awards, Snarky Puppy has attracted international fandom for its detailed arrangements of fetching melodies, texturally layered harmonies, exciting solos, ear-candy synth effects, and propulsive beats. Its distinctly Southwestern influences — blues, hard rock, classic soul, modern gospel, percolating funk, new tech, fusion, and jazz — never sound derivative but conjure music that’s fresh and original.

Snarky Puppy Performance

University of Michigan

GRAMMY-nominated artist Priya Darshini returns to Joe's Pub with her series that features leading artists and composers from distinct musical backgrounds in a spirited performance driven by spontaneous interactions. This project seeks to highlight the beauty in diversity, collaboration, and the value of shared experience and community.

Violinist

Zach Brock

Events

Past events

Nov 15, 2024

Steven Sandberg Quartet · Miller Symphony Hall

Jun 4, 2024

2024 Stretto Piano Festival Closing Night Celebration · Symphony Space

About

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