Upcoming Jazz Shows in New York

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The New Soul of the Hammond B3

Featuring

The Mike DiRubbo Quartet

Mike DiRubbo - Alto Sax

Brian Charette - Hammond B3

Tom Guarna - Guitar

Rudy Royston - Drums

The Cutting Room

44 East 32 Street | New York, NY 10016

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“God has brought many things out of oppression. He has endowed his

creatures with the capacity to create—and from this capacity has flowed

the sweet songs of sorrow and joy that have allowed man to cope with

his environment and many different situations.

Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life's difficulties, and if

you think for a moment, you will realize that they take the hardest

realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with some new

hope or sense of triumph. This is triumphant music.

Modern Jazz has continued in this tradition, singing the songs of a more

complicated urban existence. When life itself offers no order and

meaning, the musician creates an order and meaning from the sounds

of the earth which flow through his instrument.

It is no wonder that so much of the search for identity among African

Americans was championed by Jazz musicians. Long before scholars

wrote of ‘racial identity’ as a challenge in a multi-racial world, musicians

were returning to their roots to affirm that which was stirring within their

souls.

Much of the power of the Freedom Movement in the United States has

come from this music. It has strengthened us with its sweet rhythms

when courage began to fail. It has calmed us with its rich harmonies

when spirits were down. And now, Jazz is shared with the world.

For in this struggle, there is something universal. Everybody has the

Blues. Everybody longs for meaning. Everybody needs to love and be

loved. Everybody needs joy. Everybody longs for faith. In music—

especially in this broad category called Jazz—there is a stepping stone

toward all of these.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 5:45 PM

VTY Jazz Arts

Presents

JAZZ: A VOICE OF LIFE AND FREEDOM

Program Reflection

Hosted by: Arnie Perez

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote a profound opening address

for the inaugural 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival , describing jazz

as "triumphant" music that "speaks for life" and transforms

the harshest realities into hope. In celebration of Jazz

Apperciation Month, here are his words:

http://www.vtyjazzarts.net

Special thanks to:

Steve Walter, The Cutting Room

Barbara Harding, VTY Jazz Arts Co-Producer

Francine Heller, Admission

Nita Sacco, Graphic Designer

Magdalena Benitez-Ridley, Program

Keith Thomas, Transportation