2024 Year-End Review: Celebrating a Year of Live Music and Community ImpactPosted on January 31, 2025
As we closed out 2024, the Live Music Movement Foundation reflected on a significant year of live performances, community engagement, and artistic celebration. Last year, we had the privilege of bringing world-class talent to Houston stages, reconnecting audiences with the magic of live music and elevating the profiles of exceptional artists in the jazz community. From intimate concerts to historic moments, 2024 was a memorable year.
Paul Cornish: Album Pre-Release Concert (May 15, 2024) We kicked off our concert season with a performance by Houston-born pianist and composer Paul Cornish at the Houston Piano Company. Returning to his hometown as part of his album pre-release tour, Paul delivered an intimate, immersive experience for attendees. A graduate of Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and a recipient of the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute fellowship, Paul’s virtuosity shone as he shared new compositions and stories from his musical journey. His performance reaffirmed LMMF’s mission to support emerging artists and connect them with their communities. Henrietta Robinson: Jazz Vocalist Extraordinaire (July 27, 2024) In July, the Live Music Movement Foundation proudly presented Houston’s own Henrietta Robinson in concert. Originally scheduled for early summer, the performance was rescheduled due to unexpected weather but was well worth the wait. Henrietta captivated the audience with her deep contralto voice and masterful scat singing, channeling the legacies of jazz greats such as Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and John Coltrane. Accompanied by a talented trio of talented musicians—Brooke Wyatt on piano, A.J. Moyler on bass, and Jerré Jackson on drums—Henrietta’s storytelling through music left an indelible impression on all who attended. Marcos Varela: Bassist Extraordinaire (November 1, 2024) November brought another stellar performance to the Houston Piano Company, this time featuring renowned bassist Marcos Varela. A native Houstonian with a flourishing career in New York City, Marcos returned home to share his musical artistry with our audience. Having performed with jazz legends such as The Mingus Big Band and Leslie Odom Jr., Marcos delivered a dynamic set that showcased his skills on acoustic bass. The concert was a masterclass in jazz performance and a testament to the power of music to bridge generations and geographies. Jalen Baker: Live Album Recording at Eldorado Ballroom (December 19, 2024) Our year culminated in a historic performance at the legendary Eldorado Ballroom, where vibraphonist Jalen Baker recorded his first live album. This milestone event brought together a packed house to witness a pivotal moment in Jalen’s career. Joined by Paul Cornish on piano, Gavin Moolchan on drums, and Gabriel Godoy on bass, Jalen’s quartet delivered an electrifying performance of original compositions, blending innovation with tradition in a way that left the audience spellbound. The evening captured the spirit of Houston’s rich jazz history while looking ahead to its bright future. The Eldorado Ballroom, a cultural landmark in Houston, provided the perfect backdrop for this significant event. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and historic significance, the venue added a layer of depth and meaning to the live album recording, making it a night that will live on in the annals of Houston’s jazz scene. Our Impact in 2024 This year, the Live Music Movement Foundation successfully hosted four major events, each featuring talented artists with roots in Houston and beyond. Through these concerts, we provided a platform for musicians to share their art, engage with the community, and contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy. In doing so, we reaffirmed our commitment to supporting live music, preserving jazz traditions, and creating meaningful musical experiences. Looking back on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for our artists, supporters, partners, and audience members. Your enthusiasm and dedication have made it possible for us to fulfill our mission of celebrating live music and fostering artistic connections. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to bringing exceptional music to Houston stages and beyond. We are excited to continue this journey with all of you, creating opportunities for artists to thrive and ensuring that live music remains a vital part of our cultural landscape. Thank you for being part of our movement. Together, we are keeping live music alive and thriving. Here’s to an even more inspiring 2025! The Live Music Movement Foundation “Preserving the Legacy of Live Music, One Note at a Time” Witness History in the Making: Jalen Baker Quartet Live at the ElDorado Ballroom
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