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”
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Join us for an exciting night of jazz as bassist Marcos Varela takes the stage at The Houston Piano Store on Friday, November 1, 2024. Known for his exceptional skill on both acoustic and electric bass, Varela has made his mark as one of the most in-demand musicians on the New York jazz scene and beyond. With a resume that boasts performances with jazz legends like The Mingus Big Band, Ingrid Jensen, Billy Hart, and Leslie Odom, Jr., Varela brings a wealth of experience and artistry to every performance.
A Houston native, Varela’s journey from the High School for the Performing & Visual Arts to The New School in NYC laid the foundation for a prolific career as a composer, band leader, and educator. His debut album San Ygnacio received high praise from jazz legend Ron Carter, who described Varela as "a truly unique musician" and "a valuable asset to any musical organization." Don't miss the chance to witness this extraordinary talent live. Tickets are $25, and seating is limited—secure yours now for a night of soulful, sophisticated jazz that promises to leave a lasting impression. Tickets at Eventbrite or this website. Date: November 1, 2024 Venue: The Houston Piano Store, 1600 W 13th St, Houston, TX 77008 Tickets: $25 Come experience the magic of jazz with Marcos Varela!
Join us for an eclectic live performance by The Biggest Brandon!
Listen to new music that is a mix of various music genres along with special arrangements of favorite tunes. This in-person event will take place on Saturday, September 16, 2023, 6:15 p.m. at Houston Piano Company, 1600 West 13th Street, Houston, TX 77008. Born and raised in the heart of Third Ward, The Biggest Brandon is a singer songwriter, pianist, producer, flautist, and pedagogue. His music reflects a dynamic fusion of Neo-Soul, jazz, R&B, hip-hop and classical music. He attended Kinder HSPVA and received his bachelors in Vocal Performance from Prairie View A&M University. The Biggest Brandon has toured with the gulf coast soul band The Suffers and is an active member in Jawaad Taylor’s band alongside James Brandon Lewis. As a solo artist, he has performed at The Wortham Theatre, Jones Hall, Miller Outdoor theater, and internationally in Medellin, Colombia, and London, England. He has been recognized by the Houston Chronicle as a rising artist to watch. As of 2022, he is a Houston Arts Alliance multi-grant recipient. You can find his music on various streaming platforms. Follow him on Instagram @Thebiggestbrandon. Mark your calendars, buy your ticket, and be prepared for an evening of pure entertainment. The performance is a part of the Live Music Movement Summer into Fall Concert series. See you there! For more on The Biggest Brandon click here. Get tickets on Eventbrite or on this site. Join us for an electrifying live performance by The Jalen Baker Quartet! Get ready to groove to their soulful tunes and experience an unforgettable night of music. Tunes from their sophomore album, Be Still, will be performed. Their debut album was performed before an LMMF sold-out audience, and all CDs on hand were sold as well. This event is sure to be just as exciting. This in-person event will take place on Sunday, August 20, 2023, 5:15 PM at Houston Piano Company, 1600 West 13th Street, Houston, TX 77008. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to see The Jalen Baker Quartet perform live. Grab your friends and come enjoy an evening filled with captivating tunes and energetic performances. Mark your calendars, buy your ticket, and be prepared for an evening of pure entertainment. The performance is a part of the Live Music Movement Summer into Fall Concert series. See you there! Tickets are available on Eventbrite or this site. NOTE: We are excited to continue our presentation of new music in unusual spaces.This is an intimate space in a piano store. The performance will be without intermission. Bassist Weldon Scott Collective with Brooke Wyatt, keys; Josh Green, drums; Jalen Baker, vibes; and Jillian Willis, vocals at the Houston Piano Company, Sat, August 27, 2022, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM CDT, 1600 West 13th Street, Houston, TX 77008.
About this event LMMF welcomes Bassist Weldon Scott's return concert. Catch him on his journey from Cal State Los Angeles to MSM in New York. Weldon will present special music with a collective of friends and colleagues. Tickets at: By Denise Powell, Posted on July 21 2022 Braylon Hughes, 16 and an aspiring cellist, is pursuing musical excellence. He began playing the cello in the 5th grade, exploring his musical potential through the instrument. The first tune Braylon mastered was "Dragonhunter" by Richard Meyer. He also esteems world-famous cellists such as Rostropovich, Yo-Yo Ma, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and Jacqueline du Pre.
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