Jazz House Kids has announced that Sting will appear as the special guest for the Ralph Pucci 8th Annual Jazz Set on February 28, 2024. The singer-songwriter will play with and be interviewed by Christian McBride, Jazz House’s artistic director, in a taping of “The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian,” his SiriusXM radio show. The event is a benefit for the Montclair-based organization that provides jazz and music education for youth, many of whom have gone on to considerable success in the jazz world. The organization also produces the Montclair Jazz Festival, attended by thousands of jazz fans every year.
Though known for their work in different genres, the two bassists have plenty of common ground, with McBride appearing on two of Sting’s albums, All This Time and Sacred Love. In addition, the two have performed live together several times over the years. “I’m so glad Sting was able to join us for the annual Ralph Pucci Jazz Set for Jazz House in 2024,” said McBride in a press release received at WBGO. “He is a dear friend of mine and someone full of knowledge and wisdom. I was honored to play bass on his album All This Time and in his touring band and look forward to playing with him again in February.”
The taping will take place at the NYC showroom and warehouse of Ralph Pucci International that is filled with specially designed furniture, light and art, and that is converted for the night into a veritable jazz club. McBride’s past special guests have included Norah Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, Laurie Anderson, Gregory Porter, John Pizzarelli and Esperanza Spalding.
VIP event packages to the Ralph Pucci 8th Annual Jazz Set are now on sale with patron tickets released in mid-January. Information is here.
Also, tomorrow (Thursday, December 21), McBride and Melissa Walker, president of Jazz House Kids will appear on the Kelly Clarkson Show, as one of the non-profit organizations that the show is featuring.
