The Art of the Story

The 5th annual "The Nearness of You Concert" honors the legacy of saxophonist Michael Brecker and benefits cancer research

By Doug Doyle,

Published January 28, 2026 at 4:54 PM EST

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On this episode of The Art of the Story, WBGO's "Daybreak" host Gary Walker chats with Susan Brecker and Darryl Pitt about the 5th annual "The Nearness of You" benefit concert.

The 5th annual "The Nearness of You Concert" will take place on February 9 in the Appel Room at Jazz At Lincoln Center.

Some of the stars of this year's "The Nearness of You Concert" at Jazz at Lincoln Center

A star-studded lineup is in place to celebrate the legacy of the late great saxophonist Michael Brecker and raise money for cancer research.

In 2007, we lost saxophonist Michael Brecker to a rare form of bone cancer at the age of 57.

Michael's wife Susan and Darryl Pitt are co-producers of the event. Pitt was Brecker's long-time friend and manager.

You can SEE Gary Walker's entire interview with Susan Brecker and Darryl Pitt below:

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Doug Doyle

Doug Doyle has been News Director at WBGO since 1998. Since then, Doug and his news staff have received more than 300 awards from organizations like PRNDI (now PMJA), AP, New York Association of Black Journalists, Garden State Association of Black Journalists and the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists.

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Gary Walker

In jazz radio, great announcers are distinguished by their ability to convey the spontaneity and passion of the music. Gary Walker is such an announcer, and his enthusiasm for this music greets WBGO listeners every morning on Daybreak. He's the winner of the 1996 Gavin Magazine Jazz Radio Personality of the Year Award and the recipient of the 2021 Marian McPartland-Willis Conover Award for Career Achievement in Broadcasting from the Jazz Journalists Association. Gary hosts the morning show each weekday from 8am til noon. And, by his own admission, he's truly having a great time.

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