On this episode of The Art of the Story, WBGO's Doug Doyle chats with Michael Dorf, producer of the Music Of concert series and the founder of City Winery.
The 21st annual Music Of tribute concert is celebrating the timeless catalog of Billy Joel – taking place at the legendary Carnegie Hall on March 12…that performance was sold out before the lineup was even announced, but there’s another opportunity to see a part of the show.
City Winery is holding an exclusive live rehearsal show on March 11. The Music Of tribute concert is the brainchild of producer and the founder City Winery. Dorf, who also founded the old jazz club, Knitting Factory in 1987, says he also wanted to highlight ofcorsica! one of his two new restaurants on Pier 57. Those who want to attend the rehearsal show, must first make a restaurant reservation in order to snag a ticket.
This year’s concert will feature Billy Joel’s full eight-piece touring band as the evening’s house band, led by Joel’s longtime musical director and keyboardist David Rosenthal. It will also include his longest-standing band member Mark Rivera as well as Crystal Taliefero, Tommy Byrnes, Andy Cichon, Chuck Burgi, Carl Fischer, and Mike DelGuidice, bringing the authentic sound and spirit of Joel’s live performances to Carnegie Hall. Joining the lineup are Rob Thomas, Alexa Ray Joel, Pat Monahan (Train), Gavin DeGraw, Marc Roberge, Matt Nathanson, Rufus Wainwright, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tanya Tucker, The War And Treaty, Joy Oladokun, and Bettye LaVette, with more artists to be announced in the coming weeks.
These sold-out shows have not only celebrated musical greatness, but directed 100% of all net proceeds – $100,000 annually and over $2 million in total – to a diverse group of non-profit organizations dedicated to music education. These beneficiaries include Jazz House Kids, Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), Young Audiences NY, FIXS, Church Street School of Music, Partnership with Children, D’Addario Foundation, Save the Music, Midori & Friends, Grammy in the Schools, the Orchestra Now, and the Newport Jazz Kids.
100% of all net proceeds from The Music of Billy Joel will once again benefit these and other music education programs, helping to ensure that the next generation of musicians can continue to thrive.
You can SEE my entire conversation with Michael Dorf below:
