Kenny Werner (left) and Gregoire Maret (right)
We’re sorry, this concert is sold out. Please call (858) 454-5872 for possible availability.
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
7:30 PM
The summer series opens on Wednesday, June 15, with a return performance of “Between a Smile and a Tear”—A Celebration of Toots Thielemans’ 100th Birthday, featuring Thielemans's heir apparent on the harmonica, Gregoire Maret, and Thielemans's longtime pianist Kenny Werner.
The Athenaeum had the good fortune to host three performances by Thielemans, a true musical icon and pioneer of the jazz harmonica. As those who followed Thielemans's long career know, he preferred to play with musicians who had their own identities and who challenged him to continue to grow musically, right up to his passing in 2016 at age 94.
Thielemans took a special interest in Maret because he had his own sound and style, and while influenced by Thielemans, never sought to copy him. Accordingly, this tribute will feature songs Thielemans loved to play, including his standard “Bluesette,” but interpreted in new ways. As Maret puts it, the duo will "try to find new places where his spirit is truly honored but his music is being played through a new prism." In addition to his 2019 performance with Kenny Werner, Maret has made past Athenaeum appearances with Jackie Terrasson and Luciana Souza.
Werner has graced the Athenaeum stage with his own trio and with artists such as Joe Lovano, Claudia Villela, Oscar Castro-Neves, Peter Erskine, and Kenny Wheeler.
The concerts will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for these events. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. These events will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of each concert. Masks are optional for fully vaccinated attendees. Proof of vaccination or negative test within 48 hours of the event is required. Event capacity is limited to 70% for now.