Mike Wofford
Josh Nelson
We’re sorry, this concert is sold out! Please call (858) 454-5872 to inquire about tickets at the door.
NEW DATE: Sunday, July 24, 2022
7:30 PM
The series continues on Wednesday, June 29, with a two-piano performance by Mike Wofford and Josh Nelson. This concert is a special tribute to Athenaeum Executive Director Erika Torri on the eve of her retirement after 33 years at the library. Under her leadership the Athenaeum Jazz series has grown and flourished for the past three decades, beginning with the first concerts in the summer of 1989, which included Wofford.
Wofford has recorded and performed with a long list of major artists, including Sonny Stitt, Stan Getz, Joe Pass, Quincy Jones, Benny Carter, Ray Brown, Lee Konitz, Chet Baker, Art Pepper, Joe Henderson, Benny Golson, and James Moody. He was also conductor and pianist for both Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. With this extraordinary career, it is no wonder that DownBeat recognized him as “one of the outstanding pianists of our time.”
He returns for this special occasion for a collaboration with top Los Angeles–based pianist Josh Nelson. Nelson has performed with some of the most respected names in jazz, including Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli, Sheila Jordan, John Clayton, George Mraz, Jeff Hamilton, Dave Koz, Joe Chambers, and Peter Erskine. His previous Athenaeum appearances were with vocalist Sara Gazarek and guitarist Larry Koonse. Wofford commented, “Josh is an amazing pianist and composer whom I very much admire. He is a truly gifted player and one who understands the community and mutual collaboration so necessary to this approach to playing jazz. Our program will include standards, as well as original music by Josh and me.”
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. Proof of vaccination or negative test within 48 hours of the event is required. Event capacity is limited to 70% for now.