On Friday, December 5 at 8 p.m, Neighborhood Music School will host a jazz concert featuring Grammy-winning saxophonist Ian Hendrickson-Smith, performing with a band of friends. Hendrickson-Smith tours with The Roots and appears on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, where he has been the saxophonist since 2014.
Ian Hendrickson-Smith is a remarkably versatile alto, tenor, and baritone saxophonist (and flutist) whose career spans decades and genres. He is one of the most in-demand horn players, having played or toured with artists including Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, Al Green, Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Bob Dylan, St. Vincent, Celine Dion, Queen Latifah, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Lizzo, and many others. Over his storied career, he has earned six Grammy Awards, performed at major international venues, and built a reputation for a rich, soulful tone and blues-influenced melodic style. As a recording artist, Ian has released twelve jazz albums as a leader, including The Lowdown, which reached No. 7 on the national jazz charts.
For one night only, Neighborhood Music School welcomes Hendrickson-Smith alongside an incredible lineup of talented funk, soul, and jazz musicians: Al Street (guitar), Eric Finland (organ) and David Hawkins (drums).
Seating is limited and tickets are on sale now – buy here! Doors open at 7:45pm. Tickets at $25 for general admission and $10 for students.
The concert will take place in the NMS Recital Hall, a cozy venue that allows audiences to hear every nuance of the music up close. With limited seating, the event offers a rare chance to experience top-tier jazz in an accessible, community-centered space.
Neighborhood Music School is the largest non-profit community arts organization in Connecticut and one of the ten largest in the country. Founded in 1911 as part of the settlement house movement serving new immigrants to New Haven, we now serve more than 2,400 students from 80+ cities and towns annually. Students of all ages receive individual and group instruction in music, dance, drama, and film, and participate in over 100 weekly ensembles. In addition, we house an arts-integrated preschool and an independent, theatre-based middle school. We provide close to $500,000 in financial aid and tuition support to more than 500 students each year.
Tickets for the December 5 concert are available now through the NMS website.