Now in its fourth year, Jazz at the Junction is Northern Stage’s Jazz concert series, with performances happening twice a year. These curated, one-night-only events highlight New England-based jazz musicians, taking the audiences on a journey through the rich history of the genre. Grab a drink at the bar and settle into your seats in the Byrne theater for an evening of toe-tapping fun!
In the early 1970s, Greg Abate was a working musician in Los Angeles when he auditioned for and won a position with the legendary Ray Charles Orchestra. Now one of the most respected alto saxophonists on the international jazz scene, Abate’s Tribute to Ray Charles celebrates the legacy of one of America’s greatest musical icons and brings his own musical journey with Charles full circle.
In the early 1970s, Greg Abate was a working musician in Los Angeles when he auditioned for and won a position with the legendary Ray Charles Orchestra, playing lead Alto Sax from 1973-1974!
His new project is a tribute to Ray Charles and features a stellar group performing music associated with Ray Charles. The group was captured live in concert at WGBH Jazz Boston, in a performance that is currently available on demand through WGBH. For Greg Abate, the recording brings his musical journey with Ray Charles full circle, preserving a live performance that celebrates the legacy of one of America’s greatest musical icons. A CD of this historic live session is scheduled for release in 2027 on the Summit Records label.
A powerful bebop and post-bop stylist, Abate has established himself as one of the most respected alto saxophonists on the international jazz scene. He has performed and recorded with many of jazz’s finest artists, including Phil Woods, Kenny Barron, Richie Cole, Jerome Richardson, and Claudio Roditi, Red Rodney, Hank Jones, Rufus Reid, George Mraz and many others with 27 Recordings as leader! He also played tenor saxophone with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra under Dick Johnson.
Greg was inducted into The Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2016. He remains high on the top five in the Downbeat Readers Poll for Alto Saxophone.
Phil Woods quotes: “I sleep better knowing that there are Alto Saxophonists like Greg Abate.”
Tim Ray is an internationally respected jazz pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and recording artist based in Boston. A professor at Berklee College of Music, Ray has built an extraordinary career spanning jazz, popular music, and classical performance.
Tim Ray served as pianist and Musical Director for the legendary Tony Bennett from 2016 until Bennett’s retirement in 2021, and previously toured and recorded with singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett for more than 15 years. He has appeared on more than 100 recordings and has performed with an exceptional roster of artists including Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Gary Burton, Terri Lyne Carrington, Esperanza Spalding, Kurt Elling, Phil Woods, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Dave Douglas, and Lewis Nash.
Marty Ballou is a highly respected jazz bassist and a longtime fixture of the New England jazz scene. Based in Rhode Island, Ballou has built a distinguished career performing with many of the leading jazz musicians and groups in the region and internationally.
Known for his deep, powerful sound, strong rhythmic foundation, and highly responsive improvisational style, Ballou has been a sought-after sideman as well as a leader. He has performed extensively with major figures in jazz and has been an important contributor to the vibrant Rhode Island and Boston jazz communities.
Gary Johnson is a highly respected New England jazz drummer who has been working professionally for more than four decades. The son of legendary New England saxophonist and bandleader Dick Johnson, Gary grew up immersed in the jazz and big-band tradition.
Gary toured extensively with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra, under the direction of his father, performing with such artists as Rosemary Clooney, Buddy DeFranco, and Helen Forrest. He was also a longtime member of his father’s Swingshift orchestra and performed with the groups of Lou Colombo and Ray Santisi.
Throughout his career, Johnson has shared the stage with major jazz figures including Dizzy Gillespie, Dave McKenna, Scott Hamilton, Ruby Braff, Keely Smith, Ken Peplowski, and Phil Wilson, as well as Greg Abate.
Northern Stage’s Box Office will be closed from Friday, August 21 through Tuesday, August 25 for administrative training. We will not be able to respond to phone calls or emails during this time, nor take any in-person sales.
Our Box Office is always open online by clicking the “Ticket” link in in the header above. If you have any troubles, send us an email at boxoffice@northernstage.org or leave a voicemail at (802) 296-7000 and we will get back to you once we reopen on Wednesday, August 26.
Thank you for your understanding!
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