Below is the press release from The Mainstay, announcing my decision to continue hosting   the weekly "Mainstay Monday" series for one more year, ending on Labor Day, 2020.

Popular Mainstay Monday Concert Series Prepares for a Transition

Joe Holt, the esteemed host and curator of Mainstay Monday, The
Mainstay’s weekly concert program, has decided to explore a wider
variety of artistic adventures. He has gracefully given The Mainstay
until Labor Day 2020 to determine how to best continue what will then
be a four-year tradition. Former Mainstay Executive Director, Rory
Trainor, conceived Mainstay Monday as a summer-long event in
2016. The popularity of the evenings has led to an enthralling 
multiyear run of Monday concerts where Holt’s versatile and virtuosic
piano stylings are paired with a guest musician each week.
Holt has said, "Mainstay Mondays have been a wonderful opportunity
and privilege. I'm proud to be associated with The Mainstay, and
grateful for the support of artists and audiences in our local
community. I have loved being able to be in the position to facilitate
access to the stage for deserving local talent, as well to collaborate
with established artists from the greater region and beyond. At this
point, however, I must acknowledge that I cannot maintain the
level of time and energy commitment required to bring a show from
concept to the stage on a weekly basis indefinitely.” Holt will continue
to be a presence in Mainstay programming and serve as a consultant
for the organization.
The Mainstay will study successful models of community-curated
concerts and listen to opinions of local artists, audiences and
educators in preparation for seamless programing to continue after
September 2020.
Mainstay Director Carol Colgate said, “We are happy for this coming
year in which to enjoy Joe and the magic that he brings each week. I
urge local residents to join us every Monday at 7pm for an
exceptional evening of music. Let us give Joe a warm and spirited
year of thanks for the successful Mainstay Monday series. Bring your
dinner if you like or purchase one of Becky’s treats at the bar."

Mainstay Monday Guest Artists

Thanks for clicking on the link to visit Mainstay Monday artist websites. This list will be periodically updated.
Mainstay Monday is a unique weekly performance collaboration between myself and a guest artist. Learn more about Mainstay Monday performers (note - performers without a website will have a link to a video, relevant article or bio, if available):   

My website - http://www.joeholtsnotes.com
Guest artist websites/links:


March 9   - Seth Kibel
March 16 - Jen Friedman
March 23 - Meredith Davies Hadaway


Find complete show information here.

Thanks for visiting. See you at the show!

Joe's YouTube Channels

Thanks for checking here to access my video channels. I began video posting in 2007, and continue posting on my original JoeHoltsNotes channel regularly. Beginning in 2008 and ending in 2023, I opened a new "annual" channel each year, with varied additional postings. With the possible occasional exception of my 2023 channel, no additional postings will be made on these channels, and will remain on YouTube as a video archive. You can access all the channels, including the "Blossom Dearie Project" channel (with Sharon Sable) using the links below. Enjoy!

Original video channel

Blossom Dearie Project Channel

2008 video channel 

2009 video channel 

2010 video channel 

2011 video channel 

2012 video channel 

2013 video channel 

2014 video channel 

2015 video channel 

2016 video channel 

2017 video channel 

2018 video channel 

2019 video channel

2020 video channel

2021 video channel

2022 video channel

2023 video channel

Joe's Recordings

Chances are you arrived here by clicking on the link in the Joe's Recordings widget on my current website. Welcome!
Information on new and recent releases will be coming soon on the website MUSIC tab.
Prior CD releases are listed and available here.
Some recordings are available as downloads here, and here.
Links to other available recordings coming soon. 
Thanks for checking in!

A New Recording for Danny Tobias

On September 10th of this year, I played a concert with Danny and his band, at an historic venue in Ewing NJ which had the dual purpose of being a live recording to be released, as it turned out, rather quickly. It's a fine band, with Joe Plowman, Jim Lawlor, Paul Midiri, Danny and myself. And to my surprise, he included my solo feature on the CD. I was the pianist on Danny's first CD several years ago ("Cheerful Little Earful"). Proud to say I am on both of Danny's releases. Check it out here.

Mainstay Monday 2016 Video Sampler

Mainstay Mondays have been fun, well supported, and fortunately, many have been captured on video. The video playlist, embedded above, contains a sample post from many of the shows, and reflects some of the variety of performance. New video posts will be added as we progress through to the end of the year. Check it out, and check back.
Click on the above image to view, or click here to see the playlist

A New Recording for Mike McShane

It was time for this. The little group that performs as the "Mike McShane Trio", including Paul Midiri on vibes, has gelled into some solid musical camaraderie (and occasional wacky hijinks) over the last couple of years. Looking to push out beyond our regular recurrences at the Cultured

Pearl, and with a couple of concert venues on the schedule (where it is always a good idea to have product to offer), this was the time. If you just looked at the sleeve (packaging), you might think you were looking at a jazz LP from the 70's. Not a bad reference frame. Recorded in one afternoon, this little unit captures it well, with a refreshing variety of grooves and styles. Click here for a track you can stream. For the rest, you'll just have to send Mike an email and order one.   ;)

Announcing "Mainstay Mondays".

Beginning on Memorial Day (5/31) and running through Labor Day (9/6), the Mainstay, in Rock Hall Maryland will be hosting a Monday night concert series where I will joined by a different guest artist each week. Yes, a show every Monday night! Come and meet my musical friends, and enjoy a fresh experience each week, as I bring a bit of my world to the Mainstay.
Visit the Mainstay's Facebook page for guest artist info.
Join and share the Facebook event for this series. 
See the schedule on the Mainstay website

Featured artists:
5/30 - Mike McShane/Paul Midiri - drums/vibes
6/6  - Peggy Raley/Eddie Sherman - vocalists
6/13 - Vince Lardear - sax
6/20 - Dan Tobias - cornet
6/27 - Rhonda Apple - vocals
7/4  - Melissa McGlynn and John Schratweiser - vocals
7/11 - Chick Redd - vibes
7/18 - Roo Brown - songs and stories
7/25 - Donato Soverio - guitar
8/1  - Max Murray - bass
8/8  - Midiri Brothers - clarinet/drums
8/15 - Sue Matthews - vocals
8/22 - Dick Durham - piano
8-29 - Geoff Gallante - trumpet
9/5  - Nevin Dawson - viola 

About Joe (updated bio)

                                                Click on a picture above to enlarge and copy

Joe Holt is an improvisational/jazz pianist, rooted in the classic approaches. Also a Board Certified Music Therapist, Joe performs for the connections that music makes, and a shared experience with his audiences. Known for his imaginative improvisations and a joy of performing, Joe's formal studies span both jazz and classical, and the 
influence of both worlds can be heard. Past experiences include concert 
and jazz festival touring throughout the US, extensive Atlantic City casino 
performing, over a decade  as Cherry Hill (NJ) Mall's food court pianist, concert 
and music therapy related performances in dozens of regional senior 
communities, and various music director/staff positions. Currently, Joe is the host of the "Mainstay Mondays" series at The Mainstay in Rock Hall, MD, performing collaborative concerts with regional guest artists each Monday night. He is a walk on entertainer for American Cruise Lines at ports along the Chesapeake Bay. Joe is a regular sideman with several regional jazz groups and accompanist/musical director for several vocalists and singer/songwriters, in addition to his solo concerts and collaborative performances.  Joe appears on over 30 album recordings. He lives on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
"The ever tasteful pianist Joe Holt is a soloist extraordinaire; an intense musician with terrific chops, who shows you he means business." - Cam Miller, The American Rag

New Video Playlist - Barbara Parker at the Mainstay

On January 31, 2016, Barbara Parker performed at the Mainstay, in Rock Hall, MD, releasing her new CD, "A Little Out Of Focus". 4 selections from the second half of the show comprise the You Tube video playlist, which can be watched in the box above, or by clicking here, to be taken to the playlist page. Enjoy!

Beth and Joe On Both Sides of the Bay

On Friday April 8th, at 8pm, Beth McDonald and I will be returning to the Stoltz Listening Room of the Avalon Theatre, in Easton, MD, and on Sunday May 1, to The Cabaret at Germano's, in Baltimore. 2 of our very favorite venues, each with it's own unique charm and vibe. Click on the highlighted links to be taken to the ticket ordering sites. If you are in the area, consider coming to one of the shows. Or both   ;)

A Return to the Mainstay

I am one of the fortunate performing artists around here (or anywhere) that has the opportunity to periodically appear on stage at the Mainstay, in Rock Hall, MD. I am sometimes there in support of others; such as Barbara Parker's recent CD release concert, or as part of an open workshop for jazz students, or playing a private function. This coming Saturday, though, I'm on the bill, along with Beth McDonald, performing a "Love Stories" themed concert for Valentine's Day weekend. Beth and I last appeared together on the Mainstay stage in 2013, so I'm looking forward to this one. Okay, I look forward to all of them. And this one. Make your reservation by calling (410) 639-9133, and learn more here. 

Barbara Parker - A Little Out Of Focus.

Which may be true, but what I mean is that Barbara is releasing a new CD, with a release concert at the Mainstay on Sunday January 31 at 4pm. The very short version of the story is that Barbara offered me the role of musical director/producer for this project, and I felt I could be helpful in all of that, so I ran with it. A Little Out of focus could be translated A Little All Over the Place, which is a part of what I helped to facilitate, actually, with a stylistically diverse collection (albeit country laced) as a result. Of course, any suggestion I would make to Barbara would have to be greeted with a "yes, please" (and often was) to see the light of day, as this was about bringing to the surface what she wanted to express (and nothing more or less). So now, Barbara has a quality product to help promote her latest (43rd, perhaps - and don't think she puts one thing away to start another, these all run at the same time) artistic endeavor. Check out the new release here. You will like it.   Okay Barbara, focus now (wait, come back here. What, a new painting? Nice. Okay, put that brush down and sing this. Okay then, fine ...)

Beth and Joe Return to The Cabaret at Germano's - rescheduled

We love Germano's, and are glad to be returning, this time for a Sunday brunch performance on February 28th (rescheduled from January 24th due to the snowstorm), with seating at 12pm. It's the one place we perform that is pretty much halfway between Beth and me, in Baltimore's Little Italy. And honestly, it's worth the drive. Join us for wonderful food, atmosphere, and a welcome into our world.  
From the Germano's website:
 "A songwriter from the time she could climb onto a piano bench, Beth McDonald was nearly 30 years old before she was willing to try to sing by herself in front of anyone - baptized by fire, so to speak, by becoming the lead singer for the nationally acclaimed DC area New Legacy Jazz Band, where she worked with her accompanist Joe Holt, who has enjoyed a 40-year career as a soloist and touring artist. Together, they perform at historic theaters, cabarets, churches, and festivals, covering music from various genres, such as gospel, blues, pop standards, and some contemporary material as well as Beth’s compositions, which fall into several of those categories. To them, sharing time on the stage is home, and they welcome you into that space. Come and make yourselves at home!" 
Order tickets

Heron Point inaugurates Jazz Vespers

On Sunday November 15, the weekly Vespers (church) service at the Heron Point Retirement Community took a turn. The initiative for Jazz Vespers came from Chaplain Anne Ledbetter, to whom this was new. As some know, in my last church staff position (Chestertown Church of the Nazarene, 2003-2006), we ran a Jazz Vespers series for much of the time. This approach to worship is common enough that most have heard of it, and uncommon enough that most have not experienced it. For Anne and I, it was an opportunity to meld collective vision and expertise into a worship experience that was meaningful to everyone present (musicians included). 
There are differing approaches and understandings to Jazz Vespers, though all have one thing in common; the expanded role of music and creative performance in a(n ultimately) God-focused context. Central in my view, is the revelatory nature of creation:
 " For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities ... have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made ..." (Romans 1:20). This is a grounding for me in all things musical; to let music (creation and creativity) "speak". So perhaps you could say that the guys and I joined Chaplain Anne in a bit of "preachin'". The video post above (click through to the YouTube post for performer credits and more info) is the continuation of "Amazing Grace" after the congregational singing.
Looking forward to the next Jazz Vespers opportunity.     

Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival Weekend, 2015

Again this year, the True Blue Jazz Series runs concurrent (and competing) with the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival; this weekend - October 14-17. The series continues to grow, featuring local and national acts, including headliner Diane Schuur on Friday night. For Saturday night's closing event, Geoff Gallante returns to join the Eddie Sherman Show for 2 concerts at 7:30 and 9:30pm. I'll be in the rhythm section, along with Bob Thomas and Mike McShane for these, in addition to the (free!) Rehoboth Beach Bandstand performance in the afternoon. Always look forward to performing with Geoff.
Click here for info and tickets.
In addition to the ticketed shows presented by both True Blue Series and the Rehoboth Beach Festival, many of the local restrauants offer jazz on the menu this weeekend. Just think of the entire town as a jazz club, and your expectations won't be far off the mark. For my part in the "trenches" I will be at the Cultured Pearl on Thursday (10/15) from 7-10 and Friday (10/16) from 4-7 with the Mike McShane Trio, featuring Dave Schiff on sax. Hope to see you there!
For more info on these and other performance dates, check the schedule.

Spend a "Weekend with Joe" at The Inn at Huntingfield Creek

Over the weekend of March 11-13, 2016, The Inn at Huntingfield Creek and I are partnering to offer a special event package "Weekend with Joe." Enjoy this wonderful Eastern Shore resort, and let me play piano for you while you're here!
This is an opportunity for those who don't live on Maryland's beautiful Eastern Shore (and 
even for those who do) to spend a unique and memorable weekend.

The weekend features:
All the comfort and amenities of a stay at the Inn at Huntingfield Creek. Innkeeper Joanne Rich elaborates:"We offer top notch lodging in a dynamic yet Zen setting. This 70 acre estate features over-the-top luxuries in a variety of accommodations including 5 Inn House Rooms and 7 swank Cottages. Add Joe's music offerings to Inn's comfort and hospitality, and guests are assured of nurturing mind, body and soul!"

The weekend schedule includes:
Friday evening
A meet and greet cocktail reception, including choice wines with delectable cocktail-hour taste temptations from the Inn at Huntingfield Creek Kitchen. Meet your hosts Jim and Joanne Rich. I'll be the pianist   ;)
Saturday morning
The Inn's famous full country breakfast, with piano accompaniment.
Saturday afternoon
"Conversations in Music"
An informal, interactive session. The conversation can be about music, or with music. For all who play piano, I'll invite you to join me in an "Intuitive Improvisation" duet. Open to all levels. I sat at the piano bench (pictured above) with Joanne Rich recently, who describes the "intuitive improvisation" experience: 
"This was such a liberating, fun (and semi-scary) exercise into to the realm of musical possibilities." 

Whether you play music yourself, or just enjoy being around it, you can look forward to a fun and memorable afternoon. 
Saturday evening
I asked "Chef Joanne" for the menu. Okay, maybe I'm asking a bit too soon   ;)
"Don't ask me now, Joe! I need to be inspired by the season and the offerings...but I promise you'll love it!" 
You can count on an interesting selection including a fish and meat entree and perhaps one of her renowned pastas, along with the best available veggies, something that incorporates ancient grains, the Inn's special fresh Corn Spoonbread and a decadent dessert or two. I've seen Jim and Joanne in the kitchen, many times, preparing meals and serving an Inn full of guests. You are in good hands.
Following dinner: A private concert living room concert (on the piano pictured above). 
Sunday morning
"Sunday Morning Stride"
The Inn's Sunday breakfasts are always a little over the top. The same full-country style with some special extras, accompanied by stride/classic jazz piano classics including spirituals and Gospel favorites from the New Orleans and Blues traditions.
  
Pricing:
Inn House Rooms- $675. + appl. taxes & 10% service chg. (selection 1st come, 1st serve)
Cottages- $825. + appl.taxes & 10% service chg. (selection 1st come, 1st serve)
Weekend includes- 2 nights stay, breakfasts, unlimited wine/beer & beverages, Fri. welcome cocktail party, Sat. gourmet dinner, and all music sessions/entertainment.

Contact the Inn for more info, and to book your room.  

New Video Playlist - The Inn at Huntingfield Creek - 5/14/15.

On occasion, I have the fun of presenting an entertainment program for the closing evening of a Vermont Bike Tours excursion, hosted by The Inn at Huntingfield Creek, in Rock Hall, MD. Not unlike my performances for American Cruise Lines, including a living room setting. Here, however, I get to play on a real piano (as opposed to a keyboard), and nothing is moving. Jim and Joanne (innkeepers) always provide a memorable experience for their guests. 
You can watch the 4 secections or in the box above, or click here to see the list of video posts on the playlist page.

Vespers at Heron Point

Exactly one year ago, the Rev. Dr. Anne Ledbetter came to Chestertown as the new Chaplain of Heron Point retirement community. Over the years (I have been providing music, in some fashion, at Heron Point since 1994, for independent as well as health care residents), I continue to have opportunity, on occasion, to play for a Vespers or memorial service led by the chaplain. It's probably fair to say that the same thought/sense quickly occurred to both Anne and me: "Now here's someone I can work with!". Anne brought about some structural change which allows them to bring me on board to provide service music for approximately half of the Vespers services; on Sundays at 4pm, which began this month. This is cool for, among other reasons, the longstanding rapport that I have with many of the residents (I always feel I am among many friends when I am over there), who are glad to see me in the seat. Also, there is always a part of me that misses providing (traditional) service music, and now I get to do just that. Finally, working in a church (or similar) environment is, for me, not a "peg in slot", but more about the common (God) focus and collaborative effort. Bingo. Or, to be Presbyterian, providence.

New Video Playlist - Beth McDonald and Joe - Parkville Nazarene

Beth McDonald and I were privileged to present a concert on Sunday morning May 17, 2015, for the warm and friendly congregation of the Baltimore/Parkville Church of the Nazarene, at the invitation of The Rev. Dr. Neal Gray - pastor. I knew that the piano was being tuned for the service, but what I didn't learn, until that morning, was that this was the first time in several years that the piano was used in church at all. Made it even sweeter. The 3 video posts in this playlist inclue one of Beth's originals. You can play the videos in the box above, or go to the playlist page by clicking here. 

New waterfront fine dining (with Joe) in Chestertown

The view from the dining room at the Inn at Worton Creek. On Memorial Day weekend, Chestertown's newest restaurant opened in the space that was once the Harbor House, providing a fine dining opportunity at the Worton Creek Marina. I played on Friday evening, and felt very much at home. Looking forward to perform, as house pianist for both locals and visitors roughly once every other weekend. Music is scheduled from 6-9pm.
dates:
5/30
6/13
6/27
7/10
7/18
8/1
8/15
8/29

So get in your boat (or car) and come on over.

Do Church With Us, Even If You Don't Attend.

Beth McDonald and I are looking forward to sharing worship experiences with concerts in the morning services of Melwood Church of the Nazarene, in Upper Marlboro, MD, and Baltimore/Parkville Church of the Nazarene over the next 2 Sundays: May 10 and 17, 2015. Selections from "All Nature Sings", our recent hymns/gospel release, along with Beth's contemporary/gospel originals are featured, in a presentation titled "From Broken to Redeemed." Service times are as follows:
Melwood - 5/10/15 - 10:45am
Parkville - 5/17/15 - 11:00am
If you can't attend, the good news (among other Good News) is that Melwood church live streams their worship. Click here to watch. 
If you can't watch live, the service is archived, so you can watch later.
So maybe we'll see you. Or you will see us.    ;)

Beth and Joe Return to Chestertown Church of the Nazarene on 4/19/15.

Or, you could say that we are returning to the scene of the crime. When I was on staff of this church, as Worship Arts Director, from 2003-2006, Beth was representative (and perhaps more so than anyone) of why I was there: to help encourage, develop and nuture the expressive gifts of those in the congregation; both to enhance our worship experience, and for God's larger purposes in their lives. Although Beth looks nothing like a brick wall, that is pretty much what I encountered when it came to her "taking the stage". Immensely talented, and equally private, Beth's gifts were kept hidden, known only to her closest family and friends. Over time, however (and with creative persistence), the wall began to chip away, leading to the day when Beth sang solo in public, as an adult, for the first time, as I accompanied her performing "Stormy Weather" in a jazz vesper's service. These days, the wall is gone, and Beth is an experienced professional. Along with her performing experience in festivals, theaters, cabaret venues and churches, she has produced 5 albums: 4 on her own label, along with our duo release: All Nature Sings. Hymns and gospel selections from this release will be featured in the concert, along with Beth's original contemporary/gospel music. Wherever we perform, it is an offering to God. This particular "homecoming" performance in Chestertown will be a special one.  

New Video Playlist - David Sacks and Joe Holt

On Saturday March 14, David Sacks; a trombonist from the CD area, and I presented a concert for the residents of Heron Point, in Chestertown, MD. We've done this several times now (sometimes including David's brother Steve, who is a saxophonist living/working in Japan), and it has become quite comfortable. We put this playlist together from the 3/14 show for promotional purposes, figuring that other audiences just might like it, too     ;)
Hope you enjoy the three video posts included here. You can click through the video above to see the playlist, or just watch it from here. Here is a direct link to the playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHZAprIiTCW-tREUYxBFrllbJkpAPjc-B

10th Annual Women Helping Women Concert at the Garfield Center for the Arts

The Women Helping Women concert, now in it's 10th year at the Garfield center for the Arts in Chestertown, MD, doesn't need any help from me as far as getting the word out. Everyone (around here) knows, and every year is a sellout. It is a special event for a special cause. And in this wonderfully supportive community, that's all it takes. I get to sit in the accompanist seat (with the ornamented title of musical director) each year and hold hands with many fine performers, each one pouring their heart and soul into their individual performance, and the larger collective experience. If you want to touch the heart and soul of this community, and you've never come to Women Helping Women, you should make this the year, and order your tickets now. A performing arts center full of love - from the back of the stage to the last balcony seat - doesn't happen every day. But once a year, for sure. 

learn more    

Watch the concert on Ustream  (performance held on 3/18/15)

  

Private Instruction Now Available in Chestertown, MD Area

We profit from being on both sides of the educational exchange. Here is proof that I was a beginner piano student once; my certificate of completion of my first piano method book. This is a marker of the beginning of a long (and winding) road for me, that continues to now (or to infinity and beyond). For many years, I was active in private music instruction, but not so in recent years. And I miss it. One of the roadblocks was having a viable location where I could maintain a regular teaching schedule. Thankful to have now worked out an arrangement with St. Paul's Episcopal Church, in Chestertown, MD for the use of their parish hall (and grand piano) for lessons. So I'll keep practicing, learning and growing, and continue to encourage others in the same.

New Video Playlist - First Wesleyan Church - 11/23/14

On November 23, 2014, at 3pm, I had the privilege of performing solo piano in concert at the First Wesleyan Church, in Easton MD. This one was a bit unique, in that my friend Dawn Steward arranged this especially for her piano students, to demonstrate musical improvisation. It was also open to the public. I had the privilege of participating in the worship service that morning, as well. The afternoon concert featured musical improvisation from many directions, a few of which are featured in these 4 video posts. Hope you enjoy them.
You can watch in the box above, of access the playlist page here.  

Beth McDonald returns to the Garfield Center for the Arts in Chestertown, for "Melody and Meaning".

On Saturday. March 21, 2015 at 8pm, singer/songwriter Beth McDonald returns to the stage at the Garfield Center for the Arts, in Chestertown, MD for the third consecutive year. The concert; "Melody and Meaning" is an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary, featuring jazz and popular favorites across the years, as well as Beth's "new vintage" original music. I will be joined in accompanying Beth by local favorites Pres Harding - guitar and Jeff Davis -bass. John Schratwieser, former Executive Director of the Garfield Center (Prince Theatre) says: "Beth McDonald and Joe Holt are spectacular on their own and pure magic together!" Come, see for yourself. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the many sides of Beth McDonald. Visit http://garfieldcenter.org or call 410-810-2060 for tickets.

The Mike McShane Trio at The Cultured Pearl, Rehoboth Beach, DE, in 2015

Jazz, at least periodically, has found another home in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Mike McShane has established his trio as a favorite at this unique and popular venue. Upscale but casual; The Cultured Pearl and tasteful, swinging jazz find themselves a perfect fit. The trio is comprised of Mike and I, playing the 2 man rhythm section, and a featured regional jazz artist. Paul Midiri often joins us on vibes, but other fine musicians can be found on the stage, including saxophonist Vince Lardear. The times vary by season; earlier in the winter, later in the summer. Dates may change (and some new may be added), so email me or double check with my schedule before coming out:

January:     Friday/Saturday 1/9, 10
February:    Friday/Saturday 2/20, 21
April:          Friday/Saturday 4/10, 11
May:              Friday/Saturday/Sunday 5/22, 23, 24
July:           Friday/Saturday 7/3, 4
September: Friday/Saturday/Sunday 9/4, 5, 6
October:     Thursday/Friday(early shift) 10/15, 16 (Jazz Festival week)
December:  Saturday/Sunday 12/26, 27

Hope to see you!

Celebrate the Season at Germano's

Beth McDonald and I love performing at The Cabaret at Germano's, in Baltimore's Little Italy. This is our first opportunity to perform a Christmas/Holiday show there, and we're ready (and willing, and by most accounts, able. We've done this before). We know how important the weekends are for your holiday shopping excursions, so just for you, we've scheduled a Thursday evening: December 11. You didn't want to cook anyway. Or watch those same old television shows. So join us. 

"Fans love Beth’s freshly modern jazz stylings that wax nostalgic for the cool, polished vocals of a bygone era. Joe is best known for his imaginative, joyful improvisations that never fail to surprise and delight. Together they’re a musically magical duo whose holiday show will help make this the most wonderful time of the year!"

                       http://germanospiattini.com/events/        410-752-4515

Christmas on the Square, in Leonardtown, MD

On (Black) Friday, November 28th, at around 7pm, Beth McDonald and I will be in concert at the Leonardtown MD Church of the Nazarene, as a part of Leonardtown's "Christmas on the Square" celebration. 

From the Leonardtown MD Facebook page:
 Ring in the holiday season on Friday, November 28th from 5 - 9:00 PM with Leonardtown’s annual "Christmas on the Square" and "Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony" held on Washington Street in the Leonardtown Square. 
Event activities start at 5:00 p.m. and include holiday music, rides, an ice sculpture demonstration, a petting zoo, live nativity, face painting, and much more!

Our concert begins immediately after the tree lighting, at approximately 7pm. You can enjoy the outdoor festivities for awhile, then come in out of the cold. This is our first time playing the event, and we are looking forward to it. Sounds like fun!

Link to the Nazarene Church event page 

Ongoing Piano Bar Schedule

Bookmark this page to be kept current on the "piano bar" schedule at JR's Pub, in Chestertown MD. Dates will be refreshed periodically. Click here for Joe's complete schedule. Email joeholt@joeholtsnotes.com for information on private instruction. 

Joe Holt performs solo piano, concentrating on jazz/popular standards and show tunes. 
Joe plays Wednesdays and most Sundays, all 5-7.
subject to dark dates - see schedule below.

Philip Dutton plays and sings an eclectic mix of music from song writers such as Randy Newman, Leon Russell, David Gray, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits and Warren Zevon, along with a few tunes from his Louisiana roots and the New Orleans piano legends: Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Huey "Piano" Smith, Jon Cleary, etc.
Philip plays 1 or 2 Sundays/month

Piano Bar schedule (subject to change - see below); all 5-7pm: Joe performs:

Wednesdays:
April 2015 - all
May 2015 - all

Sunday schedule:
4/5 - (dark)
4/12 - Joe
4/19 - Philip
4/26 - Joe
5/3 - Joe
5/10 - Philip
5/17 - Joe
5/24 - Philip
5/31 - Joe

note: schedule subject to change. To confirm any date, check Joe's schedule at www.joeholtsnotes.com, call 877-JOE-HOLT to hear an announcement of upcoming dates, or email Joe at joeholt@joeholtsnotes.com.


Hope to see you soon!

Joe in Concert at First Wesylan Church in Easton, MD on 11/23/14.

On November 23, 2014 at 3pm, I am looking forward to presenting a concert at the First Wesleyan Church, 620 Goldsborough Street, in Easton, MD. My friend, Dawn Steward has arranged this, first, with her piano students in mind, but also as a general public opportunity. My solo concerts have been though an evolution of titles: From "An Evening of Piano Improvisation" to "Spontaneous Joy" to "A.D.D. Improvisation". Taking a break from the imposition (by me) of a title, I let the host of my last solo concert (St. Mark's United Methodist, also in Easton) describe it for me. Their music director titled it 'Imaginative Improvisations". That works. Whatever it is, I will be doing it soon. With the (notable) exception of the "piano bar" gig at JR's Pub in Chestertown, I am performing (particularly in concert) less solo these days, and more with others, so this will be fun (not that everything else isn't). Hope you can join me. For more info call 410-822-8038 or email stewardd87@gmail.com    

Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival weekend

On October 16. 17 and 18, I will be in Rehoboth Beach DE, doing what many local and regional musicians do: NOT performing for the Rehoboth Beach Jazz festival; not the "official" one, anyway. While the festival has gone "smooth" over recent years, with it's headliner shows, the town itself transforms into jazz central, with many restaurants featuring local/regional mainstream jazz artists and groups. On Thursday night I will be at Just in Thyme with Shore Jazz, and on Friday in the happy hour slot at the Cultured Pearl with the Mike McShane Trio featuring Vince Lardear. On Saturday, we will move over to the new festival (that competes with the long established one): the True Blue Jazz Series for the following performances: from noon to three, local high school jazz musicians will hit the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, followed by the Eddie Sherman Show featuring Geoff Gallante. From 5 to 7, I will be at the Avenue Inn for a duo session with guitarist Ron Cole. Then I scamper off to The Cellar Door for an evening supper club show featuring Geoff. On Sunday, I will be a civilian   ;)
Looking forward to it all.

See the schedule (with more details) here 
True Blue Jazz Series info

St. Mark's Concert Series, September 26, 2014

On Sunday 9/26, at 3pm, I am privileged to kick off the concert season for the series at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Easton, MD, performing "Imaginative Improvisations". As most of my solo concerts are in closed settings (in retirement communities and for American Cruise Lines, predominantly), I welcome this public event, and invite you to attend. It's a wonderful facility and piano on which to perform. Expect me to go eclectic; from jazz and popular standards to classic pieces/themes to ragtime/stride to improvisation demonstrations to who knows what else. And expect to have fun. 
Find more info here.  

New You Tube Playlist - solo piano concert

On April 26, 2014, I was privileged to perform at the home of Dr. Randy Bellows, in a fund raising concert for the Unitarian Church of the Chester River. Randy has been a wonderful supporter and friend and most encouraging of my attempts at classical theme improvisation. The 5 selections posted in this playlist reflect the eclectic nature of this program. I feel that some nice moments were found here. I hope you'll agree. You can watch the video posts, in order, in the box above, or click here to be taken to the playlist.

Press Release - Beth McDonald and Joe Holt at The Cabaret at Germano's on 8/23/14

On Saturday August 23, at 7:30pm (dinner seating at 6pm), Beth McDonald and Joe Holt return to The Cabaret at Germano's, in Baltimore's Little Italy, for a performance of "Melody and Meaning"; a melding of classic jazz, songs of substance, and new vintage material. 
 Beth McDonald is a singer/songwriter in love with the melody and meaning of another era. Her music bridges the Great American Songbook, and the heart and spirit of the present moment. In addition to performing shows featuring her original material, she also performs with the New Legacy Jazz Band and in gospel based concerts with Joe Holt, featuring music from their newly released CD: "All Nature Sings". Beth has released 4 CDs on her own "Classic Avenue" label.
"A stunning voice that breathes life into recordings old and new, Beth McDonald is a singer to behold."  - J. Edward Sumerau - metrospirit.com
 Joe Holt is a pianist grounded in the traditions of both jazz and classical piano, performing over a broad range. He is known for his imaginitave improvisations and a joy of performing. In addition to "All Nature Sings", Joe has released a tribute CD to the late solo jazz pianist Dave McKenna, and has 8 additional releases on his own "Joe Holt's Notes" label.
"The ever tasteful Joe Holt is a soloist extrordarinare; an intense musician with terrific chops, who shows you he means business."  - Cam Miller - The American Rag.
Germano's is located at 300 S. High Street, Baltimore MD, 21202. Seating opens at 6:00pm. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased online at http://germanospiattini.com/events or seating reserved by calling 410.752.4515.

Piano Bar in Chestertown

In Chestertown, MD, there is a place to go, 2 nights a week, if you want to get away without leaving town, or close your eyes and feel like you are somewhere else, or open your eyes and feel that you are among friends, or get out of your chair and dance, or sit down and enjoy a fine dinner, or just hang and listen: the Piano Bar at JR's Past Time Pub. Actually, it's a piano room, and there's nothing like it in town, or anywhere nearby (or maybe even anywhere far away). On Wednesdays from 5-7pm, and Sundays (sharing the dates with Philip Dutton) from 6-8, the room comes to life with music, conversation, and an overall good vibe. As you can see in the picture, this is not a literal bar protruding from the back of the piano (I've played those gigs, too), rather a connection with the entire room. Partly underground, and off to the side, no one passes through here, rather it is it's own destination. Make it your destination sometime soon.  
see the piano bar schedule (on Joe's schedule blog)

New CD release: "All Nature Sings"!

Here's something really cool. And warm, too. "All Nature Sings" is the latest release on the Joe Holt's Notes label. My first CD release, back in 2000, was a collection of hymns and spiritual songs. I figured it was about time to put down a new marker on this path. This time I invited Beth McDonald to join me in a collaborative effort. She sings (beautifully) on 9 of the 14 tracks, and shared the producer chair with me (okay, sometimes she sat in it by herself, too). This recording leans harder to the gospel side than the previous one, but also contains some well loved meditative hymns, along with a few fun surprises. We will officially release this recording at Christ Methodist Church, in Chestertown MD, where Beth and I will be in concert on Sunday May 18th, at 6pm. 
Proud of this recording, and look forward to sharing it with you!
link to order form

track listing:
This Is My Father's World
Fill My Cup, Lord

Be Thou My Vision *
Just A Closer Walk With Thee
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God *
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Have Thine Own Way
Joshua Fought the Battle Of Jericho *
I Need Thee Every Hour
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
When the Saints go Marching In *
I Surrender All
This Little Light Of Mine
Great Is Thy Faithfulness *

*solo piano

"Singing our Stories": A Beth McDonald Showcase

On Saturday, March 15th, Beth McDonald and her band (Jeff Davis and myself) returned to the Garfield Center for the Arts (Prince Theatre) in Chestertown, MD to perform "Singing Our Stories". Watch Beth perform Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, from the Garfield show:
"Beth McDonald was absolutely unbelievable!"
"Wonderful concert"
"Loved it and will go to the next one"
"It was fantastic!!!!!"
This format has become a vehicle for Beth to share her original songs, along with others that are meaningful to her. Beth began her singing career in primarily a classic jazz format, having fallen in love with the beautiful melodies and distinctive performers (such as Miss Peggy Lee) of the era when Jazz was popular music. Over the years, she has brought more of her own material into her performances, which has brought audiences and reviewers to take notice, even more so. Beth continues to perform in jazz settings, as well as presenting gospel concerts (another love of Beth's) in churches. "Singing Our Stories" is an additional path; an eclectic "many sides of Beth McDonald". The show is never the same; it evolves from one performance to the next. We will be performing "Singing Our Stories" again at The Cabaret at Germano's (another return engagement) In Baltimore, MD on Friday April 11, at 7:30pm.