Below is the press release from The Mainstay, announcing my decision to continue hostingthe 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."
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:
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!
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!
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 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
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. ;)
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
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 Mainstayin 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
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!
On Friday April 8th, at 8pm, Beth McDonald and I will be returning to the Stoltz Listening Roomof 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 ;)
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, andlearn more here.
Which may be true, butwhat I mean is that Barbara is releasing a new CD, with a release concert at theMainstay 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 ...)
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
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.
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.
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. This70 acre estate features over-the-top luxuries in a variety ofaccommodations 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 theInn 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 therealm 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 Innfor more info, and to book your room.
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 hereto see the list of video posts on the playlist page.
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.
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.
