Jul 31, 2026
Jim Robitaille Announces August 2026 Performance Schedule
From intimate solo performances to trio appearances and favorite local venues, August is shaping up to be a busy month. Whether you’re in Maine or Rhode Island, there’s a chance to catch Jim Robitaille live throughout the month.
August Performances
August 1 – Cliff House Maine | York, ME
August 5 – Marty Ballou Trio | Jamestown, RI
August 7 – O’Brien & Brough | Bristol, RI
August 8 – Cliff House Maine | York, ME
August 13 – The XO Bar | Providence, RI
August 18 – Nick-A-Nees | Providence, RI
August 19 – DeWolf Tavern | Bristol, RI
August 27 – Jim Robitaille Solo | York, ME
August 28 – Cliff House Maine | York, ME
Visit jimrobitaille.com for additional performance information and updates. Hope to see you at a show this month!
Jul 14, 2026
Acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger Tim Ray will join celebrated vocalist Cassandre McKinley for a special performance at Centre Street Sessions on Thursday, August 13, as part of AHA! New Bedford.
The outdoor concert will take place in front of the JazzWall at 23 Centre Street in downtown New Bedford and will feature music from Ray and McKinley’s highly anticipated upcoming collaborative release. The performance offers audiences an opportunity to experience two renowned jazz artists together in an intimate community setting.
Best known for his work as Tony Bennett’s pianist and musical director, Tim Ray has enjoyed an extraordinary career performing with legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, Lyle Lovett, Jane Siberry, and Soul Asylum. In addition to his work as a performer, Ray is an accomplished composer, recording artist, and longtime faculty member at Berklee College of Music.
Joining him is acclaimed vocalist Cassandre McKinley, whose expressive voice and dynamic stage presence have made her one of New England’s most respected jazz performers. Together, Ray and McKinley bring a unique musical chemistry that blends exceptional musicianship with heartfelt storytelling.
Presented as part of Centre Street Sessions and AHA! New Bedford, this free performance celebrates live jazz in the heart of downtown and offers audiences a preview of the duo’s exciting new collaboration.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Location: In front of the JazzWall
Address: 23 Centre Street, New Bedford, MA
Jul 10, 2026
Tim Ray Trio Featuring April Hall to Perform at New Bedford JazzFest 🎹
Acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger Tim Ray will bring his trio to the New Bedford JazzFest Acoustic Jazz Series on Sunday, July 26, 2026, joined by special guest vocalist April Hall for an afternoon of exceptional live jazz at the historic Steeple Playhouse in downtown New Bedford.
Known for his extraordinary versatility, Ray enjoyed a distinguished career as Tony Bennett’s pianist and musical director, performing with the legendary vocalist until Bennett’s retirement from live performance. Over the course of his career, Ray has appeared with an impressive range of artists, including Aretha Franklin, Lyle Lovett, Jane Siberry, and Soul Asylum, while also releasing acclaimed recordings as a bandleader and composer. He currently serves on the faculty at Berklee College of Music, where he mentors the next generation of jazz musicians.
Joining the trio is acclaimed vocalist April Hall, whose expressive style blends jazz, blues, and gospel influences. A celebrated performer and Berklee faculty member, Hall’s powerful voice has earned praise from audiences and critics alike, making this collaboration a standout event in the JazzFest series.
The performance is part of the New Bedford JazzFest Acoustic Jazz Series, an ongoing concert series celebrating outstanding live acoustic jazz in an intimate listening environment.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026
Time: 4:00–6:00 p.m. (Doors open at 3:30 p.m.)
Venue: Steeple Playhouse, 159 William Street, New Bedford, MA
Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors, students, and military members, with $5 admission available through the Massachusetts Card to Culture program. The performance will take place indoors, rain or shine, with free parking available nearby.
For tickets and additional event information, visit steepleplayhouse.org.
The Tim Ray Trio
April Hall
Jul 9, 2026
Join us for the Centre Street Sessions as part of AHA! Night on Wednesday, July 9 for an evening of outstanding live jazz!
📍 In front of the JazzWall
23 Centre Street
New Bedford, MA
Presented by Fiber Optic Center in partnership with Whaling City Sound, this free outdoor concert features an exceptional lineup:
🎼 Arthur Lipner – Vibraphone
🥁 Mark Walker – Drums
🎹 Tim Ray – Piano
🎸 John Lockwood – Bass
Come experience world-class jazz in the heart of downtown New Bedford. Bring your friends, enjoy the music, and celebrate another great AHA! Night!
🎟️ Free admission
Click here for more information!
Apr 29, 2026
5/3: Greg Abate & Dan Moretti – “Boss Tenors Quartet” | A Tribute to Sonny Stitt & Gene Ammons
This Sunday two of jazz’s most compelling saxophonists are coming together for a rare, high-energy collaboration that channels the spirit of classic tenor battles.
Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Doors: 6:00 PM | Show: 7:00 PM
Tickets: $25 at the door
Pump House Music Works
This special performance brings the fiery, soulful spirit of classic tenor battles to life—reimagined through modern improvisation, deep swing, and masterful interplay between two of today’s most respected jazz voices.
They’ll be joined by an elite rhythm section:
- Marty Richards – drums
- Marshall Wood – bass
- Kent Hewitt – piano
Set in the intimate and character-rich setting of Pump House Music Works in South Kingstown, RI, this concert promises an immersive night of sophisticated acoustic jazz, dynamic solos, and timeless energy.
Don’t miss this one-night-only celebration of jazz tradition and innovation.
Music industry consultant and publicist Ginny Shea has garnered international exposure for her clients through radio and video promotion, print media, and her vast industry network.