Information Americas, CUTLER BAY, FL, Feb. 6, 2026: This Black Historical past Month, The Moss Middle in Miami brings a dwelling legend to its most important stage as world-renowned, Jamaican-born pianist, Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J., headlines an unforgettable night of music, tradition, and legacy on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Titled ‘Monty Alexander: Jamaica To Jazz,’ the live performance traces the electrifying journey of Jamaican music into international jazz – instructed by way of the arms of considered one of its authentic architects. From early ska periods in Kingston’s first recording studios to worldwide jazz levels alongside the greats, Alexander’s story is the story of Caribbean sound shaping the world. The second is particularly poignant as Alexander displays on the legacy of Jamaica’s musical giants and the fragility of an period formed by pioneers similar to Jimmy Cliff, Third World co-founder Stephen “Cat” Coore, and legendary drummer Sly Dunbar, whom he has recorded with up to now.
Born on June 6, 1944, in Kingston, Jamaica, Alexander’s musical journey started early. By the age of 4, he was enjoying Christmas carols by ear, and by 14, he was performing in native golf equipment. As an adolescent in late-Fifties Jamaica, Alexander performed within the island’s earliest recording studios and took half within the formative periods that sparked ska – the rhythmic basis that will later give rise to reggae.
At simply 16, he already had recordings on the Jamaican hit parade earlier than making the leap to america. He landed in Miami in 1962 and by 1963, at solely 19, had moved to New York Metropolis, the place he was quickly charming audiences at Jilly’s, the legendary membership owned by Frank Sinatra’s shut confidant, Jilly Rizzo. This led to a collaboration with Sinatra and later Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson, Wes Montgomery, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins. Sinatra finally inspired Alexander to affix him in New York and his profession took off.
For Alexander, jazz and Jamaican music are inseparable – intertwined in a signature sound that’s joyful, improvisational, and steeped in historical past. In the course of the Miami efficiency, he’ll use the chance to share private tales from his journey as a pioneer of Jamaican music, providing audiences uncommon perception into the moments that formed his extraordinary profession.
With greater than 75 albums and performances at just about each main jazz competition and venue worldwide, Alexander is broadly thought to be one of many biggest pianists of all time. He was named the fifth biggest jazz pianist in ‘The Fifty Best Jazz Piano Gamers of All Time’ (Hal Leonard Publishing).
His honors embody:
- Commander within the Order of Distinction (C.D.) – Jamaica, 2000.
- Order of Jamaica (O.J.) – 2022, for sterling international contributions to Jamaican music and jazz.
- Honorary Doctorate (DLitt) – College of the West Indies, 2018.
In the course of the efficiency, the International Empowerment Mission, (GEM), will gather financial donations to assist Hurricane Melissa aid efforts in Jamaica. Friends are inspired to go to the GEM desk within the foyer. The Moss Middle will even gather canned items and hygiene objects, together with:
- Canned: protein, greens, fruits, beans.
- Hygiene: toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, female hygiene merchandise, rest room paper, moist wipes.
GEM’s Caribbean workforce, primarily based in Kingston, has already deployed over a million kilos of emergency assist throughout the island and stays dedicated to long-term restoration.
Ticket Info
Ticket Costs: $35 – $65 or $80 VIP (contains premium desk seating + complimentary wine, beer, or tender drink).
Get Tickets: https://tickets-smdcac.miamidade.gov/TheatreManager/1/login?event=2649 or by calling the Field Workplace: 786-573-5300
Reductions out there for seniors, college students, and teams and free parking is out there on web site.
All patrons, together with infants, require a ticket; no outdoors meals or drinks and no strollers are permitted contained in the auditorium
Sustain with Monty and his journey throughout levels worldwide:
Source link
