Concert Julius Tolentino Quintet
The Statuary is thrilled to present one of the world’s finest alto saxophonists, Julius Tolentino. He will be joined by a star-studded lineup with deep ties to our community that includes Josh Evans (trumpet), Ben Collins-Siegel (piano), Ian Kenselaar (bass), and Jersey City’s jazz legend Winard Harper (drums).
About the Artist: Saxophonist and educator Julius Tolentino has been a prominent figure on the New York jazz scene for over 30 years, performing and recording with top-tier artists and groups. His impressive collaborations include Louis Hayes’ Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band, the Christian McBride Big Band, Natalie Cole, Wycliffe Gordon, Cecile McLorin Salvant, and the Count Basie Orchestra, among others. A graduate of the Hartt School of Music, Julius had the privilege of studying with NEA Jazz Master Jackie McLean, who introduced him to Illinois Jacquet — two pivotal mentors in his musical journey. As a performer, he has graced major venues like Avery Fisher Hall and the Village Vanguard and appeared at celebrated festivals such as Newport and Tanglewood. His debut album, Just the Beginning, reached #8 on jazz charts in 2006.
In education, Julius has made a substantial impact. Since 2007, he has led the jazz program at Newark Academy, conducting five jazz ensembles, a wind ensemble, and middle school bands. He also teaches as an adjunct professor at Princeton University and Montclair State University and is a director at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s High School Jazz Academy. His groups have consistently excelled in competitions, winning at Essentially Ellington, the Charles Mingus Competition, and the NJAJE State Finals for 13 consecutive years. His awards include the NJ Jazz Musician of the Year by Inside Jersey (2010), the Illinois Jacquet Jazz Educator of the Year (2013), and the NJ Jazz Education Achievement Award (2018). In 2023, he was honored with DownBeat’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Jazz Education
Julius Tolentino Quintet
- Julius Tolentino — alto sax
- Josh Evans — trumpet
- Ben Collins-Siegel — piano
- Ian Kenselaar — bass
- Winard Harper — drums
RSVP: Walk-ins are welcome, however, audience members who have responded with an RSVP will be prioritized as we reach capacity. RSVPs are only held until 10 minutes before show time.
About “The Statuary’’ - “Where the line between the band and the audience ceases to exist. Jersey City’s intimate home for jazz, art, and culture.” The Statuary originated in 1907 as the Jersey Statuary Company of Jersey City where the two-story house was Gino DeSantis, sculptor and painter, workshop. In 2007, the building was converted into an active artist live/work/present space that has since been a home for community members to celebrate artistic expression, diversity, inclusion, and love through music. The Statuary echoes the mood of the 1970s Jazz Loft scene and provides a platform for innovative and culturally significant local, regional, and national musical talent creating an ethereal atmosphere akin to the history that has shaped this one-of-a-kind space.
Time: 7:00-10:00 pm EST
Free!
