FREE 
Wilson Town Square, Knox Building

Join us for a live performance by Ellen Pieroni and the Encyclopedia of Soul!

Ellen Pieroni and the Encyclopedia of Soul 

Ellen Pieroni is a seasoned sax player, multi-instrumentalist, music educator + promoter. She has been playing the saxophone since she was 8 years old, and has been a sidewoman in a multitude of bands (including Folkfaces and Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra) for about a decade.

Her current project – Ellen Pieroni & the Encyclopedia of Soul (EoS) – presents a refreshing brand of smooth-infused soul jazz. Although the group is inspired by artists such as Grover Washington Jr., King Curtis, and the Crusaders, EoS puts an emphasis on new original music. The sound is driven by Pieroni’s captivating and soulful melodies, supported by thoughtful improvisation from all members over deep pocket grooves.

Sparked by a collaboration between Pieroni, Adam Bronstein (guitar) and James Benders (bass) over their mutual love of the band Stuff, the Encyclopedia of Soul was formed in a Cheektowaga basement in February of 2022. The trio worked through the rough drafts of Pieroni’s original compositions and developed an undeniable musical chemistry. In April of 2022, the trio connected with Isaiah Gethers (drums), and in 2024 started collaborating with Cj Smith (keys).

Pieroni released her debut album – The Encyclopedia of Soul, Vol. I – with EoS in March 2023. So far in 2024, EoS has submitted an NPR Tiny Desk contest entry, been selected to play at the GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, the Rochester Lilac Festival, and the Erie Jazz and Blues Festival, and recorded their sophomore album at GCR audio with plans of a summer release. EoS has shared the stage with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, BoomBox, and Sophistafunk.