Tickets
Season subscription: $150
AKG member season subscription: $130
General admission (single concert): $40
AKG member general admission (single concert): $35
Lipsey Auditorium, Knox Building

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Renowned for his captivating piano performances, Joe Alterman brings a fresh perspective to the genre, infusing it with his own unique style and energy.

Having performed at many world-renowned venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland, and Blue Note, alongside Houston Person, Les McCann, Dick Gregory, Ramsey Lewis, and his own trio, among others, Alterman has solidified his status as a standout talent on the international jazz stage.

This special event celebrates Alterman's unique recording project, Joe Alterman Plays Les McCann: Big Mo & Little Joe. The recording and performance project pays homage to the legendary Les McCann, a pivotal figure in jazz history, and showcases Alterman's deep appreciation for McCann's music.

Alterman's unique friendship with McCann, marked by their frequent phone conversations until McCann's passing, adds a poignant layer to the tribute. Their shared love for jazz and mutual respect for each other's craft enriched their bond and influenced Alterman's interpretations of McCann's timeless compositions. With soulful renditions of McCann's classics and original compositions inspired by his legacy, Alterman's initiative is a heartfelt tribute to one of the greats of jazz.

Despite the passing of McCann, his spirit lives on through Alterman's heartfelt interpretations of his music. The late Ahmad Jamal, another luminary in the jazz world, hailed Alterman as "a very special artist,” while Ramsey Lewis, who has also since passed, called him "an inspiration" and praised his piano playing as "a joy to behold."

Famed jazz critic Nat Hentoff added to the acclaim, stating that Alterman "would have been able to hold his own jamming with . . . Lester Young, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, and Duke Ellington." Alterman is known to swing you out of your seats—don’t be surprised if you start dancing!

Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience the magic of Joe Alterman and his extraordinary homage to Les McCann live on stage in his Buffalo debut.

The Stanford and Judith Lipsey Auditorium is located on the second floor of the Knox Building and can be accessed by the elevator across from the Family Room. There is accessible seating along both sides of the Auditorium, as well as in the two back corners. Assistive Listening Devices and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing are available upon request. To schedule an ASL interpreter for an event, please submit a request at least two weeks in advance. The closest restrooms are on the first floor of the Knox Building in the same hallway as the Moog Inc. Visitor Services Desk.