Exodus To Jazz is back and launching its upcoming series of concerts with a tribute to Thelonious Sphere Monk’s immense impact on American culture and Jazz. This tribute will span two days and venues and include both theatre and a concert on February 21st and 22nd. 

"Monk" The Play

This one-man play by multi-Audelco Award winning actor and director Rome Neal is an intense and gripping portrait of Thelonious Monk's journey through life. The play was written by Laurence Holder and directed by Neal & Holder. Music was composed & Arranged by Bill Lee. I saw the play in 2010 when ETJ last presented it and it provides a lot of insight into the man and his music.

Here's the skinny:

• Venue: RAPA Theatre 727 E. Main Street, Rochester, NY 14605
• Concert Time: Friday, February 21st at 8:00 pm; doors at 7:00 pm
• Ticket Prices: $25 online at Brownpapertickets until 4:00 pm, Friday, February 21st. $28 @ RAPA Box Office, night of the show beginning 7:00 pm

The Concert: The Eric Reed Trio

Eric Reed is a hard-driving and swinging jazz pianist out of Philly who's most recent recording Dancing Monk (affiliate link) will be a loving tribute to Monk's music. His trio will also include emerging bassist Russell Hall and renown drummer Willie Jones III.  

Here's the skinny:

• Venue: Hochstein School of Music, 50 N. Plymouth Ave., Rochester, NY 14614
• Concert Time: Saturday, February 22nd at 8:00 pm; doors at 7:00 pm
• Ticket Prices: Patron: $40/$43 Door, Premium: $30/$33 Door, General Admission: $25/$28 Door, Students: $15/$17 Door
• Tickets available at Brownpapertickets.com