Billy Lester to perform in free jazz concert

An afternoon concert featuring jazz pianist and music educator Billy Lester will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22.

The free concert is part of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance's Winter Salon Series.

Lester belongs to the family tree of jazz pianists connected to Lennie Tristano, who planted the seeds for free-jazz improvisation. Studying with Tristano’s protégé Sal Mosca for 16 years, Lester is a “musician’s musician” who instinctively creates original compositions from variations on classic American songs' chord changes. Lester’s playing is gentle and probing, yet solid enough to carry strong melodic lines. Subtly transportive, you’ll find yourself getting swept away without even realizing you’re moving.

Come hear what the online magazine Slate included on its list of The Best Jazz of 2019, saying, “Lester ambles into uncharted alleys and wormholes while retaining an unassuming lyricism, and that’s rare.”

Jazz Times praised Lester’s sound as “spirited, compelling, purposeful, and technically accomplished piano jazz.”

The arts alliance is located at 37 Main Street, Narrowsburg, N.Y. The concert will take place at on the second floor in the intimate Krause Recital Hall.

Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The schedule is subject to change due to weather; call 845-252-7576 to confirm or visit delawarevalleyartsalliance.org.

The activities of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance are made possible in part by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.