JazzNOW: Ray Charles Tribute with Greg Abate

Event timeline:

7:15-7:50pm Pre-event reception

7:50-7:58pm Guest are seated in Fraser Performance Studio

8:00-9:00pm Live performance in Fraser Performance Studio

Saxophonist Greg Abate will close out GBH Music and JazzBoston’s 2026 JazzNOW series with a tribute to Ray Charles. Abate first met the legendary soul singer at age 23, and after hearing him play, Charles invited Abate to tour the world as the lead alto saxophonist in his orchestra. The program will feature some of Ray Charles’ most recognizable songs like “Georgia on My Mind” and “Hit the Road Jack” as well as some of the singer’s popular renditions of Beatles tunes like “The Long and Winding Road.” The performance will also feature some Greg Abate originals drawing from his deep BeBop roots. Abate will be joined by Tim Ray (piano), Marty Ballou (bass), and Gary Johnson (drums). The concert takes place at 8 pm in Fraser Performance Studio with a pre-concert reception at 7:15pm. Paris Alston, of GBH News Rooted, will host the performance, which will be filmed for broadcast on GBH2. This event is made possible by the Goldstein Family Fund.

Event registration is required. Seating is general admission.

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Photo credit: Greg Abate

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If you have questions or can no longer attend, please contact Audience and Member Services Department. Audience and Member Services can be reached during regular business hours M-F, 9am-5pm at 617-300-3300 or via email: [email protected].