Annenberg Center Live Presents Jazz Great T.S. Monk

Acclaimed drummer, bandleader and composer T.S. Monk pays loving tribute to his famous father, Thelonious Monk, Saturday, November 3, 8:00 PM, in honor of his father's 100th birthday. This evening of timeless, swinging jazz will feature newly discovered compositions and beloved hits by the elder Monk, the "Father of Modern Jazz." Tickets are available at AnnenbergCenter.org or 215.898.3900.

After earning a reputation in school as a rabble-rouser, the young T.S. Monk joined his father's trio and toured with them until the elder Monk's retirement in 1975. Monk then launched into the music that had captivated him and his generation, R&B. He first toured with a group called Natural Essence, and afterward, formed his own band with his sister Barbara, with which he had hits on two recordings, House Of Music and More Of The Good Life, where he played drums, arranged and sang.

Monk received the New York Jazz Awards First Annual "Recording of the Year" and Downbeat's prestigious 63rd Reader's Poll Award for Monk On Monk, the 80th Anniversary Birthday Tribute to Thelonious Sphere Monk, featuring twenty guest artists including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Arturo Sandoval, Dianne Reeves, Nnenna Freelon and Howard Johnson. Critics and the public lauded T. S. Monk as his father's true musical heir, as bandleader and performer. To honor his father's legacy and support the efforts of education, Monk formed the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. As its chairman, he has been at the forefront of helping to create a number of programs across the U. S. that sponsor music education for students in the form of full scholarships and more.

In 1992, Monk formed his jazz sextet and received raves from the moment they hit the stage and the studio. One of the most unique groups on the circuit, the T.S. Monk Sextet's cohesive and driving style has been heard at the JVC Jazz at the Bowl festival, Sun Valley Center, Lied Center for the Performing Arts and many legendary jazz clubs. For his special 80th Anniversary Birthday Tribute to his father, the Monk's sextet formed the core of the eleven musicians, creating a pulsating and dynamic show. With Grammy Award-winning producer (for Joe Henderson's Lush Life, among others) Don Sickler on trumpet, the duo has carved an innovative and dynamic approach to crafting the distinctive T. S. Monk Sextet sound.