Dave Brubeck Concert Goes on as Scheduled Tonight in Waterbury

Dave Brubeck. Courtesy of the Palace Theater.

The Waterbury Palace Theater’s Thursday night all-star concert in honor of jazz pioneer Dave Brubeck’s 92nd birthday is now being held as musical “thank you” to the legend for the incredible body of work he brought to the masses over the past six decades. 

Brubeck, 91, died of heart failure on Wednesday morning after he fell ill on his way to a regular medical exam at Norwalk Hospital, in Norwalk, Conn., a day short of his 92nd birthday, said Russell Gloyd, his producer, conductor and manager for 36 years. Brubeck lived in Wilton.

Originally titled “Dave Brubeck’s 92nd Birthday Bash,” the non-profit organization Jazz’d 4 Life’s December 6 concert at the Palace Theater is now being called “Thank You, Dave Brubeck” in honor of the pianist’s ground-breaking contributions to the Jazz community, as well as the Jazz’d 4 Life charity, which was founded by Brubeck’s daughter Catherine in 2007. 

The concert will feature performances by Billy Joel saxophonist Richie Cannata, former New York Yankee and special guest guitarist Bernie Williams, as well as musicians Jullio Fernandez, Eren Cannata, Joel Rosenblatt, Gene Perez, Chris Clark, Brad Mason, Fred Wallcott, Nicole Zuraitis, Gina Sicilia, Louise Baranger, Rachel Z, Omar Hakim, Ali Ryerson, Darius Brubeck, James Montgomery, Rich Lataille, Mark Earley, and Chris Brubeck, among others.

Tickets for Thursday night’s 7:30pm concert at the Palace start at $40.50 and can be purchased online at www.palacetheaterct.org, by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Box Office, 100 East Main St., Waterbury.