Jazz pianist Joe Holt brings his exuberant exploration of stride piano, “Happiness… A Thing Called Stride to the Mainstay on Saturday November 19 at 8:00 p.m. Admission is $15. For information and reservations call 410-639-9133. Information is also available at
the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
Stride Piano has a unique place in jazz as a fully self-accompanying approach to performance. By definition, the stride pianist performs alone, improvising and expanding the melody as a piece develops. Joe Holt’s imaginative approach to improvisation was influenced early on by Fats Waller and is ideally suited to stride. His playing often evokes references to Dave McKenna, and the happy spirit of Erroll Garner.
The rich and evolving history of stride includes practitioners such as James P. Johnson, Fats Waller, Count Basie, Thelonious Monk and Dave McKenna to the next generation like Marcus Roberts and Holt himself. “Happiness… A Thing Called Stride” will feature stride piano classics, solo piano jazz and a few surprises along the way.
Joe Holt’s career as a piano entertainer and improvisational artist spans more than 30 years. The joy when he plays is boundless and infectious. He started playing at age seven, formed his first musical group with the Midiri Brothers, A Couple of Joe’s Trio, influenced by recordings of the Benny Goodman Trio while still in high school. He is a graduate of Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in New Jersey, was a student of Yoheved Kaplinsky and is Board Certified in Music Therapy.
In addition to a wide variety of solo and group jazz performances throughout the mid-Atlantic region, Holt has worked in senior communities and in churches.
He appears on more than 25 recordings including eight on his own label. His most recent CD releases reflect his current performing focus: “Stories Without Words,” spontaneous compositions performed on solo piano, connecting with the emotion of universal stories and “Happiness .. A Thing Called Jazz,” a trio recording. Holt and his trio also perform with area vocal artists, and are featured on singer/songwriter Beth McDonald’s new original release ¬“Take it From Me”.
Over the years, Holt has also filled roles that include: musical director for local theater, contributing recording artist in the Piano Disc catalog, and host of a weekly radio show. He has recently introduced “Lessons for the Thoughtful Pianist”, encouraging aspiring musicians to enjoy the journey of growth and discovery. Holt has a website, www.joeholtsnotes.com. He lives in Chestertown.
The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street. It is a 501(c)(3), non profit dedicated to the arts, serving Rock Hall and the surrounding region and committed to presenting local, regional and national level talent, at a reasonable price, in an almost perfect acoustic setting. Wine, beer, sodas and snacks are available at the bar. The Mainstay is supported by ticket sales, fundraising including donations from friends and audience members and an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. . For information and reservations call 410-639-9133. More information is also available at the Mainstay’s website.
Upcoming Mainstay performances include:
Dec. 9 Howard Alden & Jeane Gies
Dec. 16 Frank Vignola Duo
Feb. 5 Pyxis Piano Quartet
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