Queens Jazz Orchestra: The Jimmy Heath Centennial Concert
Nov 7, 2026
The Queens Jazz Orchestra returns to Flushing Town Hall to celebrate the centennial of NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath (October 25, 1926 – January 19, 2020). Under the direction of Antonio Hart, the orchestra will perform Heath’s orchestral compositions, including works that have never been performed to the public.
Heath’s music is swinging, sentimental, beautiful, and harmonically sophisticated, a joy for anyone who loves jazz. This evening honors the life, music, and memory of a man who championed jazz and dedicated his life to it. Don’t miss this special night of swing!
About Jimmy Heath
Jimmy Heath was a living legend. Members of the Queens Jazz Orchestra affectionately called him “Master Heath.” He performed with nearly every major figure in jazz, from John Coltrane and Miles Davis to Tony Bennett. Born in Philadelphia, he came from one of America’s most prominent jazz families. In 1975, he formed "The Heath Brothers" with his brothers, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath. The group performed concerts worldwide until 2010.
Heath was also a proud Queens resident. He lived in Corona for many years before he and his wife, Mona, moved to Loganville, Georgia.
The book, I Walked With Giants: The Autobiography of Jimmy Heath, chronicles his remarkable career and the many adventures along the way. Copies will be on sale in our gift shop on the day of the concert.
About Antonio Hart, Leader of the Queens Jazz Orchestra
Saxophonist Antonio Hart is a protégé of Jimmy Heath, who personally chose him to carry on his legacy through performances and concerts of his music.
Hart was born in Baltimore on September 30, 1968. He began playing saxophone in elementary school but didn’t discover jazz until his late teens. Listening to a local jazz radio station, he discovered Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Sonny Stitt, and jazz soon became his priority. After graduating from the Baltimore School for the Arts, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. He then moved to New York and toured with his friend and classmate, trumpeter Roy Hargrove. During those years, he earned a master’s degree at Queens College, where he studied with Jimmy Heath and trumpeter Donald Byrd.
Hart’s debut album, For the First Time (1991), drew critical praise, and Here I Stand earned him a Grammy nomination. For Cannonball and Woody (1993) honors alto saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley and trumpeter Woody Shaw with performances of their music and two original dedications. Beyond his own albums, Hart has recorded with Nat Adderley, Monty Alexander, Kathleen Battle, Terence Blanchard, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Green, Wallace Roney, McCoy Tyner, and Phil Woods.
Pre-Show Members Lounge
Flushing Town Hall Circle of Friends Members are invited to a complimentary pre-show reception at 6:30 PM in the Flushing Town Hall gallery. Enjoy food, wine, beer, and soft drinks, and mingle with fellow jazz lovers and FTH staff before the show.
Not a member? Become a Circle of Friends Member today and enjoy this event and other exclusive benefits!
Already a member? RSVP for the Members Lounge here!
| Date | Performance Times | |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 7, 2026 | 8:00 PM |
The Queens Jazz Orchestra returns to Flushing Town Hall to celebrate the centennial of NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath (October 25, 1926 – January 19, 2020). Under the direction of Antonio Hart, the orchestra will perform Heath’s orchestral compositions, including works that have never been performed to the public.
Heath’s music is swinging, sentimental, beautiful, and harmonically sophisticated, a joy for anyone who loves jazz. This evening honors the life, music, and memory of a man who championed jazz and dedicated his life to it. Don’t miss this special night of swing!
About Jimmy Heath
Jimmy Heath was a living legend. Members of the Queens Jazz Orchestra affectionately called him “Master Heath.” He performed with nearly every major figure in jazz, from John Coltrane and Miles Davis to Tony Bennett. Born in Philadelphia, he came from one of America’s most prominent jazz families. In 1975, he formed "The Heath Brothers" with his brothers, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath. The group performed concerts worldwide until 2010.
Heath was also a proud Queens resident. He lived in Corona for many years before he and his wife, Mona, moved to Loganville, Georgia.
The book, I Walked With Giants: The Autobiography of Jimmy Heath, chronicles his remarkable career and the many adventures along the way. Copies will be on sale in our gift shop on the day of the concert.
About Antonio Hart, Leader of the Queens Jazz Orchestra
Saxophonist Antonio Hart is a protégé of Jimmy Heath, who personally chose him to carry on his legacy through performances and concerts of his music.
Hart was born in Baltimore on September 30, 1968. He began playing saxophone in elementary school but didn’t discover jazz until his late teens. Listening to a local jazz radio station, he discovered Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Sonny Stitt, and jazz soon became his priority. After graduating from the Baltimore School for the Arts, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. He then moved to New York and toured with his friend and classmate, trumpeter Roy Hargrove. During those years, he earned a master’s degree at Queens College, where he studied with Jimmy Heath and trumpeter Donald Byrd.
Hart’s debut album, For the First Time (1991), drew critical praise, and Here I Stand earned him a Grammy nomination. For Cannonball and Woody (1993) honors alto saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley and trumpeter Woody Shaw with performances of their music and two original dedications. Beyond his own albums, Hart has recorded with Nat Adderley, Monty Alexander, Kathleen Battle, Terence Blanchard, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Green, Wallace Roney, McCoy Tyner, and Phil Woods.
Pre-Show Members Lounge
Flushing Town Hall Circle of Friends Members are invited to a complimentary pre-show reception at 6:30 PM in the Flushing Town Hall gallery. Enjoy food, wine, beer, and soft drinks, and mingle with fellow jazz lovers and FTH staff before the show.
Not a member? Become a Circle of Friends Member today and enjoy this event and other exclusive benefits!
Already a member? RSVP for the Members Lounge here!
| Date | Performance Times | |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 7, 2026 | 8:00 PM |
