NEA Jazz Master Dr. Lonnie Smith is an unparalleled musician, composer, performer and recording artist. With a career spanning over five decades, Smith stands as the preeminent Hammond B-3 organist in jazz today. He has been featured on over seventy albums, and has recorded and performed with a virtual “Who’s Who” of the greatest jazz, blues and R&B giants in the industry. Consequently, he has often been hailed as a “Legend,” a “Living Musical Icon,” and as the most creative jazz organist by a slew of music publications. Jazz Times magazine describes him as “a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a turban!” “Jazz is American Classical”. “And this music is a reflection of what’s happening at the time…. The organ is like the sunlight, rain and thunder…it’s all the worldly sound to me!” Dr. Lonnie Smith  

Lead Support for Neighborhood Concerts is provided by the Howard Gilman Foundation. Additional support is provided by the A. L. and Jennie L. Luria Foundation.