"A Musical Celebration with a Purpose" to Bring Grammy-Winning Musicians to Leonia

Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 04/29/2026

(LEONIA, NJ) -- Everyone is invited to an unforgettable evening of music and philanthropy at "A Musical Celebration with a Purpose", a benefit concert on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Presbyterian Church in Leonia, NJ.

Presented by the Rotary Club of The Palisades in conjunction with Holy Name Haiti Health Promise, this benefit concert features Grammy-Award winning musicians performing in three exciting sets: the elegance of classical music, vibrant music of the Pan-Caribbean diaspora, and the soulful sounds of Haitian music.

Proceeds will support Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Milot, Haiti by providing life-saving neonatal intensive care equipment for premature infants, helping the most vulnerable newborns survive and thrive.

"Music has the power to bring people together," said organizers. "This concert celebrates that power while supporting a life-saving cause."

Advance tickets are available for purchase online for $50.  Tickets are $60 at the door. Doors Open at 7:00pm for a Complimentary Wine and Cheese Reception; Performance Begins at 8:00pm – Open Seating. The Church is located at 181 Fort Lee Road in Leonia, New Jersey.

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The Performers:

The musical director is Javier Diaz, a New York–based percussionist, educator, and composer who performs regularly with the American Symphony Orchestra, chamber ensembles, and Afro-Cuban/Latin jazz groups. He has appeared with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, and New York Pops, and has served as principal percussionist on numerous Broadway productions including Ain’t Too Proud, On Your Feet!, Tarzan, and Once on This Island.

Toyin Spellman-Diaz is a trailblazing oboist and founding member of the GRAMMY-winning Imani Winds. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory and the Manhattan School of Music, she has performed with the New York Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, becoming the first Black woman oboist to appear with both ensembles.

GRAMMY Award-winning pianist and composer Alex Brown is a genre-defying artist praised by The New York Times for his “crystalline touch and worldly approach.” A longtime member of Paquito D’Rivera’s ensemble, he has contributed to multiple GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY-winning and nominated projects, including the 2023 Best Classical Compendium winner Passion for Bach and Coltrane.

Chad Smith is a sought-after Broadway, recording, and concert saxophonist who has performed across the country from New York to Los Angeles. His Broadway credits include Wicked, Legally Blonde, Follies, A Christmas Story: The Musical, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

Dr. Felipe Brito is Assistant Professor of Trombone and Director of Jazz and Commercial Music at Southeast Missouri State University and Development Director of Amistad Caribbean Arts Camp. An active performer across the U.S. and Brazil, he works as an orchestral, jazz, commercial, and solo artist.

Gregg August is a bassist and composer working across classical, jazz, and Latin jazz. He performs with ensembles including the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, and Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and previously served as Principal Bass of La Orquesta Ciutat de Barcelona and the Brooklyn Philharmonic.

 

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