originally published: 03/20/2023
(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth University Center for the Arts is pleased to present The Les Paul Experience, a musical tribute concert and photography exhibition celebrating the life & career of the legendary jazz musician, inventor and musical pioneer known as the “father of the electric guitar,” Les Paul.
The one-night-only concert held on Friday, May 12 at 8:00pm in the Pollak Theatre will celebrate Paul’s influences and contributions to modern music through his songs, inventions of multi-track recording and the solid-body electric guitar which will be highlighted in a musical tribute led by Music Director and Performer, Bobby Bandiera. An All-Star Band including Layonne Holmes, Tony Perruso, John Pittas, Kevin Bregande, Muddy Shews, Tommy Labella and Jillian Rhys McCoy will feature guest appearances by some of New Jersey’s premier guitarists including Sonny Kenn (Red Bank, NJ), Anthony Krizan of the Spin Doctors (Raritan, NJ), Billy Hector (Orange, NJ), Lenny Kaye of the Patti Smith Band (North Brunswick, NJ) singer, Reagan Richards of Williams Honor (Long Branch, NJ) who was a backup singer of Mr. Paul's for four years and special guests (still to be announced.) This exclusive event will conclude with an informal Q&A with friends and colleagues of Les Paul led by Les Paul Foundation Executive President, Michael Braunstein.
The concert is presented in conjunction with the photography exhibition “Les Paul: Thru the Lens” running in the Pollak Gallery from March 20 – May 31 featuring rare photos highlighting the life and career of Les Paul, the inventor, pioneering musician and icon. From his celebrity friends to the earliest part of his life, fans will have a chance to walk through Les’ amazing life through remarkable photos during this limited engagement. Curated by the Les Paul Foundation, the exhibit features 24 gallery-framed black-and-white photographs including Les’ life from childhood to his later career. It includes personal family photos, Les behind-the-scenes, famous friends, and photos of the man with a larger than life sense of humor and amazing curiosity. From Les’ time inventing in his famous Hollywood garage studio to his popular reality TV show and appearances with Mary Ford, the exhibit provides fans with the opportunity to see Les like never before. Les Paul photographer and assistant, Chris Lentz, will be in attendance at the event.
Prior to Les Paul Thru the Lens opening in Memphis, the gallery was exhibited at the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York; Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California, the National Association of Music Manufacturers (NAMM) Convention in Anaheim, California and the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis. This will be the first New Jersey location for the exhibition. Both the concert and the exhibition are presented in association with The Les Paul Foundation.
A limited quantity of GOLD CIRCLE VIP Tickets are available for the concert and will include a pre-show VIP reception (from 6:00pm-7:30pm) with music by Monmouth University students Jenae & Max, a private viewing of Les Paul Thru the Lens exhibition in the Pollak Gallery and premium seating. Additional tickets are on sale for $69-$75. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit www.monmouth.edu/MCA or call the box office at 732.263.6889.
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