Stepping Out

Jazz grooves with Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum

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On Stage

Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum
The two contemporary jazz superstars have joined forces on the concert circuit. Butler remains a captivating and powerful performer, pouring his heart into selections from his immense catalogue. His genre-busting material has earned songwriter’s awards and received abundant airplay in multiple radio formats. Butler’s music has purpose, providing comfort and genuine inspiration. When he sings, he testifies to the glory and healing power of love. When he plays guitar, his fast fingers innately find notes of passion and divinity. In addition to being a popular draw at headline dates and festival shows he thrives on interacting with his fans. While Whalum, with a career spanning decades, including his infamous sax solo on Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” has a sound that leaves an indelible imprint on the listener. Whalum soon followed that career high point with his phenomenal hit album, “For You,” perhaps the most successful of over 25 solo recordings to date. Soulful, passionate, stirring are are the words most often used to describe his music. Forged from his Memphis gospel roots and his 1980s initiation into the thriving Houston nightclub scene, Whalum’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his.
Saturday, Sept. 7, 8 p.m. $45-$95. Madison Theatre, Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or www.madisontheatreny.org.

In Concert

Elliott Murphy
The veteran rocker garners an intense loyalty from fans worldwide. Murphy continues to demonstrate his staying power on his latest concert tour. This indefatigable rock troubadour has had an incredibly productive year, completing and releasing three books, starring in a film based on one of his short stories, plus performing memorable concerts including sitting in with Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden. Joel also inducted Elliott into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame this past November. Joel says of Murphy, “His songs are honest and literate and pure, and those songs have attracted audiences far beyond his country. I’ve long envied his bravery and integrity, and I’ve always admired his lyric skill.” As a prolific and multifaceted artist, Murphy is considered one of the greatest American singer-songwriters at work, his lyrics often being compared to high literature and poetry.
Saturday, Sept. 7, 8 p.m. $40. My Father’s Place at the Roslyn Hotel, 1221 Old Northern Blvd. Roslyn. (516) 413-3535 or www.myfathersplace.com.