We are happy to welcome you to our community for the 2022 edition of our house concert series featuring three performances with world-class musicians across multiple genres. The concert series is presented by the Historic Boston-Edison Association and Michelle May, Music Director of the Sounds of Music House Concerts™ organization. The address for the concerts will be given following ticket purchase.
Jazz / R&B Concert with Gerard Gibbs
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SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2022
7:00 pm-8:00 pm
(Rain Date: Sunday, July 17, 2022 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
Gerard makes a return appearance on the Boston-Edison Concert series! He and his band's super high-energy performance here in 2018 was incredible to witness and we are excited to present them again!
Gerard William Gibbs has been a lover of Jazz ever since his father introduced him at the tender age of three to the music of the late Jazz organist, Richard “Groove” Holmes. At age seven, when he later had the opportunity to meet Holmes, Gerard grew to idolize Holmes. He knew then that one day, he would play Jazz just like his idol.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Gerard is a product of the Detroit Public Schools. He began his musical training in classical piano at the age of nine. Although he took to this musical style fairly quickly, his interest in performing Jazz never waned. In the summer of 1981, while recovering at home from corrective leg surgery, Gerard received a surprise visit from “Groove” Holmes. Holmes took an immediate interest in Gerard and began to show him all the “tricks of the trade.” Until Holmes’ death in 1991, Gerard had the kind of friendship and mentoring relationship with this international jazz organist that others can only dream about.
In 1996, Gerard was again fortunate. He met another jazz organist, Jimmy Smith. He was introduced to Smith while attending his concert at the Bluebird Inn in Detroit. Smith took a liking to Gerard as well, and began to show him some of his techniques. Since that time Gerard’s friendship with Jimmy Smith has proven to be of great value. Gerard also has had opportunities to rub shoulders with jazz organists Joey DeFrancesco, Jimmy McGriff, and the late Jack McDuff. In September of 1999, Gerard had the opportunity to jam with the “Mighty Burner”, the late Charles Earland. All of these encounters have contributed to Gerard’s development as a versatile musical artist skilled beyond his years.
Currently, Gerard performs nationally on the concert circuit with saxmen Marion Meadows, Ronnie Laws and James Carter. He also lends his talents to the hot contemporary jazz group: Pieces Of a Dream. While at home in Detroit, Gibbs remains busy as he works as an Architectural Engineer for the City of Detroit by day and leads two jazz bands at night and on weekends. He plays keyboards in his contemporary jazz group, RYZ (pronounced “Rise”) and organ for Gerard Gibbs & ORGANized Crime. He can be seen locally at Baker's Keyboard Lounge, the Dirty Dog Cafe, the Aretha Franklin Ampitheater, the Blue Llama and Cliff Bell's among other venues. Gerard's debut CD with his organ trio is in commemoration to his first mentor, the late Richard “Groove” Holmes.
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In order to follow the current health and safety guidelines, the following measures will be used for these concerts:
- This will be a one-hour concert event.
- You will be allowed to enter the backyard beginning 45 minutes before the start time.
- There will be limited tickets available.
- Tickets are only available in advance; no ticket sales "at the door"
- NO food or drink will be provided, although you can bring your own, picnic-style. You must clean up and take your trash with you (don't forget trash bags).
- NO entering the homes (not even for the bathroom, so please plan accordingly)
- PLEASE NOTE: COVID-19 guidelines have been updated for the State of Michigan and as such, masks are no longer required for outdoor activity. You may still wear your mask at your own discretion. We have limited seating; if you have your own chairs, please feel free to bring them.
- Concerts will have a rain date.
