The Statuary Presents: Julius Tolentino Quintet

The Statuary Presents: Julius Tolentino Quintet

The Statuary is thrilled to present one of the world’s finest alto saxophonists, Julius Tolentino. He will be joined by a star-studded lineup with deep ties to our community that includes Josh Evans (trumpet), Ben Collins-Siegel (piano), Ian Kenselaar (bass), and Jersey City’s own jazz legend Winard Harper (drums).

About the Artist: Saxophonist and educator Julius Tolentino has been a prominent figure on the New York jazz scene for over 30 years, performing and recording with top-tier artists and groups. His impressive collaborations include Louis Hayes’ Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band, the Christian McBride Big Band, Natalie Cole, Wycliffe Gordon, Cecile McLorin Salvant, and the Count Basie Orchestra, among others. A graduate of the Hartt School of Music, Julius had the privilege of studying with NEA Jazz Master Jackie McLean, who introduced him to Illinois Jacquet—two pivotal mentors in his musical journey. As a performer, he has graced major venues like Avery Fisher Hall and the Village Vanguard and appeared at celebrated festivals such as Newport and Tanglewood. His debut album, Just the Beginning, reached #8 on jazz charts in 2006.

In education, Julius has made a substantial impact. Since 2007, he has led the jazz program at Newark Academy, conducting five jazz ensembles, a wind ensemble, and middle school bands. He also teaches as an adjunct professor at Princeton University and Montclair State University and is a director at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s High School Jazz Academy. His groups have consistently excelled in competitions, winning at Essentially Ellington, the Charles Mingus Competition, and the NJAJE State Finals for 13 consecutive years. His awards include NJ Jazz Musician of the Year by Inside Jersey (2010), the Illinois Jacquet Jazz Educator of the Year (2013), and NJ Jazz Education Achievement Award (2018). In 2023, he was honored with DownBeat's Lifetime Achievement Award in Jazz Education

Julius Tolentino Quintet

Julius Tolentino- alto sax

Josh Evans- trumpet

Ben Collins-Siegel- piano

Ian Kenselaar- bass

Winard Harper- drums

RSVP: Walk-ins are welcome, however audience members who have responded with an RSVP will be prioritized as we reach capacity. RSVPs are only held until 10 minutes prior to show time.

About "The Statuary'' - "Where the line between the band and the audience ceases to exist. Jersey City's intimate home for jazz, art, and culture." The Statuary originated in 1907 as the Jersey Statuary Company of Jersey City where the two-story house was Gino DeSanctis's, sculptor and painter, workshop. In 2007, the building was converted into an active artist live/work/present space that has since been a home for community members to celebrate artistic expression, diversity, inclusion, and love through music. The Statuary echoes the mood of the 1970s Jazz Loft scene and provides a platform for innovative and culturally significant local, regional, and national musical talent creating an ethereal atmosphere akin to the history that has shaped this one of a kind space.

This event is in partnership with https://RiverviewJazz.Org and supported by public funds from the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Statuary, 53 Congress Street, Jersey City, United States