Shunzo Ohno's Album Release Celebration at Joe's Pub
Shunzo Ohno: Beyond Imagination
Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street (at Astor Place)
Admission: $48
Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and composer Shunzo Ohno returns to Joe’s Pub for an unforgettable evening of vibrant, genre-bending jazz. A longtime force on the New York scene, Ohno has performed alongside legends including Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Gil Evans, among others. The evening will celebrate the release of Ohno’s new album, Shunzo Ohno Live at Joe’s Pub, a culmination of his myriad performances at the iconic venue.
Featured Performers
Cyro Baptista – Percussion
Clifford Carter – Keys/piano
Quintin Zoto – Guitar
Zé Luis – Sax/flute
Alex Yoo – Drums
Leo Traversa – Bass
Join Ohno and his band for a one-night-only, electrifying live musical experience.
There is a two-drink or one-food minimum per person. To purchase tickets, please visit Joe’s Pub’s website.
Shunzo Ohno. Photo credit: Cristabelle Tan
“Each note, each phrase, invites listeners into a world where artistry and human resilience convey, where the past and present meet in a harmonious arc. Live at Joe’s Pub is proof that music, crafted with mastery and courage and heart, can speak universally, offering a vision of hope and beauty that has a place everywhere in the world.”
About Shunzo Ohno
Born in Gifu, Japan, Shunzo Ohno began playing trumpet at age 13 and by 19 was already Japan’s leading jazz trumpeter. His career took flight under the mentorship of legendary bandleader Art Blakey, leading to collaborations with jazz greats including Gil Evans, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Machito’s Afro-Cuban Orchestra. He is featured on Grammy Award–winning recordings with both Machito and Gil Evansand has released 17 albums as a leader and appeared on more than 30 as a sideman.
Ohno’s journey is extraordinary—not only a testament to musical mastery but to the human spirit itself. Having survived a devastating car accident in 1988 and, years later, a life-threatening battle with throat cancer, he reimagined both his technique and his artistic vision, forging a sound that is uniquely his own—one that resonates with resilience and hope. His inspiring story is captured in the filmNever Defeated: The Shunzo Ohno Story, narrated by longtime friend Buster Williams.
A recipient of numerous international awards for his contributions to the global music culture, Ohno continues to inspire audiences worldwide with his artistry, advocacy, and unwavering spirit. For the past 15 years, Ohno has made annual visits to Northern Japan, supporting communities affected by the earthquake/tsunami, demonstrating the power of music.
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening with one of jazz’s most fearless innovators.
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