John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument delivers a bold, modern take on big band jazz—fusing swing, Latin grooves, and adventurous writing with one of NYC’s most dynamic ensembles. Performing all original compositions including works from their new album Points in Time, released on July 11, 2025 on See Tao Recordings.

7-7:45pm - Rehearsal Set (open to all)

8-9:30pm - Performance one set

BUY TICKETS

About the band:

John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions and arrangements which explore the boundaries of harmony, color, texture and rhythm. The 17-piece ensemble is comprised of New York City’s finest jazz musicians including members of Grammy- award winning ensembles such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which Yao has been a regular substitute for many years.  The band’s debut album Flip-Flop was released in 2015 and received critical acclaim.DownBeat says, "[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao's unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals."  Yao’s compositions and arrangements are post-bop, experimental and aim to explore new sounds for big band.  “At times angular and broken, other times linear and swinging, he offers a broad view of the possibilities of jazz composition,” says Jim McNeely of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. In 2016, Yao founded the Big Band & Beyond Concert Series which featured the premier of new works for the JY-17 as well as a six-month residency at the ShapeShifter Lab in Brookyln, NY. 

John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument delivers a bold, modern take on big band jazz—fusing swing, Latin grooves, and adventurous writing with one of NYC’s most dynamic ensembles. Performing all original compositions including works from their new album Points in Time, on See Tao Recordings.

7-7:45pm - Rehearsal Set (open to all)

8-9:30pm - Performance one set

BUY TICKETS

About the band:

John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions and arrangements which explore the boundaries of harmony, color, texture and rhythm. The 17-piece ensemble is comprised of New York City’s finest jazz musicians including members of Grammy- award winning ensembles such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which Yao has been a regular substitute for many years.  The band’s debut album Flip-Flop was released in 2015 and received critical acclaim.DownBeat says, "[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao's unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals."  Yao’s compositions and arrangements are post-bop, experimental and aim to explore new sounds for big band.  “At times angular and broken, other times linear and swinging, he offers a broad view of the possibilities of jazz composition,” says Jim McNeely of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. In 2016, Yao founded the Big Band & Beyond Concert Series which featured the premier of new works for the JY-17 as well as a six-month residency at the ShapeShifter Lab in Brookyln, NY. 

Points in Time, out July 11, 2025 via See Tao Recordings, celebrates memorable personal and musical moments from Yao’s two-decade experience in New York City

It’s been 20 years since trombonist, composer, arranger and bandleader John Yao arrived in New York City; 10 years have passed since the release of his first big band album, the exuberant Flip-Flop. He’ll celebrate that tandem anniversary with Points in Time, the long-awaited follow-up by John Yao and His 17-Piece Instrument (JY-17). While the album arrives as a commemoration of those two significant dates, the music it contains is deeply informed by a number of professional and personal milestones that have marked that two-decade journey.

Set for release on July 11, 2025, via See Tao Recordings, Points in Time is enriched and invigorated by a wealth of experiences that Yao has enjoyed since Flip-Flop heralded the arrival of “a strong compositional voice and effective band-leader able to use his 17-piece band to paint across a wide spectrum and infuse his complex writing with a thoughtful balance of audacity, structure, humor, and sonic might” (All About Jazz).

For the album’s repertoire, Yao culled favorite tunes from throughout his discography, revising small-band compositions in vibrant new big band arrangements and showcasing the new pieces he’s penned over the past ten years.

Doors open at 7pm

Music from 7:30-9pm

Buy Tickets Here

About John Yao:

For almost twenty years, John Yao has been honing his talents as a trombonist, composer and arranger, and cementing his place on the New York City jazz scene. Yao’s lyrical soloing and expressive, round tone, combined with his relentless drive to push the boundaries of harmony and rhythm, have established him as a unique and forward-thinking jazz talent. Yao has earned wide acclaim. In April 2025 he was appointed to the 100th class of Guggenheim Fellows in the field of Music Composition. In 2023, Yao earned a place in both the Rising Star Trombone and Rising Star Big Band categories in the DownBeat Critics Poll. Lucid Culture proclaims, “John Yao is one of New York’s elite trombonists,” and All About Jazz calls him “a strong compositional voice and effective band-leader able to use his 17-piece band to paint across a wide spectrum and infuse his complex writing with a thoughtful balance of audacity, structure, humor, and sonic might.”

Masterfully leading and composing the music for both his large and small ensemble, Yao has released five albums as a leader. As a trombonist, Yao has worked extensively as a sideman for Grammy-award winning New York City ensembles, such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. He has also performed with such esteemed musicians as Paquito D’Rivera, Eddie Palmieri, Danilo Perez, Chris Potter and Kurt Elling, among many others. As a composer, Yao has been commissioned by Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, JMI Jazz World Orchestra Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, JMI Jazz World Orchestra, Arsonore Spirit Orchestra and numerous other ensembles abroad both educational and professional.

An in-demand educator, Yao serves as Assistant Professor of Trombone at Berklee College of Music and Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College and as Adjunct Professor of Music at Molloy University. He is an XO Brass Clinician, as well as an active guest artist and soloist at colleges and universities throughout the United States and abroad.

About the Band:

John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions and arrangements which explore the boundaries of harmony, color, texture and rhythm. The 17-piece ensemble is comprised of New York City’s finest jazz musicians including members of Grammy- award winning ensembles such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which Yao has been a regular substitute for many years. The band’s debut album Flip-Flop was released in 2015 and received critical acclaim. DownBeat says, "[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao's unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals." Yao’s compositions and arrangements are post-bop, experimental and aim to explore new sounds for big band. “At times angular and broken, other times linear and swinging, he offers a broad view of the possibilities of jazz composition,” says Jim McNeely of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. In 2016, Yao founded the Big Band & Beyond Concert Series which featured the premier of new works for the JY-17 as well as a six-month residency at the ShapeShifter Lab in Brookyln, NY.

John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument delivers a bold, modern take on big band jazz—fusing swing, Latin grooves, and adventurous writing with one of NYC’s most dynamic ensembles. Performing all original compositions including works from their new album Points in Time, coming out on July 11, 2025 on See Tao Recordings.

Buy Tickets here

7-7:45pm - Rehearsal Set (open to all)

8-9pm - Performance one set

Saxes - Alejandro Aviles, Hashem Assadullahi, Sam Dillon, Paul Jones, Carl Maraghi

Trumpets - Nick Marchione, Stuart Mack, David Neves, Oscar Stenmark

Trombones- Matt McDonald, John Yao, Nick Vayenas, Jeff Nelson

Rhythm Section - Randy Ingram, Robert Sabin, Jeff Davis

About the band:

John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions and arrangements which explore the boundaries of harmony, color, texture and rhythm. The 17-piece ensemble is comprised of New York City’s finest jazz musicians including members of Grammy- award winning ensembles such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which Yao has been a regular substitute for many years.  The band’s debut album Flip-Flop was released in 2015 and received critical acclaim.DownBeat says, "[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao's unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals."  Yao’s compositions and arrangements are post-bop, experimental and aim to explore new sounds for big band.  “At times angular and broken, other times linear and swinging, he offers a broad view of the possibilities of jazz composition,” says Jim McNeely of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. In 2016, Yao founded the Big Band & Beyond Concert Series which featured the premier of new works for the JY-17 as well as a six-month residency at the ShapeShifter Lab in Brookyln, NY. 

John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument delivers a bold, modern take on big band jazz—fusing swing, Latin grooves, and adventurous writing with one of NYC’s most dynamic ensembles. Performing all original compositions including works from their new album Points in Time, coming out on July 11, 2025 on See Tao Recordings.

Buy Tickets here

7-7:30pm - Rehearsal Set (open to all)

7:45-9pm - Performance one set

Saxes - Alejandro Aviles, Hashem Assadullahi, Rich Perry, Paul Jones, Saul Dautch

Trumpets - Sam Hoyt, Stuart Mack, David Neves, Mark Collins

Trombones- Mick Fahie, John Yao, Ric Becker, Max Seigel

Rhythm Section - Hyuna Park, Robert Sabin, Andy Watson

About the band:

John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions and arrangements which explore the boundaries of harmony, color, texture and rhythm. The 17-piece ensemble is comprised of New York City’s finest jazz musicians including members of Grammy- award winning ensembles such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which Yao has been a regular substitute for many years.  The band’s debut album Flip-Flop was released in 2015 and received critical acclaim.DownBeat says, "[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao's unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals."  Yao’s compositions and arrangements are post-bop, experimental and aim to explore new sounds for big band.  “At times angular and broken, other times linear and swinging, he offers a broad view of the possibilities of jazz composition,” says Jim McNeely of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. In 2016, Yao founded the Big Band & Beyond Concert Series which featured the premier of new works for the JY-17 as well as a six-month residency at the ShapeShifter Lab in Brookyln, NY. 

Joe McCarthy - Drums/percussion 

Nick Marchione - Trumpet

Alejandro Aviles - Saxophones

John Yao - Trombone

Zaccai Curtis - Piano

Boris Kozlov - Bass

Join us for an exhilarating evening of Afro-Cuban jazz as Joe McCarthy's Latin Grammy® Award-winning New York Afro Bop Alliance sextet takes the stage at The Side Door in Old Lyme, CT, on November 30th. This special performance marks a reunion of the band’s original instrumentation from over 20 years ago, inviting audiences to experience the vibrant sounds that defined their early work. Prepare to be transported through time as the sextet celebrates selections from their renowned recordings "Camino Nuevo" and "Angel Eyes." In addition to these classics, the ensemble will present new arrangements specifically designed for this intimate concert setting, celebrating the band's virtuosity while honoring their roots and showcasing the evolution of their sound.

Founded and led by drummer Joe McCarthy, the New York Afro Bop Alliance is known for its dynamic fusion of bebop and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of jazz, the ensemble has captivated audiences at prestigious venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the infectious energy and creative spirit of Joe McCarthy's New York Afro Bop Alliance live. It promises to be a night of extraordinary music and celebration that jazz enthusiasts won’t want to miss!

John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions for big band. The 17-piece ensemble is comprised of New York City’s finest jazz musicians including members of Grammy- award winning ensembles such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which Yao has been a regular substitute for many years. Yao’s compositions and arrangements are post-bop, experimental and aim to explore new sounds for big band. The Midwest Record proclaims JY-17 debut album Flip-Flop (See Tao Recordings) “A must set for big band fans that want to hear something that takes the form in to the future, this blows the ears open in a mighty way”. Downbeat says, "[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao's unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals."