Mother's Day Jazz Brunch w/ the Al Cron Quartet (10am)
Schedule
Sun May 10 2026 at 10:00 am to 11:45 am
UTC-04:00Location
The Press Room | Portsmouth, NH
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Celebrate Mother’s Day with a soulful, swinging jazz brunch led by trombonist, composer, and bandleader Al Cron. Come for great jazz and food and bring along family and friends.Mother's Day Jazz Brunch w/ the Al Cron Quartet (10am)
Sun 5/10
10am doors/10:45am show
All Ages | $20 adv./$28 day of
A longtime force on the New England jazz scene, Al Cron blends hard-swinging grooves, classic standards, and original music drawn from his recent digital releases The Prowl and Circles and Roots. Rooted in the sound of the Blue Note era but alive with modern energy, his music moves effortlessly from laid-back ballads to toe-tapping burners—perfect for a relaxed Sunday morning with family and friends.
Joining Cron is a powerhouse band featuring the dynamic Brooke Sofferman on drums, soulful John Piazza Jr. on trumpet and vocals, and the always amazing Bruce Gertz on bass..
Treat Mom, your friends, and yourself to great food, great company, and live jazz that feels timeless, vibrant, and full of heart.
Plan to come early to place your food and drink orders. A selection of brunch and lunch items will be available for purchase during both shows.
This show is offered in partnership with the Seacoast Jazz Society.
About the Musicians
Al Cron, trombone
Al Cron is a Boston-based jazz trombonist, composer, bandleader, and educator making a strong mark on the contemporary jazz scene. Influenced by studies with jazz masters such as Hal Crook, Bob Brookmeyer, John McNeil, and George Russell, Al has crafted a distinctive voice on his instrument and as a composer.
He has led his own groups and released acclaimed recordings—including The Prowl and Circles and Roots—highlighting his adventurous improvisational approach and commitment to creative jazz. Beyond his work as a bandleader, Al has performed with
legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, The Temptations, and the Artie Shaw Orchestra, blending deep tradition with modern expression.
An engaging live performer and passionate educator, Cron continues to inspire audiences and students alike with his vibrant musicality and dynamic stage presence.
For more info go to: https://www.alcronbone.com
John Piazza, Jr., trumpet
John Piazza, Jr, is a dynamic American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, educator, and co-founder of Utica, New York’s acclaimed Jazz at The Other Side series, which he helped establish in 2007 and has shaped into one of Central New York’s most cherished jazz
venues.
Born and raised in Utica, Piazza began trumpet studies in high school and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the Crane School of Music and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Massachusetts. He has studied with notable jazz figures including Yusef Lateef, Billy Taylor, Archie Shepp, and mentor Sal Amico.
Over his career, John has appeared with a wide range of esteemed jazz artists, performing with luminaries such as Joe Magnarelli, John Fedchock, Gary Smulyan, and many others who have graced The Other Side’s stage. In addition to his performance work, he spent more than a decade as Musical Director for Carnival Cruise Lines, where he led and collaborated with a variety of ensembles and performers.
Piazza’s deep commitment to jazz performance, education, and community has made him an influential voice in the upstate New York jazz scene and beyond.
Bruce Gertz, bass
Bruce Gertz is a highly respected jazz bassist, composer, bandleader, author, and educator whose career spans more than five decades. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Gertz is known for his mastery of both upright and electric bass and has been a cornerstone of the Boston jazz community and beyond.
A longtime Professor of Bass at Berklee College of Music since 1976, Gertz has shaped generations of bassists while maintaining an active performing and recording career. He has recorded over twenty albums as a leader and performed and recorded with jazz
greats including Jerry Bergonzi, Gary Burton, John Abercrombie, Joey Calderazzo, Bill Frisell, Joe Lovano, and many others.
In addition to his performance work, Bruce is an accomplished composer and author of multiple instructional books for bass, and he has received numerous awards including multiple Boston Music Awards and a National Endowment for the Arts jazz performance grant.
Gertz’s deep musical insight, rich history of collaboration, and dedication to education make him a beloved figure in jazz circles and a powerful voice on stage.
Brooke Sofferman, drums
Brooke Sofferman is a Boston-based drummer, composer, and educator who has been a vital presence on the East Coast jazz scene for more than two decades. A graduate of New England Conservatory of Music, where he earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s
Degree in Jazz Performance, studying with legendary artists including George Russell, Bob Moses, Danilo Pérez, Jerry Bergonzi, and John Abercrombie.
Now a faculty member at the Conservatory, Brooke balances teaching with an active performing and recording career, appearing with top-tier musicians such as Jerry Bergonzi, John Medeski, Chris Potter, Bruce Gertz, and many others. As a leader, his acclaimed recordings—including Modesty’s Odyssey, The Green Between, and One Stone, Two Birds—have earned rave reviews from DownBeat, JazzTimes, and The Boston Globe.
Equally at home driving a hard swing or shaping modern, adventurous textures, Brooke brings deep musicality, creativity, and energy to every stage.
ABOUT THE SEACOAST JAZZ SOCIETY
The Seacoast Jazz Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1990 to spearhead the annual Seacoast Jazz Festival, first held in 1983 and every year since then (except 2020). The Society is dedicated to fostering a love of jazz in the community, supporting
local musicians in their careers, and providing scholarships to young artists. For more info and to become a member or join the mailing list, go to:
https://www.seacoastjazz.org.
RESERVE YOUR SEATS TODAY!
Tickets: $20 (pre-sale), $28 (day of show)
Tickets to the 12:30pm Show: https://www.portsmouthnhtickets.com/e/al-cron-quartet-1230pm
You can also go to https://www.seacoastjazz.org for info and ticket links.
Plan to come early to place your food and drink orders.
Doors open at 10 am for the 10:45 am show
Doors open at 12:30 pm for the 1:15 pm show
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Where is it happening?
The Press Room, 61 Daniel St, Portsmouth, NH 03801-3800, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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