Tom McDermott: Music from New Orleans
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Tom McDermott is one of New Orleans’ most distinctive pianists—a modern day keeper of the city’s piano lineage who moves effortlessly between ragtime, traditional jazz, R&B, and Brazilian choro. With a career spanning over five decades, he embodies the Crescent City’s spirit: deep-rooted in tradition yet always open to new ideas and rhythms from around the world.
A portion of each ticket will be donated to Global Healing, a Berkeley-based organization that helps ensure that children and mothers with life-threatening conditions are cared for by local, skilled healthcare professionals.
Born in St. Louis in 1957, McDermott began studying piano at seven and turned professional by sixteen. After earning a Master of Music degree, he moved to New Orleans in the early 1984, where he quickly became a go‑to pianist for traditional jazz and R&B, holding down gigs with legends and ensembles such as the Dukes of Dixieland. He has performed with New Orleans heroes such as Pete Fountain, Irma Thomas and Gatemouth Brown. He co-founded and arranged for the Grammy award-winning brass band, the New Orleans Nightcrawlers. His performances with The Dukes of Dixieland placed him in Carnegie Hall, Germany, Denmark, Peru, Japan, and much of America. He has also performed solo in most of the states in the U.S. and in many countries around the world.
McDermott is known for a style that mixes the percussive drive of Professor Longhair, the rhythmic sophistication of James Booker, and the syncopated bounce of classic ragtime—then filters it all through his own imaginative voice. Since 2001 he has made 16 trips to Brazil, absorbing and recording choro, a form often called “Brazilian ragtime,” which he now weaves into his New Orleans repertoire, creating a rich, cross‑Atlantic sound.
McDermott has released 16 albums showcasing his work in solo piano, small‑ensemble jazz such as the Dukes of Dixieland, and inventive brass‑band projects. His music has been praised by major publications such as The New York Times (five reviews), Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. His tunes were licensed for the soundtrack of HBO’s Treme, where he also appeared on camera as himself.
When you hear Tom McDermott at the keyboard, you’re not just getting a concert—you’re stepping into a living archive of New Orleans piano history, seasoned with, warmth, and a touch of Brazilian flair.
Tickets are $35 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.
Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.
The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.
Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.
Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.
Thank you for your support!
A portion of each ticket will be donated to Global Healing, a Berkeley-based organization that helps ensure that children and mothers with life-threatening conditions are cared for by local, skilled healthcare professionals.
Born in St. Louis in 1957, McDermott began studying piano at seven and turned professional by sixteen. After earning a Master of Music degree, he moved to New Orleans in the early 1984, where he quickly became a go‑to pianist for traditional jazz and R&B, holding down gigs with legends and ensembles such as the Dukes of Dixieland. He has performed with New Orleans heroes such as Pete Fountain, Irma Thomas and Gatemouth Brown. He co-founded and arranged for the Grammy award-winning brass band, the New Orleans Nightcrawlers. His performances with The Dukes of Dixieland placed him in Carnegie Hall, Germany, Denmark, Peru, Japan, and much of America. He has also performed solo in most of the states in the U.S. and in many countries around the world.
McDermott is known for a style that mixes the percussive drive of Professor Longhair, the rhythmic sophistication of James Booker, and the syncopated bounce of classic ragtime—then filters it all through his own imaginative voice. Since 2001 he has made 16 trips to Brazil, absorbing and recording choro, a form often called “Brazilian ragtime,” which he now weaves into his New Orleans repertoire, creating a rich, cross‑Atlantic sound.
McDermott has released 16 albums showcasing his work in solo piano, small‑ensemble jazz such as the Dukes of Dixieland, and inventive brass‑band projects. His music has been praised by major publications such as The New York Times (five reviews), Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. His tunes were licensed for the soundtrack of HBO’s Treme, where he also appeared on camera as himself.
When you hear Tom McDermott at the keyboard, you’re not just getting a concert—you’re stepping into a living archive of New Orleans piano history, seasoned with, warmth, and a touch of Brazilian flair.
Tickets are $35 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.
Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.
The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.
Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.
Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.
Thank you for your support!
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Where is it happening?
1984 Bonita Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA, United States
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Host or PublisherThe Back Room
