“Improvisation is really becoming one with nature. Becoming one with our real self.” - Abdullah Ibrahim, 2024
On what would have been the 92nd birthday of legendary South African pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim, New Orleans pianist, composer, and JGI co-founder Courtney Bryan hosts a special musical tribute honoring his extraordinary life, music, and legacy.
Ibrahim, who passed away on June 15, 2026, at the age of 91, was celebrated for his elegant, meditative style, blending the musical traditions of his native Cape Town with jazz influences from around the world. Beyond his profound contributions as a musician, he was an influential voice in the South African anti-apartheid movement and an enduring ambassador for freedom through music.
Bryan and her musical collaborators will perform classic compositions by Ibrahim alongside other songs of freedom, celebrating an artist whose music transcended borders and connected generations.
This performance features:
Courtney Bryan - piano
Max Moran - bass
Jason Marsalis - drums
+ Surprise Special Guests
Read the full New York Times obituary by JGI NYC Creative Director Giovanni Russonello: here
Learn More about JGI at jazzgenerations.org
Doors at 7:00pm & 9:00pm
Restaurant is Open 5pm - 10pm for dinner before or after your showtime:
Advance Ticket Holders can now automatically make dinner table reservations for the Dining Room online via OpenTable.com !
Advance Ticket-Holders can also make table reservations for dinner in the Restaurant next door by Emailing reservations@snugjazz.com after your tickets have been purchased online for the Music Room. Dinner Service without Advance Concert Tickets is first-come, first-served based on availability upon arrival.
Bar Room is Open 5pm - Midnight, with or without tickets.
Kind Reminder: Snug Harbor does NOT serve the full menu inside the Music Room. We do offer cheese and charcuterie tray options. In order to preserve the integrity, quiet and focus of our world class intimate concerts, only the charcuterie, cocktails and soft drinks are available for table service inside the Music Room. However, we encourage you to arrive at least 90 Minutes prior to your showtime in order to enjoy full, relaxing dinner service in the Dining Room right next door, before getting seated in the Music Room for your ticketed showtime.
