Muskegon, Michigan, February 7, 2022—The long-awaited appearance at The Block by jazz guitarist Fareed Haque and organist Tony Monaco will take place on Saturday, February 19 at 7:30pm. Originally slated to appear in May 2020, the virtuoso duo are eager to perform live for West Michigan audiences at last!
Fareed Haque is known to audiences at The Block as a modern guitar virtuoso who last appeared on the series in 2018 with Goran Ivanovic. For this visit, he returns with a different musical partner: Hammond B3 virtuoso Tony Monaco. Their 2014 release Furry Slippers reached the top 10 in Jazz Radio Airplay. Born in 1963 to a Pakistani father and Chilean mother, Fareed’s extensive travels and especially long stays in Spain, France, Iran, Pakistan, and Chile exposed him to different kinds of music from a very early age. This natural eclecticism has become a hallmark of Haque’s music. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, his unique command of the guitar and different musical styles inspire his musical ventures with tradition and fearless innovation.
Tony Monaco began working in Jazz clubs as a teenager in his native Columbus, Ohio, guided by local organ gurus Hank Marr and Don Patterson. For further inspiration, he studiously absorbed the mastery of the great organ virtuoso Jimmy Smith. On Tony’s 16th birthday, he received an encouraging phone call from Smith, who soon became his mentor and teacher. Four years later, Smith invited him to come play at his club in California–a peak lifetime experience for Tony. In 2000, he met fellow jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco, who offered to produce his debut CD, which resulted in the release of the critically acclaimed Burnin’ Grooves. Ever since then, Tony has followed his organ muse full time. He is currently an artist-in-residence at Hope College in Holland, Michigan.
Single tickets are priced at $40 for table seats, $28 for regular seats and, $10 for students with ID. To order, call 231.726.3231, visit www.TheBlockWestMichigan.org or in person at The Block, 360 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. Audience members must present proof of vaccination or a “Symphony Safe” slip on bracelet prior to admission. Unvaccinated patrons will be admitted with a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of each performance. Masks are required regardless of vaccination status.