Jazz at the Fort Returns, Featuring Yoron Israel and High Standards

Jazz at the Fort Returns, Featuring Yoron Israel and High Standards The performance is part of Berklee's Summer in the City concert series.

By

Kelly Wong

June 24, 2025

Yoron Israel

Image courtesy of the artist

Berklee's Office of Community and Government Relations, in partnership with Boston Parks and Recreation, will present Yoron Israel and High Standards at this year's Jazz at the Fort, part of the college's Summer in the City concert series, on Sunday, August 3, at 5:00 p.m. The performance will take place at Highland Park, located at 58 Beech Glen Street in Roxbury.

Playing in Roxbury and specifically for the community at Jazz at the Fort has always been one of my favorite locations to perform at, says Israel, chair of the colleges Percussion Department. Being able to bring jazz music to a neighborhood steeped in and known for its Black history, music, arts, and culture is sure to be an uplifting, soulful, and joyful evening.

Recognized for his multifaceted role as a drummer, percussionist, composer, bandleader, educator, and author, Israel has collaborated with jazz legends Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver, and Tony Bennett, among others. As a leader, Israel has recorded five albums: This Moment, Basic Traneing, Live at the Blue Note, A Gift for You, and Visions: The Music of Stevie Wonder. He has also been featured on over 250 recordings with renowned artists, including Abbey Lincoln, Otis Clay, and Shirley Caesar. His contributions as a bandleader and educator have continued to shape the next generation of jazz musicians.

The title of the Chicago native's upcoming album, Inspiration, describes the compositions on the recording. They all speak to our spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being, shares Israel. Songs include For God Knows, Mirror Mirror, A Brand New Day, and No Greater Love. Also inspiring for Israel are the musicians performing on his new recording, representing relationships spanning more than 30 years with bassist Avery Sharpe, pianist Laszlo Gardony, and guitarist Rick Peckham, along with new collaborators Ian Buss on saxophone and vocalist Leah Hinton.

Attendees at a past Jazz at the Fort performance in Highland Park, Roxbury.

Image by Kelly Davidson

For nearly 25 years, Berklee College of Music and City of Boston Parks and Recreation have partnered to present Jazz at the Fort, an annual jazz concert held every summer in Roxburys historic Fort Hill neighborhood, says Abria Smith, director of city and community engagement in the Office of Community and Government Relations. We are excited to continue this tradition, showcasing outstanding Berklee musicians to robust audiences of community members from Roxbury and beyond.

Jazz at the Fort is a part of Berklee's Summer in the City concert series, which features more than 400 free performances by Berklee students, alumni, and faculty throughout Boston and its surrounding neighborhoods.

Entrances to Highland Park are on Fort Avenue or at 58 Beech Glen Street in Roxbury. The park is wheelchair accessible and a short walk from the MBTA Roxbury Crossing station. More information is available on the Jazz at the Fort website or by calling 617-747-6250.

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