Joel Dorham at The Back Room

Joel Dorham has been part of the Oakland jazz scene for decades. He doesn't perform very often anymore, so when he does a show it's a real event. For this performance, he will be bringing his Latin Jazz Octet, complete with three percussionists, three horns, bass, and vibes!

The younger brother of the late trumpeter Kenny Dorham, Joel is a notable percussionist and bandleader in his own right. The Bay Area native is a tireless advocate for broader recognition of jazz - a fight he took all the way to congressional hearings. His passion for music is made tangible, and eminently enjoyable, with his long-running Latin Jazz Octet....

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Joel Dorham has been part of the Oakland jazz scene for decades. He doesn't perform very often anymore, so when he does a show it's a real event. For this performance, he will be bringing his Latin Jazz Octet, complete with three percussionists, three horns, bass, and vibes!

The younger brother of the late trumpeter Kenny Dorham, Joel is a notable percussionist and bandleader in his own right. The Bay Area native is a tireless advocate for broader recognition of jazz - a fight he took all the way to congressional hearings. His passion for music is made tangible, and eminently enjoyable, with his long-running Latin Jazz Octet.

"Bandleaders come and go, but Joel Dorham rolls on." - Herb Caen 1993

Joel Dorham is one of America's most prolific and electrifying Latin Jazz timbale players and percussionists of our time, and a pivotal force in Latin Jazz. Joel organized his band in 1963, and has become the pre-eminent outspoken critic of the mass media for its suppression of Jazz. For his efforts he was nominated for a Pulitzer prize in 1981.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Advance tickets are available at the link below, or you may purchase your tickets at the door the night of the show. Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash only at the door (ATMs are nearby).

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 adult beverage with no additional corkage fee. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-654-3808. Thank you for your support!

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