Third Thursday Jazz Ft. Awan Rashad at The Park Theater

On the Third Thursday of each month, join Matt Niedbalski and a rotating cast of talented, regional jazz musicians.

Awan Rashad, saxophone

Awan was first handed a saxophone when he was nine years old and has spent almost everyday since then studying jazz and classical music, as well as music theory. After graduating from Christian Brothers Academy, he attended SUNY Schenectady County Community College for two years before transferring to, and graduating from SUNY Purchase in 2023, earning a bachelor’s in music. In his early years he was a member of the ESYO Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, as well as the NYSSMA All-State Jazz Band. More recently he has performed at many well-known jazz clubs in NYC such as Birdland, Dizzy’s, Smalls, Ornithology, Jazz Forum, and other smaller venues. He also regularly performs in the capital region with various bands. He started teaching private lessons during college, both online and in person, and has continued to do so for students of all ages and levels. He is a very passionate musician/teacher who makes it his mission to help his students improve without forgetting to fuel their creativity and love of the instrument....

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On the Third Thursday of each month, join Matt Niedbalski and a rotating cast of talented, regional jazz musicians.

Awan Rashad, saxophone

Awan was first handed a saxophone when he was nine years old and has spent almost everyday since then studying jazz and classical music, as well as music theory. After graduating from Christian Brothers Academy, he attended SUNY Schenectady County Community College for two years before transferring to, and graduating from SUNY Purchase in 2023, earning a bachelor’s in music. In his early years he was a member of the ESYO Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, as well as the NYSSMA All-State Jazz Band. More recently he has performed at many well-known jazz clubs in NYC such as Birdland, Dizzy’s, Smalls, Ornithology, Jazz Forum, and other smaller venues. He also regularly performs in the capital region with various bands. He started teaching private lessons during college, both online and in person, and has continued to do so for students of all ages and levels. He is a very passionate musician/teacher who makes it his mission to help his students improve without forgetting to fuel their creativity and love of the instrument.


Matt Niedbalski, drums


Matt Niedbalski is a drummer known for bringing musicality and energy to the bandstand. Born and raised in New York’s Capital District, Matt was exposed to music at a very early age. While in high school he took private drum lessons with drummer/author Ted Mackenzie and participated in the Empire State Youth Orchestra as well as the Skidmore Summer Jazz Institute. Before graduating high school Matt played with many local musicians, performing at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the Final Stretch Music Festival and the Lake George Jazz Festival where he opened for Rudresh Manthappa and Bunky Green.

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