New York City’s prestigious Carnegie Hall is set to become a massive living tribute to the “Piano Man” as Michael Dorf Presents his 21st annual “Music Of” concert. This year’s celebration centers on the legendary catalog of Billy Joel, featuring a star-studded roster including Rob Thomas, Rufus Wainwright, and Alexa Ray Joel, all backed by Joel’s actual eight-piece touring band. Under the direction of longtime musical director David Rosenthal, the evening will traverse decades of hits from ‘Cold Spring Harbor’ to the anthems that defined the American songbook. In a historic first for the series, the event completely sold out before a single performer was even announced, a testament to both Joel’s enduring cultural gravity and the trust fans place in this annual benefit for music education.
The impact of this one-night-only event extends far beyond the walls of the Stern Auditorium, with 100% of net proceeds directed toward a diverse group of non-profits like Save the Music and Young Audiences NY. Since its inception in 2004, Dorf’s series has raised over $2 million for underserved youth, honoring icons from Joni Mitchell to David Byrne while funding the next generation of players. For those who missed out on the sold-out Carnegie Hall tickets, a limited opportunity remains through an exclusive live rehearsal show at City Winery on March 11th. This intimate preview offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the arrangements before they hit the big stage, all while supporting a mission that has defined Michael Dorf’s four-decade career in live music production.