Banana Puddin’ Jazz: A Celebration of Legacy, Community, and the Future By Raquel Aubry, NY BEACON It’s hard to believe that it was just a year ago when I first stumbled into the world of Banana Puddin’ Jazz. What began as a single visit for me quickly became my monthly home base, a place where music, memory, and community come together with warmth and intention. This latest performance marked a milestone anniversary, a celebration of the tradition’s endurance and the love that keeps it going month after month. Since that first night, I’ve come to understand not just the power of the music, but the depth of the space itself and the people who bring it to life. When I arrived this year at the Theater for the New City, the theater was already full. Every seat had been taken, and the room buzzed with anticipation. But even in that packed space, I was welcomed in, guided to a seat, and soon found myself in conversation with strangers who felt like old friends. That’s the spirit of Banana Puddin’ Jazz. You don’t just attend it; you become part of it. The stage setup was beautiful, carefully arranged to hold the weight of what the night would become. One of the standout additions this year was a striking step-and-repeat banner adorned with the Banana Puddin’ Jazz logo. A bold, golden emblem that radiated elegance and pride. More than just a backdrop for photos, it was a visual affirmation of the legacy being celebrated. Its polished presence spoke volumes about Rome Neal’s meticulous eye, his deep respect for presentation, and the care he pours into every detail to ensure the night feels both celebratory and sacred. It also quietly reminded us that creating something this beautiful and intentional takes real resources and support. As always, the performers did not disappoint. The lineup was packed with extraordinary talent, including jazz luminaries like Akua Dixon, Patience Higgins, Ty Stephens, and the genre-defying pianist ELEW (Eric Lewis), who has toured internationally and opened for Sting. But despite the heavy-hitting roster, it was the Lewis Brothers—Angelo and Areo—who stole the show. Sons of the acclaimed pianist Andre Chez Lewis, the boys lit up the stage with poise, skill, and undeniable star quality. Their father, a brilliant musician in his own right, delivered a masterful performance, as always, but on this night, it was his sons who had the room on its feet. Watching them, you could feel the collective realization: the future of this music is already here, and it’s in excellent hands. What struck me most was how much this event radiated joy. There was yellow everywhere—on clothes, in the lighting, in the mood. People came not just to hear music, but to honor a space that feels sacred. Rome, as always, grounded the evening in history, reminding us of the roots of Banana Puddin’ Jazz and its deep ties to the Nuyorican Poets Café. His presence is more than that of a host or performer; he arrives as a beacon of the community—someone who mentors, entertains, and holds space for joy, grief, memory, and tradition. The depth of feeling in the room was a testament to the legacy he has nurtured and the community that continues to grow around it. Throughout the night, I found myself reflecting on my own journey. I thought about last year, the people I met, the things I’ve learned—not just about jazz and blues as musical forms, but about their role as lifelines of the African Diaspora. In these heavy times, where grief and uncertainty hover, this space offers something rare: a place where joy and sorrow can exist together, and where hope still feels possible. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much artists give to us. We often forget the effort it takes to create beauty—the hours, the labor, the love. Music is a gift, but it’s also a calling, and those who answer it do so with immense generosity. Too often, we expect art to be free, not realizing what it costs the artist to bring it into the world. Applause matters, yes, but so does support. So if Banana Puddin’ Jazz has ever moved you, consider giving back. Make a donation, spread the word, or simply show up. What Rome Neal has built is not just a show. It’s a home for culture, for community, and for our collective memory. And it’s up to us to help carry it forward. Sponsors or donations do make the difference! Peace, Rome Ways to send funds: By check: Rome Neal, 43 N.Oxford St, Brooklyn, NY 11205 Zelle: romeneal25@gmail.com Venmo: rome-neal12 Cashapp: $RNBJ18 PayPal: romekyn@earthlink.net

Rome Neal's 72nd Birthday Celebration & All That Jazz Date: September 30, 2024 7 PM Venue: Theater for the New City, Lower East Side, NYC Rome Neal's Banana Puddin' Jazz Series Launching a new season at Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue near 10th Street. Building on last year's successful test run. Featured music by Rome Neal's Quartet with Andre Chez Lewis (piano), Lonnie Plaxico (bass), Bernard Linette (drums), Patience Higgins (s), Rome Neal (vocalist).... Special Guest Performers: Antoinette Montague, John Di Martino , Antoinette Montague, Jeffery V. Thompson, Frank Senior, Mimi Block, Janis Russell, Frank Senior, Eric Frazier, Stanley Banks, Nick and Leonieke Scheuble! Followed by Open Mic as time permits! Contributions needed to maintain this program: Venmo: rome-neal-2 Cashapp: $RNBJ18 Zelle: romeneal25@gmail.com PayPal: romekynneal@earthlink.net Thank You, Roe Neal

Besides serving complimentary banana puddin', Rome Neal will be the host for the first Jazz Vocalists SLAM backup by and excellent trio. A mock competition where four judges are chosen from the audience. All followed by an open Jam with surprise guests.

Theater for the New City Crystal Field, Executive Director presents In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month 21st Anniversary of Rome Neal Banana Puddin' Jazz featuring: Rome Neal in Concert​ with Andre Chez Lewis (p), Hilliard Greene (b), Russell Carter (ds) Patience Higgins (s) followed by An open mic /jam session Monday, April 29, 2024 7pm Suggested donation $18 Streamed live at Theater for the New City 155 First Avenue (at 10th street) NYC, NY For more info: 212-254-1109 or www.theaterforthenewcity.net Sponsors: Sonia Sanchez, Ishmael Reed, Woodie KingJr., Stephen Mckinley Henderson, Carl Clay, Hollis King, John D. Smith, Askia Davis, Jr., Sheryl Renee Productions, Larry Cherry, Dr. Mona Vaughn Scott, Dr. Monika Davis, Malaika M.Scott, Black Repertory Group Berkeley, Carolyn Keith, Ken & Lisa Chau, Stephen Korstein, Samuel Harps, Steven Sapp, Cheryl Lane Lewis, George Johnson, Doc Gray, Clarence Mosley, Basir Mchawi, Tom Southern, Charles T. Averett, Bahati Best, Bob Meyers, Kenneth White, Tracy Appleton, Nina Causey, Isaac Suggs, BK Soul, Eva M. Silverfine Ott, Gail Boyd PC

Celebrating Women History Month Featuring vocalists: Ria Alexander Daralyn Jay Lady Leah Allison Semmes Tracey Titus Musicians: Mamiko Watanabe (p) Melissa Slocum (b) Wen- Teng Wu (ds) Rome's Complementary Banana Puddin’ for ALL And Open Mic / Jam Session The evening includes actresses who love and sing Jazz music: ALLISON SEMMES appeared on Broadway as Diana Ross in Motown the Musical, and The Book of Mormon (2011)…. On February 4, 2024 Allison completed a run on Broadway as Josephine Baker in the musical Harmony with music by Barry Manilow. RIA ALEXANDER, an AUDELCO award winning actress recently seen giving a sterling performance as lead actress in TNC’s LEAVES by Victor Vauban Junior. LEAH FINNIE (akaLADY LEAH) who was nominated for a Featured Actress AUDELCO Award in NEC’s production of Charles White’s UNTITLED. She can be seen in National TV & Radio advertisements for Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Colonial Penn Life Insurance, Bank of America, Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoWellcome, Nestle’, AT&T, and many more. Leah’s professional singing career also began in New York City, performing at the Red Rooster, Lenox Lounge, Sugar Bar, The Metropolitan Room, and the Apollo. DARALYN JAY is vocalist that truly defies categorization—as capable of scatting her way through a swing chorus as tossing a soulful riff. She interprets standards as well as Latin, R&B and pop tunes, incorporating rarely performed verses and using French, Portuguese and Spanish lyrics to tell the story. Daralyn has appeared on the stages of top New York venues, including The Kitano, Minton’s, Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club, Smoke and Ginny’s. She has also performed as a guest artist in such international locales as France, Italy, Turkey, China, Cuba and Israel. An accomplished actress, Daralyn has numerous theater, film, television, commercial and voiceover credits, including TV series “Law & Order” and “Blue Bloods.” TRACEY TITUS is an active model and actress. She has worked in television commercials and film. Performing has served her well as she interprets songs. Now preparing for the return of her previously sold out one woman show “Two Loves Have I” coming this June at Pangea NYC. Sponsors: Sonia Sanchez, Ishmael Reed, Woodie King Jr., Stephen McKinley Henderson, Carl Clay, Hollis King, John D. Smith, Askia Davis Jr., Toni Petersen, Steve Cromity, Barbara Muhammad, Larry Cherry Perri Gaffney, Sheryl Renee Productions Support Rome Neal's Banana Puddin Jazz series by becoming a SPONSOR or making a donation: www.romenal.com

On the 2nd day of Kwanzaa, December 27th, Rome Neal hosts an evening showcasing and celebrating young children between the ages of 3 and 11 years old. The the youths will display their jazzy skills in song, dance and playing instruments. The word Kujichagulia, the second day of Kwanzaa meaning Self Determination is what these children all have in common.

Friends of Commodore Barry Park presents Rome Neal's Banana Puddin' Jazz... an evening of JAZZ On Thew Lawn with Patience Higgins (s), Marcus Persiani (p), Paul Beaudry (b), Dwayne Cook Broadnax (ds) and Joy Brown (v)

Rome Neal's Banana Puddin' Jazz presents MARVTASTIC LADIES IN JAZZ featuring April May Haywood, Mavis Swan Poole, Sheryl Renee, and Cynthia Scott Monday, Mar 28th 7 PM EST SPONSORS: Ron Cephas Jones, Jazz Foundation Of America, John D. Smith, Sheryl Renee Productions, Laurence Holder, Tamara Clements, Chris Bryan, George Turner, Steve Burnett, Black Repertory Group Theatre (Berk), Black Theatre Project (Documentary) BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY call Rome Neal: 718-288-8048 Enjoy the show, it's FREE... however, "TIPS" are appreciated... Make your contribution TODAY venmo: rome-neal-2 or CashApp: $RNBJ18 PayPal: romekyn@earthlink.net