A big thank you to French jazz violinist Scott Tixier for doing a Pop-Up Tribute Concert on my birthday, Sept. 29, at the University of North Texas / College of Music, where he is Director of the Jazz String Department. The address is UNT Music Bldg, 415 Avenue C, Denton, TX 76201."

JLP

It is a real honor for me to announce that the prestigious Berklee College of Music is hosting a “Jean-Luc Ponty Legacy Concert” to celebrate my storied career as (I quote) one of the most influential figures in the contemporary string world. This concert will be held on my birthday, September 29th, 2026 at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston MA, USA

I will not be in attendance but it will feature all-star faculty, alumni, and students from the string department.

The prestigious Berklee College of Music is hosting a concert tribute to the legacy of Jean-Luc and his numerous contributions as violinist, composer, and band leader over the years. This concert will be held on Jean-Luc’s birthday, September 29th, 2026 at Berklee in Boston, MA (USA).  

Please note: Jean-Luc will not be in attendance. The concert will feature all-star faculty, alumni, and students from the string department (led by Chelsey Green, Jason Anick, and Jeremy Harman), Berklee World Strings, guitar, piano, percussion, and bass departments. 

 https://www.berklee.edu/events/jean-luc-ponty-legacy-concert 

I am so sad to learn that Michal Urbaniak passed away! When we met in 1971 he told me that he first started playing jazz on sax then switched to violin when he discovered my album Thee Experience with the George Duke Trio.

I am glad that my inspiration turned to be so positive because Michal became one of the most creative musicians and violinists in the jazz world! We will miss him and may his soul rest in peace.

JLP

It was a real shock to learn that Jack DeJohnette passed away. He was such an original, creative drummer and musician in modern jazz and a great man. We were both around 24 years old when we met at the Antibes Jazz Festival in France where I played with the HLP Trio and he played with American Saxophonist Charles Lloyd and a young pianist, unknown at the time, Keith Jarrett. Jack and Keith then came to a local club where I was playing and jammed with me but to my surprise they switched instruments, Keith playing drums and Jack on piano, they sounded great, amazing ! May Jack’s soul rest in peace.  

JLP