Jazz Foundation Gala 2016 44
Photo by Sachyn Mital

Dr. John & McCoy Tyner honored at the Apollo (and Bruce Willis played) -- pics

The Jazz Foundation of America‘s annual gala was held at the historic Apollo Theater on October 27th and honored the contributions of McCoy Tyner and Dr. John. The former earned the Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award while the latter received the Hank Jones Award. The event, hosted by Danny Glover and Joe Morton, also raised funds to provide relief for Louisiana musicians affected by recent devastating floods — over $300,000 in contributions were pledged on site. The tremendous outpouring of support was part of a night that featured performances from Tyner and Dr. John as well as a few songs from blues guitarist/vocalist Robert Cray, the John Mayer Trio (John Mayer, Pino Palladino, Steve Jordan), R&B singer (and actor) Bruce Willis plus guest appearances from pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph and Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader Jon Batiste as well as others.

Pictures are in the gallery above. Here’s a video: