Tony Monaco's House Party featuring Nick Hempton, Carmen Intorre, Jr.
Saturday. August 23, 2025 - 6:15 pm - 7:45 pm
Main Stage
Join us at the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY for an unforgettable evening that revives the classic Hammond B3 Organ Trio tradition—honoring the revolutionary spirit of Jimmy Smith’s 1958 House Party album. This special event brings together three extraordinary jazz artists for a night of soulful innovation and timeless groove.
Tony Monaco
Tony Monaco leads the trio—a true Hammond B3 legend whose virtuosity and soulful improvisation have captivated audiences across the nation. Having performed with icons such as Joey DeFrancesco and Jimmy Smith, Tony has earned acclaim for his innovative style and unwavering commitment to the organ’s rich legacy.
In April 2000, Tony met fellow jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco, who offered to produce his debut CD. This collaboration resulted in the critically acclaimed Burnin Grooves, whose international success led to extensive regional and national tours. Two additional releases on Summit Records followed, each garnering critical praise and charting in the Jazzweek Top 10. In September 2003, Summit Records released A New Generation, a unique recording featuring both Tony’s and Joey DeFrancesco’s trios, captured on two Hammond-Suzuki New B3s. Tony’s endorsement with Hammond and Suzuki further underscored his stature as a leading jazz organist.
As Tony’s prominence has grown, he has been privileged to share the stage with many of the greatest names in jazz, including Mel Lewis, Lewis Nash, Red Holloway, Plas Johnson, Sonny Fortune, Jon Faddis, Adam Nussbaum, Bruce Forman, Harvey Mason, Chester Thompson (drummer), Herlin Riley, Matt Wilson, Jeff Clayton, Terrell Stafford, Eric Alexander, the late Bobby Durham, Russell Malone, Peter Bernstein, Paul Bollenback, Kevin Mahogany, Victor Lewis, Pat Martino, Fareed Haque, and even George Benson.
Join us at the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY for an unforgettable evening that revives the classic Hammond B3 Organ Trio tradition—honoring the revolutionary spirit of Jimmy Smith’s 1958 House Party album. This special event brings together three extraordinary jazz artists for a night of soulful innovation and timeless groove.
Tony Monaco
Tony Monaco leads the trio—a true Hammond B3 legend whose virtuosity and soulful improvisation have captivated audiences across the nation. Having performed with icons such as Joey DeFrancesco and Jimmy Smith, Tony has earned acclaim for his innovative style and unwavering commitment to the organ’s rich legacy.
In April 2000, Tony met fellow jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco, who offered to produce his debut CD. This collaboration resulted in the critically acclaimed Burnin Grooves, whose international success led to extensive regional and national tours. Two additional releases on Summit Records followed, each garnering critical praise and charting in the Jazzweek Top 10. In September 2003, Summit Records released A New Generation, a unique recording featuring both Tony’s and Joey DeFrancesco’s trios, captured on two Hammond-Suzuki New B3s. Tony’s endorsement with Hammond and Suzuki further underscored his stature as a leading jazz organist.
As Tony’s prominence has grown, he has been privileged to share the stage with many of the greatest names in jazz, including Mel Lewis, Lewis Nash, Red Holloway, Plas Johnson, Sonny Fortune, Jon Faddis, Adam Nussbaum, Bruce Forman, Harvey Mason, Chester Thompson (drummer), Herlin Riley, Matt Wilson, Jeff Clayton, Terrell Stafford, Eric Alexander, the late Bobby Durham, Russell Malone, Peter Bernstein, Paul Bollenback, Kevin Mahogany, Victor Lewis, Pat Martino, Fareed Haque, and even George Benson.
Nick Hempton
Joining him is rising star saxophonist Nick Hempton. Nick Hempton is an accomplished alto and tenor saxophonist, composer, and bandleader whose fresh, swinging take on modern jazz has captivated audiences since he made New York his home in 2004. Inspired by legends like Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt, and Cannonball Adderley—and shaped by his early days playing R&B and ska in Australia—Nick creates jazz that’s both innovative and approachable.
From leading the acclaimed Nick Hempton Band (2005–2016), which earned rave reviews and released four highly praised albums, to pioneering the organ band format with his album Night Owl featuring guitar virtuoso Peter Bernstein, Nick’s dynamic artistry knows no bounds. His energetic live shows have headlined major New York venues, graced international festivals, and even carried him on a world tour across Asia, North America, and beyond.
In high demand as both a leader and sideman, Nick has shared the stage with top jazz figures including Roy Hargrove, Peter Bernstein, and Joe Magnarelli. Whether commanding a hard bop quartet or delivering electrifying solos in an organ band setting, Nick Hempton’s performances promise a vibrant, must-see experience for any jazz enthusiast.
Carmen Intorre, Jr.
Completing the ensemble is the inimitable drummer Carmen Intorre, Jr.—a dynamic, Grammy-nominated musician with over two decades of experience spanning jazz, funk, and world music. Known for his infectious energy, exceptional technique, and innovative rhythmic approach, Carmen has performed around the globe with top jazz luminaries such as Pat Martino, Benny Golson, Monty Alexander, Joey DeFrancesco, George Benson, Joe Locke, Houston Person, and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
As a dedicated educator, Carmen has guided countless students to secure scholarships at prestigious university jazz programs. His passion for mentoring the next generation of musicians shines through his engaging workshops and masterclasses, emphasizing creativity, technical proficiency, and a deep love for the art of percussion. Blending performance and pedagogy, Carmen’s versatile style and unwavering commitment to excellence have made him a sought-after collaborator—leaving a distinctive mark on today’s music world.
Together, these three artists form a summit of jazz brilliance, delivering an electrifying performance that bridges the golden era of the Hammond B3 with contemporary innovation. Experience Tony Monaco's House Party—a joyful, soulful gathering that celebrates the past while boldly stepping into the future.
