THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED AS NEEDED!
2008 Dates
AL KOOPER & THE FUNKY FACULTY
TOUR OF SPAIN 2008The lads are excited to play their first Spanish tour and are looking forward to meeting and playing for all their Spanish fans!
ELCHE - GRAN TEATRO-MAY 23RD - 10 PM SHOWTIME
MALAGA - TEATRO CERVANTES-MAY25TH-8:30 PM SHOWTIME
SAN SEBASTIAN-GAZTESZENA-MAY 26TH-
MADRID-SALA HEINEKEN-MAY 28TH
BARCELONA-BIKINI-MAY 30TH-9 PM SHOWTIME
SAN JAVIER-PARQUE ALMANSA-MAY 31ST-10 PM SHOWTIME
NEW YORK, NY - BB KINGS BLUES CLUB - February 5th - When I'm 64: A Musical Birthday Celebration, featuring the Funky Faculty and various guests. Show is at 8 PM - 237 W42nd Street (between 7th & 8th Aves)
ALBANY, NY - THE EGG - March 1st 7:30 PM- Center for the Performing Arts, Empire State Plaza 518-473-1845 - Opening for Dave Mason
2007 DatesDecember 12th - Billboard Live - Fukuoka
DADA Bldg. B1, 2-7-6 Tenjin, Chuou-ku, Fukuoka
Shows at 6:30 & 9:30 PMDecember 9th & December 10th - Billboard Live - Tokyo
Tokyo Mid Town Garden Terrace 4F, 9-7-4, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Shows at 6:00 & 9:00PMDecember 7th - Billboard Live - Osaka
Herbis PLAZA ENT B2, 2-2-22, Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
Shows at 6:30 & 9:30 PMPRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - ARCHA THEATRE - OCTOBER 22ND
Doors open 7 pm, Show at 8 pm - no opening actUSTI NAD LABEM, CZECH REPUBLIC - CULTURE CENTRE - OCTOBER 20TH
Show starts 7 PM - Al and the Funky Faculty on at 10:30 - other acts include Ten Years After, The Manfreds, Chris Duarte GroupHRADEC KRALOVE, CZECH REPUBLIC -CONGRES CENTRE ALDIS - OCTOBER 19TH
Show starts 7 PM - Al and the Funky Faculty on at 11 - Lee Konitz and others openNEW YORK, NY - BB KINGS BLUES CLUB - OCTOBER 2ND - Show is at 8 PM only and all tix are $25 - 237 W42nd Street (between 7th & 8th Aves) www.bbkingblues.com
SELLERSVILLE, PA - SELLERSVILLE THEATRE - SEPTEMBER 28th - Tix are $27.50 - 24 Temple Avenue, Sellarsville, PA 18960 (215)-257-5808 www.st94.com
PORTLAND, OR - ALADDIN THEATER, May 19th, 2007 - 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland, OR 97202 503.233.1994
SEATTLE, WA - THE TRIPLE DOOR, May 16th, 2007 - 216 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 206.838.4333
SANTA MONICA, CA - McCABES GUITAR SHOP, May 11th, 2007 - This annual performance is always different. Sells out early so get tix in advance if ya can. Signing after the show.
3101 Pico Blvd Santa Monica 90405 – (310) 828-4497ALBANY, NY - THE EGG, April 21st, 2007 - Al & The Funky Faculty open for John Mayall's Bluesbreakers Al respectfully opens for someone even older than Al is!
NASHVILLE, TN - THE MERCY LOUNGE, March 15th, 2007 - The Nashville band The Longplayers, who play
entire classic albums in sequence, will tackle "Highway 61 Revisited" with Al onboard on organ and piano as he was on the original recordings !!! Not a night to miss if you're in the area. 615-251-3020NASHVILLE, TN - THE RUTLEDGE , March 16th, 2007 - There's an early start to this solo show - 7:30pm - so don't be late. Doors at 7pm. 410 4th Ave S Nashville, TN 37201 615-782-6858
NEW YORK, NY - B.B. KINGS, FEBRUARY 5TH 2007 - Here's a great way to recover from the Super Bowl. Conveniently booked on Al's 63rd birthday, Jimmy Vivino's new jamband, STEAKS & CHOPS, offers Al a guest seat in the band. What the hell???? It's his birthday, they're gonna jam awhile. Features John Conte on bass and Rich Pagano on drums. One show 8pm. 237 W42nd Street (between 7th & 8th Aves)
QUEENS VILLAGE, NY - HOLLIS HILLS JEWISH CENTER, FEBRUARY 3RD 2007, 8:30 PM - How can Al NOT return to the scene of his bar mitzvah AND reception exactly 50 years to the day ??? To raise money for the temple, Critic/Author Dave Marsh & Al will rummage through Al's entire career a la INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO with Marsh playing a hipper & more hardnosed James Lipton and AL....well, Al will be Al, as always/ Don't miss "Coming Back Home" All tickets $25.00. At presstime, this event may be filmed for Al's 2008 documentary. HOLLIS HILLS JEWISH CENTER 210-10 UNION TURNPIKE QUEENS VILLAGE NY 11365. FOR TIX CALL 718-776-3500 ASAP OR CLICK HERE TO ORDER TIX TO BE PICKED UP AT THE DOOR ON FEB 3rd. The Hollis Hills Jewish Center is located along the Q46 Bus route of the NY City Transit - which travels from Union Turnpike/Queens Boulevard (A stop on the E and F Line of the IND Subway Line.)
SAN DIEGO, CA - ACOUSTIC MUSIC SAN DIEGO, JANUARY 12th, 2007 - 4650 Mansfield Street San Diego CA 92116 (619) 303-8176.
MILL VALLEY, CA - THROCKMORTON THEATER, JANUARY 10th, 2007 - 415-383-6400
SACRAMENTO, CA - HARLOW'S, JANUARY 6th, 2007 - 2708 J St., Sacramento, CA. 8pm showtime. Advance tickets are $27, $30 at the door.
2006 Dates
FAIRFIELD, CT - STAGE ONE, NOVEMBER 18th, 2006 - w/ The Rockerbilly Trio
NEW YORK CITY - TRIBUTE TO DYLAN - LINCOLN CENTER- NOVEMBER 9TH, 2006- A buncha artists pay their respects - one song apiece- one night only. Click here for ticket information w/ The Funky Faculty
PROVIDENCE, RI - HI-HAT LOUNGE, NOVEMBER 5TH, 2006- Directions to club 401-453-6500 w/ The Funky Faculty
NEW YORK CITY - THE LIVING ROOM - SUNDAY OCTOBER 15TH, 2006- Same as above, BUT the show will be taped for XM Radio!!! 154 Ludlow St. (between Stanton & Rivington St.), NY, NY 10002
PIERMONT, NY - THE TURNING POINT, OCTOBER 14TH, 2006- Al debuts his Rockabilly Trio Show !!! If you LOVE 50's music, and can stand NOT hearing the usual Kooper hits - this will be a great show to see/hear.
Al straps on a Jazzmaster guitar and wends his way through all the music
he grew up on - Elvis (Presley), Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc. A rare treat !!!CAMBRIDGE, MA - THE REGATTABAR, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
NEW YORK CITY- BB KINGS, SEPTEMBER 24, 2006- Al & The Funky Faculty return to The Apple fourteen months later to dispense catalogue & coffee (black, that is). 8 PM show - 237 W42nd Street (between 7th & 8th Aves) www.bbkingblues.com
BOSTON, MA - MILESTONES 2006: A TRIBUTE TO MUSICAL INNOVATION - BERKLEE PERFORMANCE CENTER, SEPTEMEBER 22 2006 - Al gets his props along with nine others such as Afrika Baambata, Bruce Swedien, etc. Open to the public. Click here for ticket information
VIGEVANO (PV) ITALY - CASTELLO SFORZESCO, JULY 16TH, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
SANTA MARIA NAVARRESE (NU), ITALY - ROCCE ROSSE BLUES FESTIVAL, JULY 14TH, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
ISOLA DEL LIRI (FR), ITALY - LIRI BLUES FESTIVAL/TOWN SQUARE-JULY 13th, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
GUERNEVILLE, CA - RUSSIAN RIVER BLUESFEST, JUNE 17th, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
NEWMARKET, NH - THE STONE CHURCH, MAY 21st, 2006 - Solo
ODENSE, DENMARK - ODENSE INTERNATIONAL BLUES DAY, MAY 6th, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - AMAGER BIO, MAY 5th, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
BERGEN, NORWAY - BERGEN MUSIC FEST, MAY 3rd, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
CITTANOVA, ITALY - TEATRO GENTILE, MAY 1st, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
FORLI, ITALY - NAIMA CLUB, APRIL 29th, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
VIENNA, VA - THE BARNS AT WOLFTRAP, APRIL 6th, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
ALBANY, NY - THE EGG, MARCH 18TH, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
PROVIDENCE, RI - THE HI-HAT, MARCH 5th, 2006 - w/ The Funky Faculty
SANTA MONICA, CA - McCABES GUITAR SHOP, JANUARY 15th, 2006 -This annual performance is always different. Last year Al played his best solo set ever, and ran a half hour over the usual two hours! Sells out early so get tix in advance if ya can. Signing after the show.
3101 Pico Blvd Santa Monica 90405 – (310) 828-4497SAN DIEGO, CA - ACOUSTIC MUSIC SAN DIEGO, JANUARY 14th 2006 -This’ll be Al's second voyage to this great venue. A quaint old church with great sound and a wonderful staff of music junkies. What could be wrong? An intimate setting so get tix in advance if ya can. Sold out quickly last year. Signing after the show 4650 Mansfield Street San Diego CA 92116 (619) 303-8176: www.AcousticMusicSanDiego.com
SACRAMENTO, CA - HARLOW'S, JANUARY 11TH, 2006- In 2006, the west coast solo tour begins in a new location. Home of one of Al's fave rave's, Hella, promoter Mindy Giles invited Al in for a blow at Harlow's (2708 J St.). This is Al's first-ever appearance in Sacramento. One show at 7.30pm. All tix $30 - available at www.gribbendesign.com/harlows.
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2005
NORTHAMPTON, MA - ACADEMY OF MUSIC, NOVEMBER 5TH, 2005 - Solo Al has graced the Helsinki Club and the Iron Horse, all in the Northampton area, but the Force will be him on November 5th as he rolls into The Academy of Music w/ The Funky Faculty and fellow ‘60’s singer-songwriter Jesse Winchester in tow for a double-barrelled evening of soulful musical entertainment. One show at 8 PM; Jesse opens. 274 Main Street, Northampton, MA. For tickets visit www.nbotickets.com and select November 5th from the calendar.
TOKYO, JAPAN - KOKUSAI FORUM C - OCTOBER 5TH & 6TH, 2005 - Al & The Faculty return to Tokyo after their succesfull 2003 appearances and with the recent release of Black Coffee selling well, it should be two blazing nights at Tokyo's Kokusai Forum C at 7 PM on October 5th & 6th. If you're in town, don't miss it!
ANNAPOLIS, MD -RAMS HEAD INN - SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2005 - Al has played here twice previously - solo once and with The Rekooperators the second round. Third times the charm ! Here comes the Funky Faculty into the DC area with horns blazing and Black Coffee pouring. There is just one 2 hour show at 8:30, so grab those tix whilst they layest - 410-268-4545 www.ramsheadtavern.com
SPRINGFIELD, MA - CITYBLOCK SUMMER MUSIC SERIES - SEPTEMBER 8th, 2005 - An outdoor goodie that closes out this series for the summer. Al & The Faculty will pour some cool Black Coffee on the proceedings starting at 7:30 sharp - soul music for outdoor grooving. This is in Stearns Square in downtown Springfield. Did we mention it’s F R E E E E ?????
LOWELL, MA - LOWELL SUMMER MUSIC SERIES - SEPTEMBER 3RD,2005 - Hopefully, a beautiful night, a $10 ticket for general admission (kids under 12 free) and two hours of free-jammin’ with The Rekooperators. This is a great series this year. 9/1 features Little Feat. 9/2 features Keb Mo and The Rekoops lock it all up on the 3rd. Location is Boarding House Park, French & John Streets in downtown Lowell. Showell starts at 7 PM www.lowellsummermusic.org
NEW YORK, NY - BB KINGS BLUES CLUB - JULY 13TH, 2005 - Well, we hoped for a miracle and it seems we've got one and only one day late. Al's new album BLACK COFFEE will be released on July 12th. On July 13th, we will have an official CD release party at BB Kings including a scorching two hour set with Al & The Funky Faculty featuring many of the songs from the BLACK COFFEE album. Come one, come all and help us start off the BLACK COFEE season that we hope will last for quite awhile with your help! Show is at 8 PM only and all tix are $20 - 237 W42nd Street (between 7th & 8th Aves) www.bbkingblues.com
CAMBRIDGE, MA - SANDERS THEATER - MAY 19TH, 2005 - Local Club Passim (formerly Club 47) is having a benefit concert celebrating the 47th year of Club 47. This concert showcases alumni representing four decades of Club Passim’s history. Hosted by Tom Rush, the concert will feature performances from Tom, Lori McKenna, Ellis Paul, Catie Curtis, Dr. Al Kooper & the Funky Faculty, the Silver Leaf Gospel Singers and Sarah Borges. This will be Al’s first chance to debut a BLACK COFFEE-filled performance, albeit, a shorter one than usual. Show starts at 7PM. Tix at www.clubpassim.org
SELLERSVILLE, PA - SELLERSVILLE THEATRE - FEBRUARY 12th - Somewhere in the middle of Pennsylvania, at a location called The Sellersville Theater in (you guessed it) Sellersville, PA. Al will deploy his solo show if the snowbanks will part & let him pass through. Showtime is 8 PM and there is only one two-hour show. Tix are $26.50, and if Al’s recent West Coast Swing is any indication, a good time will be had by all. - 24 Temple Avenue, Sellarsville, PA 18960 (215)-257-5808 www.st94.com
SANTA MONICA, CA McCABES GUITAR SHOP JANUARY 15th, 2005 - This is always a fun gig. All the LA crowd comes by plus my son and his family. I gotta be good in this context. This wraps up the solo California jaunt in a joyous fashion 3101 Pico Blvd Santa Monica 90405 – (310) 828-4497
SAN DIEGO, CA ACOUSTIC MUSIC SAN DIEGO JANUARY 14th 2005 - Never been in this situation before but it sounds fun. Housed in a quaint old church with a good sound system. Hope to see my San Diego fans & friends as I haven’t been in a long while. 4650 Mansfield Street ♦ San Diego CA 92116 (619) 303-8176: CareyDriscoll@PeoplePC.com www.AcousticMusicSanDiego.com
MILL VALLEY, CA SWEETWATER SALOON JANUARY 12th, 2005- A return to a lovely watering hole over the Golden Gate Bridge for the start of a western solo jaunt and the first gig of 2005. Tix suggested in advance. 415-388-2820
2004
NORTHAMPTON, MA - THE IRON HORSE - DECEMBER 4TH - Al has been trying for years to return to this cozy downtown club and voila! - the solo tour of 2004 finishes up here. Lotsa friends & fans in this location so get your tix early !!
413-584-0610. 20 Centre Street Northampton, MAANNAPOLIS, MD - RAMS HEAD TAVERN- NOVEMBER 7TH - The Bloomfield Tribute Show concludes in the DC area with one show in this intimate venue. Let Jimmy Vivino give ya chills with his uncanny Bloomfieldian-derived licks.
Tix on sale now and are going F A S T !!!!!!!
410-268-4545. 33 West Street Annapolis MDVIENNA, VA - THE BARNS AT WOLF TRAP - NOVEMBER 6TH - The Rekooperators bring their Bloomfield Tribute Show to the DC area in the face of Election Day. So either come to celebrate or be cheered up. Tix on sale now. One show only
703-218-6500. The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1634 Trap Road, Vienna, VA.
If you miss this, try.....DETROIT MI - TENNY STREET ROADHOUSE - OCTOBER 9TH - The solo show happily pulls into Detroit. Al has never played the Roadhouse before. On the 8th, Al will be cruisin some of those great record shops in E. Detroit and S. Lake Shores. Motown is a Gotown for the Kooper Kavalkade!
313-278-3677 www.tennystreet.comBERWYN, IL - FITZGERALDS - OCTOBER 7TH - This is a reschedule from the Canadian debacle of July previous. Apologies to all. Al returns to the Chicago area where some of his favorite fans dwell. This is a solo show - two hours of oldies, newies, and stories behind the songs.
708-788-6670 www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.comCLEVELAND, OH -BEACHLAND BALLROOM - OCTOBER 6TH- it's been years, but now he's back - the two hour solo show at this jumpin' local hang will begin at 8 PM
216-383-1124 www.beachlandballroom.comNEW YORK CITY - BB KING'S CLUB - SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2004 - The Rekooperators come back home and play a proper tribute to Michael Bloomfield. They actually rehearse for this show !!! Jimmy Vivino, who is, in the estimation of Kooper and Allen Bloomfield, Michael's brother, the foremost living exponent of Michael's legacy, takes center stage and assimilates what is unique about Bloomfield the moment he begins to play. Backed by the amazing team of Anton Fig on drums & Mike Merritt on bass this will be quite a memorable evening.
PORTLAND, ME - FESTIVAL FOR CULTURAL EXCHANGE - AUGUST 8TH 2004 - This particular weekend, there will performances all over Portland with great people playing. Sounds like a winner. Al will play at the Immanuel Baptist Church (157 High St.) at 2.30pm and 8.30pm.
SCITUATE, MA - SCITUATE HERITAGE FEST - AUGUST 7TH, 2004 - In downtown Scituate (beach town) The Funky Faculty hopes to play an ultra cool set at 3 PM and deal with the weather. Admission is free and there should be a great Saturday crowd of weekend revelers ready to rock. Come on down - the price is right!
GNASHVILLE, TN - 12TH & PORTER - JULY 22, 2004 - This is the rarest of all. Many of my pals who still live here have bonded together to form a revue that plays a classic album from start to finish each month. Last month they did "After The Gold Rush" and I was quite jealous I could not participate. This month they are doing "Blonde on Blonde" and along with Adrian Belew, Tracy Nelson, Gary Tallent, Bill Lloyd and scores of others, guess who's gonna be reprising his organ parts from the original recording???? 114 12th Ave N.
ROCHESTER, NY - MONTAGE GRILL- JULY 13, 2004 - Al hasn't journeyed to these parts in awhile so come on out. Its a solo shot before the Canada Tour w/ The Funky Faculty. Come early, I hear the food's great. 585-232-8380
CAMBRIDGE MA - SCULLERS JAZZ CLUB - APRIL 7TH - Technically, we don't play no Jazz, but it's still our favorite Boston haunt. Seats & comfort for everyone, good food, good vibes. Two shows 8 & 10. Al & The Funky Faculty presiding. Call for reservations/400 Soldiers Field Road - 617- 783-0090
GREAT BARRINGTON, MA - CLUB HELSINKI - MARCH 20TH - Into the wilds of The Berkshires in the dead of winter, Al promises to wake the dead with his spiffy 2004 solo show - a keyboard, a guitar, a mandolin & one silly person. 284 Main St Great Barrington, MA 413-528-3394 / www.clubhelsinkiweb.com
BLACKWOOD, NEW JERSEY - DENNIS FLYER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM - MARCH 13TH - They call it the 4th Annual After Sundown Music Series. The venue is at Camden County College on College Drive in Blackwood New Jersey. The line-up? A rare no-holds-barred performance by Al, Jimmy Vivino, Anton Fig, & Mike Merritt infamously known as The Rekooperators. $20 reserved seats, $15 general admission is about as inexpensive as one can see & hear The Rekoops for nowadays. This is around the Philadelphia area, so come on down and hear what all the jambands listened to when they were growing up. TicketMaster 215-336-2000 / http://www.ccparks.com
NEW YORK, NY - JOE’S PUB - FEBRUARY 5th There must be a higher being because Al gets to have his fantasy and play his hometown right on his 60th birthday. Two shows for that matter: a solo show at 7 PM ($30) and a 9 PM show joined by The Rekooperators ($35). Only room for 150 partygoers each show so make your move if you wanna join Al in celebrating his sextogenerian birthday. 425 Lafayette Street; Greenwich Village 212-539-8770
BOSTON, MA - BERKLEE PERFORMANCE CENTER - JANUARY 31st The 60th birthday celebration will be exclusively in New England. It's a charity show benefiting The Perkins School For The Blind and Al's "It Can Happen" Berklee scholarship fund for handicapped students. One show featuring a solo set, The Funky Faculty, and perhaps a few surprise guests. This show will be video'ed and recorded in the hopes of making a DVD available onsite. Tickets are priced $15, $25, $35 and special Golden Circle seats at $75. They go on sale January 10th at 10 AM. Berklee Performance Centre box office is open Mon-Sat 10 AM - 6 PM; (617-747-2261) Cash, MC or Visa. www.berkleebpc.com - Student discount tix are available at the box office with valid student ID. 2 to a customer. Tix also available at TicketMaster 617-931-2000 - ticketmaster.com
PIERMONT, NY - THE TURNING POINT - JANUARY 22nd Al returns solo to one of his favorite rooms. One show at 7:30 P.M. Come early and enjoy the fabulous cuisine. Happily kickin' off 2004. Tix:$30 - 468 Piermont Ave - 914-359-1089
2003 dates
BRYN MAWR, PA - The Point - November 22nd - All you Philly fillies & colts - get some new shoes & make the trek. Al solo; two shows at 7 & 10. Tix are $22.00 in advance, $25 day of show - 880 W. Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610-527-0988
VIENNA, VA - The Barns At Wolf Trap - November 20th - Lets get that Fall weather and briskness handled and then off to this famous place for a relaxed solo show at 8 PM. Get those tix in advance cause Al hasn't been seen in these parts in many a harvest moon. 8 PM Show / $16 /703-255-1900
WHITE PLAINS, NY - THE LITTLE THEATER - November 15th - The White Plains Drifter and his Funky Faculty Gang blow into town for one show at 8 PM. This cozy 400-seater oughta get it's rafters shakin' in no time at all!! - 198 Central Ave at Bronx River Pkwy. To buy tickets at Ticket Master by phone call: 845-454-3388. Tickets are also available at the County Center Box Office/ Phone: 914-995-4050
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SAN FRANCISCO BLUES FEST - September 28th - The Robben Ford Blues Band headlines a tribute to the late great Michael Bloomfield and Al will sit in for a coupla tunes. Great Meadow at Fort Mason. More details to follow.
LOS ANGELES, CA - McCabe's Guitar Shop - September 26th - Al brings his solo show to LA at this intimate venue in Santa Monica. It's been 20 years since his last show at McCabe's so this is an occasion. Tix: $22.50 / 3101 Pico Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90405 / 310-828-8037
BOSTON MA - PASSIMS - August 30th - If you're walking in an empty echoing Harvard Square on Labor Day Weekend and looking for consolation, try Passims on Saturday Night at 7 PM. Solo Al will be playing a benefit for them that lasts all weekend (the benefit; not his playing) Call first as doors open at NOON and music lasts till 2 AM. Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Someone may be in your seat napping.
SYRACUSE NY - NEW YORK STATE R&B FESTIVAL -July 19th - What better place to catch the Funky Faculty than in a rhythm & blues environment. Under the sun in Clinton Square, sometime between 4 - 5 PM, Al & his cronies will whip it good fuh ya !!!
NEW YORK CITY - ROCKEFELLER PARK - July 16th - In the heat of everything, The Funky Faculty emerges to perform a gratis show under the aegis of the WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER ARTS & EVENTS program. Location is downtown at the foot of Chambers Street and the West Side Highway right on the water’s edge. In the spirit of the Summer, it’s FREE admission and the funk starts at 7 PM. A special guest or two may pop up....
A JUMPIN JAPANESE TOUR !!!!! VARIOUS VENUES - June 15th - June 20th
June 15 1st concert at Club Quattro in Tokyo (capacity 700)
June 17 2nd concert at Shibuya AX in Tokyo (capacity 1600)
June 18 3rd concert at Shibuya AX in Tokyo
June 20 4th concert at Club Quattro in Osaka (capacity 700)
Al is extremely excited to return to the only country that has ALL his albums in release. To commemorate this tour, SONY will re-release all his albums in a limited mini-pak format on June 4th. With The Funky Faculty in tow, this should be a wonderful excursion!!!MANCHESTER, NH - MANCHESTER JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL - Saturday June 7th - With Al & The Funky Faculty, you get Jazz AND Blues all in one band!! Such a deal! Come on down to Hanover Street at 7 PM and see & hear an hour and a half of live Blues and Jazz imported from Badass Boston. This is our last US date before the Japanese tour...
ENGLEWOOD, NJ - STONE HOUSE MUSIC CLUB - MAY 29TH - Rejoice - cause Jerseyites don't have to cross no bridges or tunnels to groove with The Rekooperators at this gig. The band returns to Jimmy Vivino's birth state to blues it up in a nowadays infrequent appearance by this aggregation. If ya don't know, Al & Jimmy are joined by Anton Fig on drums and Mike Merritt on bass and it's a bluesy 90 minutes starting at 8 PM - one show only in an intimate room. http://www.pdpconcerts.com
NEW YORK CITY - THE LIVING ROOM - SUNDAY MAY 11TH - This a rare one. Solo at this tiny singer-songwriter haven that launched Norah Jones among many others. Owned by friends of mine, this is nearly the swansong of the club which is moving to larger new quarters in June. I wanted to pay my last respects. Get there at 8:15. Show starts at 9 PM. Oh and by the way - no cover charge !!!!! 212- 533-7235/ 84 Stanton St. deep in the East Village
ANNAPOLIS, MD - RAMS HEAD TAVERN - April 26th - With the Mongrel Booking Agency in place, Al begins getting back to those nooks & crannies he hasn't visited in decades. A solo performance for all you Maryland and DC fans. It's been awhile now and Al would love to see all of you again! One long show at 7:30 - 33 West Street Annapolis 21401/ 410-268-4545
LAKE WORTH, FL - BAMBOO ROOM - April 12th - Florida fans rejoice. Just before the madness of Spring Break, here comes Al with a rare, soothing solo appearance in this revered Blues room right outside West Palm Beach.. Al's solo show, while a bit bluesy, has many other genres of music included and is NOT recommended for the get-down-with-as-many-pitchers-of-beer-ASAP crowd. Save that for when he returns with The Funky Faculty!! This is a humorous, music-filled intense look back at a 40-plus year career that works best in a listening room. So come on down and........ listen !!! 25 South J Street Lake Worth, FL 561-585-BLUE
Cambridge, MA - Scullers - February 13th - the final 59th birthday nod unleashes the Funky Faculty for the first time in '03. Some new tunes, old favorites, etc. Two shows; call for details. Could be a Valentine's warmup if ya bring the right person widja.
Cambridge, MA - Passims - February 2nd - the second solo birthday gig moves to Al's current homebase in this intimate Harvard Square history house. One show in a small room means tix will go fast so get on in there. Again, solo with Tom Stein on bass.
New York City - Bottom Line - February 1st - the first of a 3-way 59th birthday celebration starts back home in the Big Apple. A solo show for the first time in two years, with special guest Tom Stein on bass to spice things up a bit. 212-288-6300
MILL VALLEY, CA - SWEETWATER SALOON - JANUARY 8TH - For the first time in 3 years, Mr. Al ventures California-bound and secures a solo gig at this perennial Marin small-room. Tix are $20 and a swell time should be had by all. 415-388-2820
2002 dates
DETROIT, MI - DETROIT FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS - SEPTEMBER 14TH - Funky Fac & Dr. Al play a rare outdoor Detroit evening appearance. I believe it's free. Call 313.577-5088 for details.
PROVIDENCE RI - THE HOT CLUB WATERFRONT FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 8th - The Funky Faculty meets my train back from NYC and we play for all our Rhode Island friends.
Festival Tent - Rain or Shine 575 South Water St., Prov. RI 02903/401-861-9007
- AL KOOPER & THE FUNKY FACULTY <6-8PM>
- preceded by: DUKE ROBILLARD <4-5:30PM>NEW YORK CITY - BOTTOM LINE - Saturday SEPTEMBER 7th - A Rare appearance by The Self-Righteous Brothers (Al & Jimmy Vivino) a group that ONLY plays music from the 50's & 60's, and only plays every 3 years or so. One show only!!!!! 212-228-6300 15 West 4th St.
NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS - 5th ANNUAL WHALING BLUES FESTIVAL - July 21 At beautiful Ft. Taber Park, from Noon til 8 PM, Al & The Funky Faculty (aprrox. 6 PM) headline a rockin' show featuring Shemekia Copeland, Bernard Allison, and Toni Lynn Washington. This festival benefits local charities The New Bedford Oceanarium Project and The Coalition for Buzzards Bay. Tix are $20 in advance and $25 day of show.
PORTLAND, OR - WATERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL- July 5th, 2002 - Moving right along from July 4th, The Rekooperators make a truly rare Northwest appearance playin' what they play best. Four cans of food and a cash donation - $5 if ya got it, come in anyway if ya don't with just 4 cans of food. Start time approx. 8 PM Check local listings to be sure. BONUS: Jimmy Vivino guitar workshop on the afternoon of the 6th.
SEATTLE. WA - IVAR'S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION - July 4th, 2002 - (DUHHHH) A FREE city-run event by the water, there is no financial excuse not to get out and see Al & The Rekooperators (Jimmy Vivino, Anton Fig & Mike Merritt) be independent on Independence Day. Probably performing between 5-8 PM. Check the local listings for details.
CHICAGO - OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC - May 18th - The Funky Faculty hits the Midwest for two shows this night. Al's newish band is not this time a jewish band but funks like a moose anyhoo. Come on down and hear the old & new played to perfection. 4544 n. lincoln avenue, chicago, il 60625.
NEW YORK CITY - BOTTOM LINE CLUB - May 3rd - This will be one of the great evenings for Al in 2002. Opening for Al & The Funky Faculty is The Joey DeFrancesco Trio. Al calls Joey "The greatest organist alive!" and when it comes to this quote, Al does NOT stand alone. Come see what The Bottom Line advertises as "ORGAN-ASM!" Hurry though, and get tix soon as there is only one show this night! 15 W 4th St NYC 10003 212-228-6300.
2001 dates
NEW YORK CITY - OCTOBER 16TH - KOOPER ON LETTERMAN Tune in on a Tuesday Night to hear Al & his old pals have an hour long jam while Letterman gabs with Dennis Miller and gapes at Brittney Murphy. Check start time in your area. That's David Letterman Show October 16th, Tuesday.
NEW YORK CITY - OCTOBER 4TH, 2001 - THE BOTTOM LINE - The official CD release party and the NY debut of The Funky Faculty, Al's band of musically-powerful professors from Berklee. Don't miss this rare NY area chance to hear this great band. Two shows 8 & 10:30. Call for details 212-228-6300
BOSTON, MA - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH - SCULLERS JAZZ CLUB - Al celebrates the release of his new box set RARE & WELL DONE with his first apperarance at this Boston jazz landmark with the Funky Faculty as backup. Fans can enjoy the show in comparative comfort as every ticket guarantees a seat. Two shows 7 & 9. Tix $16 / Students $10 for late show 400 Soldiers Field Road - 617- 783-0090
BOSTON, MA - FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7TH - BERKLEE SCHOOL OF MUSIC- Al is presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Music along with jazz drumming legend Elvin Jones. This takes place at the Student Convocation and is not open to the public, but we thought you'd like to know anyway
NOTODDEN, NORWAY - AUGUST 2 - 5 - BLUES FESTIVAL Al makes a rare journey across the pond to this heralded annual festival located outside Oslo. With the Funky Faculty in tow, this promises to be an exciting event. More details to follow.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - Monday, May 7th, 10 PM The Double Door Inn Al jams with the premiere Charlotte musicians collective on a moments notice. Come early to get a good spot in the inn/ 704-376-1446
NEW YORK CITY - April 21 - Village Underground Al plays solo in NYC for the first time in over two years. Let's see ya at this new-fangled Village haunt on West 3rd Street. One long show - call club for details
CAMBRIDGE, MA - Saturday, February 3rd - 10 PM - HOUSE OF BLUES. A return to Winthrop Street for this years birthday celebration. 57 years young, backed by The Funky Faculty, Al's hand-picked selection of the best playing teachers from the Berklee School Of Music, this promises to be two hours of the baddest soul music in Beantown on a Saturday night. All tix $16.00. Get 'em early!!!!
2000 dates
House Of Blues in Cambridge, MA - Dr. Al Kooper & The Funky Faculty will be teaching a Semester of Soul this fall at The H.O.B. in Cambridge, MA. Classes will take place Tuesday nights Oct 3, 10, 17 & 24 at 10 PM sharp. No textbooks are required. Just bring yo shufflin' feet to Winthrop Street and prepare to party hearty with these local heroes. Tix $15
New York City - The Bottom Line - Saturday October 14th - In a rare and puzzling promotion (not unlike when Muddy Waters opened for The Blues Project in 1965) called "Let's Get Organ-ized," Jimmy McGriff & Hank Crawford open for The Rekooperators for two B3-packed shows at 7:30 & 10:30. Tix are $22.50 (cheap) for what could be the "gig of the year" for The Rekooperators.
San Francisco - Noe Valley Ministry - September 29th - 1021 Sanchez St (between 23rd St and 24th St) See a Jew play a rare solo show in a church - a low holy night - just before the high holy days. Tix $20 go on sale at Slims- 8/7
Los Angeles - Largo- September 23rd,2000 - They said it couldn't be done. Kooper performing again in Hollyweird! Come and get a one-off solo show in this celebrated acoustic venue at 432 N Fairfax (323-852-1073) Grab some hot pastrami at Canter's apres show! Small room - get tix early!!!
The Bluebird Cafe - Nashville TN - July 21st - Al returns to his former home to play a one-off solo show during the NAMM convention.
House Of Blues - Cambridge, MA - Friday March 24th - Last January 15th, it was 20 below zero in Cambridge, but Al & The Funky Faculty sold out HOB, leaving many fans frostbitten and turned away. Hopefully, it'll be above zero for this triumphant return engagement. Obviously, get your tix early!!!!!
Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel - Providence RI - Saturday March 18th - Al & The Funky Faculty, flushed with success from its sold-out shows at House Of Blues in Cambridge in January, marches into Rhode Island to show how the lost art of funk is deployed in the Millennium. Calling all you freezin' New Englanders out to a hot show!
New York City - February 5th - Come help Al celebrate his 56th birthday at Wetlands in NYC. The Rekooperators make their debut at this famous NY club in Tribeca. Tix will be $15 day of show and $12 in advance. Reasonable, too! See ya there!
Boston - Jan 15th at The House Of Blues in Cambridge MA, Al will appear with some downright soulful teachers from Berklee in a group called "The Funky Faculty." They have played for various Berklee functions and now are playing out for the first time. It is also Al's first show at HOB.
1999 dates
Hot Tin Roof - Marthas Vineyard - Saturday - August 21 - Rekooperators - one show
Passims - Cambridge MA - Thursday August 19 - solo shows at 7 & 10Public Theater / Joe's Pub 425 Lafayette St. - N.Y.C. - Monday August 9 - solo performance at 8.30pm - one show
MEDIA PLAY - Friday, July 23rd - Nashville TN - 100 Oaks Mall - 6 PM - Booksigning & Q & A - bring intelligent questions and anything you'd like signed thats not silicone
Stephen's Talkhouse - Montauk, LI, NY - Saturday July 17th w/Rekooperators - one show 9 PM
Chicago Blues Fest - June 3rd Rekooperators also backing Johnny Johnson
Tin Angel: Saturday - May 15th solo Philadelphia- 2 shows 8 & 10:30
Borders: Saturday May 15th Philadelphia - 2 PM reading/signing
HiFi Buys -Smyrna, GA - Thursday May 6th 12 Noon - performance & signing
NYC: April 30th, May 1st (Jimmy & Al backing up Son Seals @ Chicago Blues)The VANDYCK: Saturday April 24th - Schenectady NY - Solo Show 8 PM
Borders: Saturday April 24th - Schenectady NY 12 noon - reading & signingBorders - Sunday April 18th 1 PM Strongsville, OH - Booksigning
Wilberts - Saturday April 17 Cleveland OH approx. 9 PM solo show
Borders- Saturday April 17th 2 PM Beechwood OH - Book Signing
Newburyport, MA - Sunday April 11th Al with a band7 PM at The GrogBrookline Booksmith: Tues April 6th
7 PM Reading & Signing Brookline MA
Joyous Lake - Saturday April 3rd - The Rekooperators - approx 9 PM Woodstock, NYTurning Point: Friday April 2 8PM - The Self-Righteous Brothers- (Al Kooper & Jimmy Vivino accompanied by Mike Merritt & Fred Walcott) Piermont, NY
Late Night w/ Conan O'Brien - Thursday April 1st - for all fools!WXYT AM: Detroit Saturday March 27th /1270 AM 9 -Midnight Interview
Ann Arbor MI: Saturday March 27th -7:30pm reading & signing at Shaman Drum Book Shop located on the University of Michigan Campus at 313 South State Street in Ann Arbor, MI. FREE. Call (734)662-7407.
YMCA Arts Center: Downtown Detroit Saturday March 27th1:00pm reading and book signing at new YMCA Arts & Humanities Center located on Wayne State Campus/Cultural Center area at 51 W. Hancock Street-just 1/2 block west of Woodward. Sponsored in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. & YMCA of Metro Detroit. FREE. (313)267-5300 Ext. 338
WDET FM: Detroit Friday March 26th - Midnight w/Willie Wilson-101.9
ALVINS: Detroit Friday March 26 - solo show - Alvin's Bar located at 5756 Cass Avenue at I-94 overpass on the Wayne State University Campus. Sponsored by The YMCA of Metro Detroit. The cover will be between $5-$7 (definitely less than $10). Books will be available for sale. For info call the club at (313)832-2355
Borders: Friday, March 19th, 7 PM 10225 Research Boulevard Austin, TXSXSW: March 18-20 South by Southwest Convention -panelist
Borders: Wednesday, March 17 in Levittown, NY at 7 pm/signing
Borders: Tuesday, March 16, on Park Avenue in NYC at 6 pm/signing
Tweeter: Saturday, February 27 in Avon (Hartford), CT at 2 pm/signing
Barnes & Noble: Saturday, February 20th in Manchester, NH at 2 pmIMAC: Saturday Feb13th 9 PM - Huntington, LI, NYC- Rekooperators
Book Review: (signing) Saturday Feb. 13th 2 PM Huntington LI
Borders: Wednesday, February 3 in Braintree, MA at 7 pm/SIGNING
Updated 04/19/2008
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