New York, NY
Michael Dorf Presents announces the 21st annual Music Of tribute concert – this year celebrating the timeless catalog of Billy Joel – taking place at the legendary Carnegie Hall on March 12, 2026.
The event continues Dorf’s beloved tradition of honoring iconic artists through a night of remarkable performances while raising funds for music education.
From his 1971 debut Cold Spring Harbor to chart-topping hits like “Piano Man,” “Just the Way You Are,” “New York State of Mind,” and “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” Billy Joel’s songwriting has defined generations. His masterful ability to blend rock, pop, and storytelling has earned him six Grammy Awards, induction into both the Songwriters and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame, and the enduring title of “The Piano Man.”
This year’s concert will feature Billy Joel’s full eight-piece touring band as the evening’s house band, led by Joel’s longtime musical director and keyboardist David Rosenthal. It will also include his longest-standing band member Mark Rivera as well as Crystal Taliefero, Tommy Byrnes, Andy Cichon, Chuck Burgi, Carl Fischer, and Mike DelGuidice, bringing the authentic sound and spirit of Joel’s live performances to Carnegie Hall. Joining the lineup are Rob Thomas, Alexa Ray Joel, Pat Monahan (Train), Gavin DeGraw, Marc Roberge, Matt Nathanson, Rufus Wainwright, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tanya Tucker, The War And Treaty, Joy Oladokun, and Bettye LaVette, with more artists to be announced in the coming weeks.
This year marks a historic first for the Music Of series, with all GA & VIP tickets completely sold out before a single performer was announced, demonstrating the enduring cultural relevance of Billy Joel’s music and the trust fans have placed in this series to deliver exceptional nights in support of a great cause.
The only remaining opportunity to be part of the celebration is through the exclusive live rehearsal show on March 11th at City Winery, featuring select performers previewing their songs in an intimate setting. A very limited number of tickets to the rehearsal are available now at musicof.org.
Now entering its third decade, Dorf’s Music Of series has become one of New York’s most anticipated annual musical events. Since its inception in 2004, the series has honored Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, Prince, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, R.E.M., David Byrne, and Patti Smith, among others.
As Michael Dorf approaches the 40th anniversary of his prolific career in live music production — which began with the founding of The Knitting Factory in 1986 and expanded with City Winery — this event underscores his continued commitment to supporting music education.
These sold-out shows have not only celebrated musical greatness, but directed 100% of all net proceeds – $100,000 annually and over $2 million in total – to a diverse group of non-profit organizations dedicated to music education. These beneficiaries include Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), Young Audiences NY, FIXS, Church Street School of Music, Partnership with Children, D’Addario Foundation, Save the Music, Midori & Friends, Grammy in the Schools, the Orchestra Now, and the Newport Jazz Kids.
100% of all net proceeds from The Music of Billy Joel will once again benefit these and other music education programs, helping to ensure that the next generation of musicians can continue to thrive.
About Michael Dorf Presents
Established by Michael Dorf in 2003, founder of the Knitting Factory and City Winery, MDP has been presenting the Music Of series at Carnegie Hall for 20 years. Working alongside Michael for the last 18 years has been Shlomo Lipetz, President of Venues at City Winery.
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