FEATURED PERFORMANCE:
The Eric Byrd Trio
December 17, 2025 | 6 PM – 9 PM | Takoma Station Tavern
The Eric Byrd Trio: Ambassadors of Gospel, Blues & Jazz
The Eric Byrd Trio stands as one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most celebrated jazz ensembles—renowned for their soulful blend of straight-ahead swing, gospel-rooted harmony, and blues-infused improvisation. With decades of collaboration shaping their sound, the Trio delivers performances that honor the full lineage of Black American music while exploring new creative territory. Their 2025 release, Echoes of Arrival, exemplifies this evolution, featuring inventive arrangements, modern jazz compositions, and deeply expressive interpretations of standards.
Their collective chemistry—refined through national and international tours, acclaimed recordings, and U.S. State Department/Kennedy Center ambassador programs—creates a sound that is at once reverent, contemporary, and unmistakably their own.
Meet the Trio
Eric Byrd — Piano & Vocals
A veteran pianist, vocalist, and bandleader, Eric Byrd brings over 30 years of artistry shaped by bebop, gospel, and blues traditions. A graduate of McDaniel College, Byrd is known for his expressive touch, joyful stage presence, and masterful ability to move from tender lyricism to driving swing. His leadership and vision form the creative heartbeat of the Trio.
Will Hazel — Bass
Bassist Will Hazel represents the Trio’s newest and refreshing musical evolution. With a warm tone, impeccable timing, and a lyrical, modern approach, Hazel brings both grounding and innovation to the ensemble. His presence has expanded the Trio’s dynamic range, inspiring new arrangements and deepening their harmonic palette.
Alphonso Young, Jr. — Drums
A longtime collaborator of Byrd, Alphonso Young, Jr. is the Trio’s rhythmic engine—known for his crisp articulation, dynamic control, and seamless transitions between subtle brushwork and explosive rhythmic intensity. His deep swing and instinctive interplay with Hazel create the Trio’s signature groove and momentum.
Live at Takoma Station Tavern
📅 Wednesday, December 17, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Takoma Station Tavern, Washington, DC
Experience the Eric Byrd Trio live in one of DC’s most iconic jazz rooms. Expect soulful standards, hard-charging originals, and the dynamic interplay that has made them one of the region’s most respected ensembles. A night of world-class swing, gospel-infused warmth, and blues-soaked storytelling awaits.
Buy Your Tickets Here 👇
