NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music (EMCM), in partnership with the Maple Leaf Bar, announced a new solo piano concert series: “Booker & Beyond – The Professor Tim Piano Series,” Celebrating New Orleans Piano Traditions. This series is set to pay tribute to the artistry of New Orleans icon James Carroll Booker, who continues to inspire pianists around the world. The debut performance will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 21, with concerts following on the third Tuesday of each month at EMCM and Thursdays at the Maple Leaf Bar.
Organizers share this series was made possible through the generous bequest of Tim Allspach, known affectionately as “Professor Tim.” A lifelong supporter of New Orleans music and culture, Tim was an educator, musician, and beloved fixture at the historic Maple Leaf Bar, where his passion for music and community continued throughout his life. He dedicated part of his estate to ensuring that the extraordinary piano traditions of New Orleans would continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
New Orleans musician and EMCM co-founder Harry Connick, Jr. was deeply influenced by Booker’s musical genius, having taken lessons from him in his youth. Booker’s playing melded many styles, including jazz, classical, blues, and gospel, with an improvisational approach that made his sound truly unique. His approach was often referred to as “Spiders on the Keys,” an homage to his virtuosity, timing, and dexterity. Booker died on Nov. 8, 1983.
“James Booker was more than a genius. He was my teacher, my mentor, and my friend. He opened my eyes to what the piano could really do, and he shaped the way I play to this day,” said Connick. “Booker’s sound was pure New Orleans soulful, wild, full of heart, and his influence is still heard in the way folks play today. That’s why it feels so right to celebrate him with Booker & Beyond. Thanks to Tim’s vision and generosity, Booker’s legacy won’t just be remembered. It’ll live on in the creativity of today’s pianists. And it means the world to me that it’s happening at the Ellis Marsalis Center and the Maple Leaf places that mean so much to me and to this city I love.”
The series will highlight some of New Orleans’ most creative and influential pianists, in solo format, who carry forward the city’s unparalleled piano legacy. Each performance will spotlight the artistry, individuality, and innovation that have made New Orleans piano music a cornerstone of the city’s sound. From jazz and blues to funk and gospel, the series will serve as both a tribute to musical legends like Booker and a stage for the vibrant pianists shaping the future. The inaugural lineup features:
“We are deeply appreciative of the kind and visionary gift from Professor Tim. His lifelong passion for music, education, and community will shine in this new series,” said EMCM Executive Director Lisa Dabney. “This series not only preserves the rich piano heritage that defines New Orleans but also makes it possible for new audiences and young musicians to experience and learn from it. It is a vital step in ensuring that the piano traditions of this city remain vibrant for generations to come.”
As part of this unique collaboration, the Maple Leaf Bar, where Tim was a cherished presence, will also align with the project by continuing its tradition of weekly Thursday evening piano performances under the Booker and Beyond banner. This joint naming solidifies a bridge between the historic Uptown music venue and EMCM’s mission to celebrate and preserve the cultural fabric of New Orleans.
“Beyond entertainment, Booker and Beyond is a testament to the enduring impact of one man’s vision to nurture, celebrate, and protect an essential element of New Orleans’ cultural identity,” said the Maple Leaf Bar’s Doug Trager. “By bringing together seasoned performers, diverse audiences, and the spirit of community, the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, in partnership with the Maple Leaf Bar, is ensuring that the piano remains an indelible part of the city’s musical heartbeat.”
Tickets for the debut season of “Booker and Beyond: The Professor Tim Piano Series” are available now through the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music website and the Maple Leaf Bar website. Full schedule details and programming updates can also be found online and across the EMCM and Maple Leaf Bar social media accounts.
