Sat Mar 7
James Fernando Trio, Philly 3 Release Celebration
Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Join us at The Mainstay for a special evening with the James Fernando Trio as they celebrate the release of their new recording, Philly 3. James Fernando has been praised as a “prodigiously gifted composer and virtuoso pianist,” and his trio brings a vibrant, contemporary energy to the jazz piano trio tradition. Their music blends deep musical chemistry, spontaneous interplay, and a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
Philly 3 marks James’s debut trio recording and features standout Philadelphia musicians Kyon Williams on drums and bassist Dan McCain. The trio first came together in 2023 when James assembled the group for a performance at The Kennedy Center. Since then, they have performed across the country, developing a distinctive voice shaped by collaboration and a shared sense of musical adventure. The album includes eight of Fernando’s original compositions along with a reimagined version of Erroll Garner’s “Like It Is.”
At this special release event, audiences will hear two full live sets from the trio, along with stories about the creation of the new album and James’s artistic process. After the performance, guests are invited to stay for a short Q and A and an autograph session.
Tickets are 25 dollars and advance purchase is encouraged. This promises to be a unique opportunity to experience a rising artist and his dynamic trio up close in The Mainstay’s intimate listening environment.