Jeff Hamilton Trio, live!

Richmond native and world-class drummer and Jazz musician Jeff Hamilton will return to his roots to present a fund-raising concert at 7:30 pm, Friday, November 11, 2022 at The Reid Center (the historic Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church), 1004 North A Street, Richmond, IN. The Jeff Hamilton Trio will perform at the fundraiser as part of the Reid Center’s ongoing efforts to support its evolving role as a community arts center. 

Hamilton, whose career spans five decades, has played with noteworthy bands and musicians including the New Tommy Orchestra, where he got his first big break in 1974. He performed with the late musical greats Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney and Woody Herman. Hamilton and his musical partner, bassist John Clayton, formed the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and traveled exclusively with Jazz singer Diana Krall. More than 200 recordings by numerous musical greats such as Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole and Mel Torme included Hamilton on the drums.

Hamilton recalls that he grew up in Richmond listening to his parents’ big band records and began playing drums with Oscar Peterson records. He attended Indiana University and studied with John Van Ohlen. Among drummers who influenced him, Hamilton credits Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Mel Lewis, “Philly” Joe Jones and Shelly Manne. He accepted a position Manne vacated in the L.A.4 band with Ray Brown, Bud Shank and Laurindo Almeida, where some of the six records by that group featured Hamilton’s own compositions and arrangements.

Reviewers have praised Hamilton’s dynamic drumming as “technically accomplished” and featuring “sensitivity and sizzle.” He appeared in Natalie Cole’s Great Performances PBS special, Unforgettable, and an Oscar Peterson documentary, Music in the Key of Oscar. Along with recording and performing throughout the world, Hamilton also teaches, arranges and composes.

Parking: On-street parking is available along North A, 10th St, and 11th St. There is a lot north of the church accessible from the alley between 10th and 11th Streets. The municipal parking lot on 10th St between Main and North A is a short walk.

Accessibility: The historic church presents a number of accessibility challenges. The south entrance (along North A Street) has an accessible ramp to the door. Once inside, there is a stairway of about eight steps to the main level. On the left is a handrail, and on the right is a lift chair. The only restroom on the main level is not wheelchair accessible. If you require assistance, please contact us to see how we can facilitate your access.

This program is made possible with support from the Wayne County Foundation and donors like you.