Join us for a Jazz Is New Haven Fundraiser with Gianni Leito’s Almost Allman Brothers Band (GLAABB): The Jazz Roots Reimagined
Before the Allman Brothers Band defined Southern rock, they studied Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Iconic anthems like “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” and “Mountain Jam” weren't just blues-rock—they were built on modal improvisation, swing, and fearless dual-lead interplay.
GLAABB (Gianni Leito’s Almost Allman Brothers Band) digs into that exact intersection, treating the Allman catalog as the open-ended jazz vehicle it was born to be. Presented by Jazz Is New Haven / Unplugged, this special tribute brings Connecticut’s finest improvisational players together in an intimate listening-room setting to celebrate jazz as a living cultural legacy.
The GLAABB Lineup
Gianni Leito [Guitar / Bandleader] – Berklee alum balancing classic blues fire, soul, and fluid modal phrasing. IG: @giannileito
Tim Palmieri [Guitar]– National jam veteran (Kung Fu, Lotus, The Breakfast) bringing elite melodic chops honed alongside giants like Oteil Burbridge and Phish’s Mike Gordon. IG: @timpalmieri
Kiran Edwards [Keys] – Fairfield multi-instrumentalist, WCSU alum, and Residual Groove driver who has shared the stage with John Medeski and Delvon Lamarr IG: @kiranedwards
Ryan Berry [Bass] – Residual Groove bassist, 10+ year Northeast scene staple, and educator channeling Berry Oakley’s signature melodic drive.
Matt Spencer [Drums] – WCSU Jazz Studies alum, session composer, and powerhouse drummer anchoring the polyrhythmic swing and groove. IG: @mattyspence
Garrett Halstead [Percussion / Drums] – Bridgeport rhythm specialist and Residual Groove member bringing the crucial Afro-Cuban heat, syncopated timbales, and deep funk groove essential to unlocking the Allmans' classic dual-percussion engine. IG: @ghal_steady
Presented by Jazz Is New Haven / Unplugged
An invitation-only house concert series uniting listeners and premier local musicians over live jazz, homemade food, and community connection.
The nonprofit Jazz Is New Haven promotes jazz as the living cultural legacy of the greater New Haven area. Jazz is our great American art form – thelifeblood of community, with the power to transcend political polarization,economically and culturally fractured cities, and a loneliness epidemic. We are building a growing network of partnerships with likeminded nonprofits, schools, universities, museums, performance venues, and local businesses across the region to support the development of young and rising musicians, music education, and a culture of live performance.
LOCATION // theYURT @ theGROVE - 19 Cedar Lake Road, Chester CT TIMING // Mini Wellness Oasis 4-5pm, Show 5-8pm
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE // please register in advance. This one will sell out!
SUGGESTED CONTRIBUTION // $25 - Students + Seniors $50 - General Pricing $75 - I’m Feeling Generous
++++100% of the proceeds from this event go to the musicians, and Jazz Is New Haven 501c3++++