Art for Progress (AFP) is thrilled and honored to present a night of musical improvisation featuring a one-time super group, created for this special evening to benefit AFP music and art education programs- The bill will feature Billy Martin, Nels Cline (Wilco), Marc Ribot and special guests, Brooklyn power trio Bad Faces, and AFP’s sensational student band, Big Sweater.

The Art for Progress Band – Billy Martin, Marc Ribot, Nels Cline and Special Guests – Best known as the drummer for the avant-groove band Medeski, Martin, and Wood, Billy Martin called up some friends to join him for a one off charity event titled “Once in a Lifetime.”  When guitarist Marc Ribot, who’s released over 20 albums under his own name and has played on countless records (Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, John Mellencamp, Elton John) and Nels Cline, best known as Wilco’s lead guitarist and one of Rolling Stone’s “100 greatest guitarists” accepted,  The Art for Progress Band was formed.

Bad Faces are a Brooklyn power trio as deeply rooted in American traditional music as they are reaching for new stratospheric heights in their improvisational explorations. Led by Singer/Guitarist Barry Komitor, Manager and teacher of AFP’s music education programs and fixture on New Yorks bluegrass and rock scenes, Bad Faces rhythm section is powered by Brian Stollery, one of the best known figures in NY jam music on bass, and NY’s most exciting young jazz drummer, Ethan Kogan.

Big Sweater is a unique blend of fresh youthful energy and classic music. They bring a hypnotic, enchanting element to blues and rock and roll to maintain a balance between the sullen walks of life and the euphoria of embarking on new ones. Elijah McCoy and Franklin Santiago share lead vocal and guitar duties, with Gabriel Calderin on drums, Greg Morello on bass and Barry Komitor on piano and keys.

(Le) Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleeker Street, New York NY – http://lpr.com

Advance tickets:  $15, $20 at the door, 7PM, 18+

Art for Progress (AFP) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit arts organization committed to providing arts education programs in NYC’s underserved public schools and most impoverished communities. Through its programs, AFP provides under-served youth with dynamic artistic programming that promotes reflection and self-expression. By connecting youth with working artists, their communities and each other, we hope to transform the way they see themselves and the world around them.

Visit www.artforprogress.org for more information.

Special thanks to LPR, Billy Martin and all of the artists for their support.

Net proceeds will provide much needed funds for AFP’s arts education program.

For press inquiries, contact Frank Jackson by e-mail- frank@artforprogress.org

“Supporting artists while sustaining the arts for children”