Joel’s full eight-piece band will serve as the evening’s house band
Michael Dorf Presents announces the 21st annual Music Of tribute concert – this year celebrating the timeless catalog of Billy Joel – taking place at the legendary Carnegie Hall on March 12, 2026. The event continues Dorf’s beloved tradition of honoring iconic artists through a night of remarkable performances while raising funds for music education.
From his 1971 debut Cold Spring Harbor to chart-topping hits like “Piano Man,” “Just the Way You Are,” “New York State of Mind,” and “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” Billy Joel’s songwriting has defined generations. His masterful ability to blend rock, pop, and storytelling has earned him six Grammy Awards, induction into both the Songwriters and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame, and the enduring title of The Piano Man.
This year’s concert will feature Joel’s full eight-piece touring band as the evening’s house band, led by Joel’s longtime musical director and keyboardist David Rosenthal. It will also include his longest-standing band member, Mark Rivera, as well as Crystal Taliefero, Tommy Byrnes, Andy Cichon, Chuck Burgi, Carl Fischer, and Mike DelGuidice, bringing the authentic sound and spirit of Joel’s live performances to Carnegie Hall. The first batch of the 20 artists performing will be announced later in November.
Now entering its third decade, Dorf’s Music Of series has become one of New York’s most anticipated annual musical events. Since its inception in 2004, the series has honored Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, Prince, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, R.E.M., David Byrne, and Patti Smith, among others.
As Michael Dorf approaches the 40th anniversary of his prolific career in live music production — which began with the founding of The Knitting Factory in 1986 and expanded with City Winery — this event underscores his continued commitment to supporting music education.
These sold-out shows have not only celebrated musical greatness, but directed one hundred percent of all net proceeds – $100,000 annually and over $2 million in total – to a diverse group of non-profit organizations dedicated to music education. These beneficiaries include Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), Young Audiences NY, FIXS, Church Street School of Music, Partnership with Children, D’Addario Foundation, Save the Music, Midori & Friends, Grammy in the Schools, the Orchestra Now, and the Newport Jazz Kids.
All net proceeds from The Music of Billy Joel will once again benefit these and other music education programs, helping to ensure that the next generation of musicians can continue to thrive.
This year’s concert marks a major first in the history of the Music Of series, with over 300 VIP tickets sold before a single performer was announced, and only a limited number remaining.
