UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
december 21
Soapbox Gallery
Brooklyn, NY
On Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 7pm at Soapbox Gallery Mark Tipton will release his new album, Vernacular Stretch. The ensemble will play the album material live at Soapbox Gallery, and the performance will also be live-streamed. Vernacular Stretch features original compositions by Mark Tipton scored for jazz sextet and octet, and is dedicated to the memory of his jazz trumpet mentor at the New England Conservatory (NEC), John McNeil (1948-2024). McNeil was a mainstay on the Brooklyn jazz scene for decades, and taught at NEC for roughly forty years. This album was self-produced by Mark for his company, Mark Tipton Music Productions, LLC.
Vernacular Stretch showcases the talents of several rising stars in jazz, including vocalists Aviana Gedler and Pitiki Aliakai, saxophonists Annalise Stalls and Gabriel Nieves, trumpeter Mark Tipton, trombonist Joey Dies, pianist Keegan Marshall-House, guitarist Kai Lance, bassist Daniel Mayer, and drummer Caleb Montague. For this performance, Brooklyn-based vocalist Nedelka Prescod will replace Aviana Gedler.
Vernacular Stretch includes the following works: "Vernacular Stretch," "Blue Heron Voyage," "Lament for Glaciers," "Paradoxical Dreams," "Avaricious Beauty," "A Healing Touch of Madness," "Ineffable Consciousness," "Peace Invocation," "Galaxy Bird," and Mark's arrangement of Henry Mancini's ballad, "Moment to Moment."
Vernacular Stretch will be released on streaming platforms on Friday, December 19, and will also be available as a double-CD set starting on Sunday, December 21.
March 12
Futura Productions, Roslindale, MA
Mark joins Mehmet Ali Sanlikol’s big band, “Whatsnext?” and special guest drummer Antonio Sanchez for a recording session for a new album at Futura Productions in Roslindale.
March 14
Norwood High School, Norwood, MA
3:30pm
Mark joins Ayn Inserto and her big band for a performance featuring her original compositions in Norwood, MA for the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education State Finals.
april 3
Korean Cultural Center, NYC
7:30pm
Mark performs with the Seulah Noh Jazz Orchestra at the Korean Cultural Center in NYC (122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016). He will be joined by a number of NEC colleagues and several NYC jazz artists.
April 16
Mark joins Boston-based pianist/composer Bert Seager and his jazz quintet at Spice Thai Kitchen in Ipswich, MA at 7pm. Also includes Nick Brust on alto saxophone, Sean Farias on bass and Charlie Weller on drums. The atmosphere at Spice Thai Kitchen is cozy and the food is delicious!
Spice Thai Kitchen
Ipswich, MA
7-9pm
may 15
La CASA (IBA), Boston, MA
6:00pm
Mark joins the great Latin Jazz percussionist and Berklee College Faculty member Eguie Castrillo for a Latin big band performance at the IBA (Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción) in Boston.
may 17
Jordan Hall at NEC, Boston, MA
2:00pm
Mark receives his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Jazz Performance at the 2026 New England Conservatory of Music Commencement ceremony. Honorary Degree recipients include jazz legend Gary Bartz and Denyce Graves.
may 21
The Lilypad, Cambridge, MA
10:30pm / $15 cover
Nondualism Trio performs Mark’s recent progressive jazz compositions at the Lilypad in Cambridge. The trio recorded their first album in February 2026 at Q Division in Cambridge, MA. Nondualism Trio includes Mark Tipton on trumpet and flugelhorn, James Heazlewood-Dale on upright and electric bass, and Paul July Joseph on drums and percussion. The ensemble blends motivic, harmonic, and rhythmic complexity with deep grooves and fascinating textures.
JUNE 18
Nondualism Trio at The Drake, Amherst, MA
7pm Doors / 8pm Concert
$15 in advance / $20 at the door
Nondualism Trio will perform an exclusive set at The Drake in Amherst, MA, featuring Mark’s recent progressive jazz compositions.
Nondualism Trio is a Boston-based progressive jazz trio that includes Mark Tipton on trumpet and flugelhorn, James Heazlewood-Dale on upright and electric bass, and Paul July Joseph on drums and percussion. Mark is originally from Maine, James is originally from Australia, and Paul is from Haiti. The trio was formed in 2025 and in February 2026 they recorded their first album at Q Division Studios in Cambridge, MA, featuring Mark’s original compositions. The ensemble blends motivic, harmonic, and rhythmic complexity with deep grooves and fascinating textures.
The ensemble’s name, Nondualism Trio, is derived from the Indian philosophy of nondualism, which views reality as an interconnected whole, devoid of dualistic thinking, whereby awareness can be experienced beyond conceptual thought. It is this state of mind that the trio seeks to embody when they are performing together: collectively open-minded in their improvisations to carry the music wherever it wants to go, and free from judgements and intuited mental road-blocks (such as the stymying effects of genre categorizations and other conventional “restrictions”).
The three members of Nondualism Trio are all rising talents in jazz, and are all active musicians on the Boston scene, seasoned touring musicians, and devoted teachers (Mark at NEC and Walnut Hill, James at Brandeis, and Paul through his private studio). James and Mark have recently toured Turkey, Cypress, and the Northeastern US with Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol and both his jazz quintet and classical Turkish music ensemble, DÜNYA, while Paul and Mark have recently toured New England. They all enjoy connecting with diverse audiences and inspiring young musicians.
JUly 1
The Lilypad, Cambridge, MA
6:30pm / $15 cover
Mark performs with Boston-based pianist/composer Bert Seager’s jazz quintet at The Lilypad in Cambridge, MA. Featuring Bert’s original compositions & his fantastic arrangements and reharmonizations of jazz standards. Expect tight ensemble playing, fiercely creative improvisations, and empathetic collective music-making.
JUly 7
Little Neck, Ipswich, MA
7pm
The Bert Seager Jazz Quintet plays a seaside Summer concert at Little Neck in Ipswich, MA. Showcasing Bert’s original compositions and his arrangements of jazz standards.
JUly 22
David Friend Recital Hall
Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA
7:30pm
Mark performs with the Philip Ryan Goss Jazz Orchestra at Berklee College of Music’s David Friend Recital Hall. The set will include Philip’s original compositions and arrangements inspired by poetry, literature, and cosmic phenomena.
august 1-7
Samba Meets Jazz
College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME
(Weeklong Summer Camp)
The 2026 Samba Meets Jazz camp will run from August 1-7, 2026 on the beautiful campus of the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. Mark returns for his second summer as a jazz faculty member, joined by Artistic Director and bassist Nilson Matta, drummer Rafael Barata, guitarist Chico Pinheiro, saxophonist Mike Tucker, vocalist Aviana Gedler, and other faculty (TBA). A Faculty Concert will be held at 8pm on Monday night, August 3rd, in the Gates Auditorium.
august 20
Spice Thai Kitchen
Ipswich, MA
7-9pm
Mark joins Boston-based pianist/composer Bert Seager and his jazz quintet at Spice Thai Kitchen in Ipswich, MA at 7pm. Also includes Nick Brust on alto saxophone, Sean Farias on bass and Charlie Weller on drums. The atmosphere at Spice Thai Kitchen is cozy and the food is delicious!
August 22 & 23
Sharp 9 Gallery (8/22) & Flat Iron (8/23)
Durham & Greensboro, NC
Mark joins jazz guitarist Kai Lance to perform material from Kai’s recently-released album, It’s Time, which features Kai’s original tunes. Also included on the album and in these performances are: Aviana Gedler - voice, Shota Renwick - sax, Aaron Gross - bass, and Kassem Williams - drums. Mark is excited to return to the Sharp 9 Gallery in Durham, North Carolina for the third time!
september 17
Jordan Hall at NEC
Boston, MA
8pm
Mark performs original Turkish Jazz compositions by Mehmet Ali Sanlikol with the Mehmet Ali Sanlikol Quintet at NEC’s Jordan Hall. This ensemble toured Turkey and Cyprus in Summer 2025, and recorded an album last year.
Expect high-energy microtonal jazz, with funky grooves and moments of contemplative beauty. Featuring Mehmet Ali Sanlikol - piano, electric oud, “Renaissance 17” microtonal keyboard, duduk & vocals; Edmar Colón - tenor saxophone; Mark Tipton - trumpet & flugelhorn; James Heazlewood Dale - bass; and George Lernis - drums & percussion.
october 4
Jordan Hall at NEC
Boston, MA
7pm
Mark joins other NEC Jazz alumni and faculty members to celebrate the life and legacy of the late John McNeil, a long-time NEC Jazz Faculty member, trumpeter/composer, and Mark’s mentor. The concert will feature many of John’s original compositions, including two of his big band charts from the 1970s-80s, performed by the NEC Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Mark.
Performers will likely include (TBD): David Adewumi, Jerry Bergonzi, Nathan Blehar, Frank Carlberg, Allan Chase, Mike Fahie, Joe Fitzgerald, Randy Ingram, Ethan Iverson, Peter Kenagy, Aryeh Kobrinsky, Frank Kozyra, Allegra Levy, Hanna Marks, Austin McMahon, Jason Palmer, Noah Preminger, Bert Seager, Mark Shilansky, Vinnie Sperrazza, Mark Tipton, Jeremy Udden, and Patrice Williamson. This concert was coordinated by Ken Schaphorst and Mark Tipton.
october 7
The Lilypad
Cambridge, MA
6:30pm
Mark performs with Boston-based pianist/composer Bert Seager’s jazz quintet at The Lilypad in Cambridge, MA. Featuring Bert’s original compositions & his fantastic arrangements and reharmonizations of jazz standards. Expect tight ensemble playing, fiercely creative improvisations, and empathetic collective music-making. Personnel includes: Nick Brust - alto sax, Mark Tipton - trumpet, Bert Seager - piano, Sean Farias - bass, and Charlie Weller - drums.
october 20
The Lilypad
Cambridge, MA
7pm
The Boston-based progressive jazz group, Nondualism Trio, presents "Nosferatu Funk" at the Lilypad at 7pm on October 20th. Featuring Mark Tipton (trumpet), James Heazlewood-Dale (bass), and Paul July Joseph (drums), Nondualism Trio will be playing original works, including Mark's compositions from their upcoming album, "Nosferatu Funk." The set will include: "Paraconsistent Refractions," "Walk-A-Seven Ghost Dance," "Lithospheric Waltz," "Cosmic Dust Groove Thang," "Into the Wilderness," "Slow Burn," "Nosferatu Funk," a pair of musical "Mantras," and more! Expect deep grooves, musical complexity, and synergistic ensemble playing.
NOVEMber 1
The Dance Hall
Kittery, ME
5pm
Nondualism Trio performs Mark’s progressive jazz compositions at The Dance Hall in Kittery, Maine for their “Jazz Casual” series. The trio recorded their first album in February 2026 at Q Division in Cambridge, MA. Nondualism Trio includes: Mark Tipton - trumpet & flugelhorn, James Heazlewood-Dale - upright & electric bass, and Paul July Joseph - drums & percussion. The ensemble blends motivic, harmonic, and rhythmic complexity with deep grooves and fascinating textures.
NOVEMber 14
Edward M. Pickman Concert Hall
Longy School of Music at Bard College
Cambridge, MA
7pm
Mark plays with saxophonist/composer Jason Robinson’s Janus Orchestra (17-piece big band), for the Boston premier of Jason’s works from his new album, Blue Salience: for Yusef Lateef. Other members of the band include: Allan Chase, Marty Ehrlich, Felipe Salles, Ian Buss, Brian Landrus, Bijon Watson, Haneef Nelson, Zoe Murphy, Randy Pingrey, Chris Gagne, Angel Subero, Bill Lowe, Eric Hofbauer, Kevin Harris, Avery Sharpe, and Richie Barshay.
NOVEMber 15
Burnes Hall at NEC
Boston, MA
8pm
Mark plays for drummer/composer Paul July Joseph’s graduation recital in Burnes Hall at NEC. This concert will feature a large ensemble performing polyrhythmic Haitian Jazz. Not to be missed!
November 19
Spice Thai Kitchen
Ipswich, MA
7-9pm
Mark performs with the Bert Seager Quintet at Spice Thai Kitchen in Ipswich, MA at 7pm. The atmosphere at Spice Thai Kitchen is cozy and the food is delicious! Personnel includes: Nick Brust - alto sax, Mark Tipton - trumpet, Bert Seager - piano, Sean Farias - bass, and Charlie Weller - drums.
december 2
The Lilypad
Cambridge, MA
6:30pm
Mark performs with Boston-based pianist/composer Bert Seager’s jazz quintet at The Lilypad in Cambridge, MA. Featuring Bert’s original compositions & his fantastic arrangements and reharmonizations of jazz standards. Expect tight ensemble playing, fiercely creative improvisations, and empathetic collective music-making. Personnel includes: Nick Brust - alto sax, Mark Tipton - trumpet, Bert Seager - piano, Sean Farias - bass, and Charlie Weller - drums.
december 3
Spice Thai Kitchen
Ipswich, MA
7-9pm
Mark performs with the Bert Seager Quintet at Spice Thai Kitchen in Ipswich, MA at 7pm. The atmosphere at Spice Thai Kitchen is cozy and the food is delicious! Personnel includes: Nick Brust - alto sax, Mark Tipton - trumpet, Bert Seager - piano, Sean Farias - bass, and Charlie Weller - drums.
January 6-9, 2027
JEN Conference at Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Louisville, KY
(4-Day Conference)
Mark attends the 2027 Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference in Louisville, KY, representing the Jazz Studies Department at the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC). From 3:30-5:30pm on Thursday, January 7th, Mark will present a poster on his doctoral thesis topic, Second-Wave Sacred Jazz: Self-Realization, Social Liberation, Appropriation, and the Birth of a New Sacred Music.
January 14-16, 2027*
Panama Jazz Festival
Panama City, Panama
*(dates are tentative; will be confirmed asap)
Mark will attend the 2027 Panama Jazz Festival in Panama City, Panama, representing the Jazz Studies Department at the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC). Further details will be forthcoming.
january 21
Spice Thai Kitchen
Ipswich, MA
7-9pm
Mark performs with the Bert Seager Quintet at Spice Thai Kitchen in Ipswich, MA at 7pm. The atmosphere at Spice Thai Kitchen is cozy and the food is delicious! Personnel includes: Nick Brust - alto sax, Mark Tipton - trumpet, Bert Seager - piano, Sean Farias - bass, and Charlie Weller - drums.
March 13
Brown Hall at NEC
Boston, MA
8pm
Mark performs with an all-star “Samba Jazz Messengers” ensemble for his March 13th NEC Faculty Recital.
Featuring high-energy arrangements of well-known jazz standards in a samba style by Rafael Barata & friends, and the following personnel:
Jerry Bergonzi - tenor saxophone
Mark Tipton - trumpet
Angel Subero - trombone
Edsel Gomez - piano
Alexei Tsiganov - vibraphone
Greg Toro - bass
Rafael Barata - drums