$50 Ticket includes dinner and concert (Beverages can be purchased separately). Tony Purrone, a Connecticut native, began playing guitar at nine and quickly showcased his talent, joining the University of Bridgeport Jazz Ensemble by age 15. At age 19, he performed with notable groups like the Don Elliott Quintet and Gerry Mulligan Sextet. After earning a BSc in music from New York University in 1976, he joined the Heath Brothers Band in 1978, recording five albums while touring globally.
In 1982, Purrone embarked on a successful jazz career, collaborating with legends such as Frank Foster, Dizzy Gillespie, Jerome Richardson, Ed Thigpen and many others. Ed Thigpen's 1991 album “Mr. Taste” feat. Tony earned a 5-star rating from Downbeat magazine.
He has taught at Housatonic College, Wesleyan University, and Queens College, contributed to two Grammy-nominated albums, and recorded with various renowned artists across multiple prestigious labels.
Tony has also made numerous notable appearances:
Contributed to the all-star recording “Organic Grooves” with notable artists like Lonnie Smith, Grover Washington and Kenny Garrett.
Frequently performed with Jimmy Heath, including a concert at Alice Tully Hall with prominent jazz figures and at Jazzmobile’s 35th-anniversary gala.
Featured on the Heath Bros.' reunion album “The Jazz Family,” and performed on three SS Norway jazz festival cruises and at renowned venues like Blue Note and Village Vanguard.
Made a special guest appearance at the Kennedy Center’s celebration for Jimmy Heath’s 90th birthday, performing with jazz legends such as Herbie Hancock and Stanley Cowell.
“5.0 out of 5 stars...KILLS!!! This record is really something special; not exactly what people expect of jazz; not fusion either; what is it???? It is real killer MUSIC, plain and simple; new and exciting, still sounds fresh many years later. OH! and all the players here are great. As for Mr. Purrone, in my opinion one of the all-time greats on GUITAR, Tony really can do it all.......PEOPLE NEED to hear TONY PURRONE!!” — Luigi Bosco, online critique of Electric Poetry, February 14, 2012
“...a strong and assertive guitarist, becomes the invigorating focus of the quartet. His bold, bright colors are a tonic... and his physical involvement with his guitar is a visual stimulant.” — John S. Wilson, New York Times
“One of the world’s greatest guitarists...” — Jimmy Heath, Legendary Saxophonist & Composer/Arranger
In 1993, Tony released his debut CD as a leader and composer on the B&W label (now Meltdown-2000), entitled “Electric Poetry.” The album features Bob Mintzer (woodwinds), Dave Anderson (bass), and Ray Marchica
(drums). He made 8 CDs on the SteepleChase label as a leader from 1996-2005 and has recorded other CDs since on various labels....
His most recent work has been in a duo context w. bassist Preston Murphy. They have redefined & refined the guitar/bass duo to another level....... Take a listen to Tony Purrone & Preston Murphy at this link
Doors Open at 6:00 p.m. Gratuity not included Tickets are non-refundable
Date & Time
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Venue Details
The Room at Cedar Grove NEW
32882 Cedar Grove Road Lewes, Delaware 19958
Paul Kares
Paul Kares is a nonprofit organization whose mission is dedicated to educating aspiring chefs or musicians, focusing on kids and young adults who show interest and passion for culinary and musical arts. Paul Kares will weave together how these passions could be the foundation for life-long career for young people who are not necessarily college-bound and how they can hone their skills to be a personal chef, sommelier, performer, or all the above. Plus, Paul Kares will get them the tools like musical instruments, knives, etc for the students who can’t afford them and will donate to school systems that need equipment for their classrooms.
