Spyro Gyra
Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club, 135 Congress Street, 03801 Portsmouth Directions
Wed 04.11.2026 19:30
With over 10 million albums sold, 13 Grammy nominations, and more than 5,000 live shows performed across five continents, jazz fusion legends Spyro Gyra celebrate over 50 years of musical excellence. Formed in 1974 by saxophonist Jay Beckenstein, the band exploded into the national spotlight with multi-platinum classic albums like Morning Dance and Catching The Sun. Over five decades and 30-plus releases, Spyro Gyra has defined contemporary jazz by seamlessly blending jazz, R&B, funk, and pop. Today, Beckenstein leads an elite ensemble of virtuosic musicians who function as a tight, collaborative unit. Bringing their instantly recognizable sound, unmatched musicianship, and timeless energy to the stage, Spyro Gyra continues to deliver an extraordinary live concert experience to generations of fans worldwide.
Performers
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Spyro GyraIn 2024, Jay Beckenstein and band observe the 50th anniversary of what started as a diversion, something that was just for fun (and twenty-five cents at the door). It began inauspiciously when Beckenstein and a few musician friends in Buffalo NY organized a get together on their shared night off from working in bands that actually made money. It was a simple, humble idea with a name that was likewise simple and humble, “Tuesday Night – Jazz Jam”. Fast forward 50 years and this jazz super group has released over 30 albums, garnering gold and platinum along the way. They’ve played over 10,000 concerts on six continents. Spyro Gyra has maintained its standards of excellence and that has sustained them on the “A list” of live attractions in jazz for 50 years.