Rome Neal's Banana Puddin' Jazz

05/28/2026

YouTube World Premiere: Sunday, May 31, 2026 • 7:00 PM...
The Official Video of a Historic Jazz and Poetry Celebration of Life for Woodie King Jr., founder of the New Federal Theatre, which took place at Theater For The New City on April 27, 2026
Join us for the first public screening as we honor and celebrate the life, legacy, and extraordinary contributions of Woodie King Jr. Relive the memories with us.
This is the link below. Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, SHARE ... and MAKE A CONTRIBUTION, as we begin our 24th year of Rome Neal's Banana Puddin' Jazz events...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvbcvsNJ7Ok
The Reviews:
Rome Neal's Beautiful Tribute to Woodie King Jr. held at Theater For The New City in the East Village honored a man I didn't personally know. On this night, the pudding, the poem, the prayer and the people all became part of the offering. Through them I met Woodie King jr.
- Raquel Aubrey - Beacon
Rome Neal's superb Banana Puddin' Jazz tribute to Woodie King Jr.
- Don Thomas, Editor's Note, Beacon
Actor, Producer, and Jazz Vocalist Rome Neal continued the public celebration with "Jazzy Thespians," a public celebration of Woodie King Jr. as part of his Banana Puddin' Jazz series. In the words of Rome, "Woodie was not simply a King, he was a Mansa, A King of Kings, an Emperor of a Black Theatre Dynasty..."
- Dr. Brenda Greene - Our Time Press
The evening opened with libation and prayer, followed by live Jazz that carried Woodie King'sm spirit through the room. Renowned musicians including pianist Andre Chez Lewis and Patience Higgins both celebrated for their work on Broadway and Off Broadway delivered soul stirring performances
- Dr. Jennifer Pinkney Pastor, Amsterdam News

This is a Rome's Banana Puddin' Jazz"Jazzy Thespians Night: A Tri...

04/20/2026

Greetings Family,

The theater community will come together on Monday, April 27, 2026, to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Woodie King Jr., a pioneering force in Black theater and the founding director of the New Federal Theatre.

An invitation-only memorial celebration will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the historic Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway, recognizing King’s enduring impact as a “Renaissance Man of Black Theater.”

Later that evening at 7:00 PM, the tribute will continue with a public celebration hosted by Rome Neal as part of his acclaimed Banana Puddin’ Jazz series. Titled “Jazzy Thespians Night,” the event will take place at Theater for the New City (155 First Avenue, NYC).

The evening will feature live jazz performances by an ensemble of acclaimed musicians alongside special guest performers, blending music, storytelling, and remembrance. Admission is $20, and guests will enjoy complimentary banana pudding as part of the experience.

Together, these events celebrate Woodie King Jr.’s profound contributions to American theater and his lasting legacy in championing Black voices on stage.

Main Event (Invitation Only)
What: Celebration of the life and legacy of Woodie King Jr.
When: Monday, April 27, 2026 | 3:00–5:00 PM
Where: Ethel Barrymore Theatre
Details: Private event honoring King as a “Renaissance Man of Black Theater” and founder of the New Federal Theatre
🎷 Public Tribute Event (Evening)
What: Jazzy Thespians Night – tribute to Woodie King Jr.
Host: Rome Neal
Series: Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz
When: Monday, April 27, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Where: Theater for the New City (155 First Ave, between 9th & 10th Streets, NYC)
Admission: $20
Extras: Live jazz + complimentary banana puddin'
🎶 Performers
Andre Chez Lewis (piano)
Lonnie Plaxico (bass)
Patience Higgins (sax)
Nick Scheuble (drums)
Anthony Battle (percussion)
Surprise special guests: “Jazzy Thespians”
📌 Key Takeaways
Two events on the same day: a private Broadway memorial and a public jazz tribute.
Both celebrate Woodie King Jr.’s major influence on Black theater.
The evening event is open to the public, affordable, and performance-focused.
This tribute is made possible with the generous support of sponsors including Stephen McKinley Henderson, , John D. Smith, Jazz Foundation of America, Lamon Fenner, Stephen Davis, Nick and Leonieke Scheuble, Billy Mitchell, Black Spectrum Theatre, Appleton, Dr. Audrey and Gerry Baker, Sheryl Renee Productions, Dr. Mona V. Scott, Malaika M. Scott, MD, Black Repertory Group, Sean V. Scott, Commbs Brooklyn Printing, Dr. Brenda Greene, and Black Theatre Project.
In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month and Rome's 23rd anniversary of producing Banana Puddin' Jazz, your sponsorship or donation will be gratefully appreciated. Become a sponsor today: romeneal.com

02/28/2026

Tix only $20... Call now for reservations: 212-254-1109

01/22/2026

TONIGHT is the Night!
Thursday, Friday, Saturday we bring you the readings of a new Ishmael Reed masterpiece theatre experience directed by yours truly... . For TIX: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../a-staged-reading-of...

01/07/2026

Tune in tomorrow, January 7, at 7 AM to hear an interview with jazz titan and multi-instrumentalist David Murray in advance of his performance at NYC Winter JazzFest. Host Rachel Smith talks with David Murray about the iconic quartets he has led and been a part of throughout his career, his creative and compositional process, and his latest two albums.

As always, you can listen at 89.9 FM on your radio dial or stream the interview online at wkcr.org

12/16/2025

10/20/2025

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT!!! 7PM JAZZY THESPIANS NIGHT at Theater For The New City...Tix: 212-2541109

Rome Neal's Banana Puddin' Jazz presents "JAZZY THESPIANS NIGHT", MONDAY, OCT 20TH 7 PM at Theater For The New City, 155 First Avenue and 10th Street, NYC ... CALL NOW FOR RES: 212-254-1109 or Advance TIX: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35441/production/1255331

10/16/2025

Rome Neal's Banana Puddin' Jazz presents "JAZZY THESPIANS NIGHT", MONDAY, OCT 20TH 7 PM at Theater For The New City, 155 First Avenue and 10th Street, NYC ... CALL NOW FOR RES: 212-254-1109 or Advance TIX: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35441/production/1255331

09/25/2025

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Barry Harris's "Sometimes Today Seems Like Yesterday" will be featured in my set list on Monday night at Theater for the New City. You are cordially invited to my "Time Flies When You're Having Fun" birthday concert... Join me if my singing Jazz (the music of the spirit) or producing Rome Neal's Banana Puddin' Jazz for the past 22 years has touched you or supported you in any way.., Always grateful to my mentor Dr. Barry Harris!
More info: romeneal.com