PIECES OF A DREAM “50th Anniversary”
Pieces of a Dream, the pioneering contemporary jazz group formed in Philadelphia in the 1970s, celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special concert at The Birchmere. The band—founded by drummer Curtis Harmon and pianist James Lloyd, alongside longtime musical brother Tony—has spent five decades blending jazz, R&B, funk, and soul into a sound built for joy and unity. Their show on this night supports their 26th recording, *We Got This*, a ten-track album of original music that the members describe as full of head-nodding grooves, catchy melodies, moving bass lines, and heartfelt solos. Lloyd has revealed a deeply personal layer to the album: he suffered three strokes during its creation and credits Harmon and Tony for carrying the project and having his back throughout the process, making the title a nod to resilience and brotherhood.
The anniversary celebration comes after a remarkable career that includes being discovered as teenagers by saxophonist Grover Washington Jr., contributing a track to Spike Lee’s film *School Daze*, selling over three million albums, backing James Brown, and opening for jazz legends Miles Davis and Count Basie. The evening promises a mix of danceable, reflective, and spiritual music that reflects the band’s enduring mission of bringing people together. The Birchmere offers ticket options through Ticketmaster, at the door, or at its box office, and the band’s website and social media are listed for those wanting more information.
When: Saturday, January 16, 2027, at 7:30 pm
Showtimes: Doors and performance schedule are based on The Birchmere’s standard concert format; the listed showtime is 7:30 pm.
Tickets: $55.00; $70.25 through Ticketmaster; $62.00 at the Birchmere Box Office
Lineup: Pieces of a Dream — Curtis Harmon (drums, founding member), James Lloyd (piano, founding member), and Tony (longtime member)
Run time: Not specified on the event page
Ages: Not specified on the event page
Venue: The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305; phone 703-549-7500
Note: Box office tickets are available any evening the venue has a show from 5 to 9 pm. The band’s official website is https://www.piecesofadream.net/; social media links for Facebook and Instagram are also listed on the event page.