Mark Zaleski Quintet at Side Door Jazz Club

Mark Zaleski Quintet at Side Door Jazz Club brings one of today’s most versatile jazz musicians to Old Lyme on Friday, July 17. Beginning at 8 p.m., internationally acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Mark Zaleski leads his quintet through an evening of contemporary jazz that blends technical brilliance with influences spanning rock, soul, funk, and modern improvisation.

An internationally touring performer, Zaleski has shared the stage with an extraordinary range of artists including Dave Brubeck, Christian McBride, Ian Anderson, Lake Street Dive, Louis Cole, Connie Francis, and the Grammy Award-winning 8-Bit Big Band. A graduate of both the prestigious Dave Brubeck Institute Fellowship Program and the New England Conservatory of Music, he has built a reputation as one of jazz’s most creative and dynamic saxophonists while also serving on the faculties of Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory.

Zaleski’s music reflects a lifetime of diverse influences, from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, and Jimi Hendrix to jazz legends John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Oscar Peterson, and Dave Brubeck. His original compositions combine modern jazz with elements of rock, soul, and funk, creating performances that are both adventurous and accessible. Joined by longtime collaborators, the quintet’s chemistry is rooted in years of performing together, resulting in an expressive and tightly connected ensemble sound.

Event Details

• Event: Mark Zaleski Quintet
• Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
• Time: 8:00 p.m.
• Venue: Side Door Jazz Club
• Location: Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme St., Old Lyme, CT

About Mark Zaleski

Mark Zaleski is an internationally recognized:

• Saxophonist
• Composer
• Multi-instrumentalist
• Bandleader
• Educator

Career highlights include:

• Dave Brubeck Institute Fellow
• Faculty member at Berklee College of Music
• Faculty member at New England Conservatory
• Featured soloist with numerous orchestras
• International touring artist

Artists He Has Performed With

Zaleski has collaborated with artists including:

• Dave Brubeck
• Christian McBride
• Ian Anderson
• Lake Street Dive
• Louis Cole
• Connie Francis
• Mahmoud Ahmed
• Jason Palmer

About Side Door Jazz Club

Located inside the historic Old Lyme Inn, Side Door Jazz Club has earned a national reputation for presenting world-class jazz artists in an intimate listening room with exceptional acoustics, craft cocktails, and an atmosphere designed specifically for live jazz.

Why Attend

• Internationally acclaimed jazz musicians
• Intimate listening room
• Contemporary original jazz
• Historic Old Lyme venue
• One of Connecticut’s premier jazz clubs

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased by clicking the Event Ticketing link at the bottom of this page.

More Information

Additional event information is available by clicking the Event Website link at the bottom of this page.