Mads Tolling and pianist John R. Burr met back in 2015, and in 2023 released their first album together, Ramblin,’ on Blue Coast Records. The album features creative arrangements of songs from all corners of the music world, including Toto, Lennon/McCartney, Victor Young and John McLaughlin. Tunes from Ramblin’ will be part of the set list, along with tunes from the Great American Songbook and originals by John and Mads. Joining the two is virtuoso bassist, Dan Feiszli.

Mads Tolling is a two-time Grammy Award-Winning Violinist and the 2016 Winner of DownBeat Critics Rising Star Poll. As a former nine-year member of both Turtle Island Quartet and bassist Stanley Clarke's band, Mads has spent most of his professional life touring internationally. Mads has been featured on NPR's Morning Edition, and his recordings have received rave reviews in DownBeat Magazine, Strings Magazine, Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle. He has performed with Chick Corea, Ramsey Lewis, Kenny Barron, Paquito D'Rivera, and until recently was a part of the Bob Weir & Wolf Bros. In 2015 Mads was commissioned to write a violin concerto by the late great conductor Michael Morgan, which he performed with Oakland Symphony Orchestra at the Paramount Theatre.

John R. Burr is one of the most in-demand pianists around the Bay Area. He has toured extensively with Maria Muldaur and The Alison Brown Quartet.

Dan Feiszli is not only an incredible bass player, but also a world-class recording engineer. He has toured with Julio Iglesias, Mickey Hart, and James Moody, and he has been in many musical theatre productions, including Hamilton, and Billy Elliot.

Tickets are $33 in advance and $40 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.

Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Thank you for your support!

Contact the host of Mads Tolling & John R. Burr: McCartney to McLaughlin