Setting the Stage for an Unforgettable Evening

On any given night, these musicians could be found on some of the world’s most celebrated stages—under bright lights, before sold-out crowds. But on this night, they come together for something quieter, and in many ways, far more powerful. They come together for May.

Leading the ensemble, Marshall Wood anchors the music with a steady, resonant pulse. His bass doesn’t demand attention, but it commands respect. Having toured the world with Tony Bennett and performed alongside some of jazz’s most revered artists, Wood brings a quiet mastery—an ability to listen, adapt, and elevate everything around him. It’s the kind of musicianship that mirrors the work of May itself: supportive, intentional, and essential.

At his side, Gray Sargent’s guitar speaks—warm, elegant, unmistakable. For more than two decades, his sound helped define the final era of Tony Bennett’s performances, carrying audiences through songs that have stood the test of time. There’s a certain grace in the way he plays, a confidence shaped by years alongside legends. Yet here, that same artistry feels deeply personal, almost conversational—like he’s playing not just for the room, but for the mission that brought everyone together.

Then comes the voice of Michael Monaghan’s saxophone—rich, expressive, and full of character. With a career that spans the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, and performances with icons from Frank Sinatra to Chick Corea, his sound carries decades of experience. When he steps forward, the room seems to lean in. There’s history in his playing, but also immediacy—a reminder that music, like the work at May, lives in the present moment, shaped by connection.

And behind it all, Chris Rivelli brings rhythm and energy, driving the ensemble forward with precision and heart. A Berklee-trained drummer with accolades and awards to his name, Rivelli’s playing is both powerful and deeply attuned. He doesn’t just keep time—he creates momentum, lifting the music and giving it life. It’s a role not unlike those who support May’s programs every day: steady, dynamic, and vital.

Together, they form more than a quartet. They form a conversation—one built on trust, respect, and a shared understanding of something bigger than themselves.

Because while their résumés are extraordinary, that’s not why they’re here. They’re here because they believe in what May Institute stands for. As the music fills the room, it does more than entertain. It connects. It reflects the same principles that guide May’s work every day: patience, growth, individuality, and care.

Please join us at this memerable evening: https://e.givesmart.com/events/KXw/