New York Entrepreneur Hosts Billy Joel Tribute Concert

Annual 'Music Of' charity show features Joel's daughter and other big-name performers.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:00pm

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New York entrepreneur Michael Dorf is hosting his 21st annual 'Music Of' charity concert, this year honoring the music of Billy Joel. The lineup includes Joel's daughter Alexa Ray Joel, Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas, Train's Pat Monahan, and Joel's eight-piece touring band serving as the house band. Dorf is hoping for 'special guests' to make surprise appearances, including the possibility of Joel himself, who has only performed once since canceling his 2025 tour due to a brain condition diagnosis.

Why it matters

The annual 'Music Of' concert series has become a highly anticipated event, celebrating the legacies of iconic musicians and raising money for music education programs. This year's Billy Joel tribute is expected to draw a large crowd of devoted fans eager to hear his classic hits performed live.

The details

Dorf tells Rolling Stone that it was Joel's recent documentary, 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes,' that inspired him to make the Piano Man this year's honoree. The concert will be held on March 12 at New York's Carnegie Hall. While the lineup has already sold out without any artists announced, Dorf is keeping fingers crossed for potential 'special guests' to make surprise appearances, including the possibility of Joel himself, who has only performed once publicly since canceling his 2025 tour.

  • The 'Music Of Billy Joel' concert will be held on March 12, 2026.
  • Joel canceled his 2025 tour in May after being diagnosed with a brain condition.
  • Joel's only public performance since then was a surprise appearance with a Billy Joel cover band in Wellington, Florida, in January 2026.

The players

Michael Dorf

A New York entrepreneur who organizes the annual 'Music Of' charity concert series, this year honoring the music of Billy Joel.

Alexa Ray Joel

Billy Joel's daughter, who is set to perform at the 'Music Of Billy Joel' concert.

Rob Thomas

The lead singer of Matchbox Twenty, who is also performing at the 'Music Of Billy Joel' concert.

Pat Monahan

The lead singer of the band Train, who is also performing at the 'Music Of Billy Joel' concert.

Billy Joel

The legendary singer-songwriter, whose music is being honored at the 'Music Of' concert this year.

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What they’re saying

“I think there's a lot of love for Billy, and a desire to hear his music.”

— Michael Dorf, Organizer, 'Music Of' concert series

“The fact that it is his band, that's exciting for people. We sold out without a single artist mentioned who's performing, and we got a great lineup, as people trusted. Fingers crossed, let's see if we have any special guests.”

— Michael Dorf, Organizer, 'Music Of' concert series

“There's a box for the band, and if we're lucky and they want to jump on stage, great. But it's really for them as much as it is anybody.”

— Michael Dorf, Organizer, 'Music Of' concert series

What’s next

Dorf will be keeping a close eye on whether Billy Joel or any other 'special guests' make a surprise appearance at the March 12th concert.

The takeaway

The annual 'Music Of' concert series has become a beloved tradition, allowing music fans to celebrate the legacies of iconic artists while also supporting music education programs. This year's Billy Joel tribute is expected to be a particularly special event, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd eager to hear his timeless hits performed live.