The jazz recording artist’s Small Business, Big Sound initiative connects live music, neighborhood dining and community investment in Yonkers
Billboard No. 1 jazz recording artist, pianist, composer and producer Bob Baldwin will bring his Small Business, Big Sound initiative to Off the Hook, 47 North Broadway in Yonkers, on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026. Featuring performances at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. both evenings, the weekend will celebrate Baldwin’s latest album, BSpoke, while spotlighting an independently owned neighborhood restaurant.
For Baldwin, the engagement is a personal homecoming. A Mount Vernon native who lived in Yonkers as a child and later in New Rochelle, he developed his musical foundation in Westchester under the guidance of his father, pianist Bobby Baldwin, Sr. His career has since taken him to audiences and recording sessions around the world. Bob looks to use his
Small Business, Big Sound brings live music into intimate, independently owned establishments to attract customers, introduce audiences to local businesses and create opportunities for communities to gather. The initiative has welcomed audiences in Atlanta, Richmond, Baltimore and Peekskill.
Baldwin was inspired to bring the concept to Yonkers after visiting Off the Hook, owned by Tony Dandridge. The restaurant’s intimate setting and soul food offer a natural pairing for a weekend of contemporary jazz, funk and soul.
“Music doesn’t just entertain people. It brings people together, creates opportunities, and can help strengthen local economies,” Baldwin said.
The weekend also reflects Baldwin’s interest in developing longer-term community partnerships involving music education, mentorship, summer concert programming and support for neighborhood businesses. He is inviting civic leaders, educators, arts organizations and local residents to attend and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Baldwin’s community work has included The NewUrbanJazz Music Series with ArtsWestchester from 2010–2012, along with humanitarian programs in Tarrytown. These included Jazz for Dave, supporting the late flutist Dave Valentin, and Jazz for Haiti, raising funds following the devastating 2010 earthquake.