Billy Joel Tribute Concert at Carnegie Hall Raises Funds for Music Education

The 21st annual “Music Of” benefit concert, celebrating the music of Billy Joel, took place on March 12, 2026, at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The event raised funds for music education programs for underserved youth in New York City and beyond.

A Star-Studded Lineup

The concert featured a house band comprised of Billy Joel’s own backing musicians: David Rosenthal (Musical Director), Mark Rivera, Crystal Taliefero, Tommy Byrnes, Andy Cichon, Chuck Burgi, and Carl Fischer, with guest pianist Dan Orlando. Performers included artists interpreting Joel’s extensive catalog.

VIP Experiences and Packages

Several VIP packages were available, offering exclusive experiences. The “Piano People” package included a 5-course dinner party at City Winery with participating artists, access to the rehearsal display on March 11th, and premium seating at the Carnegie Hall concert. The “No Stranger” package offered the most immersive experience, including the dinner party, rehearsal show access, soundcheck access at Carnegie Hall, and a signed poster from all participating artists. More details on VIP packages can be found on the Music Of website.

Billy Joel’s Presence

Despite being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus and having curtailed touring activities, Billy Joel attended the concert. He appeared on the balcony, acknowledging the crowd’s applause, and sat with pop star Pink and his daughter, Willow Sage Hart.

A Musical Journey Through Joel’s Career

The concert showcased a wide range of Billy Joel’s hits and deeper cuts. Performances included Nathanson’s acoustic rendition of “I Go to Extremes,” a high-energy performance of “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway),” and Thomas’s take on the TikTok-popularized “Vienna.” Alexa Ray Joel, Billy Joel’s daughter, performed “This Night” as a tribute to her father and mother.

Continuing Support for Music Education

The “Music Of” series, founded by Michael Dorf, has been raising funds for music education for 20 years. Dorf discussed the importance of these fundraising efforts in a recent Substack post. 100% of the net proceeds from the Billy Joel tribute concert will go towards supporting these programs. American Songwriter recently profiled Dorf and his philanthropic work.

Looking Ahead

The future of Billy Joel’s return to the stage remains uncertain due to his health condition, but he remains optimistic about performing again. The success of the Carnegie Hall tribute demonstrates the enduring legacy of his music and the continued support for music education initiatives.