Exclusive One-Night Engagement Will Feature Q&A Session with Those Who Knew Les Best and Will Serve as the Launch of the Venue Hosting “Les Paul Thru the Lens” Exhibit, which is Making its New York City Debut on a “Les Paul Monday Night”

New York, New York –September 26, 2024 – The Iridium, a musical landmark in Times Square famously known as a destination for intimately experiencing the best rock, jazz, and blues artists in the world, located downstairs of Ellen’s Stardust Diner, has announced a very special exclusive event celebrating Les Paul, the Father of Modern Music. On Monday, October 7, 2024, The Iridium will open the Les Paul Thru the Lens exhibit, which features 24 gallery framed one-of-a-kind photos that chronicle the personal and professional life of the musician. The exhibit will be hosted by The Iridium through November 18, 2024, and is presented by  The Les Paul Foundation. On the night of the 7th, the Iridium will host a one-night, special engagement, “All About Les.”

“All About Les” features longtime friend and Les Paul archivist Chris Lentz who chronicled Paul’s life through personal and up-close photographs, and third-generation manager and Executive Director of the Les Paul Foundation, Michael Braunstein. The intimate event will give guests a chance to see more photographs taken by Lentz including backstage images of Paul and the Les Paul Trio.

Braunstein, who as the third-generation manager of Paul experienced one-of-a-kind moments first-hand, will share those personal accounts with the audience.

Lentz documented Paul’s life from his performances at Fat Tuesdays in the 1980s to the Iridium through the 2000s as well as his personal life and travels. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with both Lentz and Braunstein prior to a musical act. Food and beverage will also be available for purchase.

From 1995 until his death in 2009, Paul performed at The Iridium every Monday night. “Les Paul Monday Nights” became so popular that celebrities and VIPs from every walk of life would regularly visit the 180-person venue to get a glimpse of Paul, talk to him or join him on the stage where he played up until two weeks before his passing. 

“We’re thrilled to host the exclusive Les Paul Thru the Lens photo exhibit at The Iridium, celebrating Les Paul’s incredible legacy,” said Ellen Hart, Owner of The Iridium and Ellen’s Stardust Diner. “It feels like we’re welcoming back one of my old friends to the very place he helped shape. Les was an integral part of The Iridium’s history, and this exhibit will bring his spirit to Monday nights again.”

The “Les Paul Thru the Lens” exhibit is coming to New York City and the ‘Home of Les Paul’ for the first time ever after its successful run at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Ticket holders for the respective show on the night will enjoy free admission at 6:30pm. Anyone wishing to attend the Q&A session with Lentz and Braunstein will enjoy completely free admission.

WHO: Chris Lentz & Michael Braunstein

WHAT: “All About Les”

WHEN: Monday, October 7, 2024, beginning at 6:30 pm

            *The exhibit will be from 6:30-7:30pm, the Q&A will start at 7:30pm*

WHERE: The Iridium, 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

Media is invited to attend but must RSVP and confirm with caroline@m2mpr.com

All media should email as soon as possible as seats are limited.

For information on obtaining tickets please visit www.theiridium.com/events

For more information on the Les Paul Foundation please email caroline@m2mpr.com

Visit the official Les Paul website at www.les-paul.com

PRESS CONTACT

Caroline Galloway

440-591-3807

caroline@m2mpr.com

PRESS CONTACT FOR ELLEN’S STARDUST DINER/THE IRIDIUM

Maria Cray

508-245-6564

maria@nicholaslence.com