Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM EDT

A Celebration Of "Guitar" George Baker

5 years ago (December 6, 2019) New Haven lost our local musical icon, “Guitar” George Baker. The COVID pandemic cancelled our plans to celebrate his life then – but we are thrilled to make up for this now!

On Sunday, May 18th we will host the celebration at café nine from 4:00-7:00 (doors open at 3:00). The event features many of the original members of the George Baker Experience and other guest musicians. You are invited to join us – no cover charge.

George was born in McCrae, LA.  on April 5, 1938.  He taught himself to play guitar by ear while in high school. He later became a professional musician for 64 of his 81 years. His impressive resume begins in 1958 touring with Earl Davis & The Upsetters and as back up guitarist for the Drifters. He free lanced for a few years and in 1964 came to New York City as session musician for the Dixiecups, Shirley Ellis and the Flamingos. In 1968 he became musical director for Marvin Gaye and recorded Too Busy Thinking About My Baby with Marvin. He also performed with Motown artists Martha and the Vandellas and the Flamingos. By 1970 he joined the house band at the Apollo Theater (his childhood dream). In 1971 he went on tour with Melba Moore and the likes of David Frost and Jerry Lewis. He was a studio musician for many years in New York City and finally in 1984 moved to New Haven.

George settled in New Haven and began his unforgettable career at Poco Loco where he introduced us to The George Baker Experience. Café Nine soon became “home” to George and The George Baker Band – he was a regular at the Musician’s Living Room. He was a celebrated musician and well known to all of us. George will be deeply missed. This celebration will help us all share our stories and memories. Most of all we will remember and miss his outstanding music!  

Please join us on the 18th to remember “Guitar” George Baker.

Your hosts: Jo Ann Haller, Michael Reichbart and our musical director, Lou Ianello.

21+ (ALL AGES ACCOMPANIED BY PARENT/GUARDIAN)

FREE ADMISSION 

DOORS AT 3 PM