2026 Soho Sessions: A Night of Blues, Rock, and Giving Back with Joe Bonamassa, Slash, and Bay Melnick Virgolino
Renowned guitarist Joe Bonamassa shared the stage with Guns N' Roses' Slash and 11-year-old guitar prodigy Bay Melnick Virgolino during the 2026 Soho Sessions concert in New York City. The event, which supports Bonamassa's non-profit organization Keeping the Blues Alive, featured a star-studded guest list, including Michael J. Fox, Gina Gershon, and Steve Guttenberg.
Since its inception, Keeping the Blues Alive has raised over three million dollars, providing scholarships and resources to music students and teachers. The Soho Sessions, produced by Greg Williamson and Nicole Rechter of RWE Partners, have raised more than $75 million for charitable causes, supporting mental health, music education, and gun safety through live music performances.
Slash and Bonamassa kicked off the evening with acoustic renditions of classic blues songs before transitioning to an electric set. The lineup included Larry Campbell, Eric Finland, Mike Hess, and Shawn Pelton, performing hits like Bobby "Blue" Bland's "Further On Up the Road" and Robert Johnson's "Crossroads."
Throughout the night, special guests like Hank Azaria, Tash Neal, and Paul Shaffer joined the musicians on stage for memorable performances. The event concluded with 19-year-old guitarist Grace Bowers closing the show with Freddie King's "Going Down."
To support Keeping the Blues Alive and its mission to empower the next generation of musicians, donations can be made on their website.