ABOUT THE FOUR HANDS COLLECTIVE

What is the Four Hands Collective? The Four Hands Collective is a soon-to-be 501(c)3 nonprofit organization on the Upper West Side of New York City built around one idea: that performing artists deserve a community that truly has their back. We produce showcase events, promote our artists' gigs around the city, pay musicians fairly, and work to connect extraordinary local talent with the neighbors who live among them. We believe art is a gift, not a product — and we treat it that way.

Where did the name come from? At our very first Night at the Triad, two jazz pianists who had never met — our music directors Antongiulio Foti and Matt Baker — sat down at one piano together on the spot and improvised. Three continents, four hands, one instrument, no plan. The room stopped. That moment of spontaneous connection became the name of the organization — because it captures exactly what we are trying to create every time we gather.

How did the Four Hands Collective start? It started with a dog named Lucy and a cup of coffee. Our founder Bill Hyman began gathering musicians and neighbors at Black Press Coffee on the Upper West Side in 2021 — just showing up, connecting people, building something without knowing exactly what it would become. Those sidewalk conversations grew into a community, and that community grew into A Night at the Triad. We are now in our eighth show and still growing.

Are you a nonprofit? Soon. The Four Hands Collective will receive its 501(c)3 status in 2026. All proceeds from our shows go directly to the performing artists. Donations will be tax deductible.

ABOUT A NIGHT AT THE TRIAD

What is A Night at the Triad? A Night at the Triad is our flagship showcase event at the Triad Theater on West 72nd Street. It brings together some of the most extraordinary musicians from the Upper West Side and beyond for an evening of world-class performances, real community, and the kind of genuine connection that's increasingly rare in this city. Every show is different. Every show sells out. This is our eighth.

What is the format of the show? The evening runs from 7pm to approximately 10:30pm. The first set is one hour of live music featuring numerous world-class performers across a variety of genres. A 30-minute intermission follows — time to mingle, meet the artists, and connect with neighbors. The second set runs another hour, followed by an open hang where the community and the artists get to spend time together before we close up for the night.

What kind of music will I hear? Something different every time. Our musical directors Antongiulio Foti and Matt Baker curate each show with care — jazz, classical, soul, original compositions, and everything in between. The range is part of the point. You will hear music you know and music you have never encountered, performed by artists who have played Carnegie Hall, Birdland, The Apollo, and stages around the world.

Is this an open mic? No. A Night at the Triad features a pre-planned program of professional musicians selected by our musical directors. Every performer is chosen because they are extraordinary at what they do and because they are part of this community. If you are a professional musician interested in being considered for a future show, see the question below about how to get involved.

What is the vibe? Warm, intimate, and genuinely attentive. These shows are always packed — but we take real pride in having the most respectful audience around. People come to listen. The artists feel that. It changes what happens on stage. Come ready to be present and you will leave feeling something you did not expect.

Is this dinner and a show? The Triad has a bar and serves casual snacks — don't come expecting a full meal. There is a restaurant downstairs if you'd like to eat before the show. We suggest arriving early, grabbing a drink, and settling in before the music starts.

What is the drink situation? Drinks are served by the Triad's bar. We suggest a two-drink minimum so that the serving staff gets paid for their service and the Triad can continue to host shows like ours. Community Seat holders receive 50% off drinks.

TICKETS AND LOGISTICS

How do I get tickets? Tickets are available at fourhandscollective.org. These shows sell out — we strongly recommend buying early.

What do the different ticket types mean? Main floor tickets ($50) are reserved seats — your seat will be carefully selected by our team and held in your name. Balcony tickets ($25) are general admission — arrive early to claim the best spot. The front row of our balcony is genuinely coveted. Both offer an excellent experience of the room.

$50 is a lot. Why does it cost that much? Every dollar of ticket revenue goes to paying the venue and paying the performers fairly. When you buy a ticket to A Night at the Triad, you are directly funding the musicians on that stage — artists who have performed at Carnegie Hall, Birdland, The Apollo, and internationally. You are not buying a product. You are supporting the creative life of your community. We think that is worth it.

Should I arrive early? Yes. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7pm sharp. Main floor reserved seat holders can arrive anytime before the show begins. Balcony seat holders should arrive early to secure their preferred spot — the front row goes fast.

I can't make it anymore. Can I get a refund? We are not able to offer refunds. Every ticket sold goes directly to paying our artists — there is no organizational budget to absorb the loss of an unsold seat. However, ticket transfers are easy through our ticketing platform, Viewcy. Sell your ticket to a friend, transfer it to a community member, or consider donating it to an artist in our community who would love to attend. We would rather see your seat filled than empty.

Is the Triad Theater accessible? Yes. The Triad Theater is on the second floor at 158 W 72nd Street, above the dumpling restaurant. There is an elevator to the second floor. Please ask one of our hosts on arrival and we will be happy to assist.

Where exactly is the Triad Theater? 158 W 72nd Street, New York, NY 10023 — between Broadway and Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side, on the second floor above the dumpling restaurant. Accessible by the 1, 2, 3 trains at 72nd Street, or the B and C trains at 72nd Street.

COMMUNITY SEATS

What are Community Seats? Community Seats are complimentary balcony tickets made available to artists and students in our community who want to attend but cannot cover the ticket price. They are funded entirely by community donors who believe that artists should be in the room — not just on the stage.

How do I claim a Community Seat? Community Seats are available by invitation. If you have received a code from the Four Hands Collective, enter it at checkout to claim your complimentary balcony ticket. Community Seats include 50% off drinks at the bar.

What is asked of Community Seat holders? One thing: show up. The artists performing that night are giving their full gift. The donors who funded your seat made a real commitment to bringing you into the room. Your presence completes the exchange. If something comes up and you cannot attend, please transfer your ticket through the Viewcy app to another artist or community member — it takes about two minutes and ensures the seat doesn't go to waste.

How can I donate a Community Seat? On our ticketing page, select the Community Seat option and purchase as many as you'd like. Your generosity goes directly to making this community more whole. Donations will soon be tax deductible through our 501(c)3 status.

GETTING INVOLVED

How can I perform at A Night at the Triad? Our shows prioritize community. Every performer is a musician who has become part of our world over time — through the coffee shop gatherings, the open mics, the gigs, the conversations. If you are a professional musician on the Upper West Side who is interested in being part of a growing community, reach out to our musical directors Antongiulio Foti and Matt Baker. If you want to meet the community first, come by Black Press Coffee or join us at Matt Baker's Hit the Stage open mic night at the Triad.

How can I follow the artists outside of the shows? Our performers page lists all of our community artists with their bios and upcoming shows. Our calendar keeps you up to date on where they are performing around the city. Our Instagram @fourhandscollective posts regularly about upcoming artist gigs. These musicians are available for private events and teaching as well — the best way to support a working musician is to hire them, follow them, and bring your friends to their shows.

How can I support the Four Hands Collective? Come to the shows. Bring someone new. Follow us on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter for early ticket access. Donate at fourhandscollective.org — all donations will soon be tax deductible. Purchase a Community Seat to bring an artist into the room. And tell your neighbors. The best thing that can happen to this community is more people knowing it exists.

How do I stay in touch? Sign up for our newsletter at fourhandscollective.org for early ticket access and artist news. Follow us on Instagram @fourhandscollective. Use the contact page on our website. Or come by Black Press Coffee on the Upper West Side — that is where this all started, and we are still there.