Tia Fuller Brings Family Legacy to Regattabar
The Grammy-nominated saxophonist performed a tribute show alongside her sister at the historic Cambridge jazz venue.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Other — General
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Grammy-nominated alto saxophonist Tia Fuller performed at Cambridge’s Regattabar on Sunday night, accompanied by her sister, pianist Shamie Fuller-Royston. The performance honored the sisters' musical heritage and their late mother, Elthopia Fuller.
Why it matters
The concert served as a heartfelt tribute to the family's deep musical roots and the late Elthopia Fuller, who previously helped lead the family band Fuller Sound. It highlights the continued legacy of the siblings' collaborative work, including their recorded album, Dynasty (Volume 2).
The Regattabar features a seating capacity of 220 within the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square. Tickets for Sunday performances at this historic venue currently range from $30 to $42.
The players
Tia Fuller
Tia Fuller is a Grammy-nominated alto saxophonist and educator known for her technical proficiency and contributions to modern jazz.
Shamie Fuller-Royston
Shamie Fuller-Royston is a professional pianist who frequently collaborates with her sister on recordings and live performances.
Regattabar
The Regattabar is a prominent jazz venue located inside the Charles Hotel that has served as a cultural fixture in Harvard Square since 1985.
Elthopia Fuller
Elthopia Fuller was a musician and co-leader of the family band Fuller Sound who influenced her daughters' musical careers until her death in 2022.
The details
Tia Fuller shared the stage with pianist Shamie Fuller-Royston, bassist Eric Wheeler, and drummer Koleby Royston to perform a mix of family songs and new original compositions. The quartet showcased technical duo passages between the saxophone and piano, emphasizing the emotional connection to their family musical history.
Timeline
The Regattabar first opened as a dedicated jazz room in 1985.
Elthopia Fuller passed away in 2022.
The Regattabar reopened in September 2023 following a three-year closure.
Tia Fuller performed at the venue on October 25, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The concert performance extends the musical themes captured on the recording of the album Dynasty (Volume 2). This collaboration reflects a broader trend of jazz legacy acts leveraging familial histories to deepen artistic narratives in the modern concert circuit.
Fans can catch future performances at the Regattabar by checking the venue's schedule for upcoming jazz showcases. Tickets are available for purchase directly through the venue, offering access to high-caliber live music within the Harvard Square community.
The takeaway
Audiences can support the preservation of musical legacies by attending performances that bridge personal history with contemporary composition. Exploring the back catalogs of collaborating family musicians provides a richer context for appreciating live improvisational sets.
Further reading
For more coverage on local performances, visit the Cambridge Other — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tufts Daily.
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