Pork Tornado & Jazz Mandolin Project Reuniting For Sergei Ushakov Tribute Concert At Nectar’s

The Burlington music scene took a big hit last month when longtime Nectar’s sound engineer Sergei Ushakov died. The life and legacy of Ushakov will be honored at Nectar’s this Saturday, February 15 with “Celebrating Sergei: An Analog Outpouring,” a free concert featuring performances from several bands who had deep connections with the beloved sound engineer.

Pork Tornado featuring Phish drummer Jon Fishman has been tapped to headline. Fishman is joined in the band by guitarist Dan Archer, keyboardist Phil Abair and bassist Aaron Hersey. Pork Tornado saxophonist Joe Moore died of cancer in 2024. Dave Grippo, who is already aboard for the concert with his Grippo Funk Band ensemble, stood in for Joe when Pork Tornado last performed in 2022 at a benefit to raise funds for Moore’s treatment.

Jazz Mandolin Project, the group led by mandolinist Jamie Masefield, will also deliver a rare performance at “Celebrating Sergei: An Analog Outpouring.” Additionally, the evening will include sets from Blues For Breakfast and Al’s Pals as well along with an “Analog Superjam” to end the celebration.

“Celebrating Sergei: An Analog Outpouring” will begin at 2 p.m. with local musicians Bob Wagner and Matt Hagen spinning cuts from Ushakov’s vinyl collectio nunder the moniker Local Dork & Friends. Live performances start at 5 p.m. and are expected to conclude at 1 a.m.

Sergei Ushakov was born in Russia, then the Soviet Union, in 1959. Ushakov moved to Burlington in the late 1980s and began running sound at Nectar’s in 1994, a role he held for over 30 years. The beloved fixture of the Vermont music scene passed away unexpectedly on January 8 at his hime in Burlington.

While the show is free, donations will be accepted at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Ushakov family.