George Lewis News

Seven category-defying new works for symphony orchestra will be unveiled in two days of public readings that take the symphony orchestra in new directions. Featured composers are Jennifer Bellor, Jose Bevia, Courtney Bryan, Ingrid Laubrock, Andy Milne, Richard Sussman, and Sumi Tonooka.

Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute will host new music readings featuring seven new works, presented by the American Composers Orchestra tonight, June 3 at 10am (working rehearsal) and tomorrow, June 4 at 7:30pm (run-through performance).

Conductors Delta David Gier and Oliver Hagen will replace Gil Rose for American Composers Orchestra's Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute (JCOI) Readings on Monday, June 3 at 10am (working rehearsal) and Tuesday, June 4 at 7:30pm(run-through) at Columbia University's Miller Theatre (2960 Broadway). Rose has withdrawn with regrets, due to a family emergency. Both events are free and open to the public, but reservations are suggested. ACO is one of three orchestras participating this year in JCOI Readings - the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (April 23 & 24) and La Jolla Symphony & Chorus (September 19 & 20) are also workshopping, rehearsing, and giving public readings of new works for symphony orchestra by jazz composers.

Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute will host new music readings featuring seven new works, presented by the American Composers Orchestra on Monday, June 3 at 10am (working rehearsal) and Tuesday, June 4 at 7:30pm (run-through performance).

The 39th Annual Jazz Record Collectors Bash will be held June 21-22, 2013 at the Hilton Woodbridge Iselin, NJ, featuring 78s, LPs, CDs & memorabilia.

Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts celebrates its 25th anniversary with its 2013-14 season.

Two years ago, in my generally favorable review of Pamela Lewis' quirky, if flawed, cabaret show Dog Walking Diva, I went a little bit out on the limb with . . . “She has the potential to be a major cabaret star.” Well, as Lewis (who given her bubbly and bold personality performs under the totally appropriate moniker of “Champagne Pam”) remarked often in her newest show, during which she assessed whether she had yet achieved a list of life goals, that particular observation would have to get a “check.” Because with Daddy's Little Girl, Champagne Pam--who proudly admitted to having reached the Big 4-0--is all grown up as a cabaret performer and should be a member of that rarified group who even a reviewer on a press comp should pay to see and hear.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band was founded in 1961 to promote traditional New Orleans jazz in all its authenticity. Legendary players like George Lewis, Sweet Emma Barrett and Kid Thomas Valentine, all rooted in the formative years jazz, were its original stars. That generation is long gone now, yet the hall is still in business and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band continues to tour the world.

American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and The Center for Jazz Studies at Columbia University (CJS), in cooperation with EarShot, the National Orchestra Composition Discovery Network, will present the second Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute (JCOI) Readings in 2013. Three orchestras - the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (April 23 & 24), ACO (June 3 & 4), and La Jolla Symphony & Chorus (September 19 & 20) - will workshop, rehearse, and give public readings of new works for symphony orchestra written by seventeen jazz composers.

Comedian Lewis Black returns to New Brunswick's George Street Playhouse for an exclusive event, Monday, May 20 at 7:30 pm.

SEIS, directed by Cristina Marti, plays Sundays at No Avestruz.

On Saturday, April 27 at 9:30 p.m. in Zankel Hall, critically acclaimed and Grammy Award-nominated jazz pianist and composer Vijay Iyer performs solo piano works and leads both his jazz trio and sextet for an evening of original music from his celebrated recordings. The pianist, noted by The New Yorker as one of 'today's most important pianists… extravagantly gifted… brilliantly eclectic,' performs alongside bassist Stephan Crump, drummer Tyshawn Sorey, trumpeter Graham Haynes, tenor saxophonist Mark Shim, and soprano and alto saxophonist Steve Lehman. This concert is presented by Carnegie Hall in partnership with Absolutely Live Entertainment LLC.

The Little Orchestra Society (LOS) presents TUBBY THE TUBA narrated by Patti Smith, the iconic National Book Award-winner, rock musician and poet, today, March 16, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band derives its name from Preservation Hall, the venerable music venue located in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter, founded in 1961 by Allan and Sandra Jaffe. The band has traveled worldwide spreading their mission to nurture and perpetuate the art form of New Orleans Jazz.

New York Theatre Ballet's (NYTB) 2012-2013 season will debut an all-new ballet, BARK! IN THE PARK with choreography by Chase Brock of Broadway's hit SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK, and story and music by Karen LeFrak. This production will join The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Goose! and Peter & the Wolf in its series of perfect 1-hour ballets for kids and families. BroadwayWorld has a first look below.

The Little Orchestra Society (LOS) presents TUBBY THE TUBA narrated by Patti Smith, the iconic National Book Award-winner, rock musician and poet, on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.

Jane Moss, Ehrenkranz Artistic Director, previously announced the programming for the 46th season of the Mostly Mozart Festival, which runs from tonight, July 28 - August 25, 2012. Spanning seven venues, the Festival will offer more than 37 events including concerts, dance, visual art, film, pre-concert recitals, late-night performances, lectures, and bird-watching tours through Central Park, a special accompaniment to this summer's birdsong theme.

Harlem Stage has film, music, open mic, poetry, and spoken word events this month. Celebrating Cecil and Blazing Tongues open tonight, May 8.

Jane Moss, Ehrenkranz Artistic Director, today announced the programming for the 46th season of the Mostly Mozart Festival, which runs from July 28 - August 25, 2012. Spanning seven venues, the Festival will offer more than 37 events including concerts, dance, visual art, film, pre-concert recitals, late-night performances, lectures, and bird-watching tours through Central Park, a special accompaniment to this summer's birdsong theme.

Noël Coward's outrageous comedy Fallen Angels will bring two desperate housewives, one French lover and unlimited champagne to Asolo Repertory Theatre on March 9. Check out just-released production shots from the show below!