Nancy Wilson News

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater have released details on all jazz programming running April 25 through May 7.

The Dryden Ensemble presents “Swan Songs” on Sunday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m. at Seminary Chapel, located on the campus of the Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ.

The follow-up to his acclaimed 2021 tribute album which once again finds the saxophonist reimagining the songs of the Grateful Dead with his gritty and soulful Detroit sound joined by guests including Oteil Burbridge, Bob James, Jamey Johnson, Greg Leisz, and Don Was. Watch the video for “Scarlet Begonias” featuring vocals by Burbridge.

Produced by her long-time collaborator/now-fiancé Josh Horine, these five songs find the artist dipping into pop, rock, folk, and electronic music. Her previous single “You’re So Pretty,” followed the introductory first track and video from Mothership which perfectly set the tone for the whole project - aptly titled, “Control Freak.”

Queens of Rock, a one-woman rock show starring Elyzabeth Diaga, celebrates the music of the greatest female rock icons of the last four decades. She will pay homage to over 15 legends in Queens of Rock, performing at the Orleans Showroom at The Orleans on March 20, March 23, March 24, and March 25.

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work. 

The Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance has announced its 20th anniversary season, bringing pioneering artists from around the globe to Chicago and continuing to champion the world-class ensembles and arts organizations that call the city home.

From her upcoming album, Genevieve Artadi shares a new video, “To Tell How I Adore You,” the latest from Forever Forever. In January, she released the lead single, “Visionary” followed by “I Know” in February. This month, she’ll also perform a release show at the Echo, followed by a string of tour dates with her longtime musical partner Louis Cole.

McCarter Theatre has announced the 2023 JAZZ IN JUNE line up – six premiere events over three weekends, starting with the 2023 Grammy Award Winner for Best New Artist, SAMARA JOY on Friday, June 2.  Jazz in June 2023 is sponsored by WRTI. 

Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

The 18th annual Music Of fundraising performance, The Music Of Paul McCartney, has announced its last addition of special guests to The Music of Paul McCartney At Carnegie Hall.

Live Arts Miami presents the world premiere of Urban Bush Women's (UBW) latest dance-theater work, Haint Blu in Miami , featuring an immersive audience experience at the Historic Hampton House, March 9 - 12. Audiences will also enjoy curated local food and beverage vendors plus an opportunity to tour the restored hotel and museum.

Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts continues its 2022-23 Jazz series with the Sean Jones Quartet. The trumpeter/bandleader makes his Miller debut performing originals and standards.

With an accompanying tongue-in-cheek video that goes hard in an ‘80s hair metal style, “Visionary” climaxes with suitably epic solos from Pedro Martins (guitar), Chiquita Magic (synth bass), Christopher Fishman (piano), and Louis Cole and Daniel Sunshine doubling up on the drums. Watch the new music video now!

Highlights in Jazz returns to BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center for a festive 50th anniversary concert on Feb. 23, 2023. Jack Kleinsinger, the founder and producer of the highly regarded landmark jazz series, has put together an exciting, generation-crossing all-star concert lineup to mark the occasion. 

Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center will brighten January with its annual Gala. Light Up The Night will once again give audiences an incredible event to celebrate Uptown. Saturday, January 14 at 5:30pm audiences will gather at the Chester County History Center for signature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres by local native, “Big Chef”  and Food Network Star Tom Pizzica of Philly Hots, live music from the Uptown! Singers, fun photos and a silent auction. 

Birdland has announced jazz programming at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater running January 9 through January 22. Performers appearing at Birdland Jazz Club include Nicole Zuraitis, Slide Hampton Octet Celebration, Delfeayo Marsalis Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Joey Alexander Trio, Stacey Kent, Billy Hart Quartet and Adam Birnbaum Quartet.

Bobby McFerrin, Nirvana, Ma Rainey, Nile Rodgers, Slick Rick 'The Ruler,' The Supremes, and Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson of Heart are the 2023 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipients; Henry Diltz, Ellis Marsalis and Jim Stewart are the Trustees Award recipients.

Get the scoop on all jazz programming at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater running January 2 through January 15.

This is not a “Best Of” list because it isn’t for me to say what is best, only what resonated with me, but after a lot, a lot, a lot of shows, this New Year's Eve, these shows are still on my mind.