Louis Armstrong House Museum's 2015 'Hot Jazz / Cool Garden' Series Kicks Off Today

It's not summer in NYC until there is hot jazz and red beans 'n rice at the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Louis Armstrong House Museum announces the line up for its signature summer concert series Hot Jazz / Cool Garden.

Now it its 9th season, Hot Jazz Cool / Garden features three hot NYC jazz bands in Louis's garden: Today, July 4 with The Ladybugs; Saturday, July 18 with Jon-Erik Kellso & Friends; and Saturday, August 15 with Cynthia Sayer & Her Sparks Fly Quartet.

Meet the Bands:

The Ladybugs
The Ladybugs are a traditional jazz vocal group known for their intricate harmonies and experimental arrangements. Lead by Martina DaSilva, all members of the band sing while playing ukulele, guitar, trombone, bass, and drums. The Ladybugs' repertoire includes favorites from the 1920s, '30s, and '40s, infused with old-school swing, country, and blues. The band has received high praise for recent performances at Jazz At Lincoln Center's Generations in Jazz Festival, the NY Hot Jazz Festival, and the NYC Winter Jazzfest. With a sound that attracts all audiences, The Ladybugs effortlessly keep listeners smiling and moving.

Jon-Erik Kellso & Friends
At home in New York City Jon-Erik Kellso has been leading The EarRegulars featuring guitarist Matt Munisteri and various guest badasses at the Ear Inn on Sunday nights since 2007. On Mondays and Tuesdays Jon plays with Vince Giordano's Nighthawks at Iguana. Aside from these steadies, Jon can also be seen performing at all the great NYC venues, including Dizzy's, Mezzrow, Small's, Birdland, the Blue Note, the Jazz Standard, etc.

Recent engagements include a week in Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola with Wynton Marsalis celebrating Louis Armstrong's Hot 5s and 7s; leading the EarRegulars at the Detroit Jazz Fest and Moab Music Fest; various appearances on Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion" live Public Radio International show, including a live cinecast to movie theaters everywhere with Elvis Costello; several jazz fest at sea cruises; concerts at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. with John Lithgow; tours of the U.S. and Japan with Ken Peplowski's Kingdom of Swing big band; annual appearances in jazz clubs and festivals in New Orleans; and jazz parties, festivals, and concerts all over the world.

Cynthia Sayer & Her Sparks Fly Quartet
Cynthia Sayer & Her Sparks Fly Quartet is a hot jazz quartet led by acclaimed jazz banjoist/vocalist Cynthia Sayer. Their classic jazz core pays tribute to Louis Armstrong, while their eclectic repertoire embraces many musical influences of the 1920s, '30s, and beyond. Comprised of top New York City musicians, Cynthia Sayer & Her Sparks Fly Quartet perform at festivals and in concert around the world.

Each concert begins at 2:00 pm at the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Advance tickets are $18 and the series subscription is $45. Subscribers enjoy reserved VIP seats for all three concerts. Advance tickets can be purchased online at LouisAmrstrongHouse.org. Tickets include red beans 'n rice & sweet tea plus a complimentary historic house tour pass. Birthday cake will be served on July 4th in honor of Louis Armstrong's traditional birthday. Advance tickets are suggested due to the popularity of the series. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on a first-come bases. For more information, go to LouisArmstrongHouse.org.

The Louis Armstrong House Museum is located at 34-56 107th Street in Corona, Queens, New York. The museum is open Tuesday - Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm. Travel directions and more at LouisArmstrongHouse.org or 718.478.8274. Parking is available in the neighborhood and the museum is accessible by subway via the 7 train.

Currently on exhibit: Red Beans & Ricely Yours: Louis Armstrong & Food now through October 2015 and is free with museum admission.

The Louis Armstrong House Museum, the long-time home of Louis and Lucille Armstrong, is a National Historic Landmark and New York City Landmark in Corona, Queens. Since its opening in 2003, more than 100,000 visitors from all over the world have been introduced to the wonderful world of Louis Armstrong. The museum's programs feature historic house tours, jazz concerts, and a wide variety of educational programs. The museum owns and administers the largest research archives in the world for any jazz musician.

Thanks to the vision and funding of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, the Louis Armstrong House Museum welcomes visitors, six days per week, 52 weeks per year. The Louis Armstrong House Museum is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, Association of African American Museums, Museums Council of New York City, New York State Museums Association, National Trust for Historic Preservation, NYC & Co., and the Queens Tourism Council. The museum is a cultural center of Queens College / CUNY and constituent of Kupferberg Center for the Arts.