Regina Carter's SOUTHERN COMFORT CD Release, Jane Monheit With The MSM Big Band, & More To Be Featured in Birdland Jazz Club's April 2014 Lineup

Birdland Jazz Club is thrilled to announce their outstanding line-up of amazing talent for the month of April 2014. Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:

April 1-4 (Tuesday - Friday) at 8:30PM & 11PM
Regina Carter's "Southern Comfort" CD Release Celebration

As the most recent in a long line of important and eclectic Jazz artists from Detroit (including Tommy Flanagan, Kenny Burrell, Barry Harris, cousin James Carter and others) Regina Carter continues her musical journey through history with her Sony Music Master Works Debut, "Southern Comfort," in which she investigates her family history and explores the folk tunes her paternal grandfather, a coalminer, would have heard as he toiled in Alabama. The expanded project includes a blend of folk songs and spirituals, serving as Carter's interpretation of her roots through modern jazz. All seats are $40 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

April 3 (Thursday) at 6PM
Marques Stinson O'Farrill Trio CD Release Celebration with Albert Marques (piano) Walter Stinson (bass) Zack O'Farrill (drums). All seats are $20 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

April 5 (Saturday) at 6PM
Barbara Carroll Duo with Bassist Jay Leonhart

Barbara Carroll's inventive piano playing and unique vocal sound transforms any composition into something hip and urbane. In a sixty-year career she has gone from being dubbed "the first girl ever to play bebop piano" by Leonard Feather in 1947, to today being dubbed a "singer who turns song lyrics into personal dramatic monologues." (Stephen Holden, New York Times). All seats are $30 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

April 7 (Monday) at 7PM
Broadway at Birdland

Ben Rimalower presents "The Lady's Got Potential."

The Lady's Got Potential is named after the song from Evita about the ambitious woman on the rise, and is an evening of songs performed by some of the most exciting up and coming actresses working in musical theater today. Host Ben Rimalower (Patti Issues) was inspired to put this program together after the enormous response generated by his Playbill article of the same name. Ben Rimalower is the writer and original star of off Off-Broadway's long-running hit solo play, Patti Issues (New York Times Critics Pick, Bistro Award, M.A.C. Award),which he continues to tour all over the world. He writes for Playbill and the Huffington Post. In addition to directing a number of Off-Broadway plays, Ben was called "the Midas of Cabaret" by The Advocate for helming a slew of solo shows; most notably conceiving and directing Leslie Kritzer Is Patti LuPone At Les Mouches and subsequently producing Patti LuPone's "Live At Les Mouches" album for Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records. All seats are $25 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

April 8-12 (Tuesday - Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11PM
Jane Monheit with MSM Big Band

In just over fifteen years, critically acclaimed jazz vocalist Jane Monheit's honey-smooth vocals, silky phrasing and natural knack for storytelling have earned her two Grammy nominations and established her as one of her generation's most beloved and accomplished vocalists. Jane returns to Birdland for her first ever engagement as a vocalist fronting a big band. Providing those classic vocal accompaniment sounds are members of (Jane's Alma Mater) the Manhattan School of Music Big Band. All seats are $45 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

April 14 (Monday) at 7PM
Broadway at Birdland

Amanda Green's Spring Trunk Show with Jenn Colella, Kathleen Monteleone, Ryann Redmond & Janet Krupin

Songwriter Amanda Green and her friends, Jenn Colella (If/Then,Chaplin, High Fidelity), Kathleen Monteleone (Hards on a Hardbody,Legally Blonde), Ryann Redmond (If/Then, Bring It On) and Janet Krupin (If/Then, Hands on a Hardbody, Bring It On) will perform a hilarious and heartfelt evening of undiscovered 'trunk songs' cut from Green's Broadway shows High Fidelity, Hands On A Hardbody, and Bring It On. Amanda Green is an award-winning Broadway composer-lyricist and performer. Last season, she was nominated for two Tony Awards for writing two different Broadway musicals: Bring It On, for which she co-wrote the lyrics, and Hands On A Hardbody, for which she wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the music, collaborating with Trey Anastasio. Mr. Anastasio has also performed their songs with his bands Phish and TAB in concerts around the country from Colorado to Madison Square Garden. Also on Broadway, she wrote the lyrics for High Fidelity (music Tom Kitt; 2006). Tapped by the legendary Arthur Laurent, shewrote addtional lyrics for Hallelujah Baby! (Arena Stage,dir. by ArthurLaurents). She contributed two original songs to the new show Stars Of David (book Charles Busch)opening October 2012 at The Philadelphia Theater Company. As a performer she has won two MAC Awards and a Bistro Award, and performs her songs everywhere from Birdland to Carnegie Hall to the Bluebird Café in Nashville. She is the winner of The Jonathan Larson Award for Excellence in Songwriting, and Songwriter's Hall Of Fame Scholarship Award. All seats are $25-35 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

April 15-19 (Tuesday - Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11PM
Pat Martino Organ Quartet featuring Eric Alexander (tenor sax) with Pat Bianchi (organ) Carmen Intorre Jr. (drums)

One of the greatest guitarists in jazz, Martino got his start on the "chitlin' circuit" in the 1960s with organ groups led by Richard "Groove" Holmes, Jack McDuff, Don Patterson, Trudy Pitts and Charles Earland. Having made a full and remarkable recovery from a life-threatening illness in the 1980's that caused him to forget how to play the guitar, Martino relearned by listening to his own early recordings and has re-emerged as a veteran presence on the jazz scene. Today Martino lives in his native Philadelphia and his playing is as fiery and technically brilliant as ever. All seats are $40 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

April 22-26 (Tuesday - Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11PM
James Carter Organ Trio
"Django Unchained" CD Release Celebration
Gerard Gibbs (organ) Dr. Prof. Leonard King, Jr. (drums)

By the time Detroit native saxophonist James Carter emerged on the New York jazz scene 1988 he was already a sensation. Now, Carter the mature artist is firmly established as one of the leading saxophonists of his generation, well versed in everything from striaght ahead to gypsy-jazz to funk. His new release, "Django Unchained," is his second to celebrate music popularized by gypsy guitar legend Django Reinhardt, but this time within the modern sounds of Carter's favored ensemble, the organ trio. All seats are $40 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

April 27 (Sunday) at 6PM
Karen Oberlin in "Secret Love: A Tribute to Doris Day"

This very special event will celebrate the 90th birthday of the iconic star. The song list will include beloved favorites such as "Que Sera, Sera", "Sentimental Journey," the title song, "Secret Love," and also includes many rare, poignant songs that show the many sides of this intriguing icon. In Secret Love, Karen Oberlin delves deeply into the life and music of this intriguing and important cultural phenomenon -- from having a baby as a teenager, touring with big bands, recording sensational songs, surviving tumultuous marriages and becoming the highest paid woman in Hollywood history. Oberlin, the recipient of the 2011 New York Nightlife Award for Jazz Vocalist of the Year, has often been compared to Ms. Day in her work as a vocalist, and she couldn't be happier. "Doris Day is one of our greatest artists, and although she is truly American, like apple pie and jazz, she reaches the hearts and minds of people all over the world," says Oberlin. All seats are $25 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

April 28 (Monday) at 7PM
Broadway at Birdland
"Broadway Sings their Favorites" - Celebrating the Tenth Season of Broadway Artists Alliance
Starring Eden Espinosa, Beth Leavel, Jenn Colella, Andréa Burns, Michelle Federer & David Ayers

Broadway Artists Alliance, a New York City-based musical theatre training program for ages 8-21, is proud to kick off their 10th season at Birdland! Performers will sing their all-time favorite show tunes, and will include instructors, alumni, and staff. Eden Espinosa (Wicked), Beth Leavel (The Drowsy Chaperone), Jenn Colella (If/Then), Andréa Burns (In the Heights), Michelle Federer (Wicked), and David Ayers (Wicked) will be joined by BAA Alumni Liz Byrne (Baby It's You), Kyle Taylor Parker (Kinky Boots), Ruby Rakos (Billy Elliot), Bethany Tesarck (Bye Bye Birdie), and Clay Thomson (Matilda) for an evening of song and anecdotes. Alexander Rovang will serve as musical director with additional arrangements by Kelly Thomas. Proceeds from this event will benefit the BAA scholarship fund, which provides over $10,000 in scholarships each year. All seats are $35 with a $10 food/drink minimum

April 29-May 3 (Tuesday - Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11PM
Steve Kuhn Trio-Steve Swallow (bass) Joey Baron (drums)

After making his mark as a sideman with John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Art Farmer and others, pianist Steve Kuhn moved beyond the powerful influence of Bill Evans to become a unique stylist with incredible technique, sense of dynamics and lyricism. Over the last fifteen years Steve has released critically acclaimed CDs marking a well-deserved career renaissance. Bass guitar master and composer Steve Swallow joined the Paul Bley Trio in 1960, subsequently playing in groups led by Jimmy Giuffre, George Russell, Art Farmer, Stan Getz and Gary Burton. Since the late 1970s, Swallow has been closely associated with his wife Carla Bley's groups while also touring and recording with other top jazz artists including John Scofield and Lee Konitz. Rounding out the trio, drummer Joey Baron combines technical acuity with a deep sense of groove. Best known for his work with Bill Frisell, Stan Getz, John Zorn and guitarists John Scofield, John Abercrombie and Jim Hall, Joey has also performed with musicians outside of jazz including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, David Bowie, Tony Bennett, Laurie Anderson and Al Jarreau. The trio's recent ECM CD, "Wisteria," takes a fresh look at several pieces heard on Kuhn's orchestral, "Promises Kept," alongside the driving hard bop of "A Likely Story," Swallow's "Dark Glasses," Carla Bley's gospel-tinged "Permanent Wave" and the Brazilian flavored "Romance," by Dori Caymmi. All seats are $40 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:

April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 (Wednesdays) at 5:30PM
David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band

Inspired by the noble jazz pioneers Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton and their colleagues, David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band breathes life and passion into America's own great art form. Now in its 14th year of residency at Birdland, the weekly post-workday engagement is the city's best musical bargain! Tuba player David Ostwald leads a rotating lineup that features talents such as clarinetist Anat Cohen, trombonist/vocalist Wycliffe Gordon, pianist Ehud Asherie, drummer Marion Felder and more! All seats are $25 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

April 4, 11, 18 and 25 (Fridays) at 5:15PM
The Birdland Big Band with Guest Conductor Rob Middleton

Founded by drummer and musical director Tommy Igoe, the Birdland Big Band features the finest musicians in New York! The BBB roars into action every Friday, playing the finest Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music from the world's best arrangers. After work or before a show, drinks or a great dinner, come hear one of the world's best drummers driving the hardest swinging band in New York. Experience why the BBB is the must-see weekly jazz event in New York and kick off your weekend with what critics are calling "the best live music bargain in all of NYC!" All seats are $30 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

April 6, 13 and 20 (Sundays) at 6:00PM
The Birdland Jazz Party with Guest Host Nancy Harms (4/6) and Guest Host Hilary Gardner (4/13,20)

Born and raised in Minnesota, Harms has relocated to New York City, where she made her jazz club debut in 2010 in the Village's THE BAR NEXT DOOR. She appears frequently at such leading venues as BIRDLAND, KITANO, ZINC BAR, SMALLS JAZZ CLUB, CORNELIA ST. CAFÉ, ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL, BAR NEXT DOOR, VIVALDI'S, and many others. She performed at the 2010 SORTLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL in Norway, and has toured Italy annually during 2011, 2012, and 2013. She appears on trombone legend WYCLIFFE GORDON's CD "HELLO POPS" in two duets, performed in a series of shows with Gordon at DIZZY'S CLUB COCA-COLA in 2011 and in concerts in Toulouse, France. In 2012, Nancy recorded the CD "FINGER-SONGWRITER" as part of the JEREMY SISKIIND TRIO, with whom she frequently tours. Nancy was a regularly featured contributor to the 65-part public radio series "CERTAIN STANDARDS" in 2010-11. Her new CD, "DREAMS IN APARTMENTS", features AARON PARKS (piano), JOHN HART (guitar), DANTON BOLLER (bass), RJ MILLER (drums), and a special guest appearance by WYCLIFFE GORDON (trombone).

April 6, 13, 20 and 27 (Sundays) at 9:00PM & 11PM
Arturo O'Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

Grammy Award winning pianist, composer and educator Arturo O'Farrill was born in Mexico and grew up in New York City. Son of the late, great composer Chico O'Farrill, Arturo was Educated at Manhattan School of Music, Brooklyn College Conservatory and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He played piano in Carla Bley's Big Band from 1979 through 1983 and earned a reputation as a soloist in groups led by Dizzy Gillespie, Steve Turre, Freddy Cole, Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis and Harry Belafonte. All seats are $30 with a $10 food/drink minimum

April 7, 14, 21 and 28(Mondays) at 9:30PM
Jim Caruso's Cast Party

Jim Caruso's Cast Party is a wildly popular weekly soiree that brings a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night. It's a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars, backed by Steve Doyle on bass, Tedd Firth on piano and Daniel Glass on drums, hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle. All tickets are $25 with a $10 food/drink minimum.

For tickets, visit www.BirdlandJazz.com. For more information and reservations call 212-581-3080. At the bar, the music charge will include one complimentary drink with no additional minimum.

Named for alto saxophonist and jazz pioneer Charlie "Bird" Parker who dubbed it "The Jazz Corner of the World," Birdland opened on December 15th 1949. For 60 years it has been home to jazz legends, from Parker, John Coltrane Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, Diana Krall and everyone in between. The original 52nd street location was a cultural barometer and meeting place, inspiring the songs "Birdland" and "Lullaby of Birdland," and serving as a regular haunt for celebrities and cultural figures. The modern incarnation is a state of the art nightclub featuring award winning Southern and Cajun cuisine, first rate sound and lighting and a who's who of contemporary musical artists, 7 nights a week.

Students (with current ID) & Broadway Theatre-Goers (with Broadway ticket stub from same day of performance) can receive 50% off music charge at 11PM shows only.

Birdland serves American Fare with a Cajun Flair nightly from 5PM until Midnight and until 1AM on Friday and Saturdays. Parking is available across the street at 332 West 44th Street.