Andrew Rannells, James Lecesne, Ravi Coltrane and More Coming to Birdland This June
By: BWW News Desk May. 13, 2016
Birdland Jazz Club has announced its June 2016 schedule, featuring: Bill Charlap Trio, Maria Schneider Orchestra, Arturo O'Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Mike Stern and Bill Evans Quartet, Bucky Pizzarelli, Ravi Coltrane, ShowBiz After Hours with Frank DiLella, Birdland Big Band, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more.
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
May 31-June 4 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Bill Charlap Trio
One of the world's premier jazz pianists, BILL CHARLAP has performed and recorded with many leading artists of our time, ranging from jazz masters Phil Woods and Wynton Marsalis to singers Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand. Since 1997, he has led the Bill Charlap Trio with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, now recognized as one of the leading groups in jazz. Charlap is the artistic director of New York City's Jazz in July Festival at the 92nd Street Y, and he has produced concerts for Jazz at Lincoln Center, the JVC Jazz Festival and the Hollywood Bowl. A two-time Grammy nominee, Charlap is married to renowned jazz pianist Renee Rosnes, and the two often collaborate in a duo piano setting. In the spring of 2010, Charlap and Rosnes released "Double Portrait", their acclaimed duo piano recording on the Blue Note label.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
June 2 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
An Evening with Vinx
Acclaimed vocalist/percussionist/songwriter Vinx (Sting, Stevie Wonder, Cassandra Wilson) returns to Birdland for an evening of cosmic improvisation, rooted in jazz, blues, funk and soul music, served in the inimitable Vinx style. With guitarist Brad Myrick, bassist Scott Kiefner and drummer Joe Ham.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
June 6 (Monday) at 7:00PM
ShowBiz After Hours with Frank DiLella
Featuring Andrew Rannells, James Lecesne and Rachel Bay Jones
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that NY1 theater journalist Frank DiLella will return to the Birdland stage with the fifth episode of his new talk show, "Show Biz After Hours With Frank DiLella." Frank's very special guests will include Andrew Rannells (The Book of Mormon, "Girls," upcoming Falsettos), Rachel Bay Jones (Dear Evan Hansen, Pippin) and James Lecesne (The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey). The event will be taped in front of a live audience on Monday, June 6 at 7pm.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 7-11 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM and 11PM
Maria Schneider Orchestra
Maria Schneider's music has been hailed by critics as "evocative, majestic, magical, heart-stoppingly gorgeous, and beyond categorization." She and her orchestra became widely known starting in 1994 when they released their first recording, 'Evanescence.' With that recording, Schneider began to develop her personal way of writing for her 17-member collective, made up of many of the finest musicians in jazz today, tailoring her compositions to distinctly highlight the uniquely creative voices of the group. Subsequently, the Maria Schneider Orchestra has performed at festivals and concert halls worldwide. She herself has received numerous commissions and guest conducting invites, working with over 85 groups from over 30 countries spanning Europe, South America, Australia, Asia and North America. For this engagement Schneider celebrates the release of "The Thompson Fields," her latest fan-funded project from ArtistShare.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
June 12 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Mari Koga Quintet
A Japanese born New Yorker, Mari Koga, has been singing professionally since her early 20's. Early on, she won first prize at the 10th Annual Jetstream Young Vocalist contest. Mari Koga (vocalist), Chiemi Nakai (piano), Carol DeRosa (bass), Vince Cherico (drums), and Roberto Quintero (congas).
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
June 13 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Ilene Graff and Ben Lanzarone in "It's Better with a Band"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Grammy-nominated recording artist, television and Broadway star Ilene Graff, along with her husband, ASCAP-Award winning musical director Ben Lanzarone, will present their big band show "It's Better With A Band" on the Birdland stage Monday, June 13at 7pm. For the first time in New York, Ilene Graff and Ben Lanzarone will present their big band show: "It's Better With A Band," featuring Ben's one-of-a-kind arrangements of songs from Broadway, the movies, and the pop world played by twelve of the best musicians in town. BroadwayWorld.com said: "Graff not only possesses a golden voice, but is warm, charming, and really knows how to captivate an audience -and those arrangements!"
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 14-18 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Mike Stern and Bill Evans Quartet with Dennis Chambers (drums), Darryl Jones (bass)
Mike Stern is part of a generation of jazz guitarists including John Abercrombie and John Scofield who combined the stylistic influences of Jim Hall and Wes Montgomery with the electric sounds of rock and roll. Beginning in 1976 as a member of Blood, Sweat & Tears, Stern went on to tour and record with Billy Cobham, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, and the Brecker Brothers before launching a solo career encompassing 16 recordings as a leader, six GRAMMY nominations, and numerous collaborations combining rock-fusion firepower with sophisticated jazz harmonies. In 1981 Stern teamed with saxophonist Bill Evans in Miles Davis's band. Evans has since worked with an array of artists including Willie Nelson, Herbie Hancock, and The Allman Brothers, as well as contemporary jam bands, Medeski Martin and Wood, and Umphrey's McGee. Rounding out the quartet are the virtuoso rhythm team of drummer Dennis Chambers (John Scofield, George Duke, Brecker Brothers, Santana, Parliament/Funkadelic) and bassist Darryl Jones (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Madonna, Eric Clapton, Sting, The Rolling Stones).
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
June 16 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Sean Harkness Duo
Sean Harkness is a musical artist, a guitarist and a New Yorker. He composes music for solo guitar and small ensembles; supports an exhaustive list of singers, musicians, and theatrical productions. Awards include: Outstanding Instrumentalist 2011 Bistro Award, 2011 MAC Award for his solo show, 2012 MAC Award for Best Recording, and 2013 MAC Award for Ensemble Instrumentalist. Harkness endorses Walden acoustic guitars, DR Strings, and has six commercial releases as an artist, many on Windham Hill Records.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
June 19 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Bucky's Back!
Come celebrate Father's Day with Bucky Pizzarelli and Friends!
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 21-25 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11PM
Eliane Elias
The New York Times calls Freddy Cole, "the most maturely expressive male jazz singer of his generation, if not the best alive." People Magazine praises his "gorgeous autumnal baritone, expressive phrasing and pitch-perfect feel for jazz standards, pop tunes and love ballads." Uncle to Natalie Cole, brother of Nat "King" Cole, pianist and vocalist Freddy Cole doesn't apologize for sounding a little bit like his iconic elder brother. While there are certain unmistakable similarities, many consider his voice to be smokier, jazzier even. Cole's annual visit is the perfect blend of jazz and great American holiday standards.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
June 23 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Pucci Amanda Jhones in "The Lady and Her Style"
Pucci Amanda Jhones is magical! She captures your attention in the style of which she tells a story through song. Pucci, stands 6'1, a former model that once strutted her stuff internationally on the catwalks in Paris. Pucci is a graduate from the New School University of New York and holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in Classical and Contemporary Music, tonight she returns to Birdland, with the legendary Bertha Hope piano, Multi Grammy Nominee Bobby Sanabria, with the Illustrious Eric Lemon, on Bass performing songs from her new CD "Love Jhones."
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
June 27 (Monday) at 6:00PM
Dream Suite: Songs in Jazz and Blues
Capathia Jenkins (Newsies, Caroline or Change, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me) and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Color Purple, Ragtime, The Lion King) come to the Broadway at Birdland concert series on Monday, June 27 at 7pm to celebrate the Di-tone Records release of the acclaimed song cycle, Dream Suite: Songs in Jazz and Blues, by award-winning composer Louis Rosen, on poems by Langston Hughes. Jenkins and White will be accompanied by Broadway conductor/pianist Kimberly Grigsby (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Spring Awakening). Louis, too, will be on hand to offer a brief sneak preview of songs from his upcoming solo album.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 28-July 2 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Born in Long Island, the second son of John Coltrane and Alice Coltrane, Ravi Coltrane is a critically acclaimed Grammy nominated saxophonist, bandleader, and composer. In the course of a twenty plus year career, Mr. Coltrane has worked as a sideman to many, recorded noteworthy albums for himself and others and founded a prominent independent record label, RKM. Ravi has released six albums as a leader. His latest, 'Spirit Fiction', was released in June of 2012 for the Blue Note label. Additional credits include performances as well as recordings with Elvin Jones, Terence Blanchard, Kenny Baron, Steve Coleman, McCoy Tyner, Jack DeJohnette, Matt Garrison, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Geri Allen, Joanne Brackeem, The Blue Note 7, among others. He is a co-leader of the Saxophone Summit with Joe Lovano and Dave Liebman.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
June 30 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Matt Baker Quartet
Aside from being a solo artist, Jazz Pianist and Vocal Coach Matt Baker, is one of the most sought after accompanists and Musical Directors on the New York scene. He specializes in preparing singers for jazz performances, shows, recordings and open mics. A lot of this vital 'behind the scenes' work includes helping vocalists with chart writing and arrangements, phrasing and lyric interpretation, how to groove and lock in with the band, finding the perfect key, and learning how to communicate correctly with the band with intro's, outros, trading, scatting and counting off songs.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
June 6, 13, 20, 27 (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, Billy Stritch 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 $25, $10 food/drink minimum
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (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 tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
June 3, 10, 17, 24 (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 tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
June 4, 11, 18, 25 (Saturdays) at 6:00PM
Barbara is an elegant jazz pianist, composer and vocalist, long recognized as one of the premier players of swinging jazz piano and expressive vocals.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 5, 12, 19, 26 (Sundays) at 9PM & 11PM
Arturo O'Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Grammy Award winning pianist, composer and educator Arturo O'Farrill -- leader of the "first family of Afro-Cuban Jazz" (NY Times) -- 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 tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Purchase tickets at www.BirdlandJazz.com. For more information and reservations, call 212-581-3080. Ticket prices will vary by performer. At the tables, there is a $10 food/drink minimum per person in addition to the music charge. 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.
Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues), New York, NY 10036. Students (with current ID) & Broadway Theatre-Goers (with Broadway ticket stub from same day of performance): 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. Concert Grand Piano By: Yamaha.
For more information, visit www.BirdlandJazz.com or follow BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB on Twitter: @birdlandjazz, Facebook, Instagram, and on Pinterest.
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