Birdland Announces April 2017 Schedule
By: BWW News Desk Mar. 17, 2017
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
March 28-April 1 (Tuesday-Saturday)
Eliane Elias
GRAMMY-winning pianist/singer/songwriter Eliane Elias is known for her distinctive and immediately recognizable musical style which blends her Brazilian roots and sensuous, alluring voice with her virtuosic instrumental jazz, classical and compositional skills. Two years after seducing fans with her GRAMMY-winning Made in Brazil (Best Latin Jazz Album), Elias returns with the ebullient Dance of Time, set for release on March 24, 2017 via Concord Jazz.
All tickets $40, $20 food/drink minimum
April 2 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
The Cast of Phantom Sings Rodgers & Hammerstein
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that members from the cast of Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera will come together and sing the songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein on Sunday, April 2nd at 6pm. The one-night-only event will be a benefit concert for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and will be hosted by the current "Phantom," James Barbour. Cast members will be announced soon.
All tickets $30-45, $20 food/drink minimum
April 3 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Christina Bianco in "Me, Myself & Everyone Else!"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce the return of singer/actress Christina Bianco to the historic stage on Monday, April 3 at 7pm. Christina Bianco returns to Birdland with her all new show, "Me, Myself & Everyone Else!" A two-time Drama Desk Award nominee, Bianco captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her 'diva' impression videos, gaining over 23 million views to date. Through song, comedy and sketches, Christina celebrates your favorite pop-culture personalities from yesterday and today. Singing in her own voice and impersonating countless celebrities, the show features an exciting selection of contemporary, standard and Broadway tunes. She'll also include her popular 'unlikely interpretations' that pair a singer and song you wouldn't expect! Join Christina and everyone else, for this unique and interactive show! Musical direction by Brian Nash.
All tickets $30, $20 food/drink minimum
April 4-8 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Yellowjackets
After over 30 years together, the quintessential electric jazz group Yellowjackets celebrate the release of their 23rd recording and third for Mack Avenue Records, "Cohearence." With its pockets of buoyance, mystery, tumult and whimsy, Cohearence plays out as a multifaceted documentation of how far the once fusion band has come. Led by founding member, keyboardist and primary composer Russell Ferrante, Yellowjackets continue to practice their signature brand of high energy rhythm and improvisational group chemistry. Also featuring drummer (since 1986) William Kennedy, saxophonist (since 1991) Bob Mintzer and recent addition, Australian bass virtuoso Dane Alderson.
All tickets $40, $20 food/drink minimum
April 6 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Taeko
Japanese native, TAEKO moved to New York City from Shiga, Japan in the late 90's and quickly garnered the nickname "Songbird" from the NYC jazz elite. With a stunning four octave range, she sings with "deep soulfulness reminiscent of Anita Baker with sophisticated scatting a la Ella" as jazz critics describe.
All tickets $25, $20 food/drink minimum
April 10 (Monday) at 7:00PM
KT Sullivan Makes Birdland Debut in "You're the Top"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is thrilled to announce that cabaret superstar KT Sullivan will make her concert debut on the historic stage on Monday, April 10 at 7pm. KT Sullivan makes her Birdland debut with her new Cole Porter show "You're The Top." The title refers to KT's concept that Cole Porter is at the top of the food chain when it comes to songsmiths, and thus her favorite. Among the musical gems from Cole's catalog will be "It's Delovely," "In The Still Of The Night," "Don't Fence Me In," "So In Love," "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Physician," "Experiment," "Down In The Depths On The 90th Floor," and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare." Musical Director will be John Weber, with Steve Doyle on bass.
All tickets $30, $20 food/drink minimum
April 11-15 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Kevin Eubanks Quartet with Dave Holland, Nicholas Payton and Jeff Tain Watts
Philadelphia native Kevin Eubanks grew up surrounded by music. His mother, Vera, was both a gospel and classical pianist, and his brothers Robin and Duane play trombone and trumpet respectively. Eubanks started as an elementary student playing violin, trumpet and piano and eventually found himself studying at Berklee College of Music. After graduating, he moved to New York City and started performing with legends such Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, and Sam Rivers, carving out a spot as the go-to guitarist in the New York jazz scene. In 1992 he moved to Los Angeles to join The Tonight Show Band and in '95 he replaced Branford Marsalis as the leader and served in that role for 15 years. Eubanks left the showin 2010 and has since released three albums with Mack Avenue Records: Zen Food, The Messenger and Duets (with Stanley Jordan).
All tickets $30-40, $20 food/drink minimum
April 13 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Geoffrey Keezer Trio with Gillian Margot
With his highly regarded discography, unique compositions, and acclaimed performances in a variety of configurations, pianist Geoffrey Keezer commands the attention typically reserved for the living legends of jazz. Whether recording with jazzy chanteuses Diana Krall or Dianne Reeves, touring with trumpet king Chris Botti, or collaborating with pop icon Sting, sax legend Wayne Shorter, guitar wizard Jim Hall, star bassist Christian McBride or vibes master Joe Locke, Geoffrey "has more than enough virtuosity and sheer musical wit and intelligence to weave all of his apparently disparate strands of influence into an original and compelling whole" (Time Magazine). Perhaps the most exciting turn in Geoffrey's career is his recent focus on solo piano and his first solo release in thirteen years, Heart of the Piano (2013, Motema Records). On a mission to redefine solo jazz piano as a personal and interactive showcase of melody, energy and groove, Keezer brings to Heart of the Piano his most direct and focused artistry to date.But regardless of the nature of his projects, from solo to duo to quartet, from bandleader to big band, from post bop jazz to electronica to global fusion, from composer to arranger, Geoffrey delivers music from the heart of the piano to the ear--and heart--of the listener.
All tickets $25, $20 food/drink minimum
April 15 (Saturday) at 5:30PM
Remembering Barbara Carroll
Join Birdland in celebrating the life and music of Barbara Carroll (January 25, 1925 - February 12, 2017) with her longtime acolyte Bill Charlap and longtime bandmate Jay Leonhart, as well invited guest from Barbara's extensive musical community.
All tickets $30, $20 food/drink minimum
April 16 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Infinite Distances: A Memorial Concert for Peter Haidu
Noah Haidu (Piano), Jon Irabagon (Saxophones), Yasushi Nakamura (Acoustic Bass), John Davis (Drums). This concert is dedicated to Peter Haidu, my father, who passed away on February 7, 2017 just a few days before my latest CD, Infinite Distances was about to be released. After cancelling my CD release events, I decided to remake my Birdland CD release concert a tribute to my dad who introduced me to jazz.
All tickets $30, $20 food/drink minimum
April 17 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Vocalist Clint Holmes Celebrates "Rendevous" CD Release
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is thrilled to announce that vocalist Clint Holmes will celebrate "Rendezvous," his latest CD from LL Music, with a concert at the historic music room on Monday, April 17 at 7pm. Clint's band will include Christian Tamburr on keyboards and vibraphone, and Domenick Farinacci on trumpet.
All tickets $40, $20 food/drink minimum
April 18-22 (Tuesday-Saturday)
Ann Hampton Callaway "Ella Century"
Ann Hampton Callaway - the "...superbly intelligent, singularly creative pop-jazz stylist who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Streisand, Ronstadt, Shirley Horn, and Dianne Reeves..." (JazzTimes) - returns to Birdland with an exciting show of songs from Broadway that come to life through the language of jazz. The Tony-nominated star of "Swing" takes a look at how Broadway classics turned into jazz standards, as well how jazz songs have played an important role in Broadway revues. Delving into the depths of songs as a singer and co-arranger, expect fresh takes on classics by Gershwin, Ellington, Rodgers, Porter, Styne, Sondheim, and more. Ann is backed by her all-star jazz trio of Bill Mays (piano) Martin Wind (bass) and Tim Horner (drums). "For sheer vocal beauty, no contemporary singer matches Ms. Callaway." (New York Times).
All tickets $40, $20 food/drink minimum
April 20 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Matt Baker and the Trio, The Live at Birdland DVD Release Party
With Special Guest Veronica Swift
Pianist Matt Baker's new recording, Almost Blue (via JazzElm Music), is his fifth as a leader, and second since 2010 when he moved to New York City from Sydney, Australia. Baker abandoned a comfortable career to position himself in the pool of big fish who leave an international array of smaller ponds to test their mettle in the jazz capital. That it was a wise decision is evident: Baker-well-known in Australia and Europe for an approach deeply informed by Oscar Peterson, his idol and first influence in matters of intention, execution and time feel-interacts seamlessly with young New York A-listers Luques Curtis on bass and Obed Calvaire on drums. Master guitarist Lage Lund augments the unit on six selections, while formidable tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm projects his singular instrumental voice on three.
All tickets $25, $20 food/drink minimum
April 24 (Monday) at 6:00PM
Aisha de Haas, Capathia Jenkins & Billy Stritch Join Forces in
"Stritch, Trouble & More Trouble"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Broadway performers Aisha de Haas and Capathia Jenkins will return in tandem with pianist/singer/musical director Billy Stritch in "Stritch, Trouble & More Trouble." The very special one-night-only event will take place on the stage of the historic music room on Monday, April 24 at 7pm. These three musical powerhouses from the worlds of Broadway, Jazz and Cabaret will sing some of their favorite songs, including "I Got Love," "For Good," "Natural Woman," and "Something's Gotta Give."
All tickets $30, $20 food/drink minimum
April 25-29 (Tuesday-Saturday)
Jane Monheit - An Ella Fitzgerald Centennial Birthday Celebration
A Loving Tribute to Ms. Ella Fitzgerald Beginning on the evening of her 100th birthday! Blessed with "a voice of phenomenal beauty" (Stephen Holden, New York Times), Jane Monheit has had plenty of milestone moments in establishing herself as one of today's best and most important vocalist-musicians. With her new album, The Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald-the first to be released on her own Emerald City Records-the Long Island native has surprised even herself with her artistic leap. Jane had thought about recording an Ella tribute for a long time. Fitzgerald's beloved songbook albums held "Biblical" importance for her when she was growing up and have never lost their hold on her.
All tickets $40, $20 food/drink minimum
April 27 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Nuci Nebierdze Quintet with Special Guest Aran Luthra
Featuring Nuci Nebieridze (vocal), Papuna Shariqadze (piano), Khondzi (sax), Tal Mashiach (bass) and David Jimenez (drums) with special guest Arun Luthra. A superb musician/singer, Nuci Nebieridze is a compelling jazz artist whose clear, bell-like voice, distinct musicality and soulful expression all come together to form an intensely appealing and powerful musical package.
All tickets $25, $20 food/drink minimum
April 30 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Scott Morgan Quintet
All tickets $30, $20 food/drink minimum
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
April 3, 10, 17, 24 (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
April 5, 12, 19, 26 (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 $30, $10 food/drink minimum
April 7, 14, 21, 28 (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! Celebrating 10 years at the club, 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 $30, $10 food/drink minimum
April 1, 8, 22, 29 (Saturdays) at 6:00PM
At just 22 years of age Veronica Swift is being recognized as one of the top young singers in jazz. The child of jazz vocalist Stephanie Nakasian and the late bebop pianist Hod O'Brien, Veronica has already appeared at Lincoln Center, Telluride Jazz Festival, Blues Alley, The Jazz Cruise, and Birdland, performing with Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross, Esperanza Spalding, Joe Lovano, Bob Dorough, Paquito d'Rivera, and other establish jazz artists. Veronica's recent CD, "Lonely Woman," features some of the hottest young jazz players on the scene including Emmet Cohen and Benny Benack III.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (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
TICKET INFORMATION:
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 $20 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.
ABOUT BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB:
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.
315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues)
New York, NY 10036
DISCOUNTS AND SPECIALS:
Students (with current ID) & Broadway Theatre-Goers (with Broadway ticket stub from same day of performance): 50% off music charge at 11PM shows only.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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.
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