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Birdland Announces May 2017 Schedule
By: A.A. Cristi Apr. 14, 2017
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
May 1 (Monday) at 7:00PM
The Return of Pete 'n Keely In Concert
Has it really been seventeen years?! Join George Dvorsky and Sally Mayes as they celebrate their Off Broadway hit - Pete 'n Keely! Tales will be told, songs will be sung, the kick-ass band will be under the direction of Tex Arnold -- and author James Hindman and director Mark Waldrop will be on hand to dish the dirt!
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
May 2-6 (Tuesday-Saturday)
The Legendary Joao Bosco Direct From Rio!
JOAO BOSCO and his very talented band of Gustav Dellagerici on Bass, Kiko Freitas on Drums, and Ricardo Silveira on Guitar, all coming up from Rio, will light up the stage with their special brand of music rooted and in classic samba and bossa nova traditions yet steeped in Rock 'n' Roll, Jazz and other ethnic flavors such as Arab culture, and Afro American music.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
May 4 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Arianna Neikrug
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Arianna is a jazz/pop/R&B vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and recent Concord Music Group recording artist currently stationed in New York City. Only 23 years old, Arianna has already made her mark in the jazz world. She was the winner of the 2015 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition (the "Sassy" Awards) and has shared the stage with various artists including Steve Miller, Alice Cooper, Kenny Burrell, Neil Young, Al Jarreau, Mindy Abair, James Moody, George Benson, Karrin Allyson, Gretchen Parlato, and Roseanna Vitro.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
May 7 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Jamie deRoy & Friends
Jamie deRoy & friends will be celebrating the Tony Awards with an award-winning cast that will include Chuck Cooper, Penny Fuller, Rupert Holmes, Doreen Montalvo, and Paulo Szot. Direction will be by Barry Kleinbort, and Musical Direction by Ron Abel, with Tom Hubbard on bass. This colorful cabaret series has been thrilling New York City audiences for the past 25 years and serves as the basis for deRoy's award-winning cable television show which spotlights well-known entertainers and newcomers that are lighting up the marquees of cabaret, theater, music and comedy.
All tickets $30-60, $10 food/drink minimum
May 7 (Sunday) at 9PM & 11PM
Rolando Morales-Matos and his Jazz' Y Mambo Band
Birdland will present an unforgettable evening of explosive and exciting music by one-of-a-kind multi-percussionist/composer Rolando Morales-Matos. His original compositions, along with his interpretations of works by other composers, combine the polyrhythmic traditions of Afro-Caribbean, South American, and Jazz reflects Rolando's broad pallet as a performer/composer and bandleader. The night will include selections from Rolando's albums Forward and From The Earth, featuring his virtuoso talents on vibraphone, percussion, hang drum and more.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
May 8 (Monday) at 7:00PM
The Graduating Class of CAP21 presents "All These Things: The Pop/Rock Project"
Collaborative Arts Project 21, a.k.a. CAP21, is dedicated to developing new talent, creating new work, and building new audiences. CAP21 replenishes the American musical theatre by training the next generation of performers and infusing the entertainment industry at large with talent and source material. The goal is to create programs that achieve substantial and lasting contributions to the future of the arts.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
May 9-13 (Tuesday-Saturday)
Singer, songwriter and saxophonist Curtis Stigers has been bringing the timeless cool of Frank Sinatra and the robust swing of the Count Basie Orchestra together in his own music for the last three decades (along with touches of nearly every other genre one could call to mind), which makes him an ideal candidate to reinterpret Ol' Blue Eyes' cherished repertoire for modern ears. On his twelfth album and ninth release for Concord Records, One More for the Road, Stigers captures the rare alchemy of hipness, elegance, playfulness and feeling that made Sinatra's renditions of these songs immortal while adding his own unique twist.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
May 11 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
John Yao
Experimental, melodic and unpredictable. The John Yao Quintet features the unique compositions of Trombonist John Yao, which are firmly rooted in the jazz tradition but not afraid to step out into the free-rider zone at times. Yao's music gives the players free rein to let loose all the while exploring the concepts of opposing forces-of chaos and order, together and apart, individual and group.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
May 14 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Mari Koga
A Japanese born New Yorker, Mari Koga, has been singing professionally since her early 20's. Audiences have been delighted by her unique repertoire, which includes original songs and unusual arrangements of jazz standards with a touch of Afro-Latin, and by her throaty horn-like improvisational scatting style.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
May 15 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Show Biz After Hours With Frank DiLella
"Show Biz After Hours With Frank DiLella" is a regular theater-based live talk show featuring Broadway movers-and-shakers, impromptu musical performances, audience interaction, and a cocktail or two! Musical director for the show will be performer and composer Randy Redd. The series is sponsored by LAB SERIES Skincare for Men.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
May 16-20 (Tuesday-Saturday)
NYV Sings the Great American Songbook
The New York Voices are known for their close-knit voicings, inspired arrangements and unparalleled vocal blend. Their chameleon-like musicianship allows them to move seamlessly from setting to setting, be it orchestral/big band to the intimate trio lineup. With deep interests rooted in jazz, Brazilian, R & B, classical, and pop, their music mixes traditional sensibilities with more than a dash of the unexpected.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
May 18 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Ronny Whyte CD Release Celebration
Ronny Whyte is not only considered a premiere interpreter of Classic American Popular song he is also an outstanding jazz pianist, and an award winning songwriter. He has been featured on Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz on National Public Radio, is an ASCAP Award-winning songwriter and produces and hosts a weekly jazz concert series. Ronny will be joined by Boots Maleson on bass, Sean Harkness on guitar, David Silliman on drums, Lou Caputo on sax and flute and Alex Nguyen on trumpet to celebrate the launch of his new CD "Shades of Whyte".
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
May 21 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Molly's silvery voice and lush, elegant vocal style evoke the big band singers of the 1930s and breathe new life into familiar old standards. She is a lead vocalist in both Gotham SophistiCats and James Langton New York All-Star Big Band with whom she delighted swing dancers at Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing. Molly has become one of the most sought-after vocalists and has graced many of New York's top jazz clubs leading her own band.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
May 22 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Anita Gillette and Penny Fuller Sin Twisters, Too
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that legendary Broadway and television stars Anita Gillette and Penny Fuller will return to the stage in Sin Twisters, Too on Monday, May 22 at 7pm. Two Broadway legends, Penny Fuller, currently in the highly acclaimed Broadway revival of Sunday in the Park with George, and Anita Gillette, fresh from the TV series, CHICAGO MED, take the stage of Birdland with a reprise of their hilarious and touching duo show, Sin Twisters, Too, regaling us with more adventures of the Golden Age of Broadway (both were Sally Bowles in the original production of Cabaret), as well as riffs on LA, London, film, TV, motherhood, love, loss and friendship, (and, like the show's title, peppered with a spoonerism or two). Sin Twisters, Too celebrates the similarities and the surprising differences of these two remarkable artists and women in zesty story and harmonious song.
All tickets $35, $10 food/drink minimum
May 23-27 (Tuesday-Saturday)
"Four Generations of Miles" Jimmy Cobb, Mike Stern, Buster Williams, Sonny Fortune
MiLes Davis' career as a trumpeter, composer and bandleader is synonymous with the stylistic evolution of jazz. His ensembles and recordings are the benchmarks for cool, post-bop and fusion as evidenced by these four-generations of artists who first gained recognition under Davis' leadership. Drummer Jimmy Cobb appeared on one of the most popular and influential recordings in history, "Kind of Blue" (1959) while guitarist Mike Stern ("We Want Miles," 1981), bassist Buster Williams ("Directions," 1960s) and alto saxophonist Sonny Fortune ("Big Fun," 1974) have the post-bop and fusion bases well covered.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
May 25 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Monday Michiru
Monday Michiru released her debut solo album in 1993 and was steadily recording and releasing albums in Japan and later in Europe, Australia, Asia and South America. In addition to her work as a solo artist, she also became a featured singer/writer, collaborating with groups and artists including DJ Krush, Mondo Grosso, Kyoto Jazz Massive, Basement Jaxx, UA, Masters At Work, Joe Clausell, Lisa Ono and many others. While she is best known for being one of the pioneers of the acid jazz movement in Japan in the early 90s and later as one of the few women in Japan's underground club scene, Monday has undoubtedly crossed over and beyond the scope of club music to a style that is undeniably and uniquely her own, fusing various influences such as jazz, soul, Latin and other elements. She is also one of the rare female singer/songwriters who produces her own work.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
May 29 (Monday) at 7:00PM
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that singer/impressionist Christina Bianco will be returning to the historic stage by popular demand on Monday, May 29 at 7pm. After a smashing, sold-out concert in April, singer/impressionist Christina Bianco returns to Birdland with an all-new, fully interactive show! Brian Nash will be musical director for the one-night-only event. With Christina's versatile vocals and Brian's encyclopedic musical knowledge, they're ready to give you an off-the-cuff musical experience in which the material on the set list is entirely up to the audience! Audience members will choose which songs they want the duo to perform. Anything from 80's pop anthems to weepy musical theatre ballads or cartoon theme songs...it will be a hysterical evening of spontaneous and impromptu fun. All tickets $35, $10 food/drink minimum
All tickets $35, $10 food/drink minimum
May 30-June 3 (Tuesday-Saturday)
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.
All tickets $30-40, $10 food/drink minimum
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
May 1, 8, 15, 29 (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 $30, $10 food/drink minimum
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (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
May 5, 12, 19, 26 (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
May 6, 13, 20, 27 (Saturday) at 6:00PM
Hailed as "the truest heir to Bobby Short" in The New York Times, pianist/singer Eric Comstock returns to Birdland with star bassist/composer Sean Smith with songs by everyone from George Gershwin to George Harrison. These two masters met on the Off-Broadway hit OUR SINATRA (which Eric co-wrote), and have since worked separately and together around the world. Join them at Birdland for a cool spring party where the music and stories are equally great.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
May 14, 21, 28 (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 $40, $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.
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 11PMshows 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.
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