Birdland Big Band, Jane Monheit, Barbara Carroll and More Set for Birdland's End-of-Year Lineup
By: BWW News Desk Dec. 23, 2014
Birdland Jazz Club has announced its end-of-year schedule, running December 31 - January 18, including: The Birdland Big Band featuring Jane Monheit on New Year's Eve, Dave Stryker Group, Barbara Carroll, Joe Lovano, and more!
Birdland will kick-off their great programming with the following acts:
Dec 30-Jan 3 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
The Birdland Big Band
Featuring Jane Monheit on New Year's Eve
Bring in the New Year with The Birdland Big Band featuring Special Guest Vocalist Jane Monheit! Featuring the finest musicians in New York, The BBB roars into action playing the finest Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music from the world's best arrangers. Come hear one of the world's best drummers driving the hardest swinging band in New York!
All tickets $100, $20 food/drink minimum
Jan 3 (Saturday) at 6:00PM
Jay Leonhart Duo
Combining the skills of an old school entertainer and virtuoso jazz man, bassist, vocalist and composer Jay Leonhart has been a fixture of the New York scene for over forty years.
Between 1975 and 1995 he was named The Most Valuable Bassist in the recording industry three times by the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences. Jay has now recorded 15 solo albums. His first one-man show "The Bass Lesson" is being received warmly by critics and audiences. Jay's next show "Nukular Tulips" is in the works.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Jan 4 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Duchess
The ladies of DUCHESS (Amy Cervini, Melissa Stylianou, & Hilary Gardner) bring their signature blend of swing & sass to the jazz corner of the world for some girl-on-girl harmony with the Birdland trio!
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Jan 4 (Sunday) 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
Jan 5 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Alysha Umphress Swings Jeff Blumenkrantz in
"I've Been Played"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Alysha Umphress, currently starring as "Hildy" in the Broadway revival of On The Town, and Tony-nominated songwriter Jeff Blumenkrantz will perform together in concert on Monday, January 5 at 7pm. The duo will celebrate the release of their new CD, "I've Been Played," which features Jeff's swinging songs and arrangements performed as only Alysha can! The band will include Tedd Firth on piano, Pete Donovan on bass, Ray Marchica on drums, Dan Willis on sax/flute and Peter Sachon on cello.
All tickets $30/$40, plus $10 food/drink minimum
Jan 5 (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
Jan 6 (Tuesday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Bill O'Connell
Mr. O'Connell's Imagine serves up a 9-course feast of fascinating sounds that will please even the most discerning ears. As in O'Connell's previous recording (Zocálo Savant SCD 2129), the gifted veterans and leaders in their own right, Conrad Herwig on trombone and saxophonist Steve Slagle add their prowess to the mix. On the bass is the amazingly talented young man, one of NYC's first call bassists, Luques Curtis who was also part of Bill's prior CD, as was percussionist Richie Flores, who has been playing with O'Connell over a decade. The newcomer to the group is drummer Richie Barshay who has an impressive résumé that includes a stint with Herbie Hancock. O'Connell gives his arranging chops a real workout with interesting takes on "Willow Weep for Me" and John Lennon's "Imagine," and penned some new originals specifically for this recording from a powerful voice in Latin Jazz.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Jan 7 (Wednesday) 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
Jan 7 (Wednesday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Ken Peplowski Quartet
Peplowski has played in small clubs, the Hollywood Bowl, headlining in Las Vegas, the Newport Jazz Festival, pops concerts, European festivals and clubs, or at home in NYC, doing everything from playing on the soundtracks to Woody Allen movies, guest soloing on records (his more interesting recent ones were Marianne Faithfull and Cuban vocalist Isaac Delgado) to taking on the role of music director for interactive French and Italian cookbooks ("Menus And Music"). The litany of musicians Ken has collaborated with includes: Mel Torme, Leon Redbone, Charlie Byrd, Peggy Lee, George Shearing, Madonna, Hank Jones, Dave Frishberg, Rosemary Clooney, Tom Harrell, James Moody, Cedar Walton, and countless others.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Jan 8 (Thursday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Dave Stryker Group
The Village Voice calls Dave Stryker "one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years." Dave's new CD "Eight Track", is a celebration of classic pop tunes from the 70's reimagined by his working trio. Dave's guitar is joined by Jared Gold on Hammond B3 organ, and McClenty Hunter on drums with special guest Stefon Harris on vibraphone. It has stayed on the JazzWeek radio charts for 20 weeks topping off at #3 for 3 weeks. Downbeat magazine ran a feature article in the June 2014 issue on Dave and he was recently voted into the 2014 Downbeat Critics and Readers Poll for the 7th time.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Jan 9 (Friday) 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
Jan 10 (Saturday) 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
Jan 9-10 (Friday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Joe Lovano's "Village Rhymes Band"
FEATURING: JOE LOVANO, LIBERTY ELMAN, OTIS BROWN III, MATT GARRISON & ABDOU MBOUP
At Cleveland's infamous "Togo Suite," a then 28-year old Joe Lovano met and performed with a group of Nigerian musicians involved in an impromptu and joyous cultural exchange. About one year later on his 29th birthday in 1981, as a result of that initial late night club session, Lovano found himself in Lagos, Nigeria, meeting and spending time with the esteemed godfather of the afro-beat movement - Fela Kuti. Over three decades later, one of the most prominent voices in jazz, looks back to a historic musical landmark in his life and brings it into his own evolving musical vernacular. Joined by guitarist Liberty Ellman, electric bassist Matthew Garrison, percussionist/African harpist Abdou Mboup, and drummer Otis Brown III; "The Village Rhythm Band" showcases the linear relationship between West African music and jazz in a way that is totally unique to Lovano's voice - warm, sinuous, and constantly moving over an emphatic pulse.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
Jan 11 (Sunday) 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
Jan 14 (Wednesday) 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
Jan 12-14 (Monday-Wednesday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM, Monday at 7:00PM
"To the Men I Love"
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's sincere and romantic interpretations of exceptional songs has made her a favorite in both the jazz and cabaret worlds.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
Jan 15-17 (Thursday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
"Hello Bluebird"
Featuring Jane Monheit on vocals, Joel Frahm on tenor sax, Michael Kanan on piano, Neal Miner on bass and Rick Montalbano on drums.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
Jan 16 (Friday) 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
Jan 17 (Saturday) 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
Jan 18 (Sunday) 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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