Count Basie Orchestra, Diane Schuur and More Among Birdland's May 2015 Lineup
By: BWW News Desk Apr. 15, 2015
Birdland Jazz Club has announced its May 2015 schedule, featuring The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, BossaBrasil, Diane Schuur, Freddy Cole Quartet, Barbara Carroll, Jim Caruso's Cast Party and more! Scroll down for details.
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
May 1-2 (Friday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Joey DeFrancesco with the City Rhythm Orchestra
Joey's desire to play the trumpet began after touring with the great Miles Davis. Considered a child prodigy, Joey remembers as far back as age four, playing jazz tunes modeled by his father, Papa John DeFrancesco and memorizing music from the many jazz albums in their home. Today, Joey has been around the world dozens of times touring & recording with his own trio as well as part of all-star projects, some of which include, Ray Charles, Bette Midler, David Sanborn, Arturo Sandoval, Frank Wess, Benny Golson, George Coleman, James Moody, Steve Gadd, Elvin Jones, Jimmy Cobb, George Benson, John Scofield, Joe Lovano, Larry Coryell and Bobby Hutcherson, not to mention the myriad of foreign jazz artists that he's collaborated with as he travels. Joey is a two time Grammy nominee: In 2004 for his record 'Falling In Love Again', and, again, in 2010 for his release titled 'Never Can Say Goodbye'. In 2014 he was inducted into the inaugural Hammond Organ Hall of Fame. Quoted as the Master of the Jazz organ, Joey has received countless Jazz Journalist awards, and accolades worldwide.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
May 3 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
James Snyder: Prince Charming
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce If/Then leading man James Snyder will be performing his one-man show, James Snyder: Prince Charming on the historic stage. With his usual leading man bravado, mixed with a goofball sense of humor, James Snyder sings some of his favorite songs inspired by love, heroism and musical theater. Singing a range of music from Sondheim to the Spin Doctors, with Prince Charming, you will experience the size and breadth of Broadway's newest leading man!
All tickets $35, $10 food/drink minimum
May 4 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Suede "Anything Could Happen"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce the return of pop/jazz/blues artist Suede to the stage. Suede will share the stage with pianist Tomoko Ohno and Bill Moring on bass, and will perform songs from her five current titles and tunes from the upcoming new release, "Dangerous Mood."
All tickets $30-40, $10 food/drink minimum
May 5-9 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra
Featuring guest vocalist Carmen Bradford
2015 marks the 80th Anniversary of The Count Basie Orchestra. William J. "Count" Basie (1904-1984) started his orchestra in Kansas City in 1935 and proceeded to develop one of the greatest jazz groups in history. Under Basie's leadership -- with a strong commitment to making sure every tune was danceable -- the orchestra featured many of the greatest instrumentalists and vocalists in jazz including Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Joe Jones, Joe Williams, Snooky Young, Frank Foster, Thad Jones, Frank Wess, Clark Terry, and many more. They played for Kings and Queens, appeared in movies and television shows, and won 18 Grammy Awards, the most for any orchestra. Today, under the leadership of director, Scotty Barnhart, The Count Basie Orchestra is traveling the world, swinging and shouting the blues with precision, in Count Basie's unmistakable style of Kansas City swing.
All tickets $45, $10 food/drink minimum
May 10 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Music Talks: Daniel Reichard Sings Rodgers & Hammerstein
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce the return of Broadway and concert star Daniel Reichard, who will return to Birdland with a show celebrating the music and lyrics of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The evening will feature selections from the celebrated songwriting team's catalogue, including rarely-heard jewels and treasured classics alike. The concert, presented by MusicTalks and its Artistic Director Elad Kabilio, will take place on Mother's Day and will offer insights and fascinating anecdotes about Rodgers and Hammerstein's historic partnership. Jesse Vargas will serve as musical director and arranger.
All tickets $30-50, $10 food/drink minimum
May 11 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Apollo Link
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to present Apollo Link, Broadway's premier vocal trio, which has been infiltrating the internet with a unique sound. After half-a-million YouTube hits, the trio brings original arrangements, impeccable harmonies and powerful vocals to Birdland. Apollo Link, which formed in the winter of 2012, is comprised of Brandon Rubendall (Spider-Man, Anything Goes, Wicked), Adam Roberts (Spider-Man, Pippin) and Jake Odmark (Spider-Man, Kinky Boots), the latter being the group's sole music arranger. The trio met and began developing their sound while performing on Broadway in the web-slinging musical, Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark, which incidentally also inspired the group's name. There, in the Foxwoods Theater's acoustic hallways, they found their blend re-imagining everything from classic holiday tunes to today's top 40 hits.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
May 12-16 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Freddy Cole Quartet + Special Guest Saxophonist Houston Person
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 -- he plays piano, sings and performs live with a guitarist and bassist -- many consider his voice to be smokier, jazzier even. Cole's annual visit is the perfect blend of jazz and great American standards.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
May 14 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Diane Marino Quartet
Featuring Ralph Lalama, Vince Ector and Frank Marino
When you combine an accomplished vocalist, pianist, and arranger all in one individual, you have the dynamic Diane Marino. In her over 25 year career, Diane has performed Great American Song Book, traditional jazz, Latin and Brazilian jazz to captivated audiences in jazz venues, performing arts centers and festivals all over the country.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
May 17 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Jamie deRoy & Friends
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that award-winning cabaret performer Jamie deRoy will be celebrating Broadway with Tony Award winners Lena Hall (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Cady Huffman (The Producers), Judy Kaye (The Phantom of the Opera and Nice Work If You Can Get It), Kevin Meaney (Hairspray), Andrew Rannells (Book of Mormon, Hedwig) and Pamela Myers (original cast member of the six time Tony- winning Company and Tony nominee for Snoopy) on her MultiMAC award-winning Variety Show, Jamie deRoy & friends, on Sunday, May 17 at 6pm at Birdland.
All tickets $30-50, $10 food/drink minimum
May 18 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Natalie Douglas in "Hello Dolly...The Music of Dolly Parton"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce the return of singer Natalie Douglas to the stage on Monday, April 20 at 7pm. Her concert, œ"Hello Dolly: The Music of Dolly Parton", is a celebration of the beloved singer, actor, and songwriter.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
May 19-23 (Tuesday-Wednesday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Diane Schuur
One of the premier vocalists in jazz, Seattle native Diane Schuur -- nicknamed "Deedles" since the 1984 recording of the same name featuring saxophone icon Stan Getz -- is beloved around the world. She has won two Grammy Awards and headlined the most prestigious music venues including Carnegie Hall and The White House. She has also collaborated, toured and/or recorded with Quincy Jones, BB King, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Barry Manilow among many others. This engagement, marking her Birdland debut, is a double occasion in which Deedles will celebrate her recent 60th Birthday as well as preview material from her forthcoming CD "I Remember You: With Love to Stan and Frank," a tribute to her mentors Stan Getz and Frank Sinatra.
All tickets $45, $10 food/drink minimum
May 21 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Lorin Cohen
Bassist Lorin Cohen will bring his unique brand of modern jazz to his forthcoming debut album, Home. Slated for release in October of 2015, the acclaimed bassist and composer steps out as a leader to present a set of original compositions which will appeal to a wide spectrum of music fans and jazz lovers alike. Home will explore and celebrate the wonders of rhythm and what Cohen calls "the groove consciousness." The album will consist of nine original compositions, each rooted in Cohen's bass playing, as well as the percussive sounds of vibraphone, steel drums, hand drums and piano - where harmony, melody and rhythm converge.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
May 24 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Tom Tallitsch "All Together Now" Sextet
Tom Tallitsch is a critically acclaimed tenor saxophonist, composer and ?recording ?a?rtist. In this one-night concert he will showcase music from his sixth album All Together Now. The sextet includes Tom Tallitsch (tenor), Mike Dirubbo (alto), David Gibson (trombone), Brian Charette (piano), Peter Brendler (upright bass), and Mark Ferber (drums).
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
May 25 (Monday) at 7:00PM
An Evening with Steve Ross
In this special evening Steve Ross gives us excerpts from shows he's performed over his long career. Expect songs of and stories about many of the songwriters he's saluted: Rodgers & Hart ("With a Song In My Heart"), Irving Berlin ("Let Yourself Go"), Jacques Brel ("Fanette"), Lerner & Loewe ("If Ever I Would Leave You"), Stephen Sondheim ("Too Many Mornings"), Kander & Ebb ("Life of the Party") and Fred Astaire ("Cheek to Cheek"). He'll be accompanied by bassist Jesse Bielenberg.
All tickets $30-40, $10 food/drink minimum
May 26 - 30 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Delta Airlines Presents "BossaBrasil" Marcos Valle with Carlos Lyra
Forty years after it swept the world, Bossa Nova stands as as one of the enduring musical forms of the 20th century! Marcos Valle, legendary Brazilian Composer/Keyboardist says, "Carlos Lyra is my idol. It is my great pleasure to join with him at my favorite Jazz Club, Birdland."
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
May 4, 11, 18, 25 (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
May 6, 13, 20, 27 (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
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (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
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (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
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (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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