Cyrill Aimee, Anita Gillette, Peter Mazza, The Lilly Awards and More Set for Birdland This Month
By: BWW News Desk Nov. 01, 2014
Birdland Jazz Club is thrilled to announce their great line-up of amazing talent for the month of November 2014. Featuring: Django Reinhardt NY Festival's 15th Anniversary, Karrin Allyson, Cyrill Aimee, Barbara Carroll, Anita Gillette, Music of Joe Henderson, Native Soul, Peter Mazza, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more.
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (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
Nov 1 (Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Ron Carter Nonet
Ron Carter is among the most original, prolific, and influential bassists in jazz. With more than 2,000 albums to his credit, he has recorded with many of music's greats: Tommy Flanagan, Gil Evans, Lena Horne, Bill Evans, B.B. King, the Kronos Quartet, Dexter Gordon, Wes Montgomery, and Bobby Timmons. In the early 1960s he performed throughout the United States in concert halls and nightclubs with Jaki Byard and Eric Dolphy.
Carter has lectured, conducted, and performed at clinics and master classes, instructing jazz ensembles and teaching the business of music at numerous universities. He was Artistic Director of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Studies while it was located in Boston and, after 18 years on the faculty of the Music Department of The City College of New York, he is now Distinguished Professor Emeritus although, as a performer, he remains as active as ever.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 2, 9 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
The Birdland Jazz Party
Featuring Vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli
Award-winning vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following through her unique take on material from the new American songbook as well as classic standards by artists as varied as Pink Floyd and Duke Ellington, Dolly Parton and Johnny Mercer. A trained actor, Gabrielle has a soulful sensitivity for the story in the lyric and was called "a powerhouse of individual expression" by David Finkle of The Village Voice.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 3 (Monday) at 7PM
Broadway & TV Star Anita Gillette in
"After All...and Furthermore"
Broadway and Television star Anita Gillette has won both a Bistro and MAC Award for her show "After All", which she debuted at Birdland and went on to do at Feinstein's, Cape May Stage, London's ST. James Studio, and Metropolitan Room. She has also recently appeared on the acclaimed TV series "Modern Family" and "Blue Blood." She may be best known for playing Mona the Mistress in "Moonstruck", Tina Fey's Mother in "30 ROCK", or Jack Klugman's wife in "Quincy". Gillette has more than 14 Broadway shows to her credit, including Chapter Two (Tony Nomination, LA Drama Critics Award), Cabaret, Carnival, Gypsy, Guys & Dolls, Don't Drink the Water, All American, Jimmy, Showboat, 70 Girls 70 and more. Off Broadway and Regional credits include: The Big Meal, (Lortel Award nomination) Love, Loss & What I Wore, The Seagull, She Loves Me, Shirley Valentine, Bye, Bye Birdie, Juno, The Great Waltz (recorded for RCA), Knickerbocker Holiday (with Burt Lancaster), and much more.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 4-9 (Tuesday-Sunday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM (9PM & 11PM on Sunday)
Air France Presents: Django Reinhardt NY Festival 15th Anniversary
The Wall Street Journal says "It's the best Jazz show in town!" 2014 celebrates 15 years of the Django Reinhardt NY Festival, which has become a one of the largest events at Birdland, and is highly anticipated by the public of NYC. The Festival All-Stars tour the US twice a year at major venues and festivals, such as The Newport Jazz Festival this past August, where Downbeat Magazine wrote "...a standout performance...a crowd favorite and top candidate for the hardest swinging group at the fest." The Django Festival Allstars have been coming to America and played alongside many of the tops in jazz: George Benson, Joe Lovano, Paquito D'Rivera, Anat Cohen, Edmar Castaneda, Frank Wess, Lew Tabakin, Joel Frahm, and so many more. They have performed elite venues, like The Kennedy Center, Disney Hall, The San Francisco Jazz Festival, Caramoor, Newport Jazz Festival to name a few.
All tickets $45, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 10 (Monday) at 7:00PM
The Lilly Awards
The Lilly Awards were started in the Spring of 2010 as a way to honor the work of women in the American Theater. The founders of The Lilly Awards, or The Lilly's as we affectionately refer to them, are Julia Jordan, Marsha Norman and Theresa Rebeck. The awards are named for Lillian Hellman, a pioneering American playwright who famously said "You need to write like the devil and act like one when necessary." The awards continue in the tradition of her spirit and annually honor the work of women in the American Theater.
All tickets $50-250, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 11-15 (Tuesday - Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Karrin Allyson
Always striving to find new ways of singing a story, on this outing vocalist Karrin Allyson, surrounds herself with the soulful, sustaining sound of the classic organ trio with some twists. Along with her co-writer, Chris Caswell on Hammond B-3, her long-time musical partner/ guitarist, Rod Fleeman, and fiery drummer extraordinaire, Adam Cruz, they set out to play new original music and re-makes of Karrin Allyson favorites.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 18-22 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
The Phantom Band: Celebrating the Music of Joe Henderson
Canadian born, Renee Rosnes is one of the premier pianists and composers of her generation. Shortly after relocating from Vancouver to New York in 1986, Rosnes quickly established a reputation as a major talent. She has recorded and toured with a veritable "who's who" of jazz, being the pianist of choice for legendary musicians such as Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, JJ Johnson, Buster Williams and Bobby Hutcherson. In 1989, James Moody hired Renee for his quartet, and she remained a member of his band until his passing in 2010. Renee Rosnes (piano) with Randy Brecker (trumpet), Jimmy Greene (saxes), Al Foster (drums), George Mraz (bass).
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 13 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Peter Mazza
Peter Mazza is a jazz guitarist born and raised in NYC, who holds degrees from both the Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School. His first pivotal gig was leading a four-night-a week jam session at Augie's Jazz Bar (now called Smoke), where he played with Brad Mehldau, Roy Hargrove, Joel Frahm, Chris Potter, Donny McCaslin, Uri Cane, Christian McBride, Larry Grenadier, Dwayne Burno, Greg Hutchinson, Jeff Ballard and many others. Peter went on to gain acceptance into the prestigious Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition and was a semifinalist. His groups have been featured at New York City jazz venues, such as Dizzy's Club, Birdland, The Knitting Factory and the Cornelia Street Café.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 16, 30 (Sundays) at 6:00PM
Jane Monheit's Jazz Party
With Michael Kanan, Neal Miner, Rick Montalbano
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. The series will provide Jane the opportunity to develop new material at Birdland and collaborate with invited musical guests, in a relaxed environment that is part concert, part jam session, part workshop and all fun.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 23-27 (Sunday - Thursday) at 7:00PM
Jane Monheit, Jim Caruson, Billy Stritch in
"Hollywoodland: Songs from the Silver Screen"
Singers Jane Monheit, Jim Caruso and singer/pianist/arranger Billy Stritch will join forces in "HOLLYWOODLAND: Songs From The Silver Screen." Material will include beloved songs like "Pennies From Heaven," "Let's Misbehave," "Over The Rainbow," "If I Only Had A Brain," "Bye Bye Baby," and "It Happened In Sun Valley." The trio will be accompanied by Rick Montalbano on drums and Neal Miner on bass.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 20 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Native Soul
The collective quartet known as Native Soul has earned a reputation for inspired performances among audiences and fellow musicians alike. In 2011 their second CD "Soul Step" was released, and quickly rose to #18 on the national Jazz Week radio charts, holding and staying close to that position for many months. Native Soul's latest recording "One Mind" is surging up the charts: already at #26 in its third week. One Mind showcases the depth and versatility of this New York-based cooperative: exciting up-tempos, deep grooves, modern compositions, and reinvented pop tunes. All elevated by the telepathic interaction for which they are known. Peter Brainin (saxophone, Noah Haidu (piano), Marcus McLaurine (bass), Steve Johns (drums).
All seats $25, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 25-29 (Tuesday - Sunday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimée (pronounced: "Surreal Emmay") has a culturally rich background -- Dominican and French Gypsy -- and conservatory training (SUNY Purchase) that help to form the rhythmic and expressive foundation by which a jury of legendary vocalists, including Al Jarreau, Kurt Elling, Dianne Reeves and Dee Dee Bridgewater judged her to be a finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk Vocal Competition in 2010. At the young age of twenty-six, Cyrille has since become one of the hottest young artists on the New York scene. She has already released four CDs with a variety of ensembles and performed at the top venues around the world. The New York Times dubs her, "one of those singers whom non-singing musicians call 'a musician.'"
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
Nov 5, 12, 19, (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 seats $25, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 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! 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 seats $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 2, 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 seats $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Nov 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 seats $25, $10 food/drink minimum
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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