Laura Bell Bundy, Steve Kuhn Trio & More Set for Birdland in August

Birdland Jazz Club's August 2015 schedule to feature Ben Allison Group, Steve Kuhn Trio, The Birdland Big Band, Ken Peplowski Quartet, Joe Lovano, Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more!

July 28-August 1 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
John Pizzarelli Sings Paul McCartney

John Pizzarelli, the world-renowned jazz guitarist and singer, was called "hip with a wink" by Town & Country, "madly creative" by the Los Angeles Times and "the genial genius of the guitar" by The Toronto Star. Son of the legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, New Jersey native John Pizzarelli has become one of the most recognizable faces and voices in contemporary jazz. John Pizzarelli has had a multi-faceted career as a jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader, known around the world for the cool jazz flavor he brings to classic standards, late-night ballads, and each of his hugely entertaining live performances and masterful recordings. His most recent CD release, "Rockin' In Rhythm," combines the enduring work of Duke Ellington with Pizzarelli's incredible ability to reinterpret the Great American Songbook. "Rockin' In Rhythm" is the follow up to Pizzarelli's critically-acclaimed 2008 release, "With A Song In My Heart - John Pizzarelli Sings the Music of Richard Rodgers," which featured Don Sebesky's Grammy-nominated arrangement of "Johnny One Note." With his active touring schedule, Pizzarelli continues to charm audiences with his warmth, conversational humor, and musical moxie.

All seats $45, $10 food/drink minimum

August 2 (Sunday) at 9:00PM & 11:00PM
Bill O'Connell & the Latin Jazz All-Stars

Over the years, Bill has displayed his versatility performing, writing and arranging for numerous jazz artists. His 10 solo recordings have received wide critical acclaim throughout the world. Bill is currently performing with his band, "Bill O'Connell and The Latin Jazz Allstars", includes Steve Slagle (sax), Conrad Herwig (trombone), Luques Curtis (bass), Adam Cruz (drums) and Roman Diaz (congas).

All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

August 3 (Monday) at 7:00PM
An Evening with Laura Osnes

The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Broadway leading lady Laura Osnes will appear in concert on Monday, August 3 at 7pm. Laura Osnes makes her Birdland solo concert debut accompanied by Fred Lassen in "An Evening With Laura Osnes." Best known for her Tony-nominated performances in Cinderella and Bonnie & Clyde, Ms. Osnes has also starred on Broadway in Anything Goes, South Pacific, and Grease. Including tunes from her two solo albums and sharing her favorite songs and stories from past shows and cabarets, Laura is sure to delight audiences with her vocal versatility and genuine charm.

All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

August 4-8 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Steve Kuhn Trio
With Steve Swallow and Joey Baron

Over a career of a half-century and counting, Steve Kuhn has earned renown as one of the most lyrical and affecting pianists in jazz, with an unfailingly beautiful touch and a sophisticated sense of swing. Old friends and longtime musical partners, pianist Steve Kuhn, bass guitar master Steve Swallow and drummer Joey Baron return to Birdland in celebration of their recent album, "Wisteria."

All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

August 6 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Misha Piatigorsky

Hailed by the Boston Globe as an artist who "beautifully merges the worlds of serious jazz and pop," Misha Piatigorsky's blend of powerful melodies with an unusual harmonic sensitivity gives his sound a deeply personal yet cosmopolitan dimension, reflecting his experience as a Russian-Jewish émigré growing up in urban America.

All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum

August 9 (Sunday) at 9:00PM & 11:00PM
Dave Stryker Organ Quartet "Messin' with Mr. T"
CD Release Celebration

Dave Stryker celebrates the release of his new album, "Messin' with Mr. T" on Sunday, August 9 at 9:00PM & 11:00PM.

All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

August 10 (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, "Hello Dolly: The Music of Dolly Parton", is a celebration of the beloved singer, actor, and songwriter.

All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

August 11-15 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Ben Allison Group

Bassist/composer and Connecticut native Ben Allison has developed his own instantly identifiable sound. Known for his inspired arrangements, inventive grooves and hummable melodies, Ben draws from the jazz tradition and a range of influences from rock and folk to 20th century classical and world music traditions, seamlessly blending them into a cinematic, cohesive whole. The newly formed Ben Allison Group performs a variety of new music including Ben's interpretations of compositions by the late jazz guitarist Jim Hall.

All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

August 13 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Steve Johns Family

Steve Johns newest album is titled "Family" as it features son Daryl on bass, wife Debbie Keefe Johns on saxophones and brothers from other mothers, guitarists Bob DeVos and Dave Stryker. The group will play a one-night gig at Birdland with Steve Johns on drums, Debbie Keefe Johns on saxophone, Daryl Johns on acoustic and electric bass and special guest guitarist, Bob Devos.

All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum

August 16 (Sunday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Ken Peplowski Quartet

"Ken Peplowski is arguably the greatest living jazz clarinetist" Russell Davies, BBC2 August 2013. Ken Peplowski has recorded approximately 50 CDs as a soloist, and close to 400 as a sideman. His latest CD is "Maybe September"(Capri Records), recorded with Ted Rosenthal, Martin Wind and Matt Wilson.

All seats $45, $10 food/drink minimum

August 17 (Thursday) at 7:00PM
Comedian Kevin Meany

The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that comedian Kevin Meaney will be appearing on the historic stage Monday, August 17 at 7pm. Kevin Meaney has been one of the country's most popular stand-up comedians for more than 30 years. Making people laugh has always been a top priority for Kevin. From his early years doing stand-up comedy in San Francisco and Boston, he's amassed an impressive list of credits along the way. His first HBO special catapulted him to the forefront of the comedy scene. In 1987, Kevin made his debut appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and was invited by Johnny to join the guest panel. Since his first appearance, Kevin had returned to the show a dozen times. He was a special guest on Saturday Night Live and has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, Regis, Oprah and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

All seats $25, $10 food/drink minimum

August 18-22 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Joe Lovano

Cleveland native saxophonist Joe Lovano, "one of the most creative saxophonists going," (Boston Globe) combines eclectic taste in conceptual projects with his own distinctive sound. After formative stints in the Woody Herman and Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestras and in small groups led by Lonnie Smith, Jack McDuff, Chet Baker and others, Lovano gained attention as a member of guitarist John Scofield's quartet in the early 1990s. He emerged as a band leader when he began a 20-year association with Blue Note Records. His current recording, "Bird Songs," -- Lovano's 22nd for the label -- has become one of the most celebrated recent jazz recordings because it breaks the mold for Bird tribute records (Birdland's namesake Charlie "Bird" Parker).

All seats $40, $10 food/drink minimum

August 20 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Monday Michiru

Monday currently resides in New York, and continues to record and tour with her own group as well as collaborating with other artists. Her most recent release is "Brasilified Nights," a remix album off the material from her 2013 "Brasilified" project with remixes by Louie Vega (of "Zanzibar" which is already causing a buzz internationally), Zero db, Yukihiro Fukutomi, Steal Vybe to name some of the collaborators. Following a successful duet tour last Fall with her mother, legendary pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi, they just wrapped up recording "Jazz Conversations: The Other Side of Monday Michiru" to be released through Victor Japan in the Spring of 2015.

All seats $25, $10 food/drink minimum

August 23 (Sunday) at 9:00PM & 11:00PM
Scott Robinson Doctette
With Randy Sandke, Dennis Mackrel, Pat O'Leary and Ted Rosenthal

Scott Robinson is an American jazz musician. Robinson is best known for his work with various styles of saxophone, but has also performed with the clarinet, flute, trumpet, and sarrusophone, along with other, more obscure instruments. Members of the band include Randy Sandke (trumpet), Ted Rosenthal (piano), pat O'Leary (bass) and Dennis Mackrel (drums).

All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

August 24 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Laura Bell Bundy

The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Laura Bell Bundy will return to the historic stage on Monday, August 24 at 7pm. Broadway and country recording artist Laura Bell Bundy will return to Birdland in a rare acoustic performance. Discover the woman behind the music as she performs original songs including those from her new album "Another Piece Of Me," and shares intimate stories about her Southern roots, Broadway, and beyond.

All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

August 25-29 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration
Featuring Jeremy Pelt, Vincent Hering, Greg Osby, Don Friedman, Lonnie Plaxico and Victor Lewis

Born August 29th, 1920, Charlie "Bird" Parker was one of the most influential and iconic artists in jazz history. As the central figure in the development of bebop in the 1940s Bird was a legendary figure in his own lifetime and was idolized by those who worked with him including Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Bud Powell and Miles Davis. He was the inspiration for Birdland and practically defined its mission as the home for modern jazz in New York City. Since his death in 1955 at age 34 Bird has inspired every subsequent generation of jazz artist and left a rich legacy of distinctive compositions and signature melodic vocabulary that still informs every style of jazz. For his celebration Birdland presents a group of jazz all-stars who can move seamlessly between classic and contemporary Bird-inspired material.

All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

August 27 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
E.J. Strickland

In 2015, E.J. brings his eclecticism to a new group, Transient Beings. Founded in the spirit of the present moment, Transient Beings celebrates the one thing we all share: limited time on Earth. With insightful and uplifting lyrics, and a unique instrumentation-vocals and effects by Sarah Elizabeth Charles, two guitarists, Nir Felder and Tom Guarna, Rashaan Carter on electric bass, and Strickland pulsing throughout-he hopes to unite his listeners through funk, hip-hop Afrobeat, and fusion, pairing the complexity of jazz solos with the textured guitar sounds of rock.

All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum

August 30 (Sunday) at 9:00PM & 11:00PM

Robin Eubanks and the Mass Line Big Band

The Mass Line Big Band project is the culmination of Robin Eubanks' year of study and research as the recipient of Research Status from Oberlin College where he has been on faculty since 1998. It was Robin's goal to write, arrange, and record for large ensemble. He has arranged compositions that he previously wrote and recorded for Dave Holland and The SF Jazz Collective, among others. Robin has also included a world premiere entitled Bill & Vera-in dedication to his parents.

All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

August 31 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Victoria Shaw "Under the Covers"
With Special Guest Pam Tillis

The Broadway at Birdland concert series it proud to announce the return of singer/songwriter Victoria Shaw in "Under The Covers." The one-night-only event will take place on Monday, August 31 at 7pm. Victoria's special guest will be country superstar Pam Tillis. Hosted by award winning songwriter Victoria Shaw, "Under The Covers" has become a favorite recurring highlight at Birdland, featuring a wide variety of top-selling songwriters and musical acts from across the pop, rock and country worlds, and offering intimate acoustic performances of huge hit songs - along with the little-known stories behind them.

All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:

August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (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

August 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 $25, $10 food/drink minimum

August 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 tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

August 9, 23, 30 (Sundays) at 6:00PM
Birdland Jazz Party
Hosted by Carole Bufford

Birdland's very own jazz quartet hits the stage every Sunday to wrap up the weekend with jazz classics featuring jazz vocalist Carole J. Bufford! Carole J. Bufford has become one of the most sought after young performers in the New York cabaret & jazz scene. Her recent shows, "Speak Easy" and "Body & Soul" earned her rave reviews across the board, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. She has traveled all over the US and recently made her London debut to great critical acclaim.

All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

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