Melissa Errico, Karrin Allyson, Cast Party and More Coming Up at Birdland This July
By: BWW News Desk Jun. 15, 2017
Birdland Jazz Club has announced its July 2017 lineup, featuring The Django Reinhardt NY Festival All Stars, Alicia Olatuja, Karrin Allyson, Louis Hayes Quintet, Joe Alterman Trio, Nestor Torres, Melissa Errico, Mark Winkler, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more. Scroll down for details!
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
July 1 (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
June 27-July 1 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM and 11:00PM
Saxophone Summit with Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, and Greg Osby
Saxophone Summit's focus on "late Coltrane" is a corrective celebration of music that has been "largely underappreciated and unexplored." In his final years, Coltrane's music included amazingly beautiful, lyrical melodies offset by intense, abstract and dissonant free group improvisation. Along with saxophonist Joe Lovano, and newest addition, alto saxophonist and St. Louis native Greg Osby, Saxophone Summit is more than a cutting contest or saxophone battle. It has become a multi-faceted musical equation greater than the sum of its parts.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
July 2 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Nancy Valentine Sings Billy Strayhorn
Nancy Valentine, who makes her Birdland debut on Sunday July 2, has studied and championed Billy Strayhorn's music for years. At Birdland, Nancy Valentine will be leading a sextet with maestro John di Martino gracing the stage featuring trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, Dan Block on tenor and alto saxophones, bassist Marco Panascia and drummer Vince Cherico. They will be celebrating both the release of her LOVESOME CD and her "September Rain" single, and the rich musical legacy of Billy Strayhorn.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 3 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Melissa Errico in "Broadway Firecracker"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is pleased to announce that Broadway leading lady Melissa Errico will be bringing a special summer holiday concert to her favorite jazz venue in NYC, celebrating the sexy and heartfelt songs of Hollywood & Broadway in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Expect to hear songs immortalized by Doris Day, Peggy Lee & Judy Garland, peppered with Melissa's unique and funny personality and stories of her family roots in the original Ziegfeld Follies.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
July 4-July 9 (Tuesday-Sunday) at 8:30PM and 11:00PM
Django Reinhardt NY Festival All Stars
The Django Festival AllStars carry on the legacy of the brilliant gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt who was part of one of the most famous musical partnerships in European history with virtuoso jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli, together they formed the Hot Club Quintette of France. Inspired by Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, The Allstars bring the audience to their feet with lightning-fast guitar fingerwork on standards such as "Minor Swing" and also put the crowd in a romantic mood with gorgeous melodies, hit songs of the past such as Django's "Nuages". They will be joined by special guests Veronica Swift on Tuesday and Wednesday, Grace Kelly on Thursday and Friday, and Jazzmeia Horn on Saturday and Sunday.
All tickets $50, $10 food/drink minimum
July 6 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Alemay Fernandez Featuring Shawn Letts
Multi-talented Singaporean jazz singer and performer Alemay Fernandez released her debut solo jazz album of originals "Hard to Imagine." A lemay is known for her sultry tone, powerhouse vocals and an onstage presence that keeps the audience eating out of the palm of her hand. Expect an elegant night of jazz, soul & bluesy goodness. Backed by one of NY's finest trios lead by the fabulous John diMartino and featuring tenor saxophonist Shawn Letts.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 9 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Sean Harkness & Will Galison
Sean Harkness on guitar and Will Galison on the chromatic harmonica return to Birdland this month after a stunning show in June. Each a complete musician in their own right, the chemistry between them is electric. They follow one another around surprise twists and turns through otherwise familiar song selections and some breathtaking original works.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 10 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Nicolas King "On Another Note" With Mike Renzi
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is delighted to announce that singer Nicolas King and musical director/pianist Mike Renzi will celebrate the release of their latest recorded collaboration, "On Another Note." Aside from selections from the album, King and Renzi will perform concert favorites and special surprises.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 11-15 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM and 11:00PM
Alicia Olatuja has been astounding audiences with her exquisite vocals, artistic versatility, and captivating demeanor. She grew up immersed in a wide range of musical styles, including gospel, soul, jazz and classical, which inspired her artistic journey, and started to perform more regularly in gospel and jazz concerts and worked with such esteemed artists as Chaka Khan, BeBe Winans and Christian McBride.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
July 13 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Mark Winkler "The Company I Keep" CD Release
Mark Winkler will be celebrating the release of his new CD "The Company I Keep." He will be joined by special guest Roseanna Vitro, with Allen Farnham on piano, Bill Moring on bass, Steve Johns on drums and Matt Garrison on sax.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 15 (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
July 16 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Native Soul featuring Peter Brainin, Noah Haidu, Marcus McLaurine, Steve Johns
Native Soul is made up of four gifted and unique players: drummer Steve Johns, bassist Marcus McLaurine, saxophonist Peter Brainin and pianists Noah Haidu. Native Soul is a band that brings together the separate-but-equal talents of four very talented artists. The main constant, however, is the musicianship. Their sound is so well melded that the four players suggest the wealth of tone and sound produced by the Big Bands. But, they go a step beyond big sound and instead turn into a quartet that understands completely the respect of each other's talent, making it almost impossible to single out a lead person.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 17 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Victoria Shaw "Under The Covers" With Special Guests Constantine Maroulis and Marc Beeson
The Broadway at Birdland concert series it proud to announce the return of singer/songwriter Victoria Shaw in "Under The Covers." The even features 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. Special guests will be Constantine Maroulis and Marc Beeson.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 18-22 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM and 11:00PM
Among musicians, Karrin Allyson is known as a great bandleader and one of the deep pleasures of the current scene is listening to her highly developed interplay with her bandmates - it sounds so effortless - but it conceals a deep musical sophistication. Karrin takes a very intimate look at the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
July 20 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Nestor Torres
Standing on the shoulders of flute giants, Nestor Torres' rhythmic and mellifluous flute sound remains apart in a class all by itself. His CD This Side Of Paradise won the Latin Grammy award in the Pop instrumental category. Since then, Torres has focused on transcending his role as a Jazz Flautist to that of an agent of change through crossover multi-media productions, compositions and performances. To that effect, his compositions 'Successors', Marta y Maria and Disarmament Suite are variations on Nestor Torres' multi-cultural fusion sounds as expressions of today's world. Then again, Nestor's music has always been about that: a Crossover fusion of Latin, Classical, Jazz and Pop sounds. Rich and engaging, complex and exuberant, profound yet accessible.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 23 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Miggy Augmented Jazz Orchestra
Composer and pianist Migiwa Miyajima takes the stage to lead Miggy Augmented, a 17-piece jazz orchestra that showcases her vibrant, original compositions. Migiwa's music reflects the complexities and hues of her own journey, while her passion to "make the world a better place through music" instantly touches the heart of the listener. Miggy will be joined by Ben Kono, Alejandro Aviles, Quinsin Nachoff, Sam Dillon and Carl Maraghi on saxophones, John Mosca, Jason Jackson, Jennifer Wharton and Douglas Purviance on trombones, Dan Urness, David Smith, Matt Holman and Nadje Noordhuis on trumpets, Jared Schonig on drums and Pete McCann on guitar.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 24 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Linda Lavin in "My Second Farewell Concert"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Linda Lavin will return to the historic stage with "My Second Farewell Concert." This concert will give audiences a chance to meet Broadway and television star Linda Lavin up-close and personal as she recalls her roots in the theater, her love of American standards, Steely Dan, and a life-long obsession with the big bands of the 1940's.
All tickets $35-45, $10 food/drink minimum
July 25-29 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM and 11:00PM
Louis Hayes Quintet
For more than forty years, drummer Louis Hayes has been a catalyst for energetic, unrelenting swing in his self led bands, as well as in those whose respective leaders reads like an encyclopedia of straight ahead post-bop modern jazz. Hayes himself an authentic architect of post-bop swing, began his professional activities at the tender age of 18. Hayes went on to rhythmically propel groups led by pianist Horace Silver, legendary saxophonist Cannonball Adderley and pianist Oscar Peterson.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
July 27 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Darin Brown Trio
With a nod to the great crooners of the past (think Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra), co-writers Doug McCormick and Darin Brown are on a crusade to continue the lineage of the Great American Songbook by adding all new original works to the genre. Writing what has been called, "Modern Standards," they're attracting a whole new audience while still maintaining the wit and sophistication that those "in the know" will appreciate.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 30 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Joe Alterman Trio
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Alterman moved to New York in the fall of 2007 to study music at New York University, where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Music. While there, he had the opportunity to study with greats including Don Friedman, Joe Lovano and John Scofield. The trio includes Joe Alterman on piano, Nathaniel Schroeder on bass and Doug Hirlinger on drums
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 31 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Natalie Douglas Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is happy to announce that Natalie Douglas, the acclaimed vocalist, will return to her home perch at Birdland Jazz Club with a new monthly residency entitled "Tributes." Natalie will celebrate the artistry, brilliance & singular achievements of Sammy David, Jr.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
July 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 tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
July 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 $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 4, 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 $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 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! 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
July 8, 22, 29 (Saturdays) at 6:00PM
At just 22 years of age Veronica Swift is being recognized as one of the top young singers in jazz. The child of jazz vocalist Stephanie Nakasian and the late bebop pianist Hod O'Brien, Veronica has already appeared at Lincoln Center, Telluride Jazz Festival, Blues Alley, The Jazz Cruise, and Birdland, performing with Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross, Esperanza Spalding, Joe Lovano, Bob Dorough, Paquito d'Rivera, and other establish jazz artists. Veronica's recent CD, "Lonely Woman," features some of the hottest young jazz players on the scene including Emmet Cohen and Benny Benack III.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Purchase tickets at www.BirdlandJazz.com, and 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.
Visit www.BirdlandJazz.com or follow BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB on Twitter: @birdlandjazz, Facebook, Instagram, and on Pinterest.
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