Ravi Coltrane, Troy Roberts, and More Coming to Birdland Next Month
By: BWW News Desk May. 16, 2017
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
June 1 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Emmet Cohen
Multifaceted American jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen began Suzuki method piano instruction at age three, and his playing quickly became a mature melding of musicality, technique, and concept. Leader of the "Emmet Cohen Trio," Cohen presents jazz performance lectures through the YoungArts Foundation and Lincoln Center's "Jazz for Young People" program.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
May 30-June 3 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM and 11:00PM
Ravi Coltrane is a critically acclaimed Grammy nominated saxophonist, bandleader, and composer. In the course of a twenty plus year career, Mr. Coltrane has worked as a sideman to many, recorded noteworthy albums for himself and others and founded a prominent independent record label, RKM.
All tickets $30-40, $10 food/drink minimum
June 4 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Vanessa Racci, Italiana Fresca, CD Release Performance
Vanessa Racci's 2017 debut album, Italiana Fresca, heralds the breakthrough of a fresh sound in jazz: a sweet-and-sour, wide-ranging alto with a passion and sex appeal born of her Italian-American heritage. On this recording, Vanessa puts a modern, jazz spin on the Italian songs she heard as a child; several are updated with her own English lyrics.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 5 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Amanda McBroom Celebrates New CD "Voices"
Singer-songwriter and concert artist, Amanda McBroom brings her new show, "Voices," to Birdland celebrating the release of her new recording. All of the selections in the show are story songs of love and loss and laughter, some with both music and lyrics by McBroom and several with collaborators. In addition, there's music composer Julie Gold, Tom Paxton and Livingston/Webster.
All tickets $35, $10 food/drink minimum
June 6 (Tuesday) at 8:30PM and 11:00PM
TRoy Roberts TALES & TONES Record Release
TRoy Roberts is a New York City based Australian saxophonist who's a regular member of The Jeff 'Tain' Watts Quartet, The Jeff 'Tain' Watts 'Blue 5', and is also the newest member of Joey DeFrancesco's new quartet, 'The People'. Roberts' 7th release, Tales & Tones is an acoustic quartet adventure, featuring a powerhouse rhythm section comprised of his long time collaborator, Venezuelan born pianist Silvano Monasterios, along with two of the most important names in jazz today; Jeff 'Tain' Watts on the drums and Robert Hurst on acoustic bass.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
June 7-8 (Tuesday-Wednesday) at 8:30PM and 11:00PM
Born in Newcastle, Australia, Nicki started her musical training at age four with the piano, followed by the flute, soon after. Nicki switched to double bass at the age of 15. After graduating high school she moved to Sydney to study jazz at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music where she began to play with Australian musicians such as Mike Nock, Dale Barlow, Paul Grabowsky, Bernie McGann, and Ten Part Invention. Nicki received back to back honors for Swing Journal's Best Jazz Vocal Album (Moon River and Fly Me to The Moon, respectively).
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
June 8 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
David Finck "Low Standards" CD Release Event
One of today's most versatile and in-demand bassists, David Finck has developed into an impressive composer, arranger, and producer. Future Day (Soundbrush Records), his debut CD as a leader, garnered an impressive amount of critical raves. Once again in the studio with his long time collaborators Joe Locke, Gary Versace, Carl Allen, Jim Saporito with guests Ali Ryerson and Alexis Cole, Finck has produced a recording full of delightful surprises, as his perspective form the low end of the band propels the songs to new levels of beauty and swing.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 9-10 (Friday-Saturday) at 8:30PM and 11:00PM
Urbanity featuring Albare and Phil Turcio
The collaboration between Guitarist Albare and Phil Turcio started 27 years ago when Albert Dadon aka Albare was looking for a new pianist for his band. At the time Phil had just turned 18. Since their first encounter, Phil's and Albare's paths keep on intersecting.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
June 11 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Barbra Lica
Barbra Lica is a fast-rising star in the Canadian Jazz scene and has been receiving accolades for her unique vocal ability that stresses subtlety and grace. Her live shows have captivated audiences all over North America with her genuine warmth and confident stage presence. Barbra's third release and her most personal to date is the 2017 JUNO Award nominated I'm Still Learning.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 12 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Jessica Molaskey "Portraits of Joni"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that singer/actress Jessica Molaskey will be celebrating her new recording, "Portrait of Joni" with a concert at Birdland on Monday, June 12 at 7pm featuring Madeline Pizzarelli and special guests.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 13-17 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM and 11:00PM
Freddy Cole Quartet
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, many consider his voice to be smokier, jazzier even. Cole's annual visit is the perfect blend of jazz and great American holiday standards.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
June 17 (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 18 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Donald Vega
Donald Vega's style and virtuosity on piano, along with his composing and arranging, mark this young artist as a unique and exciting presence in the world of jazz. His sound has been said to resonate with a touch of Oscar Peterson's versatility and Bill Evans' elegant lyricism.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 19 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Spencer Day "Angel City" CD Release Celebration
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that acclaimed singer-songwriter-pianist Spencer Day will return to Birdland to celebrate the release of his much-anticipated new album, "Angel City." Called his most complex concept album to date, "Angel City" will feature all-new original songs, as well as concert favorites and a few reimagined interpretations of previous recordings.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 20-24 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM and 11:00PM
Stacey Kent
Critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated singer Stacey Kent sings from the soul, telling her stories with faultless phrasing and a lucid, enchanting voice. Her new CD release, "Tenderly," is a collaboration with Brazilian music master Robert Menescal and follow-up to "Marcos Valle & Stacey Kent Live." Throughout her career, Stacey's band has featured Jim Tomlinson (sax) whose songwriting partnership with famed novelist Kazuo Ishiguro has formed another essential plank in her repertoire.
All tickets $50, $10 food/drink minimum
June 22 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Lynn Stein
Lynn Stein performs and interprets The Great American Songbook with sparkling, rich clarity and a unique point of view. She will be joined by David Budway on piano, Brain Glassman on bass and Ron Vincent on drums.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 25 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
The Interplay Jazz Orchestra
The IJO was formed in 2003 as The Hofstra University Alumni Big Band. The group borrowed some big band charts from jazz professor Dave Lalama and found a steady gig at a local jazz club. The consistent work produced some great music, better memories, and even deeper friendships. Co-directed by trumpeter Gary Henderson and trombonist Joey Devassy, the band has the distinction of being the only active big band on Long Island that performs original music. All of the compositions and arrangements are written by members of the band.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
June 29 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
"Afro Latin Jazz Alliance Fundraiser" featuring Arturo O'Farrill
Grammy Award winning pianist, composer and educator Arturo O'Farrill -- leader of the "first family of Afro-Cuban Jazz" (NY Times) - The Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats and students from the Afro Latin Jazz Academy of Music perform at Birdland from the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance 2017 Education Benefit.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
June 5, 12, 19, 26 (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
June 7, 14, 21, 28 (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
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (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
June 3, 10, 24 (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
June 4, 11, 18, 25 (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
TICKET INFORMATION:
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.
ABOUT BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB:
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.
315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues)
New York, NY 10036
DISCOUNTS AND SPECIALS:
Students (with current ID) & Broadway Theatre-Goers (with Broadway ticket stub from same day of performance): 50% off music charge at 11PM shows only.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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:
Follow BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB on Twitter: @birdlandjazz, Facebook, Instagram, and on Pinterest.
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