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| What's Coming Up at Birdland: April 7 - April 20 April 7 - April 8 (Monday-Tuesday) 5:30 & 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks Catch Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks every Monday and Tuesday evening in April at Birdland Theater! Giordano, the recipient of a GRAMMY Award for his work scoring the HBO show Boardwalk Empire, is a master composer and arranger whose 11-piece band, The Nighthawks, recreate the jubilant 1920s jazz sound with amazing definition, using violins, tubas, banjos, and collector's item drum sets. The band has provided soundtracks for film and television productions including The Cotton Club, The Aviator, Finding Forrester, Revolutionary Road, Cafe Society, Boardwalk Empire, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and many more. Not to be missed! $40 tables / $30 bar / $20 partial view table seating + $20 food/drink minimum April 7 (Monday) 7:00 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Matt Cusson Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, pianist, and producer Matt Cusson will make his highly anticipated Birdland solo debut this April! Matt's recent tours with Christina Aguilera, singing the acclaimed duet "Say Something" with her, as well as his tour with India.Arie, opening with the inaugural winner of The Voice, Javier Colon, and singing in a trio with India and Javier during the shows—or his two singles with nine-time Grammy Award Nominee, Dave Koz. At Birdland, Matt will be joined by an exceptional trio featuring guitarist Andy Sorenson (Albert Lee, Peter Asher), bassist Tim Weisman (Dom McLennon, Similar Kind), and drummer Jonathan Barber (Pat Metheny). Expect original tracks from Matt's forthcoming third album, including the latest single "She Don't Mind." Additionally, Matt will perform his critically acclaimed song "Every Step, " which earned him the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Award. Fans can also expect a mix of timeless covers, including Kenny Loggins' "Heart to Heart" and The Bee Gees' classic hit "How Deep Is Your Love." Having performed alongside music legends such as Stevie Wonder, Anderson .Paak, James and Livingston Taylor, and Leslie Odom Jr., Matt Cusson has established himself as a remarkable talent in both the jazz and pop worlds. Don't miss this special performance at Birdland! $30 tables / $20 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 7 (Monday) 9:30 PM - Birdland Jazz Club Jim Caruso's Cast Party Step into the glittering world of Jim Caruso's Cast Party, the legendary weekly open mic night that turns Birdland into the ultimate showbiz playground! Every Monday, the iconic venue transforms into a raucous, star-studded celebration of music, comedy, and jaw-dropping talent, where seasoned pros and up-and-coming performers share the stage in an unforgettable, high-energy variety show. Leading the charge is the ever-dapper Jim Caruso. With his signature charm and boundless enthusiasm, Caruso keeps the night moving at a thrilling pace, welcoming Broadway belters, jazz virtuosos, master tappers, and the occasional surprise megastar drop-in! Fueling the musical magic is the incomparable trio of powerhouse musicians: the dazzling Billy Stritch at the piano, the rock-solid Steve Doyle on bass, and the dynamic Daniel Glass on drums. Together, they create a swinging, electrifying sound that transforms every performance into a showstopping moment. From Tony and Oscar winners to hopeful newcomers, Cast Party is where talent shines, friendships are forged, and the spirit of live performance is alive and thriving. Whether you're gracing the stage or cheering from the audience, one thing's for sure—you never know who might take the mic next! Join the party every Monday night at Birdland and witness why Jim Caruso's Cast Party remains a can't-miss New York City tradition. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 8-12 (Tuesday-Saturday) 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM (4/8-10); 8:30 PM & 10:30 PM (4/11-12) – Birdland Jazz Club Joey Alexander + Special Guest Vocalist Ekep Nkwelle 3x Grammy nominee and early piano prodigy Joey Alexander returns to Birdland with new fire. 2023's "Continuance" (Mack Avenue) and 2022's "Origin" (Mack Avenue) were met with critical acclaim; the latter featuring his heavy-hitting trio of Kendrick Scott and Larry Grenadier, as well as his collaborators Chris Potter and Gilad Hexelman. The passionate virtuoso Alexander has been in the company of masters for now quite some time. At only 21 years old, he has already lived a musician's dream life, performing on the world's biggest stages (Obama's White House, the Grand Ole Opry, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Newport Jazz Festival) with its most revered names (Wayne Shorter, Wynton Marsalis, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Esperanza Spalding)—all since the age of 11. For this week at the Jazz Club, Alexander will bring the latest moment of his mature genius to your ears. Rising star vocalist Ekep Nkwelle joins this week. $45 tables / $35 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 9 (Wednesday) 6:00 PM - Birdland Theater 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 21st 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! $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 9 (Wednesday) 8:30 PM - Birdland Theater Frank Vignola's Guitar Night With Mike Stern It's the best jazz guitar lover's show in the world. Frank Vignola's virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world's top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Les Paul, the Boston and New York Pops, and more. Every Wednesday at 8:30pm in the Birdland Theater, Frank leads "Frank Vignola's Guitar Night at Birdland." Inspired by journeyman jazz guitarist John Pisano's now famous Los Angeles Guitar Night, the Frank Vignola Quartet, featuring pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist Gary Mazzaroppi, and drummer Alex Raderman, perform tunes from the standard repertoire, bringing in special guests weekly. This week it's Mike Stern. **Guitar night streams live every week at: YouTube.com/RadioFreeBirdland $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 10 (Thursday) 5:30 & 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band Led by veteran trumpeter Simon Wettenhall and Grammy winning pianist Conal Fowkes, The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band is a New Orleans-style group which for decades has served as Woody Allen's band of choice in his movies, concert tours and other performances—including, on the silver screen, the celebrated Wild Man Blues, Sweet and Lowdown, Midnight in Paris, Blue Jasmine, Cafe Society, Magic In The Moonlight, and A Rainy Day In New York. Appearing on all the premiere concert stages of Europe and the United States, the group features Conal Fowkes (piano/vocals co-leader), Simon Wettenhall (trumpet/vocals co-leader), Tom Abbott (clarinet), Harvey Tibbs (trombone), Josh Dunn (banjo), Brian Nalepka (bass/vocals), and Kevin Dorn (drums). Catch them each Thursday at Birdland Theater. $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 11 (Friday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club The Birdland Big Band Every Friday, and for two headlining weeks a year, the “BBB” roars into action playing a thrilling and original mix of jazz, funk, Brazilian, Latin and world music for sold-out audiences. Featured weekly guest artists drop in from television bands (David Letterman, Saturday Night Live) and pop music touring bands (Rob Thomas, Rod Stewart). Come see for yourself why Time Out New York called the BBB “A completely unique experience… there isn’t another band like this anywhere, ” and why yelp.com proclaims, “If you hear one band in NYC make sure this is it… and prepare to be blown away!” $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 11-13 (Friday-Sunday) 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM – Birdland Theater Jocelyn Gould Quartet JUNO award-winning guitarist Jocelyn Gould is a straight-ahead swinging practitioner whose work with her own quartet, as well with artists like Freddy Cole, Etienne Charles and Michael Dease, has led to international acclaim. Gould has spent the last several years touring extensively. Last year she completed a 10 week, 45 city tour produced by Jazz At Lincoln Center and IMG artists as part of a show called “Sing and Swing, ” where she performed as a leader at iconic venues Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Birdland and London’s Pizza Express; and in late 2023 she toured her release “Sonic Bouquet” (nominated for another JUNO award) across the US, Canada, and Europe. Gould endorses Benedetto Guitars, whose CEO Howard Paul has called Gould “a leader in the next generation of great mainstream jazz guitarists.” Her debut release as a leader, “Elegant Traveler, ” won a 2021 JUNO for Jazz Album of the Year. She released her latest album, “Portrait of Right Now, ” in October of 2024. Enjoy her quartet, where she delivers feel-good music with a fresh, bluesy sensibility. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 12 (Saturday) 5:30 PM - Birdland Jazz Club Pasquale Grasso Praised by Pat Metheny as “maybe the best jazz guitar player I’ve heard in my entire life, ” the stunning guitarist Pasquale Grasso is one of the most beautiful and innovative musical voices of a generation. Grasso’s eloquent classical technique, jazz phrasing, bebop rhythms and nimble fret fireworks have distinguished him as a celebrated 21st century virtuoso. He has recorded 11 albums on the Sony Masterworks label, showcasing Grasso in solo-guitar format; and he performed on the 2x-Grammy-winning Samara Joy’s two recordings, Linger Awhile and Samara Joy. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 13 (Sunday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Emily Braden Emily Braden is the winner of New York City's “Best of the Best” Jazzmobile Vocal Competition and a two-time cultural ambassador with the US Embassy’s Arts Envoy Program. Originally from Boise, Idaho, the Harlem-based Braden is beloved in NYC—NYC performances include Birdland Jazz Club, Blue Note Jazz Club (Groove Series), and The Jazz Club at Aman, with residencies at The 55 Bar and Minton’s Playhouse. Braden’s sophomore album, “Cannon & Sparrow, ” was released spring 2023 and is a “celebration of resilience, ” further defining Braden’s powerhouse blend of jazz and soul, and featuring standards and her arresting original songwriting. Whether she’s engaging audiences with an intimate ballad or an upbeat, swinging number, Braden’s mastery of phrasing and improvisation sets her apart. $30 tables / $20 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 13 (Sunday) 8:30 & 10:30 PM - Birdland Jazz Club The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra (ALJO) brings together the drama of big band jazz, the culture of Latin music, and the virtuosity of eighteen of the world’s most accomplished solo musicians. Thirteen years of critically acclaimed performances internationally have firmly established the ALJO as the standard-bearer for creative interpretation of Latin jazz greats such as Tito Puente, Frank “Machito” Grillo, and Chico O’Farrill, as well as the driving force behind new commissions from Latin music’s most talented composers and arrangers. $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 14 - April 15 (Monday-Tuesday) 5:30 & 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks Catch Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks every Monday and Tuesday evening in April at Birdland Theater! Giordano, the recipient of a GRAMMY Award for his work scoring the HBO show Boardwalk Empire, is a master composer and arranger whose 11-piece band, The Nighthawks, recreate the jubilant 1920s jazz sound with amazing definition, using violins, tubas, banjos, and collector’s item drum sets. The band has provided soundtracks for film and television productions including The Cotton Club, The Aviator, Finding Forrester, Revolutionary Road, Cafe Society, Boardwalk Empire, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and many more. Not to be missed! $40 tables / $30 bar / $20 partial view table seating + $20 food/drink minimum April 14 (Monday) 7:00 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Nicole Henry After a sold-out debut performance, singer Nicole Henry brings her band back to Birdland. The New York Times, Miami Herald, and Jazz Times Magazine have praised this adept vocalist, who BroadwayWorld Miami named her “Vocalist of the Decade” and who Billboard says “aims right for the emotional center.” Henry’s 20-year recording career has included 8 critically acclaimed chart-topping CDs, four top-ten jazz albums on the U.S. Billboard, JazzWeek, HMV Japan, and U.K. Sweet Rhythms charts, and a Soul Train Award for “Best Traditional Jazz Performance.” She was also hailed as one of eight “Black Artists Making Waves in 2024” and earned four “Nicole Henry Days” in the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County for her career accomplishments and philanthropic involvement, especially for her support for organizations nurturing children. Hot House Jazz said, “Few voices can set a listening room on fire, then let it burn into a cinder like Nicole Henry’s.” Since late 2019, Ms. Henry’s return to the theatrical stage garnered critical praise for her roles in “The Bodyguard, ” “The Color Purple, ” and the debut “A Wonderful World, ” based on the life of Louis Armstrong. Expect a dazzling display. $40 tables / $40 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 14 (Monday) 9:30 PM - Birdland Jazz Club Jim Caruso’s Cast Party Step into the glittering world of Jim Caruso’s Cast Party, the legendary weekly open mic night that turns Birdland into the ultimate showbiz playground! Every Monday, the iconic venue transforms into a raucous, star-studded celebration of music, comedy, and jaw-dropping talent, where seasoned pros and up-and-coming performers share the stage in an unforgettable, high-energy variety show. Leading the charge is the ever-dapper Jim Caruso. With his signature charm and boundless enthusiasm, Caruso keeps the night moving at a thrilling pace, welcoming Broadway belters, jazz virtuosos, master tappers, and the occasional surprise megastar drop-in! Fueling the musical magic is the incomparable trio of powerhouse musicians: the dazzling Billy Stritch at the piano, the rock-solid Steve Doyle on bass, and the dynamic Daniel Glass on drums. Together, they create a swinging, electrifying sound that transforms every performance into a showstopping moment. From Tony and Oscar winners to hopeful newcomers, Cast Party is where talent shines, friendships are forged, and the spirit of live performance is alive and thriving. Whether you’re gracing the stage or cheering from the audience, one thing’s for sure—you never know who might take the mic next! Join the party every Monday night at Birdland and witness why Jim Caruso’s Cast Party remains a can’t-miss New York City tradition. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 15-19 (Tuesday-Saturday) 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM (4/15-17); 8:30 PM & 10:30 PM (4/18-19) – Birdland Jazz Club Chad LB Quartet Celebrated as a saxophone prodigy from a young age, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown is now an internationally-recognized musician, seen on world stages with Taylor Swift, Chris Botti, the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra, and his own groups. Performances at Carnegie Hall, the Super Bowl, and Madison Square Garden have been highlights in his star-studded career, and his albums have met great critical acclaim: critic Doug Ramsey named Lefkowitz-Brown’s debut album, Image Manifesto, “Debut Album of the Year, ” and DownBeat named Onward, his May 2017 release, an Editor’s Pick for 2017. His two 2021 releases—Open World, featuring greats Lionel Loueke, Randy Brecker, and other stars, and Quartet Sessions featuring his brilliant peers—were released on La Reserve. $45 tables / $35 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 16 (Wednesday) 6:00 PM - Birdland Theater 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 21st 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! $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 16 (Wednesday) 8:30 PM - Birdland Theater Frank Vignola’s Guitar Night With Mike Stern It's the best jazz guitar lover's show in the world. Frank Vignola's virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Les Paul, the Boston and New York Pops, and more. Every Wednesday at 8:30pm in the Birdland Theater, Frank leads “Frank Vignola’s Guitar Night at Birdland.” Inspired by journeyman jazz guitarist John Pisano’s now famous Los Angeles Guitar Night, the Frank Vignola Quartet, featuring pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist Gary Mazzaroppi, and drummer Alex Raderman, perform tunes from the standard repertoire, bringing in special guests weekly. This week it's Mike Stern. **Guitar night streams live every week at: YouTube.com/RadioFreeBirdland $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 17 (Thursday) 5:30 & 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band Led by veteran trumpeter Simon Wettenhall and Grammy winning pianist Conal Fowkes, The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band is a New Orleans-style group which for decades has served as Woody Allen’s band of choice in his movies, concert tours and other performances—including, on the silver screen, the celebrated Wild Man Blues, Sweet and Lowdown, Midnight in Paris, Blue Jasmine, Cafe Society, Magic In The Moonlight, and A Rainy Day In New York. Appearing on all the premiere concert stages of Europe and the United States, the group features Conal Fowkes (piano/vocals co-leader), Simon Wettenhall (trumpet/vocals co-leader), Tom Abbott (clarinet), Harvey Tibbs (trombone), Josh Dunn (banjo), Brian Nalepka (bass/vocals), and Kevin Dorn (drums). Catch them each Thursday at Birdland Theater. $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 18 (Friday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club The Birdland Big Band Every Friday, and for two headlining weeks a year, the “BBB” roars into action playing a thrilling and original mix of jazz, funk, Brazilian, Latin and world music for sold-out audiences. Featured weekly guest artists drop in from television bands (David Letterman, Saturday Night Live) and pop music touring bands (Rob Thomas, Rod Stewart). Come see for yourself why Time Out New York called the BBB “A completely unique experience… there isn’t another band like this anywhere, ” and why yelp.com proclaims, “If you hear one band in NYC make sure this is it… and prepare to be blown away!” $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 18-20 (Friday-Sunday) 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM – Birdland Theater Allan Harris: The Poetry of Jazz Enjoy the rich baritone voice of Allan Harris, whose luxurious balladry and bluesman slickness make him one of jazz’s leading men. With 16 albums as a leader, Harris has been prodigious throughout his career, and he counts among his highlights performances at festivals and halls in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as at the 2012 London Olympics. At home, he has toured nationally and performed at top venues such as New York's Lincoln Center and D.C.'s Kennedy Center. Harris is also an accomplished guitarist. A three-time recipient of the New York Nightlife Award for “Outstanding Jazz Vocalist” and the DownBeat Critics Poll Award for “Rising Star Vocalist, ” Harris brings his storied life into each song. He previews his upcoming poetry-jazz project at Birdland. $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 19 (Saturday) 5:30 PM - Birdland Jazz Club Pasquale Grasso Praised by Pat Metheny as “maybe the best jazz guitar player I’ve heard in my entire life, ” the stunning guitarist Pasquale Grasso is one of the most beautiful and innovative musical voices of a generation. Grasso’s eloquent classical technique, jazz phrasing, bebop rhythms and nimble fret fireworks have distinguished him as a celebrated 21st century virtuoso. He has recorded 11 albums on the Sony Masterworks label, showcasing Grasso in solo-guitar format; and he performed on the 2x-Grammy-winning Samara Joy’s two recordings, Linger Awhile and Samara Joy. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 20 (Sunday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Joe Alterman Trio w/ Houston Person: “Brisket for Breakfast” Album Release Celebration Enjoy a night with Birdland favorite Joe Alterman as he celebrates the release of his new recording, “Brisket for Breakfast” with tenor saxophonist legend Houston Person! Alterman is the pianist who Ramsey Lewis calls “a joy to behold”; who Les McCann calls “a giant”; and whose warm, upbeat pianism calls forth the exuberant wit of Ahmad Jamal, the blues of Red Garland, and the reflections of Bill Evans. An Atlanta native who has been performing in New York City for over ten years, his last releases were Joe Alterman Plays Les McCann: Big Mo & Little Joe (August 2023) and Solo Joe: Songs You Know both in the same month. His prior recording, The Upside of Down, captured the power of two sets he played at Birdland in 2019 and 2020 in the months just preceding the pandemic. Alterman’s expertise lies in his ability to bring the heat on keys, conjuring up the down-home good feelings which we so badly need right about now. Perhaps this is why famed jazz critic Nat no Hentoff says that the young pianist “would have been able to hold his own jamming with...Lester Young, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, and Duke Ellington.” In this engagement, he will be jamming with jazz royalty in the form of Houston Person, whose soulful saxophone cry brought him into collaboration with Horace Silver, Lena Horne, Ron Carter, and so many others throughout the second half of the 20th century. Let Alterman and Person swing you out of your seats. Don’t be surprised if you dance the whole show! $30 tables / $20 bar + $20 food/drink minimum April 20 (Sunday) 8:30 & 10:30 PM - Birdland Jazz Club The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra (ALJO) brings together the drama of big band jazz, the culture of Latin music, and the virtuosity of eighteen of the world’s most accomplished solo musicians. Thirteen years of critically acclaimed performances internationally have firmly established the ALJO as the standard-bearer for creative interpretation of Latin jazz greats such as Tito Puente, Frank “Machito” Grillo, and Chico O’Farrill, as well as the driving force behind new commissions from Latin music’s most talented composers and arrangers. $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum write your comments about the article :: © 2025 Jazz News :: home page |