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Live at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater: February 2025 January 28 - February 1 (Tuesday-Saturday) 7:00 & 9:30 PM (1/28-30); 8:30 & 10:30 PM (1/31-2/1) – Birdland Jazz Club Ms. Lisa Fischer featuring Orrin Evans Trio Brooklyn-born vocal sensation Lisa Fischer is an international icon of music. Winning a Grammy for her single “How Can I Ease The Pain?” off her 1991 debut; touring with the Rolling Stones for 26 years; singing background for Luther Vandross, Tina Turner, and Sting: this powerhouse singer has shared musical magic with the world for four decades and counting. Her style flexible and her knowledge vast, Fischer can find home within soulful, rocking, funky, and swinging passages all within a single song. In this regard, pianist Orrin Evans—symbol of a parallel brand of mastery, both encyclopedic and personal—is a perfect match. Evans’ projects are wide-ranging: from his Captain Black Big Band to his collaborative group Tarbaby (with Nasheet Waits and Eric Revis) to his chair in the Mingus Big Band and his role as the pianist in The Bad Plus. Evans and Fischer collaborate frequently; in this setting, Evans brings a trio to support the incredible Ms. Fischer, who is sure to leave audiences breathless. $50 tables / $40 bar + $20 food/drink minimum January 31 - February 2 (Friday-Sunday) 7:00 & 9:30 PM – Birdland Theater Elan Mehler Sextet In what is sure to be a moving weekend of performances, pianist and composer Elan Mehler assembles a sextet to bring to life his enigmatic lyrical imagination. Mehler’s pianism is insightful, dextrous, heartfelt and challenging. In his brand of playing, affection for the masters of the jazz tradition meet a modernist’s insistence—and his use of space, long-hanging notes, crunchy lines, sensitive interplay, and creative outburst make his artistry fulfilling to watch, hear, and think over. Recordings with modern greats Bill Frisell, Becca Stevens, and Dave Douglas speak for his abilities, including the gorgeous Stevens collaboration Pallet On Your Floor, the Douglas collaboration If There Are Mountains, and Mehler’s own TJ and the Revenge, featuring Frisell. Mehler is also featured on Kimbrough, the special tribute album to legendary modern pianist Frank Kimbrough. For this three-night engagement he assembles sextets from a mysterious cast—the elusive guitarist Ben Monder, cryptic altoist Loren Stillman, legendary tenorman George Garzone, delightful reedist Scott Robinson, master bass player Tony Scherr, and the exuberant drummers Matt Wilson and Francisco Mela—before heading into the studio with these musicians to cut his 12th recording as a leader. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 1 (Saturday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Hilary Kole Quartet Hilary is a singer, composer and arranger who can be seen performing throughout the US, Europe and Japan with her small ensemble and as a guest artist with symphony orchestras including the NY Pops, Indianapolis Symphony and The Colorado Symphony among others. Before becoming a solo orchestral artist, she co-wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed, Off-Broadway reviews, “Our Sinatra, ” and “Singing Astaire” both of which had long New York runs and toured extensively nationwide. She made her professional career debut at the legendary Rainbow Room as the youngest singer ever to grace the stage. From there, she made her concert hall debut at Lincoln Center and has appeared at Carnegie Hall in a Tribute to Oscar Peterson as well as at the Canadian Memorial to Dr. Peterson at Roy Thompson Hall alongside Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock. Hilary is proud to be making her return to Birdland, where she led many jazz parties and headlined for many years. $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 2 (Sunday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Margot Sergent Sextet: "Jazz Chansons" Margot returns to Birdland to celebrate her ZOHO Jazz label album; a disc that has been zooming up prominent jazz music charts (landing in the Top 10 on a couple), and receiving widespread airplay on alt-jazz stations including most played Sirius XM real jazz show. Douce France, Sweet France can be streamed and downloaded on all major platforms. He was among the five nominees for the LaMott Friedman Award 2024 at the Manhattan Association of Cabaret. She will share with her sextet, French infused standards, and French swing gems. With Patrick Sean Brennan on guitar, Peter Yarin on drum, Alec Safy on bass, Grammy Award-winner Linus Wyrsch on clarinet and saxophone, Clint de Ganon on drum, Margot Sergent will present for the first time in concert her own compelling original compositions, along with stirring renditions of French classics of Charles Trenet, Serge Gainsburg, Michel Legrand, and French infused standards to which Margot Sergent wrote their French versions, ll employing her mesmerizing voice and unique jazz language. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 3 (Monday) 7:00 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Jeff Harnar: “Confessions Of A New Yorker” Award-winning concert artist Jeff Harnar returns to Birdland with “Confessions of a New Yorker”, an early musical Valentine to New York City featuring the songs of of Cy Coleman, Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein, Rodgers & Hart, Comden & Green and more. The award-winning Music Director Alex Rybeck leads the trio featuring Ritt Henn of bass and Dan Gross on drums in a set that includes “I Happen to Like New York, ” “Manhattan, ” “East Side of Heaven” and many surprises. Included will be a special spotlight on some more contemporary New York-based songwriters including Annie Dinerman, Bob Walton, Francesca Blumenthal, Portia Nelson and Alex Rybeck. Harnar and Rybeck are celebrating forty-one years of musical collaboration, in a partnership that has taken their shows across the country, to London, Norway, Paris and on the High Seas. $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 4-8 (Tuesday-Saturday) 7:00 & 9:30 PM (2/4-6); 8:30 & 10:30 PM (2/7-8) – Birdland Jazz Club Mike Stern Band One of the great jazz guitarists of his generation, Mike Stern has the unique ability to play with the finesse and lyricism of Jim Hall, the driving swing of Wes Montgomery and the turbulent, overdriven attack of Jimi Hendrix. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, Stern revered all three of those guitar immortals, along with such potent blues guitarists as Albert and B.B. King. Aspects of those seminal influences can be heard in his playing on the 18 recordings he has released as a leader or in his acclaimed sideman work for Miles Davis, Billy Cobham, the Brecker Brothers, Jaco Pastorius, Steps Ahead, David Sanborn, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Joe Henderson and the all-star Four Generations of Miles band. For this run, the bandleader has assembled an all-star lineup of musicians, including Dennis Chambers on drums, Randy Brecker on trumpet, Leni Stern on guitar, and Darryl Jones on bass. He celebrates his new album Echoes and Other Sounds at Birdland this week. $45 tables / $35 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 6 (Thursday) 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater Champian Fulton Trio With 16 albums to her credit, Champian is considered one of the most gifted pure Jazz musicians of her generation. Among her multiple awards she was recently named Pianist and Vocalist of 2019 by Hot House Magazine Readers Poll. Today her piano and voice skills are widely recognized by peers and critics as possessing distinction and sophistication. From North America to Europe, Africa to Australia, Champian’s swinging style and charismatic performances have made her a guardian of the legacy of Jazz. Fulton's trio features the esteemed rhythm section of Russell Hall on bass and Willie Jones III on drums for this Thursday evening performance. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 7-9 (Friday-Sunday) 7:00 & 9:30 PM – Birdland Theater Nicole Zuraitis: Siren Songs Album Release Nicole Zuraitis is a GRAMMY winning and multi GRAMMY-nominated jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger, New York-based bandleader and winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. With a “heart as big as her remarkable voice, ” (Jazz Police), Nicole has positioned herself as one of the top artists and "prolific songwriters" (Broadway World) to watch in jazz and beyond. As a recording artist, Nicole has released five albums as leader, and her sixth album, How Love Begins, co-produced with eight-time GRAMMY-winner Christian McBride, won Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2024 GRAMMY® awards and features all original music. Zuraitis will perform alongside her longstanding ensemble, which includes Idan Morim on guitar, Sam Weber on bass, and Dan Pugach on drums. Her latest album explores the work of female songwriters. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 9 (Sunday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Summer Camargo Sextet Summer Camargo is a 23-year-old jazz trumpeter and composer who was recently named "25 for the future" rising stars of jazz by DownBeat magazine. Summer is a native of Hollywood, Florida and a Jerome Green Fellowship recipient at The Juilliard School, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Not only is Summer a regular performer at notable NYC jazz clubs like Dizzy’s, Birdland, and at the Drom with the Mingus Big Band, but she also became the newest and youngest member of the Saturday Night Live house band in 2022. In her young career, Summer has toured with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, performed with Jon Batiste at the Newport Jazz Festival, and was a guest artist at Wynton at 60, just to name a few. Summer released her debut album To Whom I Love with Blue Engine Records in March of 2024. Summer is also a proud Conn Selmer/Bach artist. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 10 (Monday) 7:00 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Julie Benko & Euphonic Gumbo Birdland is happy to announce the return of Julie Benko – direct from Broadway’s Funny Girl and Harmony– with her band “Euphonic Gumbo” on Monday, February 10 at 7pm! Julie Benko marches her band out at Birdland once again for her annual Mardi Gras celebration! Let the good times roll with Broadway's greatest star and her seven-piece ensemble Euphonic Gumbo for an evening of classic New Orleans-style jazz, featuring tap dancer extraordinaire (and Funny Girl castmate) John Manzari as a special guest. Songs include selections from her recent Club44 Records release Hand in Hand (“Louisiana Fairy Tale, ” “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?”), her debut album Introducing Julie Benko (“Love for Sale”), and other classics (“Basin St. Blues, ” "Iko, Iko, " "St. James Infirmary"), with fresh arrangements by her jazz-pianist spouse Jason Yeager. Grab your beads and join the parade – nobody's gonna rain on this one! Julie Benko joined the annals of theatrical lore for her sensational understudy-to-star trajectory as Fanny Brice in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl. She received Theatre World’s Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theatre and was named the 2022 “Breakout Star for Theater” by The New York Times and one of “10 Broadway Stars to Watch for 2023” by Variety, honored as one of “40 Under 40” for Crain’s New York Business, hailed by CBS Mornings as “Broadway’s breakout star, ” and profiled in numerous national media outlets including Time. Following Funny Girl, she returned to Broadway to originate the role of Ruth in Barry Manilow’s long-gestating musical Harmony. Benko has released 3 studio albums, including Hand in Hand (Club44 Records), a duo effort with her pianist-composer spouse Jason Yeager that won the BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award for “Best Commercial Album” and received a MAC Award nomination for “Best Major Album, " as well as Christmas With You (Club44 Records) and Introducing Julie Benko. This show will be live streamed—visit the Birdland website for more information. $40 tables / $40 bar + $20 food/drink minimum; $25 livestream. February 11-15 (Tuesday-Saturday) 7:00 & 9:30 PM (2/11-13); 8:30 & 10:30 PM (2/14-15) – Birdland Jazz Club Catherine Russell Valentine’s week with Catherine Russell! Internationally-renowned vocalist Catherine Russell is jazz royalty. Her grandfather, Elisha Ray, graduated from Juilliard in 1925 and performed with Harlem Renaissance legend James Reese Europe. Her mother, vocalist Carline Ray, toured with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm and attended The Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music in the 1950s. And her father, Luis Russell, was Louis Armstrong’s musical director. Born into the music, Ms. Russell possesses an easy feeling and genuine soulfulness, documented on seven acclaimed recordings under her own name and over 200 recordings for and with other major artists. Her latest recording, My Ideal (2024, Dot Time) with pianist Sean Mason, earned the Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album, joining 2019’s Alone Together and 2016’s Harlem on My Mind which received the same distinction. Russell’s style tastefully mixes early Harlem jazz stylings and American Songbook gems with New Orleans music and country blues stylings. Russell is a Valentine’s staple at Birdland. Fittingly, since after her every performance—Valentine’s or not—the feeling of romance stays hanging in the air. $50 tables / $40 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 14 (Friday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club The Birdland Big Band with Special Guest Hilary Kole This Valentine’s Day, enjoy the wonderful Hilary Kole with Birdland’s very own Birdland Big Band! Singer, composer, and arranger Kole can be seen performing throughout the US, Europe, and Japan. Co-writer and co-star of the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway reviews “Our Sinatra” and “Singing Astaire, ” both of which had long New York runs and toured extensively nationwide, Kole has shown herself a multitalented artist; she also sings as a solo orchestral performer with the NY Pops, Indianapolis Symphony, and The Colorado Symphony, among others. This Friday engagement, she joins the unmatched congregation of modern-day style that is 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 February 14-16 (Friday-Sunday) 7:00 & 9:30 PM – Birdland Theater Melissa Errico: I Can Dream, Can’t I? – Classic Songs for Valentine’s Day Melissa Errico’s new Valentine residency 2025 is a collection of standards that are not standard. Though many of the songs are familiar, even classics, they become intimate conversations and private reflections on romance & desire. Accompanied by a jazz trio led by jazz pianist Andy Ezrin, Melissa returns to Birdland for her third annual Valentine’s residency, ready to whisper & swing her romantic secrets and illusions. Come hear why The Wall Street Journal calls Melissa Errico, “A nonpareil performer” and why BroadwayWorld announced that she is “one of the great musical interpreters of our time.” Songs by Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Joni Mitchell, David Shire & Adam Gopnik, Dave Frishberg, Patricia Barber, Scott Frankel & more: in her most introspective, secretive, & sensual show yet, titles move from “Lost in His Arms” and “Why Did I Choose You?” — to “But, Beautiful”, and the sweetly erotic – “Dancing On the Ceiling.” The songs taken as a found ‘cycle’ may still, however, point a path, paint a little picture. A love story made of sighs and secrets rather than neat happy endings. A series of evasions and implications. Love as an obstacle course run by adults rather than meadows measured by children. Spring will be a little late this year. Only a little, but that’s enough. $50 tables / $40 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 16 (Sunday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club John Hart Trio ft. Jake Hart A master of the guitar with deep roots in jazz, John Hart has been a driving force on the scene for decades, collaborating with legends like Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff, Larry Goldings, James Moody, Jon Hendrix, Chris Potter, and Maria Schneider. Known for his inventive playing and sophisticated compositions, Hart’s discography spans over 15 albums as a leader, including releases on such prestigious labels as Blue Note and Concord, and over 100 albums as a sideman. For this Sunday evening performance, his group features emerging pianist and composer Jake Hart, recently signed to Sunnyside Records. Veterans Bill Moring (bass) and Tim Horner (drums) round out the group. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 17 (Monday) 7:00 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Natalie Douglas: Sammy at 100 – The Life & Music of Sammy Davis, Jr. Singer Natalie Douglas returns to the Birdland stage to celebrate the centennial of a legendary and beloved artist in “Sammy at 100 — The Life & Music of Sammy Davis, Jr.” Natalie is thrilled to collaborate with her longtime Music Director, Mark Hartman (2022 Drama Desk Nominee) and band as they present a stunning tribute to the phenomenal Sammy Davis, Jr. Through the use of her gorgeous voice & lively showbiz tales, Natalie will share songs and stories of this beloved and much missed mega-talent of Rat Pack fame, including material to celebrate Sammy’s 100th. As a young girl, Natalie joined the many Sammy Davis, Jr. fans around the world in their devotion to his multi-threat talents, charm, humor, dignity, and emotional impact. Multi-award-winning Natalie Douglas has performed throughout the U.S. and internationally as well as having produced 80 different concerts at her musical home, Birdland Jazz Club. $40 tables / $40 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 18-22 (Tuesday-Saturday) 7:00 & 9:30 PM (2/18-20); 8:30 & 10:30 PM (2/21-22) – Birdland Jazz Club The Bad Plus Making their highly anticipated Birdland debut, The Bad Plus continues to redefine the boundaries of jazz. Known for their bold, genre-blurring approach, this powerhouse quartet first captivated audiences in the early 2000s with albums like These Are the Vistas and Give, blending avant-garde improvisation, intricate compositions, and a fearless reimagining of music across genres—from jazz standards to rock anthems. With their current lineup pushing the band’s creative evolution even further, co-founders Dave King (drums) and Reid Anderson (bass) as well as new members and old friends Chris Speed (saxophone) and Ben Monder (guitar) promise an unforgettable night of innovation and musical brilliance. Don’t miss this groundbreaking group in one of NYC’s most iconic jazz venues. $45 tables / $35 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 20-23 (Thursday-Sunday) 8:30 PM (2/20); 7:00 & 9:30 PM (2/21-23) – Birdland Theater Unit 5: The Music of Cannonball Adderley and Nancy Wilson, with Ben Allison, Michael Wolff, Camille Thurman, Kal Ferretti, and Darrell Green Unit 5 celebrates the legendary February 1962 recording, Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley, whose slick and elegant arrangements captivate listeners to this day. Featuring pianist Michael Wolff, who performed with both Adderley and Wilson, this powerhouse quintet pays homage while bringing a fresh, contemporary look to the music. Ben Allison (bass), Camille Thurman (vocals, saxophone), Michael Wolff (piano), Darrell Green (drums), and Kal Ferretti (trumpet) unite for this special week to honor this iconic album, whose classic tracks include “Never Will I Marry, ” “A Sleeping Bee, ” “The Masquerade Is Over, ” “Happy Talk, ” and “Unit 7, ” from which the group derives its name. The members of the band boast a long collective resume, from work with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to the legendary Tony Williams, and from Pharoah Sanders and Dr. Lonnie Smith to Joe Lovano. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 23 (Sunday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club The Jon Gordon Nonet With 14 albums as a leader to his name, and nestled in long-term company with some of the music’s greatest practitioners, Jon Gordon is a powerful force in saxophone whose agile 9-piece ensemble is sure to excite audiences. Gordon, a mentee of legendary Phil Woods and the 1st place winner of the Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition in 1996, is known for his virtuosic technique, his rooted and soulful explorations, and his intellectual modernity. His latest recording, “Stranger Than Fiction, ” was selected as one of 2021’s top 10 jazz releases by Hot House, Jazziz, Cadence, and The Winnipeg Free Press. Wayne Shorter stated, “Gordon has embraced the history of his instrument, carrying with it the ability to extend music as a universal language, ” and All About Jazz calls him “easily one of the top alto saxophonists of his generation.” His New York appearance is not to be missed. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 24 (Monday) 7:00 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Bryce Edwards Frivolity Hour On Monday, February 24 at 7pm, nouveau vaudevillian Bryce Edwards will once again storm the Birdland stage with his Frivolity Hour! Back by popular demand! Come see why BroadwayWorld just named The Bryce Edwards Frivolity Hour as one of the best solo cabaret shows of 2024, alongside entertainment royalty such as Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, and Marilyn Maye (to name a few). Crooning troubadour and nouveau vaudevillian Bryce Edwards will share his original brand of hot traditional jazz and early 20th century popular music, playing all the lush serenades and hot novelties you never knew you always wanted to hear. Edwards is a unique vocalist that takes equal cues from the crooners and soft singers of the late 1920s and early 30s and from the bombastic voices of the earlier acoustic phonograph era, as well as an instrumentalist who plays banjo, ukulele, tenor guitar, and mandolin in the “modernistic” jazz idiom. Leading a hot combination featuring the talents of extraordinary jazzmen Scott Ricketts (cornet), Ricky Alexander (clarinet, alto saxophone), Conal Fowkes (piano), and Jay Rattman (bass saxophone), Edwards channels his passion into reviving some of that long lost intangible quality of the Jazz Age and igniting interest in an all too often overlooked era of music that, despite being a century old, still bubbles with humor, beauty, and often a defiant youthful energy. He brings his singular verve and sensibility to songs made famous by great artists such as Cliff Edwards, Ted Lewis, Jack Teagarden, Rudy Vallée, and Bing Crosby. Steeped in jazz age novelty, Bryce Edwards takes frivolity very seriously, and vows to entertain his audience or die trying. $35 tables / $35 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 25-26 (Tuesday-Wednesday) 7:00 & 9:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club WDR Big Band ft. Bob Mintzer and special guest Dave Stryker The world-renowned WDR Big Band has served for nearly 70 years as a beacon for jazz musicians across the globe. Known for the precision of their execution, their innovative arrangements of contemporary works, and their dynamic energy, this 4-time Grammy-winning Cologne, Germany-based ensemble seamlessly blends tradition with bold, cutting-edge arrangements. For their two-night engagement, they feature their Chief Conductor, the Grammy-winning (and 20-time Grammy-nominated) saxophonist, composer, and arranger Bob Mintzer. Mintzer’s work with legendary fusion group the Yellowjackets, drummer extraordinaire Buddy Rich, and the iconic Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra have made him a household name in straight-ahead, fusion, and big band jazz. Don’t miss this electrifying combination of virtuosity and creativity. $45 tables / $35 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 27 (Thursday) 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater Weimin Huang Quintet A revered Chinese-born multi-instrumentalist and composer, Ye Huang has performed across the world with Wynton Marsalis, Mike Stern, Dave Weckl, Arturo Sandoval, Eddie Daniels, and many others. Known for his clarinet, piano, and saxophone playing, Ye is the composer of a wide array of music: four albums, two clarinet sonatas, a clarinet concerto, a 7-movement suite, and an original musical, Jazzing, set to premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai (where he serves as musical director of the big band). He also serves as an Artistic Ambassador to the World Education Forum. Ye’s fusion of styles is a unique experience for every listener—a sound quite unlike any before it. His experimental work in 2024, an AI-composed realm entitled Quantum Groove, marked new explorations. Huang has been recognized by Forbes, WBGO, and DownBeat, delivered a TedX talk, and now leads the Jazzical 9 Ensemble, dedicated to a fusion of classical and jazz influences. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 27-29 (Thursday-Saturday) 7:00 & 9:30 PM (2/27); 8:30 & 10:30 PM (2/28-29) – Birdland Jazz Club Stella Cole 26 year-old Stella Cole is in rare possession of an old voice: a breathtaking visitation from the past. A veritable sensation, Cole has amassed a huge following of young fans: with nearly 900k followers on TikTok and over 600k on Instagram, she brings youth to the vintage sound of the Great American Songbook and brings the timeless wisdom of the songbook to audiences of all ages. Recent performances at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, Town Hall, 54 Below, and Cafe Carlyle, as well as praise from legends Michael Buble, James Taylor, and Meghan Trainor have all confirmed what aura of grandeur Cole naturally radiates: a dream-like quality, evoking Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, and Ella Fitzgerald for modern fans. This February, catch her four-night run on the Birdland stage. $50 tables / $40 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 28 - March 2 (Friday-Sunday) 7:00 & 9:30 PM – Birdland Theater Gunhild Carling International sensation, virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, vocalist extraordinaire—shall we say, conceptualist? The real question is: what can’t you say about Gunhild Carling? She seems to do it all: performing on trumpet, trombone, bagpipes, drums, piano, bass, three trumpets at once, a trumpet balanced vertically using no hands, all on one song which she is singing. Carling continuously proves she will break any limitation in front of her. And with her feel-good revival of 1920s hot swing, this brilliant entertainer makes audiences smile and dance as she wows them with unheard-of talents. Featured on Scott Bradlee's Post Modern Jukebox, Carling has put the 20s twist on popular contemporary songs such as Madonna’s “Material Girl, ” Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up, ” and Pharrell’s “Happy.” This will surely be a weekend filled with surprises! $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum Monthly Engagements: February 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 (Mondays and Tuesdays) 5:30 & 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks Catch Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks every Monday and Tuesday evening in February 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 February 3, 10, 17, 24 (Mondays) 9:30 PM - Birdland Jazz Club Jim Caruso’s Cast Party “Jim Caruso’s Cast Party, ” a New York institution for two decades, is a wildly popular weekly open mic night/variety show that has brought a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to Birdland since 2003. Called “show-business heaven” by The New York Times and “the gold-standard of open mic nights” by The Wall Street Journal, “Cast Party” presents a potent mix of Broadway stars, jazz swingers and cabaret legends, in addition to new faces and rising talent from every genre. The buoyant, sharp and charming Caruso guides the entire affair, while musical genius Billy Stritch (Liza Minnelli, Tony Bennett) holds court at the ivories and leads the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra (Steve Doyle on bass and Daniel Glass on drums). Eric Adams, the Mayor of the City of New York, recently proclaimed, “Whereas, I am enormously proud to lead a city renowned as a global capital of the arts, ‘Jim Caruso’s Cast Party’ has enriched our dynamic cultural landscape since 2003, and on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, I am pleased to recognize the weekly show's tremendous contributions to our performing arts and nightlife sectors.” $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 5, 12, 19, 26 (Wednesdays) 5:30 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 19th 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 February 5, 12, 19, 26 (Wednesdays) 8:30 PM - Birdland Theater Frank Vignola’s Guitar Night 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. In February, catch Rodney Jones, Pasquale Grasso and Jimmy Bruno (guitars, 2/5); Dave Stryker (guitar, 2/12); Pasquale Grasso (guitar, 2/19); and Ed Cherry (guitar, 2/26). *Guitar night streams live every week at: YouTube.com/RadioFreeBirdland $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 6, 13, 20, 27 (Thursdays) 5:30 PM (2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27) & 8:30PM (2/13) – 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 February 7, 14, 21, 28 (Fridays) 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 February 8, 15, 22 (Saturdays except 2/1) 5:30 PM - Birdland Jazz Club Pasquale Grasso Trio 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; he also performed on the 2x-Grammy-winning Samara Joy’s two recordings, Linger Awhile and Samara Joy. His swinging trio performs the last three Saturday afternoons in February. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 2, 9, 16, 23 (Sundays) 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 |
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