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What's Coming Up at Birdland: February 17 - March 2 February 17-18 (Monday-Tuesday) 5:30 & 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks Catch Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks every Monday evening in January 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 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; $25 livestream. February 17 (Monday) 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 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 19 (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 18th 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 19 (Wednesday) 8:30 PM - Birdland Theater Frank Vignola’s Guitar Night With Sam Raderman 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 Sam Raderman. *Guitar night streams live every week at: YouTube.com/RadioFreeBirdland $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 20 (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 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 21 (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 February 22 (Saturday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Pasquale Grasso Trio Described by jazz guitar icon Pat Metheny as “the best guitar player I’ve heard in maybe my entire life, ” Italian-born virtuoso Pasquale Grasso brings his signature blend of rapturous swing and jaw-dropping technique to Birdland! Grasso has developed an astounding technique and concept informed by bebop pioneers like Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and the classical-guitar tradition. $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 23 (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 February 24-25 (Monday-Tuesday) 5:30 & 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks Catch Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks every Monday evening in January 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 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 24 (Monday) 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 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 26 (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 18th 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 26 (Wednesday) 8:30 PM - Birdland Theater Frank Vignola’s Guitar Night With Ed Cherry 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 Ed Cherry. *Guitar night streams live every week at: YouTube.com/RadioFreeBirdland $40 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum February 27 (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 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 27 (Thursday) 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater Weimin Huang Quintet A revered Chinese-born multiinstrumentalist 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 28 (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 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 March 1 (Saturday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Gabrielle Stravelli Gabrielle Stravelli combines a tremendous swing feel with a gift for lyric interpretation, leading to a richly varied career defined by highly individual choices and a genuine connection with audiences. In the last year Gabrielle made her Carnegie Hall debut with the New York Pops Orchestra and released her fifth album, "Beautiful Moons Ago."Gabrielle has collaborated with world-renowned jazz pianist Fred Hersch three times, premiering his song cycle "Rooms of Light", filming an online masterclass for openstudio.com and most recently recording a new song cycle to be released this month. She toured the U.S. premiering "Abyssinian" with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and as a U.S. State Department "Jazz Ambassador" since 2015, she has performed and taught throughout Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and South America. *(Confirm blurb) $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum *(Confirm Pricing) March 2 (Sunday) 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano: "Painting The Town" Eric Comstock (piano/voice) and Barbara Fasano (voice) bring their singular, soulful showmanship back home to Birdland for a one-show special event celebrating the release of their first joint CD PAINTING THE TOWN. Hailed as “smart, funny, and utterly delightful” and "a hotbed of pleasure" by The New York Times, the acclaimed married musical couple have painted a portrait of their love for one another, the music, and their “brilliant, resilient helluva town!” Comstock and Fasano draw from an ever-evolving American Songbook that unites the generations. Included will be Jazz and pop classics by Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, and Cole Porter as well as singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Paul Simon. Eric and Barbara’s unique take on their material makes their sets fresh, spontaneous, and fun – and their audiences feel they’ve been to a terrific party where the music and the stories have been equally great. Joining them will be the PAINTING THE TOWN band: an eminent rhythm section – bassist Sean Smith and drummer Vito Lesczak. The evening’s special guest, a true jazz icon, is the legendary tenor saxophonist Houston Person. $35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum March 2 (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 |
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