Bryce Pinkham, Andy Karl & Orfeh in SONGS FROM THE CRYPT and More Set for October at Birdland
By: BWW News Desk Sep. 14, 2016
Birdland Jazz Club has announced its October 2016 schedule, featuring Pharoah Sanders Quartet, Ron Carter Big Band, Eliane Elias, ShowBiz After Hours with Frank DiLella, Jane Monheit, Kurt Elling, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, Natalie Douglas, Bryce Pinkham, Jim Caruso's Cast Party and more. Scroll down for details!
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
September 27-October 1 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Ron Carter Big Band
Ron Carter is among the most original, prolific and influential bassists in jazz with more than 2,000 albums to his credit. Beginning his career in the 1960s with Jaki Byard and Eric Dolphy, Cannonball Adderley and a five year stint with the MiLes Davis' Quintet, Ron also performed and recorded with notables including Bill Evans, B.B. King, and Dexter Gordon. His Nonet features a standard rhythm section -- piano, bass, drums -- plus a cello quartet with Carter upfront on piccolo bass where his, "pizzicato work on the piccolo (which is half the size of a double bass, and tuned a fourth higher) pierces the ensemble's luminous accompaniment like a needle through satin." (Jazz Times).
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
October 2 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Eric Comstock + Barbara Fasano in "Helluva Town: A New York Soundtrack"
Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano, whose electrifying combination of warmth, wit, swing and sensuality have made them the nightclub world's most celebrated team, bring their fast-paced and swinging exploration of the Big Apple "Helluva Town: A New York Soundtrack" to Birdland. "Exhilarating ... a hotbed of pleasure!" raves The New York Times. The New York Observer adds, "He is hip, daring, confident and dynamic. She gives off palpable electricity." 2016 MAC Award winners for Major Duo Artists of the Year, these married musical partners are as entertaining as they are musically savvy.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
October 3 (Monday) at 7:00PM
"Freedom Songs 2016 - Songs of Justice and Joy"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is pleased to welcome Natalie Douglas back to her musical home on Monday, October 3 at 7pm. "Freedom Songs 2016" celebrates the struggle for equality for all - regardless of color, religion, sexual orientation, and gender by artists like Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, Pete Seeger, Dr. Nina Simone, Abbey Lincoln, Lena Horne, Helen Reddy, and more. As we approach Election Day 2016, come hear these enduring songs of freedom (including "Blackbird," "Now!," "Mississippi Goddam," "Freedom Day," & "I Am Woman"). Natalie, musical director Mark Hartman & the band will turn their considerable talents to explore the place where principle, passion, rhythm, melody, harmony, history and courage meet to change the world.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
October 4-8 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 6:00PM
Pharoah Sanders Quartet
Pharoah Sanders possesses one of the most distinctive tenor saxophone sounds in jazz. Harmonically rich and heavy with overtones, Sanders' sound can be as raw and abrasive as it is possible for a saxophonist to produce. Yet, Sanders is highly regarded to the point of reverence by a great many jazz fans. Although he made his name with expressionistic, nearly anarchic free jazz in John Coltrane's late ensembles of the mid-'60s, Sanders' later music is guided by more graceful concerns.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
October 6 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Taeko
Japanese native, Taeko moved to New York City from Shiga, Japan in the late 90's and quickly garnered the nickname "Songbird" from the NYC jazz elite. With a stunning four octave range, she sings with "deep soulfulness reminiscent of Anita Baker with sophisticated scatting a la Ella" as jazz critics describe.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
October 9 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Marcello Pellitteri in A Benefit for the Veronica Pellitteri Memorial Fund
Appearing with Marcello will be a stellar line up of musicians from New York City and Italy such as Bruce Barth, Lauren Kinhan, Chiara Civello, Laura Campisi and more surprise guests! World-class musician, Marcello Pellitteri is best known as an award-winning drummer. He is also an accomplished pianist, educator, composer, arranger and producer.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
October 9 (Sunday) at 9:00PM & 11:00PM
Bill O'Connell and the Latin Jazz All-Stars
For years the go-to pianist and arranger for artists such as Mongo SantaMaria, Dave Valentin, Gato Barbieri, The Fort Apache Band and many others, Bill O'Connell has perhaps more than any other pianist developed a true melding of Latin and Jazz music. His own playing-from its robust chordal comping to its exuberant and sometimes knotty solos-transcends categorization and combines rhythmic complexities with glittering single note runs in a sort of Bud Powell-meets-Chick-Corea sound. O'Connell provides a thoughtful program of originals and a few re-imagined standards filled with energy and high spirits from a powerful voice in Latin Jazz.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
October 10 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Jenna Esposito Returns to Birdland in
"Italian Undercover"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce the return of Jenna Esposito to the stage on Monday, October 10 at 7pm. The concert, titled "Italian Undercover," in honor of Columbus Day, will celebrate the most popular and influential Italian-American pop singers of the 20th century who changed their names and performed "Undercover!"
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
October 11-15 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11PM
Eliane Elias
Elias is known for her distinctive and immediately recognizable musical style which blends her Brazilian roots, her sensuous, alluring voice with her impressive instrumental jazz, classical and compositional skills. With 23 albums to date demonstrating her unique gifts as a pianist, singer, composer and arranger as well as melding her immense talents in jazz, pop, classical and Brazilian music, Eliane Elias is as Jazziz magazine has called her, "A citizen of the world" and "an artist beyond category."
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
October 13 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
John Yao Quintet
Trombonist, John Yao, leads lineup that consists of Saxophonist Billy Drewes, Pianist Randy Ingram, Bassist Peter Brendler and Drummer Shawn Baltazor.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
October 16 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Jamie deRoy and Friends
To Benefit The Actors Fund
Performers include Brandon Victor Dixon, Julie Gold, Julie Halston, Marilyn Maye and Steven Scott
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is pleased to announce that hostess/producer Jamie deRoy will be bringing her multi-MAC Award-winning Variety Show, Jamie deRoy & friends, to Birdland on Sunday, October 16 at 6pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit The Actors Fund: Jamie deRoy & friends Cabaret Initiative. Scheduled performers include Julie Gold (songwriter, "From A Distance"), Julie Halston You Can't Take It With You), Marilyn Maye (singing icon), Brandon Victor Dixon (Aaron Burr in Hamilton) & Steven Scott (comedian). The director of the one-night-only event will be Barry Kleinbort, with musical direction by Ron Abel.
All tickets $35-60, $10 food/drink minimum
October 17 (Monday) at 7:00PM
"Between the Moon and Me"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Tony and Grammy nominee, Bryce Pinkham, will perform his concert, "Between The Moon and Me" on the historic stage on Monday, October 17 at 7pm. Bryce Pinkham, currently starring on Broadway in Roundabout Theatre Company's Holiday Inn, attempts his first solo show, reveling in the intoxicating hustle of Broadway life, indulging the madcap daredevilry of live performance, and making whoopee to the foolhardy masquerade that is a life in show business.
All tickets $30-40, $10 food/drink minimum
October 18-22 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
In just over fifteen years, critically acclaimed vocalist Jane Monheit's silky phrasing and natural knack for storytelling have earned two Grammy nominations and established her as one of the most beloved and accomplished vocalists on the scene. Jane's sincere and romantic interpretations of songs have made her a favorite in the jazz, cabaret, and Broadway worlds. With a range and vocal skill rarely heard today, she is as comfortable singing Lennon/McCartney and Randy Newman as she is with Ivan Lins and Cole Porter. In the second decade of her career, she has undertaken ambitious projects in a variety of styles including her acclaimed recent CD "The Songbook Sessions: Music of Ella Fitzgerald." "Everything I'm singing now is a reflection of my truest self," says Monheit. "Growing up, listening to music and singing along with records was the greatest joy of my life. Beyond any other artist, I loved and revered Ella."
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
October 20 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Phil Palombi
Grammy award winning bassist Phil Palombi is "one of the most sought after bass players in New York City", according to Steely Dan tenor saxophonist and renowned jazz musician Walt Weiskopf. His performance and recording credits include such players as, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, George Coleman, Maynard Ferguson, Billy Hart, Louis Hayes, Vincent Herring, Etta Jones, Billy Kilson, Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, Harold Mabern, Steve Smith, Curtis Stigers, Lew Tabackin, Mark Turner, Chucho Valdes, and The Village Vanguard Orchestra to name a few.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
October 23 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
FLEURINE featuring Boys from Brazil
Jazz-vocalist Fleurine has always infused her work with a great deal of Brazilian music, but on her most recent projects she delves even deeper into Brazil featuring talented Brazilian composers, Chico Pinheiro and Ian Faquini, while also showcasing her own brand new original songs interspersed with work of some of her favorite famous Brazilian composers like Tom Jobim and Chico Buarque. She collaborated with Pinheiro, a true virtuoso on Jazz guitar hailing from Sao Paulo on her most recent Samba-infused album "San Francisco", while composer guitarist Ian Faquini adds a wealth of more folkloric Brazilian rhythms, making it a unique and exciting mix of Jazz and Brazilian music.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
October 24 (Monday) at 7:00PM
"Show Biz After Hours With Frank DiLella"
Returns to Birdland
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that NY1 theater journalist Frank DiLella will return to the Birdland stage with the seventh episode of his new talk show, "Show Biz After Hours With Frank DiLella." Frank's very special guest stars will be announced in the weeks to come. The event will be taped in front of a live audience on Monday, October 24 at 7pm. "Show Biz After Hours With Frank DiLella" is a regular theater-based live talk show featuring Broadway movers-and-shakers, impromptu musical performances, audience interaction, and a cocktail or two! Musical director for the show will be performer and composer Randy Redd. The show will be filmed and aired on Time Warner Cable's Video On Demand System.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
October 25 (Tuesday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Jane Bunnett and Maqueque
Saxophonist Jane Bunnett's "Spirits of Havana," the landmark 1993 album that brought together North American and Cuban musicians in Havana, preceded Buena Vista Social Club by three years. With her all-female sextet, Maqueque, whose self-titled debut recently won a Juno (the Canadian Grammy) for Best Group Jazz Album of the Year, Jane is breaking new ground yet again. The name of the group means "the energy of a young girl's spirit," and with four of its members still in their early twenties, this is a band with energy to spare. That spirit is manifested through propulsive montuno improvisations, call and response numbers and ivory-tickling piano features, as might be expected, but also on a stirring cover of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone." Maqueque (pronounced Mah-Keh-Keh) includes Canadian Jane Bunnet (saxophone) and Cuban musicians Yissy Garcia (drums) Melvis Santa (percussion and vocals) Dánae Olano (piano) Magdelys Savigne (batá drums and congas) Celia Jiménez (bass).
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
October 26-29 (Wednesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
"The Beautiful Day" CD Release Celebration
Regarded as one of the world's foremost jazz vocalists, Kurt Elling's rich baritone spans four octaves and features both astonishing technical mastery and emotional depth. His repertoire includes original compositions and modern interpretations of standards, all of which are springboards for inspired improvisation, scatting, spoken word, and poetry. Elling won the DownBeat Critics Poll for fourteen consecutive years and has also been GRAMMY nominated a dozen times. His most recent works include the full length album, Upward Spiral with Branford Marsalis, and a live performance of "New York Minute" with the superstar pianist Lang Lang for the upcoming PBS special Live from Lincoln Center. Elling recently signed a recording contract with OKeh/Sony Music Masterworks. His new CD release, "The Beautiful Day" is his first for the label as well as his first holiday album.
All tickets $50, $10 food/drink minimum
October 27 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Kristen Lee Sergeant
Kristen Lee Sergeant's newly released CD, Inside/Out (Whaling City Sound), has already been selected as Downbeat's Editors' Pick with Bobby Reed describing her vocals as "buttery or deliciously tart and impressive in this solid debut already yielding gems. Kristen and her formidable trio as she celebrates her debut release at Birdland on Thursday, Oct. 27th at 6:00PM with Kristen Lee Sergeant (vocals), David Budway (piano), Chris Smith (bass), Donald Edwards (drums) and Ted Nash (reeds).
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
October 30 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Paul Marinaro
Chicago-based jazz vocalist Paul Marinaro, dubbed as having "one of the most beautiful vocal instruments in the business today" by Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune, is a modern classic. Paul has quickly made a name for himself, becoming one of the most in-demand and respected male vocalists, and taking "his place among the top five male jazz singers active today." (Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene).
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
October 31 (Sunday) at 7:00PM
Andy Karl and Orfeh in "Songs from the Crypt"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is thrilled to announce that theater power-couple Orfeh and Andy Karl will appear in concert together on the historic stage on Monday, October 31 at 7pm. Rock out with Orfeh and Andy Karl on Halloween night at Birdland! The audience is invited to celebrate the Karls' favorite holiday with some favorite songs. Costumes are encouraged, and there will be candy prizes! Come for the songs, stay for the BOO's!
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Mondays) at 9:30PM
Jim Caruso's Cast Party
Jim Caruso's Cast Party is a wildly popular weekly soiree that brings a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night. It's a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars, backed by Steve Doyle on bass, Billy Stritch on piano and Daniel Glass on drums, hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
October 5, 12, 19, 26 (Wednesdays) at 5:30PM
David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band
Inspired by the noble jazz pioneers Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton and their colleagues, David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band breathes life and passion into America's own great art form. Now in its 14th year of residency at Birdland, the weekly post-workday engagement is the city's best musical bargain! Tuba player David Ostwald leads a rotating lineup that features talents such as clarinetist Anat Cohen, trombonist/vocalist Wycliffe Gordon, pianist Ehud Asherie, drummer Marion Felder and more!
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
October 7, 14, 21, 28 (Fridays) at 5:15PM
The Birdland Big Band
With Guest Conductor Rob Middleton
Founded by drummer and musical director Tommy Igoe, the Birdland Big Band features the finest musicians in New York! Celebrating 10 years at the club, the BBB roars into action every Friday, playing the finest Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music from the world's best arrangers. After work or before a show, drinks or a great dinner, come hear one of the world's best drummers driving the hardest swinging band in New York. Experience why the BBB is the must-see weekly jazz event in New York and kick off your weekend with what critics are calling "the best live music bargain in all of NYC!"
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (Saturdays) at 6:00PM
Barbara is an elegant jazz pianist, composer and vocalist, long recognized as one of the premier players of swinging jazz piano and expressive vocals.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
October 2, 16, 23, 30 (Sundays) at 9PM & 11PM
Arturo O'Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Grammy Award winning pianist, composer and educator Arturo O'Farrill -- leader of the "first family of Afro-Cuban Jazz" (NY Times) -- was born in Mexico and grew up in New York City. Son of the late, great composer Chico O'Farrill, Arturo was Educated at Manhattan School of Music, Brooklyn College Conservatory and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He played piano in Carla Bley's Big Band from 1979 through 1983 and earned a reputation as a soloist in groups led by Dizzy Gillespie, Steve Turre, Freddy Cole, Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis and Harry Belafonte.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Purchase tickets at www.BirdlandJazz.com, and for more information and reservations, call 212-581-3080. Ticket prices will vary by performer. At the tables, there is a $10 food/drink minimum per person in addition to the music charge. At the bar, the music charge will include one complimentary drink with no additional minimum.
Named for alto saxophonist and jazz pioneer Charlie "Bird" Parker who dubbed it "The Jazz Corner of the World," Birdland opened on December 15th 1949. For 60 years it has been home to jazz legends, from Parker, John Coltrane Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, Diana Krall and everyone in between. The original 52nd street location was a cultural barometer and meeting place, inspiring the songs "Birdland" and "Lullaby of Birdland," and serving as a regular haunt for celebrities and cultural figures. The modern incarnation is a state of the art nightclub featuring award winning Southern and Cajun cuisine, first rate sound and lighting and a who's who of contemporary musical artists, 7 nights a week.
Birdland is located 315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues), New York, NY 10036. Students (with current ID) & Broadway Theatre-Goers (with Broadway ticket stub from same day of performance): 50% off music charge at 11PM shows only. Birdland serves American Fare with a Cajun Flair nightly from 5PM until Midnight and until 1AM on Friday and Saturdays. Parking is available across the street at 332 West 44th Street. Concert Grand Piano By: Yamaha.
For more information, visit www.BirdlandJazz.com or follow BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB on Twitter: @birdlandjazz, Facebook, Instagram, and on Pinterest.
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