Coltrane Quartet, PHANTOM Cast and More Set for Birdland's July 2015 Lineup
By: BWW News Desk Jun. 15, 2015
Birdland Jazz Club has announced its July 2015 schedule, featuring Ravi Coltrane Quartet, John Scofield Trio, The Birdland Big|Brave Band, Stacey Kent, John Pizzarelli sings Paul McCartney, The Broadway cast of Phantom of the Opera, Birdland Jazz Party with Carole Bufford, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more. Scroll down for details!
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
June 30-July 4 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Ravi Coltrane Quartet
He may bear the name of jazz royalty, but saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, the son of American icons -- saxophonist John Coltrane and pianist Alice Coltrane -- "blows an original and distinctly modern strain of jazz, distilling but never seeking to imitate his family's adventurous improvising spirits" (NPR). His latest Blue Note Records CD, "Spirit Fiction," produced by label mate and fellow saxophonist Joe Lovano features, "...an abundance of emotion and sensual detail, most of it expressed gently, with the confidence -- and authority -- of a veteran bandleader."
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
July 2 (Thursday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Polly Gibbons CD Release Celebration
British London-based vocalist Polly Gibbons is one of the most respected and talked about young singer/songwriters of her generation. Much esteemed by her contemporaries, Polly has built a reputation as an original and gifted voice. With warm, rich, soulful vocals and an innate blues sensibility, Polly has been likened to many of the jazz and soul greats bringing her own storytelling and earnest depth alongside unique humor and fun to performances. Polly is celebrating her new Resonance Records release "Many Faces of Love", a presentation of songs which describe the eternal aspects of Love: Searching for, Finding, Losing, Trying to Reconnect, and finally, the Lessons Learned from the Search.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
July 6 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Natalie Douglas in "Hello Dolly...the Music of Dolly Parton"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce the return of singer Natalie Douglas to the stage. Her concert, "Hello Dolly: The Music of Dolly Parton", is a celebration of the beloved singer, actor, and songwriter.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 7-11 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
John Scofield Trio with Steve Swallow & Bill Stewart
Old friends and longtime musical partners, guitarist John Scofield and his trio mates-bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Bill Stewart-join collectively to explore spontaneous invention. The three, through a repertoire of jazz standards and savvy original compositions, play music that embodies the spirit that has kept jazz vigorous and visceral since its birth.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
July 12 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
The Broadway Cast of Phantom of the Opera Sings Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that the Broadway cast of The Phantom of the Opera will celebrate the songs written by their composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, in concert on Sunday, July 12 at 6pm. This will be the first in a series of many tribute concerts by the cast of the record-breaking musical, and will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
July 13 (Monday) at 6:00PM
Aaron Lazar In "Look for Me in the Songs"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Broadway leading man Aaron Lazar will perform "Look For Me In The Songs" on Monday, July 13 at 7pm. With one of the most versatile voices on Broadway, Aaron will perform timeless favorites from the Great American Songbook to Motown, from Broadway's greatest hits to Billy Joel. Highlights include "Night and Day," "If I Loved You," "New York State of Mind," "You'll Never Find," "You're All I Need to Get By," "Something's Coming," "Music of the Night," and many more.
All tickets $25-35, $10 food/drink minimum
July 14-18 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
The Birdland Big|Brave Band directed by Tommy Igoe,
Featuring Special Guest James Genus
Join the Birdland Big|Brave Band during their semi-annual, week-long headlining engagement! Every Friday 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 yelp.com proclaims, "if you hear one band in NYC make sure this is it... and prepare to be blown away!"
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
July 20 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Broadway Song & Dance Man: Clyde Alves
Clyde Alves is a singer/songwriter/song-and-dance man! Over the past 20 years he's performed all over the world and is currently starring as Ozzie in the Broadway revival of On the Town. He's an avid songwriter and passionate guitar player who will be delivering a set of his most intimate music drawn from personal and professional highs and lows. Joined by Andy Blanco on the cajon, Eric B. Davis on guitar and soaring harmonies by Robyn Hurder and Rebecca Riker, Clyde's music is personal, raw and melodic, infused by a folk, rock, soul and reggae sound!
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
July 21-July 25 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Stacey Kent
Critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated singer Stacey Kent sings from the soul, telling her stories with faultless phrasing and a lucid, enchanting voice. Stacey returns to Birdland in support of her brand new Brazilian-flavored CD, "The Changing Lights," a follow-up to "Dreamer In Concert," (her first ever live album) the Grammy nominated, "Breakfast on the Morning Tram," and all-French, "Raconte-moi." Stacey's band features Jim Tomlinson (sax) whose songwriting partnership with famed novelist Kazuo Ishiguro has formed the central plank in Stacey's recent albums.
All seats $45, $10 food/drink minimum
July 23 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
An Evening with VINX
VINX is undoubtedly one of the most gifted improvisational vocalists performing today. With songs that range from jazz to funk, bossa nova to blues and back again, each audience takes a world tour with VINX as their private guide. Soaring vocals with intricate layered melodies and grooves mark the signature style that is VINX. Infused with tastes from around the globe, his songwriting is a tour de force combining the best in storytelling with the heart and soul of a true balladeer.
All seats $25, $10 food/drink minimum
July 28-August 1 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
John Pizzarelli Sings Paul McCartney
John Pizzarelli, the world-renowned jazz guitarist and singer, was called "hip with a wink" by Town & Country, "madly creative" by the Los Angeles Times and "the genial genius of the guitar" by The Toronto Star. Son of the legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, New Jersey native John Pizzarelli has become one of the most recognizable faces and voices in contemporary jazz. John Pizzarelli has had a multi-faceted career as a jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader, known around the world for the cool jazz flavor he brings to classic standards, late-night ballads, and each of his hugely entertaining live performances and masterful recordings. His most recent CD release, "Rockin' In Rhythm," combines the enduring work of Duke Ellington with Pizzarelli's incredible ability to reinterpret the Great American Songbook. "Rockin' In Rhythm" is the follow up to Pizzarelli's critically-acclaimed 2008 release, "With A Song In My Heart - John Pizzarelli Sings the Music of Richard Rodgers," which featured Don Sebesky's Grammy-nominated arrangement of "Johnny One Note." With his active touring schedule, Pizzarelli continues to charm audiences with his warmth, conversational humor, and musical moxie.
All seats $45, $10 food/drink minimum
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
July 6, 13, 20, 27 (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
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (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
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Fridays) at 5:15PM
With Guest Conductor Rob Middleton
Founded by drummer and musical director Tommy Igoe, the Birdland Big|Brave Band features the finest musicians in New York! 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
July 5, 12, 19, 26 (Sundays) at 6:00PM
Birdland Jazz Party
Hosted by Carole Bufford
Birdland's very own jazz quartet hits the stage every Sunday to wrap up the weekend with jazz classics featuring jazz vocalist Carole J. Bufford! Carole J. Bufford has become one of the most sought after young performers in the New York cabaret & jazz scene. Her recent shows, "Speak Easy" and "Body & Soul" earned her rave reviews across the board, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. She has traveled all over the US and recently made her London debut to great critical acclaim.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
July 5, 12, 19, 26 (Sundays) at 9:00PM & 11:00PM
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|Brave 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. 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 at 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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