CHARLIE PARKER'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION and More Set for September at Birdland
By: BWW News Desk Aug. 15, 2016
Birdland Jazz Club has announced its September 2016 schedule, featuring Charlie Parker'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!, John Pizzarelli, Ron Carter Big Band, Steve Kuhn Trio, Renee Rosnes, ShowBiz After Hours with Frank DiLella, The Cookers, Coltrane Revisited, Natalie Douglas, Barbara Carroll, Julie Halston, Jim Caruso's Cast Party and more.
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
August 30-September 3 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration
Featuring Vincent Herring, Greg Osby, Eric Alexander, Helen Sung, Lonnie Plaxico, Billy Drummond and Sheila Jordan
Born August 29th, 1920, Charlie "Bird" Parker was one of the most influential and iconic artists in jazz history. As the central figure in the development of bebop in the 1940s Bird was a legendary figure in his own lifetime and was idolized by those who worked with him including Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Bud Powell and MiLes Davis. He was the inspiration for Birdland and practically defined its mission as the home for modern jazz in New York City. Since his death in 1955 at age 34 Bird has inspired every subsequent generation of jazz artist and left a rich legacy of distinctive compositions and signature melodic vocabulary that still informs every style of jazz. For his celebration Birdland presents a group of jazz all-stars who can move seamlessly between classic and contemporary Bird-inspired material
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
September 1 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
La Receta
Audiences far and wide are getting hooked on La Receta. Meaning "The Prescription" in English, this New York Latin powerhouse heals ailments of the soul. Boasting three trombones as a nod to the classic Fania style, La Receta is among the best that NYC's legendary Latin music scene has to offer. Featuring Ray Cetta (bass), Coleman Bartels (drums), Javier Ramos (congas), Frank Cohen, Ray Mason, Nadav Nirenberg (trombone) and Morgan Price (tenor sax).
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
September 3 (Saturday) at 6:00PM
Jay Leonhart and Tomoko Ohno
Virtuoso bassist and master storyteller, Jay Leonhart, leads "Duo" with pianist, Tomok Ohono.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
September 5 (Monday) at 7:00PM
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is pleased to welcome Natalie Douglas back to her musical home on Monday, September 5 and Monday, October 3 at 7pm. Called "a true force of nature" by The Times (UK),"sensational" by Time Out New York, "a monstrous talent" by Next Magazine and simply "everything" by The Daily News, multi-awarding winning vocalist Natalie Douglas will return to her home perch at Birdland Jazz Club as part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series. Her recent (and third) CD weaves a tapestry of Jazz Standard and Musical Theatre genres with Ms. Douglas' emotional force and incomparable vocal stylings. With compositions including "Mr. Bojangles," "Can't Help Lovin' That Man," "Sleepy Man," "Wholly Earth" and the title track, "Human Heart" Natalie Douglas lives up to her reputation as a "true, true star." (BBC London Radio)
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
September 6-10 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 6:00PM
John Pizzarelli
John Pizzarelli charms audiences with his warmth, sense of humor and musical chops. Through his multi-faceted career as a jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader, the son of the legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and New Jersey native, has become one of the most recognizable faces and voices in contemporary jazz for his interpretations of classic standards, romantic ballads and the cool jazz flavor he brings to his performances and recordings. While maintaining a busy touring schedule, John also founded "Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli" a nationally syndicated radio program co-hosted with his wife, Broadway star Jessica Molaskey. On his recent CD, Pizzarelli put his signature spin on songs by Paul McCartney.
All tickets $50, $10 food/drink minimum
September 8 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Polly Gibbons
With warm, soulful vocals and an innate blues sensibility, Polly Gibbons has been likened to many of the jazz and soul greats, but with her own fun, unique style of storytelling. This summer, Polly opened for jazz great George Benson and the "Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight on their sold out UK tours. London Jazz News said of Polly's show at Royal Albert Hall in June that "listening to her open up with soul and passion is a joyous experience."
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
September 11 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Joe Alterman Trio
Joe Alterman (piano), Nathaniel Schroeder (bass), Doug Hirlinger (drums)
Alterman's most recent recording, "Georgia Sunset", which was produced by Houston Person, garnered much critical praise and reached #6 on the Jazz Week radio charts. In its review of the album, Downbeat Magazine stated, "pianist Joe Alterman pulls off one of the rarer feats in modern jazz: he swings-hard."
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
September 12 (Monday) at 7:00PM
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce the return of the hysterical Broadway actress, Julie Halston, to the stage. This special one-night-only event will take place on Monday, September 12 at 7pm at Birdland in the heart of Manhattan's Theater District.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
September 13-17 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11PM
The Cookers
Experience counts, especially in jazz. The more time musicians spend interpreting tunes and interacting with others, the more articulation an audience can expect. You can hear the fruits of such work in the expressive language The Cookers bring to the bandstand and to their four critically acclaimed recordings, Warriors, Cast the First Stone, Believe and Time and Time Again (which was the iTunes Jazz CD of the year in 2014). This exciting new all-star septet summons up an aggressive mid '60s spirit with a potent collection of expansive post-bop originals marked by all the requisite killer instincts and pyrotechnic playing expected of some of the heaviest hitters on the scene today.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
September 15 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Paul McCandless with Charged Particles
Grammy Award winner and world renowned jazz superstar Paul McCandless is now touring and performing his original compositions with the celebrated Bay-Area jazz trio Charged Particles.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
September 18 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
ShowBiz After Hours with Frank DiLella
Featuring Holiday Inn stars Corbin Bleu and Bryce Pinkham
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that NY1 theater journalist Frank DiLella will return to the Birdland stage with the sixth episode of his new talk show, "Show Biz After Hours With Frank DiLella." Frank's very special guests will be Corbin Bleu and Bryce Pinkham, both of whom are starring in Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Holiday Inn, The New Irving Berlin Musical on Broadway. The event will be taped in front of a live audience on Sunday, September 18 at 6pm. "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
September 19 (Monday) at 7:00PM
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce the return of singer/songwriter Amanda Green to the stage on Monday, September 19 at 7pm. Songwriter, Amanda Green, and her friends will storm the Birdland stage to perform a hilarious and heartfelt evening of songs from Green's Broadway shows High Fidelity, Hands On A Hardbody, and Bring It On, as well as some never-heard trunk songs.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
September 20-24 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Coltrane Revisited with Steve Kuhn, Steve Smith, Eric Alexander, Jaleel Shaw and Lonnie Plaxico
Born in North Carolina in 1926, John Coltrane emerged on the jazz scene in the 1950s, playing tenor and soprano sax with Dizzy Gillespie, MiLes Davis and Thelonious Monk. A pioneer of "hard bop" in the 1960s, he led his own groups and reinvented jazz with experimentation and improvisation. His later recordings reflected his belief that music was a form of spiritual expression. Pianist Steve Kuhn, who first made his mark during a brief stint with John Coltrane's quartet, leads an annual all-star gathering in celebration of the legendary saxophonist and jazz innovator's birthday.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
September 22 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Sorin Zlat Quartet
Featuring Saxophonist, Woody Witt
Romanian pianist, Sorin Zlat, has a style that is a surprising fusion of jazz, Latin, pop and classical music, erupting into a colorful and fascinating repertoire. His talent, revealed by his ability to find new dimensions to existing jazz standards and to create original compositions, gained him instant recognition on the jazz scene.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
September 25-26 (Sunday-Monday) at 6:00PM, 7:00PM on Monday
Miss Coco Peru Returns to Birdland
"A Gentle Reminder - Coco's Guide to a Somewhat Happy Life"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Miss Coco Peru will return to the historic stage. The two very special events will take place on Sunday, September 25 (6pm) and Monday, September 26 (7pm). Ever since becoming a YouTube sensation, Coco Peru has been inundated with emails from people of all ages asking her the same question, "Coco, what is the secret to a happy life?" So, being the giver that she is, Coco wrote a new show "A Gentle Reminder - Coco's Guide to a Somewhat Happy Life." In the show, Coco shares with her audience a step-by-step guide that leaves them prepared to enter the world again, ready to create their very own "somewhat" happy life.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
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
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
September 5, 12, 19, 26 (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
September 7, 14, 21, 28 (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
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (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! 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
September 10, 17, 24 (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
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 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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