Lindsay Mendez, Barbara Carroll & More Set for Birdland in January

Birdland Jazz Club has announced its January 2015 schedule, featuring The Birdland Big Band, Jane Monheit, Beegie Adair Trio, Barbara Carroll, Jay Leonhart Trio, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, Dena DeRose, Lindsay Mendez and Marco Paguia, and MORE!

Jan 1-3 (Thursday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM, added show at 5:15PM on Friday
The Birdland Big Band

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 week, 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

Jan 3 (Saturday) at 6:00PM
Jay Leonhart Trio

Combining the skills of an old school entertainer and virtuoso jazz man, bassist, vocalist and composer Jay Leonhart has been a fixture of the New York scene for over forty years. Between 1975 and 1995 he was named The Most Valuable Bassist in the recording industry three times by the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences. Jay has now recorded 15 solo albums. His first one-man show "The Bass Lesson" is being received warmly by critics and audiences. Jay's next show "Nukular Tulips" is in the works.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

Jan 5 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Alysha Umphress Swings Jeff Blumenkrantz in
"I've Been Played"

The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Alysha Umphress, currently starring as "Hildy" in the Broadway revival of On The Town, and Tony-nominated songwriter Jeff Blumenkrantz will perform together in concert on Monday, January 5 at 7pm. The duo will celebrate the release of their new CD, "I've Been Played," which features Jeff's swinging songs and arrangements performed as only Alysha can! The band will include Tedd Firth on piano, Pete Donovan on bass, Ray Marchica on drums, Dan Willis on sax/flute and Peter Sachon on cello.
All tickets $30/$40, plus $10 food/drink minimum

Jan 6 (Tuesday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Bill O'Connell

Mr. O'Connell's Imagine serves up a 9-course feast of fascinating sounds that will please even the most discerning ears. As in O'Connell's previous recording (Zocálo Savant SCD 2129), the gifted veterans and leaders in their own right, Conrad Herwig on trombone and saxophonist Steve Slagle add their prowess to the mix. On the bass is the amazingly talented young man, one of NYC's first call bassists, Luques Curtis who was also part of Bill's prior CD, as was percussionist Richie Flores, who has been playing with O'Connell over a decade. The newcomer to the group is drummer Richie Barshay who has an impressive résumé that includes a stint with Herbie Hancock. O'Connell gives his arranging chops a real workout with interesting takes on "Willow Weep for Me" and John Lennon's "Imagine," and penned some new originals specifically for this recording from a powerful voice in Latin Jazz.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

Jan 7 (Wednesday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Ken Peplowski Quartet

Peplowski has played in small clubs, the Hollywood Bowl, headlining in Las Vegas, the Newport Jazz Festival, pops concerts, European festivals and clubs, or at home in NYC, doing everything from playing on the soundtracks to Woody Allen movies, guest soloing on records (his more interesting recent ones were Marianne Faithfull and Cuban vocalist Isaac Delgado) to taking on the role of music director for interactive French and Italian cookbooks ("Menus And Music"). The litany of musicians Ken has collaborated with includes: Mel Torme, Leon Redbone, Charlie Byrd, Peggy Lee, George Shearing, Madonna, Hank Jones, Dave Frishberg, Rosemary Clooney, Tom Harrell, James Moody, Cedar Walton, and countless others.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

Jan 8 (Thursday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Dave Stryker Group

The Village Voice calls Dave Stryker "one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years." Dave's new CD "Eight Track", is a celebration of classic pop tunes from the 70's reimagined by his working trio. Dave's guitar is joined by Jared Gold on Hammond B3 organ, and McClenty Hunter on drums with special guest Stefon Harris on vibraphone. It has stayed on the JazzWeek radio charts for 20 weeks topping off at #3 for 3 weeks. Downbeat magazine ran a feature article in the June 2014 issue on Dave and he was recently voted into the 2014 Downbeat Critics and Readers Poll for the 7th time.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

Jan 9-10 (Friday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Joe Lovano's "Village Rhymes Band"
Featuring: Joe Lovano, Liberty Elman, Otis Brown III, Matt Garrison & Abdou Mboup

At Cleveland's infamous "Togo Suite," a then 28-year old Joe Lovano met and performed with a group of Nigerian musicians involved in an impromptu and joyous cultural exchange. About one year later on his 29th birthday in 1981, as a result of that initial late night club session, Lovano found himself in Lagos, Nigeria, meeting and spending time with the esteemed godfather of the afro-beat movement - Fela Kuti. Over three decades later, one of the most prominent voices in jazz, looks back to a historic musical landmark in his life and brings it into his own evolving musical vernacular. Joined by guitarist Liberty Ellman, electric bassist Matthew Garrison, percussionist/African harpist Abdou Mboup, and drummer Otis Brown III; "The Village Rhythm Band" showcases the linear relationship between West African music and jazz in a way that is totally unique to Lovano's voice - warm, sinuous, and constantly moving over an emphatic pulse.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

Jan 12-14 (Monday-Wednesday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM, Monday at 7:00PM
Jane Monheit
"To the Men I Love"

In just over fifteen years, critically acclaimed jazz vocalist Jane Monheit's honey-smooth vocals, silky phrasing and natural knack for storytelling have earned her two Grammy nominations and established her as one of her generation's most beloved and accomplished vocalists. Jane's sincere and romantic interpretations of exceptional songs has made her a favorite in both the jazz and cabaret worlds.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

Jan 15-17 (Thursday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Jane Monheit
"Hello Bluebird"

Featuring Jane Monheit on vocals, Joel Frahm on tenor sax, Michael Kanan on piano, Neal Miner on bass and Rick Montalbano on drums.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

Jan 19 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Joanne Tatham with the Tamir Hendelman Quartet
"Out of My Dreams" CD Release

Los Angeles-based jazz singer Joanne Tatham celebrates the release of her third recording "Out of My Dreams" with this set, tackling Broadway, bossa nova, post-bop modern jazz, Dave Frishberg, and Harry Nilsson in the process. Joining her will be arranger/musical director Tamir Hendelman, making a rare New York appearance, as well as Marco Panascia, Tim Horner, Sean Harkness, and Joel Frahm.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum

Jan 20-21 (Tuesday-Wednesday) at 8:30Pm & 11:00PM
Beegie Adair Trio
Featuring Monica Ramey

Beegie Adair, who Michael Feinstein called "a marvelously understated player whose interpretations of standards are just brilliant," jazz great Helen Merrill salutes her "inventive jazz sense, her wonderful sense of time and improvised melody," and The Los Angeles Times calls her music "Elegant," will be making her return to Birdland with vocalist Monica Ramey. In 2011, their performances, as a duo, and with the renowned Beegie Adair Trio, have consistently energized sold out audiences. Adair's albums dominated the jazz charts and album sales in Japan in 2010 and 2011 while Ramey's debut album "Make Someone Happy" continues to receive international accolade and airplay on jazz radio, including Music Choice and DMX.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

Jan 22-24 (Thursday-Saturday) at 8:30Pm & 11:00PM
Dena DeRose

It is with great pleasure that HighNote Records welcomes Dena to their roster with her label debut recording "We Won't Forget You...A Homeage to Shirley Horn" which features understated, swinging side of the late, great Horn. As this year would have been Ms. Horn's 80th birthday, it seems only appropriate for DeRose, also a triple threat vocalist, pianist and arranger, to pay tribute to one of her major idols. Boasting an imaginative set list of some lesser recorded gems and varied use of the instrumental colors available, Dena DeRose's first release on HighNote is jazz singing and playing of the highest order.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

Jan 26 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Lindsay Mendez and Marco Paguia

Singer Lindsay Mendez and pianist/bandleader Marco Paguia will perform jazzed-up versions of pop tunes in an evening of musical revisionism. Their debut album "This Time," was released in 2013 and is available on their website www.LMandMP.com, iTunes and other digital retailers. The duo made their Lincoln Center debut as part of the American Songbook series last season. For this special engagement at Birdland, Lindsay & Marco will be featuring an expanded lineup, including a four-piece horn section. (Lindsay Mendez, vocals, Marco Paguia, piano, Chris Tordini, bass, Tommy Crane, drums, Curtis Macdonald, alto saxophone, Kyle Wilson, tenor saxophone, Kenny Warren, trumpet, Marshall Gilkes, trombone).
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum

Jan 27-31 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Steve Lippia Sinatra Centennial

Steve Lippia has become one of the most prominent, in-demand vocalists and has quickly established his place among the finest interpreters of "standards" and traditional pop music in the nation. Steve's youthful, energetic talent and powerful show creates a perfect blend of "classic" with "today". His show introduces a new generation to this timeless music, while appealing to long-time listeners. Steve has headlined in highly successful, extended engagements at the Rio Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and Resorts Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, where SRO audiences lined up more than two hours before show time to vie for seating. He has performed in multiple engagements for Hilton Atlantic City and Casino Windsor, among others.
All tickets $40, $20 food/drink minimum

Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
Jan 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

Jan 2, 9, 16, 23 (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

Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 (Saturdays) at 6:00PM
Barbara Carroll

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

Jan 4, 11, 18, 25 (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

Jan 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

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