J. Thompson

MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL Draws Record Crowd of 32,000 to Downtown Jamboree
by Rachel Stone - Aug 19, 2026

JAZZ HOUSE KiDS' 17th annual Montclair Jazz Festival brought an estimated 32,000 attendees to Lackawanna Station, where Patrice Rushen received the NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship on the festival's Main Stage.

Sean MacLaughlin Will Lead TRULY, HOWARD HUGHES at The York Theatre; Full Cast Set
by Stephi Wild - Aug 11, 2026

Sean MacLaughlin will join the previously announced cast to play Howard Hughes in the world premiere musical at The York Theatre's Theatre at St. Jean's. Learn more here!

Review: DON GIOVANNI a Bel Canto Opera? Crutchfield’s Teatro Nuovo Proves It
by Richard Sasanow - Jul 19, 2026

To “IL” or not to “IL”—that is the question. According to the program at the other night’s performance by Will Crutchfield’s Teatro Nuovo (TN) of Mozart’s great opera about Don Juan, it’s IL DON GIOVANNI, rather than simply the familiar DON GIOVANNI. That’s as it was called by its librettist (the composer’s great collaborator, Lorenzo da Ponte) and the portrayer of the eponymous anti-hero (baritone Manuel Garcia Sr.) on its first visit to New York 200 years ago, when Italian opera arrived here in New York for the first time.

John Pizzarelli to Release Tony Bennett Centennial EP and Play Birdland
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 16, 2026

John Pizzarelli will release P.S. Mr. Bennett, a five-song companion EP to his album Dear Mr. Bennett, followed by a five-night run at Birdland Jazz Club with pianist Isaiah J. Thompson and bassist Mike Karn.

Review: Teatro Nuovo Does It Again with Smashing TURCO IN ITALIA
by Richard Sasanow - Jul 16, 2026

While the US celebrates its 250th anniversary (with not much to cheer about), those bel canto specialists under Will Crutchfield at Teatro Nuovo are reveling in the 200th year since Italian opera (or at least opera in Italian) came to this country. And not a moment too soon.

American Mural Project to Present RILEY COTTON Concert and Fishy Family Day
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 11, 2026

American Mural Project in Winsted, CT will present a Live @AMP concert with Americana and folk singer-songwriter Riley Cotton, a fishy Family Day, and more among its upcoming events.

World Premiere of VINELAND PLACE by Steven Dietz Will Come to Palm Beach Dramaworks
by Stephi Wild - May 8, 2026

Palm Beach Dramaworks will stage the world premiere of Steven Dietz's VINELAND PLACE, a cat-and-mouse thriller about a young writer hired to finish a late novelist's final book, directed by J. Barry Lewis.

Tony-Winners Audra McDonald, John Cameron Mitchell and More Set for Penn Live Arts 2026-27 Season
by A.A. Cristi - May 1, 2026

Penn Live Arts has announced its 2026–27 season, titled Belonging, featuring performances across dance, music, theatre, and family programming in Philadelphia. The season includes appearances by Tony-winners Audra McDonald and John Cameron Mitchell.

Arthur Miller's THE CRUCIBLE to be Presented at Palm Beach Dramaworks This April
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 27, 2026

The Crucible comes to Palm Beach Dramaworks this April in a gripping new production led by Producing Artistic Director William Hayes. Set during the Salem witch trials of 1692, Miller’s play remains a powerful allegory for political persecution.

Teatro Nuovo Unveils 2026 Bel Canto Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 24, 2026

Teatro Nuovo will present IL DON GIOVANNI and IL TURCO IN ITALIA in July 2026, marking two centuries of Italian opera in America with performances at Montclair State University and Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Interview: John Pizzarelli Celebrates New DEAR MR. BENNETT Album at Birdland
by Rebecca Kaplan - Feb 18, 2026

Grammy-winning producer, guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli celebrates the centennial of iconic singer Tony Bennett with a new album and shows at Birdland in NYC March 3-7

THE GLASS MENAGERIE Extends Its Run at Theater Latté Da
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2026

Theater Latté Da has extended THE GLASS MENAGERIE at the Ritz Theater in Minneapolis. Additional performances have been added through March 8. Tickets start at $39 for the Tennessee Williams classic.

Birdland Sets Two-Week Lineup With Ms. Lisa Fischer, The Mingus Big Band, Emma Smith, And Vince Giordano
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2026

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater have announced programming for January 19 through February 1. Highlights include Ms. Lisa Fischer featuring the Orrin Evans Trio, The Mingus Big Band, Emma Smith Quartet, and return engagements by Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks and Jim Caruso’s Cast Party.

THE GLASS MENAGERIE Comes to Theater Latté Da in February
by Stephi Wild - Jan 7, 2026

Theater Latté Da has announced complete casting and single ticket on-sale for Tennessee Williams’ American classic play The Glass Menagerie (February 4 - March 1, 2026).

Birdland Jazz Club And Birdland Theater Set Programming Featuring Marilyn Maye, Dee Dee Bridgewater, And Bill Charlap
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 2, 2026

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will present a full slate of jazz, cabaret, and big band programming across both venues. The schedule includes multi-night engagements, one-night performances, and returning resident series by established and emerging artists.

Maude Maggart, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Marilyn Maye & More Set For Birdland Jazz
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 26, 2025

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will present a full slate of performances running December 29 through January 11, featuring cabaret, big band jazz, vocalists, and instrumental ensembles across both venues.

John Pizzarelli to Present Tony Bennett Tribute Album, Out Early Spring
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 26, 2025

Grammy-winning producer, guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli will celebrate the centennial of iconic singer Tony Bennett with a pair of heartfelt tributes.

Ensemble Studio Competition Winners Revealed
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2025

Learn more about the winners of the Ensemble Studio Competition here! The annual competition was livestreamed for the fourth year in a row, providing an unparalleled platform for the young artists to share their craft. Learn more!

Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Unveils 30th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 1, 2025

Chicago's premiere Black dance company, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, is kicking off its 30th anniversary season with performances November 7-8 at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts on the University of Chicago campus. Learn more!

Ann Hampton Callaway and More to Perform at Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center Indigo Room Celebration
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 13, 2025

The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center will hold a Grand Opening Celebration for its new performance space the Indigo Room with performances by jazz vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway and more. Learn more!