J. Thompson News

On September 13, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, Materials for the Arts (MFTA) Executive Director Tara Sansone, and NYC Department of Education Office of Arts and Special Projects Executive Director Paul Thompson officially kicked off MFTA's annual Back to School Shopping Spree. 

George Benson, Billy Eckstine and Phyllis Hyman, are but a few of the extraordinary singers that had roots in Pittsburgh and enriched the vocal jazz tradition. The vocalists who will sing at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF), which runs from September 16-18, will expand and extend on the legacy of their Steel City forebears.

Being at a John Pizzarelli performance at Birdland is like having your best friend, who also happens to be a world class jazz guitarist/singer plus one of the funniest guys on the planet, entertain in your living room.   You never want an evening with John to end. His extraordinary musicianship, song selection, and conversation create one of the most entertaining jazz shows you’ll ever experience.

Children's Theatre Company (CTC) announced that Silvia M. Perez has been elected by the Board of Directors to serve as the theatre's Chair of the Board of Directors. Professionally, Perez serves as the President of 3M Commercial Solutions Division.

The John Pizzarelli opened their show STAGE AND SCREEN and extended it, all in the same week.

Jazz at Lincoln Center announced its May and June 2022 programming at Dizzy’s Club, featuring a diverse lineup of club favorites and rising stars alongside the launch of a new concert series, special events, and celebrations of giants of jazz history from Slide Hampton and Ralph Peterson to Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Thelonious Monk.

On Thursday, March 31st from 5:00 - 6:30 pm in Dorothy Maynor Hall at the Harlem School of the Arts (HSA), the brilliant young pianist, bandleader and composer Isaiah J. Thompson will guide the HSA's young instrumentalist student group, through a masterclass that includes a critique on technique, performance and improvisational skills.

the american vicarious will present Debate: Baldwin vs Buckley, a staging of the historic clash between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley Jr. Adapted and directed by Founding Artistic Director Christopher McElroen, the production stars Teagle F. Bougere (Broadway's The Tempest with Patrick Stewart, A Raisin In The Sun with Phylicia Rashad, and Ivo van Hove's The Crucible) as Baldwin and Eric T. Miller (Mope at the Ensemble Studio Theater) as Buckley with Spencer Hamp. Charlie O'Rourke, and Oliver Shirley.

THE DJANGO, downtown Manhattan’s premier jazz club, will continue to host today’s jazz legends and rising stars. On February 3, The Django celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Brooklyn-based record label, La Reserve, with special performances by the label’s artists.

SF Sketchfest announces additions to the 20th Anniversary comedy festival taking place January 7-23 in venues across San Francisco.

SF Sketchfest announces the initial lineup for the 20th Anniversary comedy festival taking place January 7-23 in venues across San Francisco.

Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club continues its return to in-person concerts with a full slate of performances throughout December, lighting up the winter season with the swing that has made the club a year-round favorite for local jazz aficionados, out-of-town visitors, and live music lovers.

The Lion King officially returned to Broadway last night! Check out all new photos of the cast taking their first bow back since March 2020!

In celebration of their Broadway return, the cast of The Lion King performed this morning on Good Morning America! The cast began the performance from all across New York City-- from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty-- and came together at the GMA studio in Times Square to a standing ovation.

The circle of life continues on Broadway! Tonight, Tuesday, September 14, Broadway gets its razzle dazzle back when four beloved musicals return to the stage. Tune in to BroadwayWorld for this one short day of non-stop coverage!

The Broadway cast of The Lion King began rehearsals this week for the company’s reopening next month. As previously announced, The Lion King will resume performances on Tuesday, September 14 at the Minskoff Theatre.

The Lion King returns to Broadway next month. Learn more about the production and how to purchase tickets to an upcoming performance here!

The Lion King begins performances on Tuesday, September 14 at the Minskoff Theatre. Aladdin resumes performances on Tuesday, September 28 at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Learn more about both productions here!

Featuring tributes from 67 of Frank’s former bandmates, students, and friends across multiple generations, KIMBROUGH was recorded over three and a half days in New York as the musical world began reawakening in May 2021.

SWEAT, the Lynn Nottage play now streaming from Chance Theater, proves itself to be a play that offers plenty of food for thought on work, relationships, and the seemingly elusive American Dream.  SWEAT is streaming through July 18th.