Steve Nelson News

Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), a professional membership organization of songwriters, composers and music publishers, announces the top ASCAP holiday songs of 2018. According to an ASCAP analysis of streaming and terrestrial radio data, the hit classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” written by ASCAP songwriter Walter Afanasieff and pop star Mariah Carey, holds the #1 song position for the second year in a row.

In four stellar concerts featuring some of the brightest luminaries in jazz today, 2019's Highlights In Jazz series brings together a multitude of beloved jazz musicians spanning an eclectic mix of generations and styles. You'll hear unforgettable performances from jazz veterans including Warren Vaché, Houston Person, and Norman Simmons; up-and-comers like Veronica Swift, Christian Sands, and Peter and Will Anderson; and straight-ahead stalwarts such as Steve Turre, George Cables, Buster Williams, along with many more. These gifted players and others will pay tribute to a pantheon of jazz legends, including this year's featured honoree, trumpeter Randy Brecker; plus, the music of Randy Weston, Erroll Garner, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong will also be featured.

Jack Kleinsinger's Highlights In Jazz closes its 46thseason with a tribute to lauded jazz guitarist Russell Malone. A mainstay on the Manhattan music scene since the 1980s, as well as a regular at international festivals and concert halls, Russell has attracted critical and fan recognition for his work as an accomplished leader and in-demand sideman. 

The Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802 AFM today announced that the Roxy Coss Quintet is the winner of the union's groundbreaking Emerging Artists Project (EAP). The four-year grant program, launched in partnership with Orchestra of St. Luke's (OSL), has been designed to provide support to help more firmly establish the band in New York City—and further efforts to ensure that all professional musicians can afford to live, work and raise a family in New York.

Jazz fans know they can count on the Highlights In Jazz concert series to showcase the gifted players who shaped jazz history and continue to contribute to its long and rich legacy. This third concert of the 46th season is no exception: The music is sure to dazzle - and swing - when you have such renowned musicians on hand as pianist Dick Hyman, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, bassist Jay Leonhart, saxophonist/clarinetist Ken Peplowski, and drummer/vibraphonist Chuck Redd.

The Highlights In Jazz 46th Season continues Thursday, March 22, 2018, at 8 P.M., when The Millennials Meet The Masters.

Birdland Jazz Club has announced its schedule for March 5-March 11. Check it out below!

Birdland Jazz Club announces March 2018 schedule featuring Steps Ahead Meets Soulbop, Cyrus Chestnut Quartet, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, Steve Smith 'Groove: Blue' Organ Trio, The Tristano Project, Laila Biali, Cynthia Sayer, Corcoran Holt, Anita Gillette, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more!

The Highlights In Jazz 45th Anniversary Gala launches the new season Thursday, February 22, 2018, at 8 P.M. featuring the Bucky Pizzarelli Trio with guitarist Russell Malone, and bassist Martin Pizzarelli, with acclaimed singer Allan Harris. Plus a surprise special guest!

Dave Stryker has announced a few upcoming live performances across the country for the coming months. Check out the listings below.

Producer Jack Kleinsinger and the entire Highlights In Jazz family joins the rest of the jazz world in mourning the late Kevin Mahogany, who passed away December 17, 2017. He was originally scheduled to appear at the season kickoff concert.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), a professional membership organization of songwriters, composers and music publishers, announces its Top Holiday Songs for 2017. According to an ASCAP analysis of streaming and terrestrial radio data, 1994's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You,' written by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey, moves to #1, joining enduring Christmas classics like 'A Holly Jolly Christmas'(written by Johnny Marks, 1962) and 'Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow'(written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, 1945), at the top of the charts. (Check out ASCAP's interview with Afanaseiff about writing 'All I Want' at http://bit.ly/2k8S9E0)

Gene Autry's famous song, Frosty The Snowman (written by Jack Rolling and Steve Nelson) first the radio in December of 1950 and since then there have been many incarnations of Frosty: from famous recordings like The Chipmunks or The Jackson 5 to the beloved 1969 animated special, which airs on TV every year. A new version of this holiday classic written by William Francis is currently playing at Adventure Theatre MTC in Glen Echo Park.

Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC), recent recipient of three 2017 Helen Hayes Awards, brings to the stage the tale of winter joy, Frosty the Snow Man, directed by Jason Schlafstein. Based on popular song written by Walter 'Jack' Rollins and Steve Nelson, this beloved tale of a snowman dancing through life is recommended for all ages and opens November 19, 2017. Tickets are $19.50 each and can be purchased online at www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org or by calling 301-634-2270.

Ahoy, me Hearties! Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC), recent recipient of three 2017 Helen Hayes Awards, is proud to announce its 66th Season featuring five main stage productions based on popular children's stories and books with two world premieres and one exceptional nation-wide, seven-theatre partnership. This stand-out season will delight audiences in the DC area with award-winning directors and artists.

Pianist Ben Rosenblum will perform music from his debut release Instead alongside a veteran rhythm section of jazz masters, including Curtis Lundy (Grammy-nominated bassist famous for his work with Betty Carter) and Billy Hart (legendary drummer with Miles Davis, McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock) at Mezzrow (163 West 10th Street) on Sunday, May 21.  

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) honors the 2017 NEA Jazz Masters at a tribute concert held in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, hosted by Jason Moran.

Pianist Ben Rosenblum will present unique solo piano programs each Tuesday in April at The Kitano, (66 Park Ave, no cover, $15 min food/drink charge), including: selected standards and originals (April 4), selections from unusual inspirations/sources (April 11); special guests (April 18); and selections from his debut album (April 25).  Ben's music has earned numerous awards, including the ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award and several Downbeat Student Music Awards (best original composition and best original arrangement), and has been described as "mature beyond his years." (John Neudorf)

Announcing the 12th Annual Ventura County Blues Festival, a Spring SoCal Tradition, Keeping the Blues Alive for a dozen consecutive years, taking place Saturday, April 29, 2017, at Studio Channel Islands, 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., in Camarillo. Gates open 10:00 am, music begins at 11:00 am. Tickets $30. (Pre-Sale), $40. (Day of Show). Kids 12 and under, free with paid Adult General Admission. V.I.P. Tickets $125. (online only). Festival proceeds benefits Food Share and other Ventura County area charities (please bring a food item to donate). Info: (805) 501-7122 or visit venturacountyblues.com/.