The Count Basie Orchestra, a living testament to the enduring influence of legendary pianist and bandleader William James “Count” Basie, thrives under the direction of Scotty Barnhart. Its members continue to uphold the orchestra’s unparalleled reputation. The ensemble has garnered acclaim from every corner of the globe, conquering esteemed jazz polls and amassing an impressive […]
Celebrate Black History Month with a powerful performance that honors the resilience, creativity, and legacy of Black Americans. Join us for Harlem After Dark: An Uptown Jazz Party, a vibrant tribute to Harlem’s golden era, featuring world-class musicians, dynamic tap dance, and soulful performances by Allan Harris, Maya Azucena, and AC Lincoln. This electrifying evening celebrates […]
Malcolm X Jazz Suite Featuring Terence Blanchard, The E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet In celebration of the centennial of human rights and civil rights icon Malcolm X, NEA Jazz Master Terence Blanchard will perform his iconic Malcolm X Jazz Suite with his band, The E-Collective, and Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet. Blanchard created the project following the release […]
Jamaica To Jazz Monty Alexander comes to the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in Miami for one night only. Known for his unique blend of jazz, reggae, and Caribbean influences, Alexander's performance promises an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant melodies and rhythms that captivate audiences. His virtuosity on the piano and dynamic storytelling through […]
Ben first fell in love with jazz in his early teens. His first piano teacher filled his ears with George Shearing, Oscar Peterson, and many more. Other passions such as foreign languages and history revealed themselves around this time, but it took just two days as a history major at the University of Massachusetts to […]
World renowned bassist, composer, arranger, educator, and eight-time Grammy Award-winner, Christian McBride has been one of the most important and prolific figures in the jazz world for over 20 years. From jazz to R&B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, Christian is one of the most acclaimed bassists of his generation, renowned for his bold, swinging style and […]
Acclaimed vocalist Nicole Henry returns to Birdland with What We Desire deeply felt and joy-filled evening of music celebrating one of humanity’s most enduring desires—to be loved. With her signature blend of classic jazz sophistication and soulful warmth, Henry brings new resonance to beloved standards including “All the Way,” alongside inspired interpretations such as the 1970s hit “So […]
The 29th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Weekend returns to Florida Memorial University for an unforgettable music alumni homecoming honoring Dr. Dawn Batson. Artists: Jesse Jones Jr. ~ Saxophone Mark Strowbridge ~ Guitar James Cotman ~ Drums Leon "Foster" Thomas ~ Steel Pan Doug Carter ~ Piano Nicole Yarling ~ Violin, Vocal The FMU Funk […]
Internationally acclaimed drummer, producer, and sonic collagist Makaya McCraven and his band come to Miami for one night's performance. His "Off The Record" Tour, named after his newly compiled release of four EPs, is the perfect overview of this composer's scope and dynamic range. These four distinct yet interconnected EPs – Techno Logic, The People’s […]
In his acclaimed 25-year musical career, vocalist Kenny Williams has lit up stages nationally and internationally, and spent nearly a decade performing on Broadway in New York City, making his Broadway debut in Disney’s hit musical The Lion King. A tornado of talent and charisma, Williams possesses an impressive vocal range and a light-from-within aura. […]
A masterful jazz pianist and Baltimore native, Cyrus Chestnut balances his lithe technical skill with a robust, soulful style that speaks to his deep gospel roots and love of swinging hard bop. Raised in the church, he learned how to infuse his swinging, classically trained style with a warm gospel sound, a style that first marked his […]
Veronica Swift is one of the most dazzling jazz singers to emerge in her generation with a virtuosic brilliance and ingenuity. More than just a jazz singer, Swift explores opera, classical, bossa nova, blues, rock, funk, and vaudeville music. Swift describes this personal artistic statement on her new album as “transgenre.” “I grew up immersed […]
The spirit of music brought them together and the spirit of love binds them together. When you go to experience The Harden Project you will feel the love of music encapsulated in this couples musicianship. The core of The Harden Project consists of vocalist Ja'Nia Harden and keyboardist John Harden II. These two artists skillfully and […]
Maryland's own Braxton Cook is an Emmy Award-winning, two time Grammy Award winning, NAACP Image Award-nominated artist, known for his world-class skills as an alto saxophonist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and composer. With a blend of jazz, soul, and alt-R&B, he has carved out a unique, melodic sound that has made him one of the most […]
Launching his newest project Side-Eye, the concert features rising stars and kindred spirits in jazz. A trailblazing guitarist and composer, Metheny redefined jazz guitar with his blend of melody, swing, and innovation. Over his career, he worked with legends like Herbie Hancock, David Bowie, and Ornette Coleman, exploring everything from solo guitar to orchestral and […]
The sonically innovative Brandee Younger is a harpist, composer, and bandleader whose music, connecting spiritual jazz with classical training and the soulfulness of R&B, has revolutionized the harp’s role in modern music. In 2022 she made history by becoming the first Black woman to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition, and […]
Trumpeter Joe Gransden brings warmth, virtuosity, and joyful swing to his celebration of the music of Chuck Mangione, honoring one of jazz’s most beloved melodic voices. Known for his rich tone, effortless lyricism, and deep respect for the tradition, Gransden captures the soaring optimism and emotional clarity that made Mangione’s compositions timeless—while infusing them with his own dynamic […]
Tomi Berry is a beautiful performer, inside and out, brings natural grace, a rich soulful voice, and spiritual essence to her performances throughout the Atlanta area and beyond. Wherever she sings, she spreads joy, whether singing smooth R&B, swinging jazz, or sultry ballads, she holds an audience in rapt attention. A spiritual song-stylist, she engages […]
Experience an unforgettable evening of modern jazz with saxophonist Langston Hughes IIand his Quartet. Rooted in gospel and shaped by the rich traditions of jazz, Langston’s music is a soulful, high-energy journey through sound, storytelling, and spirit. With a style that is both deeply expressive and rhythmically driven, the quartet delivers performances filled with passion, beauty, […]
Yoron Dael Israel was born on November 24, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois. The jazz drummer learned to play organ and trumpet as a child, then switched to drums. As a high school student, he played in an R&B group led by his uncle. He took his bachelor's degree at Roosevelt University and his master's degree at Rutgers, then […]
Vanisha Gould is a vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose music bridges vulnerability and strength. After earning her degree from Berklee College of Music, she moved from California to New York City in 2015 and quickly became a vital voice in the city’s jazz community, performing at Smalls Jazz Club, Ornithology, Mezzrow, The Jazz Gallery, Minton’s […]
An Exhibition Honoring Women's History Month | Art & Jazz Unbound: The Gaze Within | The Photography of Angéle Etoundi Essamba with a jazz performance by vocalist Carole Ann Taylor Angèle Etoundi Essamba was born in 1962 in Douala, Cameroon. She was educated in France and graduated from the School of Photography of Amsterdam where […]
Saxophonist Don Aliquo’s playing has been described as “smooth as silk...with an unfailing feel for breath and phrasing" while extremely supple in the addressing of his axe but always zeroed in on what he's describing”. “Growth” his newest release, explores new territory with intriguing compositions and ample solo space for Aliquo’s inspired improvisations. The eight […]
Wilson “Chembo” Corniel, Jr. Born in Manhattan on November 22, 1953 of proud Puerto Rican parents, Chembo was raised in the humble streets of Red Hook, Brooklyn. It was during these years, as a quick-witted youngster, that he had the privilege and honor to study with such percussion luminaries as, Tommy Lopez Sr., “Little Ray” […]