Japanese Jazz Pianist Aya Sekine, with over three decades of cross-continental experience, has solidified her position as one of Asia’s most illustrious Jazz figures. Recently, Sekine has relocated to Detroit, Michigan after being approved for an artist permanent residency (EB-1) in the United States based on her Extraordinary Ability. From her classical piano roots to […]
Xavier Davis’ professional career as a Jazz pianist took off when the legendary vocalist Betty Carter spotted his outstanding talent at the 1994 International Association of Jazz Educators convention in Boston while he was performing with his college ensemble. It was her who brought Xavier to New York, hiring him exclusively as the pianist of […]
Benny Green – Solo Piano Benny Green is one of the most exciting, hard-swinging pianists to emerge from the legacy of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Born in New York and raised in Berkeley, California, Green began classical piano studies at age seven, drawn to jazz through his father's record collection of Monk and Bird, and […]
Revered as both a torchbearer and a storyteller, jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin possesses a voice hailed for crystalline clarity, hearth-like warmth and playful lioness sass. The Cleveland native brings a wealth of diverse influences to her vocal performance from both the Trinidadian/Caribbean roots of her mother and traditional jazz by way of her Louisiana-born father. […]
Samara Joy and Christian McBride Celebrate Verve’s 70th Anniversary & Mei Semones & Friends play the music of Getz/Gilberto | Sparklmami delivers a DJ set. Presented by the Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment. Performers for this celebration of the label’s 70th anniversary include Samara Joy, a six-time GRAMMY winner and Bronx native, and Christian […]
The New York Times has called Aaron Goldberg a "post-bop pianist of exemplary taste and range", and over a career spanning three decades he has more than earned that distinction. Born in Boston, Goldberg discovered jazz in high school under the guidance of bassist Bob Sinicrope, and later studied with saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi before moving […]
Julie Dexter is a world renowned, award winning, British Jazz singer, songwriter and producer considered by many to be one of the most influential female vocalists of our generation. Having shared the spotlight with a host of cutting-edge artists, including Mint Condition, Caron Wheeler, Lalah Hathaway, Omar, Ledisi, Third World and Maxi Priest to name […]
Cécile McLorin Salvant is a composer, singer, and visual artist. The Late Jessye Norman described Salvant as “a unique voice supported by an intelligence and full-fledged musicality, which light up every note she sings.” Here, Salvant has developed a passion for storytelling. She finds connections between vaudeville, blues, folk traditions from around the world, theater, jazz, […]
Sandra brings her signature warmth, powerful and soulful vocals, and magnetic stage presence to a dynamic program featuring fresh interpretations of traditional jazz favorites alongside exciting new selections. An entertainer unlike any other performing timeless standards to bold, contemporary arrangements, this performance celebrates the elegance, rhythm, and spirit of jazz. The Sextet Sandra Bassett- Vocals […]
Moonlight, Memories and Music is an exquisite evening of romance, nostalgia, and world-class artistry, brought to life by the captivating talents of Steve Higgins, Dahlia Wynter, and April Marr. Set against an atmosphere of elegance and charm, this enchanting concert promises to transport audiences through a rich tapestry of musical genres—from the smooth allure of […]
Drummer Billy Drummond is celebrated for his electrifying, dynamic, and deeply musical playing. A protégé of jazz giants Horace Silver, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, J.J. Johnson, and Sonny Rollins, Drummond moved to New York at the urging of Al Foster and quickly became one of the most respected, versatile and in-demand sidemen on the scene. […]
The quartet frequently performs live at prominent jazz venues like The Baked Potato in Studio City, California, often collaborating with special guest horn players and saxophonists. Guitarist Graham Dechter is known for his work with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and upright bassist Alex Frank is best known for his work with Jeff Goldblum's Mildred Snitzer […]
He plays with swing, soul, and an unmistakable sense of uplift — the kind of piano that makes people lean forward, smile, and stay a little longer. Les McCann called him “a giant.” Ramsey Lewis called him “an inspiration.” Ahmad Jamal hailed him as “a very special artist.” And George Benson once told him, “You […]
Trombonist Frank Lacy brings his talent to the stage at Smalls. He has spent over two decades as a member of the Mingus Big Band. An alumni of Texas Southern University and Berklee College of Music in Boston, studying trombone and composition. His classmates included Branford Marsalis, Greg Osby, and Marvin Smith. He played with Illinois Jacquet's big band, […]
Kyle Eastwood, son of film icon and jazz lover Clint Eastwood, developed a love for both art forms at an early age. He has become a world-renowned bassist (with numerous recordings and tours) and a successful film score composer (“Mystic River,” “Million Dollar Baby,” “Gran Torino,” etc.). This week, Kyle will be performing many new […]
Bass genius Christian McBride honors his mentor and greatest inspiration, the legendary Ray Brown, with an all-star trio of Ray Brown Trio alumni — pianist Benny Green and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. A major figure in the development of bebop and hard bop in the 40s and 50s, Brown was among the most prolific and versatile bassists in jazz history who […]
Tyreek McDole is a multi-award-winning Haitian-American vocalist from Central Florida whose soulful baritone and deeply reflective artistry are making waves across the New York and international music scenes. Rooted in the belief that music is one of the highest forms of communication, McDole approaches performance as a space for healing, reflection, and collective dreaming — treating […]
Chris Standring is a British jazz guitarist known for his heavy use of 1970s-style musical nuances. In an illustrious career that stretches back over the last 25 years, Chris has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most virtuosic guitarists, with considerable radio and chart success. With a catalog of fourteen solo albums, including […]
Born in Washington, DC and raised in North Carolina, 2X Grammy-nominated and NAACP Award winning vocalist, composer, and educator Christie Dashiell stands at the intersection of jazz, R&B, gospel, and soul. Celebrated for her expressive improvisation and warm, clear tone, she has emerged as one of today’s most compelling voices.Growing up in a musical family, […]
Samara Joy released her self-titled debut album in 2021 and was subsequently named Best New Artist by JazzTimes. Her second album, Linger Awhile (2022), reached number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. She has received six Grammys, which include Best New Artist in 2023, and three wins each for Best Jazz Vocal Album 2023, 2025 and 2026, as well as Best Jazz Performance in 2024 and 2025. In 2019, […]
Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer Tia Fuller has established herself as one of the most compelling voices in modern jazz. Equally at home on the concert stage, in the recording studio, and in the classroom, Fuller is celebrated for her commanding tone, inventive compositions, and electrifying performances. A former member of Beyoncé’s all-female touring band, she […]
Jason Hainsworth is in demand both as a saxophonist and as a composer/arranger. As a performer, Jason has led his own quartet throughout the world to critical acclaim, most recently headlining the Suriname Jazz Festival. He is a current touring member of Ed Calle’s Mamblue (2016 Latin Grammy Winner), Tito Puente Jr’s Latin Jazz All […]
Australian guitarist/composer Tim Jago currently resides in New York City and maintains a busy schedule worldwide as a leader and sideman. His recent album ‘Time Shift’ (2025) was released to wide acclaim with glowing reviews in publications such as DownBeat, Paris Move, Jazz Life (Japan), All About Jazz and many more. With a deep foundation […]
Bassist and composer Christian McBride’s most recent project is a quintet showcasing several of the most exciting young players on the scene. Returning to the Miner Auditorium stage for two nights, the cast features tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, who has toured with Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, performed with veteran masters such as drummer […]