The 10-time Grammy Award winner and Emmy Award recipient, Arturo Sandoval is also a 6-time Billboard Award winner and the recipient of the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom. protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, he was born in Artemisa, a small town in the outskirts of Havana, Cuba, on November 6, 1949, just two years […]
Brandon Woody is a Baltimore-born, Bach-endorsed trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose music flows from the rich lineage of Black music, including jazz, gospel, improvisation, and beyond, to explore themes of love, resilience, and community. Hailed by The New York Times and Los Angeles Times as a rising force in contemporary jazz, Woody signed with the legendary Blue Note Records in […]
Jeremy Pelt, celebrated for his virtuosic trumpet playing and collaborations with legends like Roy Hargrove and Cassandra Wilson, draws on his extensive experience as a bandleader and composer to create music that is both thoughtful and bold. This richly textural, Afro-futuristic work is centered on the stories and mysticism of masks, examining the folklore surrounding […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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” […]
Kersten Stevens — Queen of the Violin, is a genre-defying artist and composer whose electrifying, luminous performances turn every stage into a sanctuary. A Yale alumna and six-time winner of Amateur Night and Showtime at The Apollo, her sound is a bold fusion of jazz, gospel, soul, and storytelling that leaves audiences moved, seen, and electrified. Her latest […]
Amina Figarova was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and as a child studied to be a classical concert pianist. Graduated from the Baku Conservatory as classical concert pianist. In 1990, she entered Rotterdam Conservatory (where she met Bart Platteau, a fellow student from Belgium) to pursue jazz, coming to the United States in 1992 to complete […]
ARTEMIS is a powerful ensemble of modern jazz masters, founded in 2017 by pianist and musical director Renee Rosnes. Each musician is a bandleader and composer and every performance encompasses inspired arrangements of classics and originals. Performances across North America and Europe at major venues and festivals have garnered high praise from audiences and critics alike. It […]
Bobby Watson sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence, Kansas, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer, bandleader, educator and producer, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then, from 1977-1981, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his […]
“Girls in Gowns” A Benefit Concert for Students Without Mothers “Girls in Gowns” is a unique musical initiative and benefit concert created by singer and actor Maria Howell. The project brings together talented female performers to showcase a collaborative blend of various musical genres while dressed in elegant formal gowns, and above all, for a […]
Growing up Gregory Hutchinson played with his drummer father. He studied under Marvin "Smitty" Smith and Kenny Washington in the late 1980s, and began his career playing with Red Rodney in 1989–1990. During the 1990s, he worked with Betty Carter, Roy Hargrove, Stephen Scott, Ray Brown, Eric Reed, Joe Henderson, Marcus Printup, Antonio Hart, Joshua […]
Shawnn Monteiro who has jazz in her blood, jazz in her soul and jazz in her history. Her father was bassist Jimmy Woode, her godmother was Sarah Vaughan and her godfather was Clark Terry. Having toured all over the world singing jazz with so many of the greats, many of whom are gone now, Shawnn […]