The Jazz Voyager

Heading back across the continent west to east to the city that never sleeps for another opportunity to hear a big band at Birdland. This iconic venue has been a major part of the city’s jazz scene since 1949. It was famously nicknamed  by Charlie Parker as The Jazz Corner of the World. Sitting on Broadway, one block west of the 52nd Street scene, which was a hotbed of jazz in the 1930s and 40s, and when The Street lost its luster, Birdland blossomed.

In residence for the night is the Mingus Big Band, performing exclusively the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus. Building off the strengths of the Mingus Dynasty septet, his widow Sue Mingus formed in 1991. She created this 14-piece band to feature new arrangements of her husband’s compositions in a larger band format that draws from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians.

Birdland is located at 315 W 44th Street, New York City, NY 10036. For more information contact the venue at birdlandjazz.com.

Tickets: $40.61 – $50.91

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ETIENNE CHARLES CREOLE ORCHESTRA

Last season, trumpet master, inexhaustible band leader, and fashion icon Etienne Charles lit up The House of Swing with his Appel Room performance of Carnival: The Sound of a People. Now, he returns to Dizzy’s Club leading his Creole-inflected big band featuring master practitioners from across the globe. Expect a spirited set of new music designed to pull every listener of every generation from their seat to their feet. 

The Orchestra

Etienne Charles, music director/trumpet
Nathaniel Williford, Austin Muthyala, trumpet
Anthony Hervey, trumpet  (6/15 and 6/16)
Summer Camargo, trumpet 6/15 and 6/16)
Trunino Lowe, trumpet (6/14 only)
Geoffrey Gallante (6/14 only)
Sam Keedy, Rashaan Salaam, Gina Benalcazar-Lopez, trombone
Rob Edwards, trombone (6/14 only)
Dion Tucker, trombone (6/15 and 6/16)
Godwin Louis, Jordan Pettay, alto saxophone
John Ellis, tenor saxophone
Joseph Herbst, tenor saxophone, libriarian
Paul Nedzela, baritone saxophone
Alex Wintz, guitar
Andre White, steel pan
Axel Tosca, piano
Brandon Rose, bass, vocals
Harvel Nakundi, drums
Dennis Collins, vocals (6/16 only)
Katie Oberhotlzer, vocals (6/16 only)

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JAVIER NERO JAZZ ORCHESTRA

The Javier Nero Jazz Orchestra is a fresh and dynamic big band performing all original music and modern arrangements of jazz standards.

Dr. Javier Nero is an award-winning jazz trombonist, composer, arranger, and educator whose musicianship has received significant recognition. Currently based in Baltimore, MD, Javier is busy as both a bandleader and sideman in the greater DMV area. His classical training and versatility have enabled him to perform in various styles and genres alike, ranging from small jazz combos, to symphony orchestras. Dr. Nero’s compositions and arrangements have also earned various awards and accolades including Downbeat Magazine’s Student Music Awards, participation in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program, and the Banff Centre’s international workshop in jazz and creative music. Dr. Nero has also recently joined the faculty of the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University as the jazz trombone and arranging and harmony teacher.

Streaming: $15.00 + fees

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BANSANGU ORCHESTRA

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MAX ROACH CENTENNIAL: THE JLCO WITH WYNTON MARSALIS

Max Roach transformed the sound of the drums and became a leader in civil rights and social justice activism. He defied limits, subverted roles, and innovated methods for improvisation and unbound freedom of expression. Profoundly — singularly — his artistry revolutionized how the drums communicate, and influenced the direction of live and recorded music.

Join the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis in celebration of this groundbreaking artist and American icon. Expect a transformative evening featuring new and hard-swinging arrangements of enduring repertoire from his seminal albums. Max Roach Centennial features music direction by Obed Calvaire, and special guest appearances by vocalist Shenel Johns and Chorale Le Chateau led by Chorus Master Damien Sneed.

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