THE GIL EVANS PROJECT

The Gil Evans Project directed by Ryan Truesdell

In celebration of the centennial of Miles Davis, the Grammy Award-nominated Gil Evans Project returns to Birdland for an epic, five-night tribute to the legendary Evans–Davis collaborations. Led by Grammy Award-winning producer Ryan Truesdell, the all-star ensemble performs the complete music from two of the most groundbreaking albums in jazz history:

Sketches of Spain (Tues/Wed/Thurs, 5/26–28)
Porgy & Bess (Fri/Sat, 5/29–30)

Cover: $45.76 ~ $56.06

More Posts: ,,,,,,,

JOEY ALEXANDER

Born in Bali, Indonesia, Alexander released his debut album, My Favorite Things, in 2015 on Motema Music, followed by three more on the label, a fifth on Verve, sixth and seventh albums on MackAvenue Records. Alexander’s albums have netted three Grammy Award Nominations -one for Best Instrumental Album (My Favorite Things) and two for Best Improvised Jazz Solo (Giant Steps and Countdown) – with My Favorite Things and Countdown securing the number one spot on the Billboard Jazz Charts and Eclipse ar number three.

Over the course of his astonishing career, Alexander has performed with Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding at the Obama White House, for President Bill Clinton at the Arthur Ashe Learning Center Gala,. at The Grammy Awards, the Grand Ole Opry (with Country Singer Kelsea Ballerini), The Apollo Theatre, Carnegie Hall and major jazz festivals, club venues and concert halls around the world.  He has also been subject of profiles on 60 Minutes and The New York Times.

The evening features: Jaleel Shaw ~ saxophone and Alita Moses ~ vocals

Cover: $45.76 ~ $56.06

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,,

Bandleader Andy Brown has been one of the busiest guitarists in Chicago over the last two decades, leading his own bands and backing visiting jazz stars all over the city, as well traveling nationally and internationally with a variety of groups. He specializes in what he calls “old-school jazz guitar.”

The Andy Brown Quartet brings together four of the finest jazz musicians on the Chicago scene. Featuring Andy on guitar, Jeremy Kahn on piano, Joe Policastro on bass and Phil Gratteau on drums, this quartet combines the member’s shared musical inspirations and presents a lyrical and hard-swinging working band that has delighted audiences and critics alike. As a group they have performed weekly at Andy’s Jazz Club since 2012. Their Delmark records release Direct Call received 4 stars in Downbeat Magazine and was selected as one of the magazine’s Albums of the Year. Their latest recording is the 2023 release Good Atmosphere.

In a performance review the Chicago Tribune’s jazz critic wrote: “Inspiring music-making isn’t necessarily loud, aggressive, self-aggrandizing or heavily promoted. Consider what happens every Sunday night at Andy’s Jazz Club, where the superb but serenely understated Chicago guitarist Andy Brown leads a quartet. Like him, his bandmates speak softly but poetically. Brown’s pastel tones, softly stated melody lines and delicately rolled chords conveyed remarkable intimacy.”

Tickets: $20.00
Showtimes: 6pm-7:15pm & 8:15pm-9:30pm

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,,

EMMET COHEN

Live From Emmet’s Place is the touring version of Emmet Cohen’s live-streamed series, which brought world-class jazz into homes during the pandemic. Cohen and his trio re-create the series onstage with a living room-style jam session complete with top-tier musicianship. Inspired by Harlem rent parties, the show invites audiences to feel as if they’re in Cohen’s New York apartment.

Live From Emmet’s Place trio includes Grammy-nominated saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Patrick Bartley Jr., along with trumpeter, educator and curator Bruce Harris. Reuben Rogers will join on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums.

Tickets: $52.65 ~ $152. 10

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,

LORI WILLIAMS

Celebrate the start of Memorial Day Weekend with an evening of live music at the legendary Blues Alley Jazz as international vocalist Lori Williams takes the stage for one special night featuring two intimate performances. Known for her rich tone, expressive storytelling, and deep musical roots, Lori presents an evening of traditional and contemporary jazz, soul, and inspirational music, delivered with authenticity and emotional depth. This performance offers audiences the opportunity to experience her artistry in the city where her musical journey began. Featuring: Benjie Porecki – keys Tracey Cutler – saxophone Michael Bowie – bass Mark Prince – drums  Join us for a meaningful holiday weekend evening of music, reflection, and connection.

Williams is a renowned American jazz vocalist, educator, producer, and arts advocate whose career spans more than 30 years. Known for her smooth, soulful sound and expressive storytelling, she blends traditional and contemporary jazz, soul, and inspirational music, delivering performances rooted in authenticity, reflection, and positive messages. Her work has taken her to stages around the world, earning international respect as both a performer and educator.

An accomplished recording artist, Lori has released multiple albums, including Healing Within and her most recent project, Here We Are, recorded in Austria, reflecting her continued global artistic reach and creative evolution. She has performed at venues such as Blues Alley, Keystone Korner, Middle C Jazz, City Winery, the Capital Jazz Fest and Cruise, as well as numerous international jazz festivals. Her artistry has been recognized by former Vice President and President Joseph Biden, and she received a Helen Hayes Award nomination for her celebrated portrayal of Ella Fitzgerald.

A graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Communications, Lori is also a veteran music educator. She served for over 30 years in DC Public Schools and the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS), advocating for arts education and student empowerment through music. Her educational work continues through her roles as an artist-in-residence, clinician, and workshop leader, where she mentors students and emerging artists through performance-based learning and jazz pedagogy. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies at Georgia State University, further deepening her scholarship and artistic practice.

Beyond the stage and classroom, Lori is an accomplished radio producer and host. She produces and hosts Collector’s Choice with Lori Williams on JazzRadioWETF.org and curates the Sunday Jazz Lounge, selecting and hiring talent while fostering community through live jazz experiences. She is also the founder of Positive Music for Positive Minds, an initiative dedicated to inspiring and empowering youth and communities through the arts.

Now based in Georgia, Lori continues to perform, teach, and create opportunities for artists while advancing her lifelong mission to spread peace, purpose, and positivity through jazz, education, and community engagement.

Tickets: $50.00 +$7.00 fee

Showtimes: 7:30pm & 9:30pm

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,,

« Older Posts       Newer Posts »