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Birdland Jazz Club Announces August 2008 Schedule

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Birdland (315 West 44th Street - between 8th & 9th Aves.) is pleased to announce an exciting line-up of extraordinary entertainment for the month of August. A detailed schedule follows:

  • Sam Harris
    Actor, singer, songwriter, soon-to-be talk show host and brand new father, Sam Harris, brings a new show to Birdland, featuring songs from his new cd entitled “Free," to be released on July 22. Harris has written most of the acoustic driven pop/rock cd, including “War On War," a song currently going viral on YouTube for which people are creating music videos. His upcoming Birdland appearance will mark the live debut of most of the tunes, mixed in with fan favorites, and his own brand of humor, which recently won him a network talk show deal. Todd Schroeder will musically direct the evening. Look for Sam on ABC-TV's “The View" on July 23 and on the “CW11 Morning Show" on July 25. For more information, please go to SamHarris.com.

    Friday-Saturday, August 1 & 2 at 7pm
    $30 General Admission, $50 Orchestra

  • Monty Alexander Caribbean Sextet
    Alexander blends American and Jamaican musical styles, drawing on jazz, ska, big band, swing and reggae influences. His unique abilities have enabled him to work with a diverse assortment of talented artists including Frank Sinatra, Ray Brown, Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, Ernest Ranglin, Quincy Jones, Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar and Natalie Cole. Alexander explains, “My goal is to uplift. The piano, to me, is a vehicle for connecting to other human beings. I'm very open to all forms of music. I'm not a bebop musician, I'm not a calypso musician, I'm not a reggae musician. I'm a musician who loves it all." After playing Birdland with his fusion-oriented trio, the Kingston, Jamaica born pianist will continue into the weekend with his sextet focusing on his Caribbean influences.


    Friday- Saturday, August 1 & 2 at 9 & 11pm
    $30 General Admission, $40 Orchestra

  • Karen Mason
    Acclaimed vocalist Karen Mason celebrates the release of her new CD “Right Here/Right Now" - an emotional journey of the heart, in which she delivers each song with power, delicacy and grace. Produced by Emmy-winning composer, Paul Rolnick, Karen Mason once again proves that her time is indeed right here and right now. A star on Broadway (currently in Hairspray), Off-Broadway, television, and recording, Ms. Mason “has few peers when it comes to ripping the roof off with her amazing voice that knows no bounds!" (TheatreScene.net) Karen is a nine-time MAC Award winner and has won the MAC Award for Major Female Vocalist of the Year for six consecutive years. She has also won the 2006 Nightlife Award for Major Female Vocalist and three Bistro Awards. Among her many Broadway credits, Ms. Mason originated the role of Tanya on Broadway in Abba's Mamma Mia!, and was awarded a 2002 Drama Desk nomination as Best Actress. Karen has headlined major venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and shared stages with Luciano Pavarotti, Rosemary Clooney, Liza Minnelli, Michael Feinstein, Jerry Herman, and John Kander & Fred Ebb, among others.


    Monday, August 4 @ 7pm
    $35

  • Erika Weander & Station 23
    Station 23 crosses musical borders by blending the strings of acoustic folk, the vigor of contemporary pop and the latitude of modern rock. Station 23 has been described as “honest, evocative, and an engaging fresh new sound" by Roberta Zlokower from “On the Arts" in NYC. “They can really rock with ROCK," says Gary Stephens from the Associated Press. Station 23 was conceived in 2001 by co-writers Erika Weander and Pete Romano. Station 23 recently returned from Honolulu, Hawaii where they performed on a live broadcast with this year's Grammy Award winner Jeff Peterson on KTUH 98.1 FM radio. Longtime Birdland manager and lead singer Erika received the “Best 2006 New Writer" award from The Songwriter Hall of Fame on March 23rd at The Cutting Room in New York City, hosted by Billboard Magazine and the National Association of Popular Music.

    Tuesday, August 5 at 6pm
    $20

  • Hank Jones: 90th Birthday Celebration
    To hear Hank Jones is to understand why he is one of the rare individuals that the National Endowment for the Arts inducted as a 'Jazz Master'. In over seventy years as a Jazz pianist and composer, his playing style has embodied the essence of mainstream Jazz making him one of the most sought after and recorded Jazz pianists throughout Jazz history. As one of the few surviving Jazz greats photographed in 'A Great Day in Harlem,' he has also participated in other historical events such as accompanying Marilyn Monroe when she sang 'Happy Birthday Mr. President' to the late President John F. Kennedy. Along with being nominated for Grammy awards for “Bop Redux," “Love For Sale" and “I Remember You," Hank Jones has been recognized by many prestigious organizations such as International Jazz Hall of Fame, National Endowment for the Arts, Jazz Masters, and has been the recipient of Jazz Journalist, Congressional Achievement, and Highlights in Jazz awards, among others. The eldest surviving member of a prolific Jazz musician family, which included the late drummer Elvin Jones and trumpeter/composer Thad Jones, Hank celebrates his 90th birthday at Birdland with “The Great Jazz Trio" featuring George Mraz (bass) and Lewis Nash (drums), along with special guests!

    Wednesday-Saturday, August 6-9 at 8:30 & 11pm
    $35 General Admission, $45 Orchestra

  • The Songs of Henry Gainza
    Henry Gaiza has appeared on NBC's “Saturday Night Live," in the film Isabella Rico, and was featured in a leading role in the Off Broadway hit 4 Guys Named Jose . . . and una Mujer Named Maria! A University of Miami graduate, he frequently returns to South Florida where he has performed at the Actors' Playhouse and with City Theatre. With the combination of his songwriting skills and his “remarkable voice that is sweet and powerful" (The Miami Times), Henry was a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for his song “Lo Tienes Todo." Henry is a Carbonell nominee and an Hola Award winner.

    Monday, August 11 at 7pm
    $25

  • Hilary Kole with Billy Stritch
    Vocalist Hilary Kole began her professional career at the legendary Rainbow Room as the youngest singer ever to grace the stage. From there, Hilary co-wrote and starred in the long running Off Broadway hit Our Sinatra, as well as headlined at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, and has appeared at such international venues as the Umbria and Nairn Jazz Festivals. She has also performed and recorded with the late Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, and Michel LeGrand, to name but a few. Rex Reed calls her “hip and lovely, a musical marvel," and Time Out New York notes that “Kole presents her own distinctive style. She is the best at selling a song." Ms. Kole will be joined by Billy Stritch, the Grammy-winning composer, arranger, vocalist, and jazz pianist of extraordinary range and sophistication who brings an easy sense of humor and showmanship to his performances. The London Times has written, “Equally gifted as a player and a singer, and doing both with no-holds-power, Stritch is not afraid to dazzle!" Together, Hilary and Billy make a sensational pair, breathing new life into the Great American Songbook.

    Wednesday-Saturday, August 13-16 at 8:30 & 11pm
    $30 General Admission, $40 Orchestra

  • Soul Deep: The Anthology of Black Music
    With Chuck Cooper, Alex Cooper, Lili Cooper, Chad Goodridge, Aisha de Haas, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Justin Keyes, Adrienne Lennox, Maurice Murphy, Destan Owens, Sophia Stephens, Shayna Steele & Harry Thompson. Onstage tribute to Phylicia Rahsad! A Fundraiser for Broadway Inspirational Voices Produced by Amy Birnbaum and Dominique Sharpton Soul Deep: An Anthology of Black Music is a benefit concert aiding in the preservation of African American music. Top Broadway talent will pay homage to the likes of Bo Diddley, Sarah Vaughn, Donny Hathaway, Sam Cooke, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Public Enemy, and many others. The concert will honor actress Phylicia Rashad and raise money for Broadway Inspirational Voices, a gospel ensemble comprised of actors performing on and off Broadway whose mission is to bring people of all races and religious backgrounds together.

  • Monday, August 18 at 7pm
    $25 General Admission, $50 Orchestra

  • Gregor Huebner Group
    German born composer and musician Gregor Huebner began studying piano and violin at age six. He earned an MA degree in jazz piano/composition from Manhattan School of Music and won a “President's Award." He has performed at the World Exhibitions in Sevilla and Hannover, the Athens Olympic Games, Tango Festivals in Montevideo and Buenos Aires, and most recently at Jazz Festivals in Cork (Ireland), Tiblisi (Georgia), Montreux, New York (JVC, Bell Atlantic), Stuttgart (Jazz Open), and Portugal with Tango Five. His recording “Round About Frederik Mompou" was nominated for the Latin Grammy in 2002, and he has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater, the Berlin Philharmonic, Frauenkirche in Dresden, Gewandhaus in Leipzig and has traveled extensively around the world. Gregor has recorded two CD's with the Gregor Huebner Quintet, “Panonien" and “Januschke's Time." Huebner's Quintet, founded in 1995, includes Tim Hagans, Andi Maile, Harvie Swartz and Holger Nell.

    Tuesday, August 19 at 6pm
    $20

  • Richie Beirach Quintet
    Richard “Richie" Beirach's career as a jazz pianist began at the Berklee College of Music, after having studied both classical and jazz piano. In 1972 he began working with Stan Getz, and went on to collaborate with other great talents such as Chet Baker and French saxophonist Henrik Frisk, while maintaining an ongoing musical partnership with David Liebman from the 1970s to the 90s, in Lookout Farm, Quest and many duos. Richie Beirach's style is influenced by Art Tatum, Bill Evans, and his earlier classical training, yet is still unique with many qualities all its own. This blend of classic foundation and individual style has landed several of his compositions, such as “Leaving" and “Elm," into the jazz standard repertoire.

    Wednesday-Saturday, August 20-23 at 8:30 & 11pm
    $30 General Admission, $40 Orchestra

  • Leny Andrade
    Produced by Pat Philips and Ettore Stratta
    Making the virtuosic and vigorous style of samba-jazz her main field of expression, Leny Andrade acquired a solid reputation as a singer and improviser, acknowledged by the many top musicians who have performed with her such as Paquito D'Rivera (who considers Andrade his favorite singer), Luiz Ea, Dick Farney, Joo Donato, Eumir Deodato, and Francis Hime. Leny Andrade's eclectic style became better defined with the advent of bossa nova, through which she introduced jazz elements into her singing. Finally, she opted for a synthesis of samba-jazz that refutes much of the delicacy and attention to the lyrics as proposed by bossa nova, in favor of a more energetic interpretation.

    Wednesday-Saturday, August 27-30 at 8:30 & 11pm
    $30 General Admission, $40 Orchestra

    REGULAR MONTHLY ENGAGEMENTS

  • ANDY FARBER & HIS ORCHESTRA, Featuring Hilary Kole
    Award winning composer/arranger and saxophonist Andy Farber leads his 17-piece jazz orchestra through a program of original compositions and new arrangements of standards. Featured with the big band is vocalist Hilary Kole, a star in the midst of a meteoric rise. The NY Observer calls her, “Hip and lovely...a musical marvel... sexy, charming and funny." While the NY Post raves, “Kole is drop dead gorgeous." And Time Out NY notes, “Kole has a sophisticated sex appeal...and presents her own distinctive style. She is the best at selling a song."

    Sundays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 6-6:45pm, 7-7:45pm
    $20

  • CHICO O'FARRILL'S AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA (directed by Arturo O'Farrill, Jr.)
    Arranger-bandleader Arturo “Chico" O' Farrill, Sr. began introducing Afro-Cuban rhythms into jazz in the 1940's. The band bearing Chico's name (directed by his son Arturo) “continues to showcase the most seamless blend of clav rhythm and bebop harmony anywhere." (Time Out)

    Sundays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 @9 & 11pm
    $25

  • JIM CARUSO'S “CAST PARTY"
    “No one can be called a true New Yorker until they've been to the 'Cast Party,' (2007 Nightlife Award Winner) which is to Broadway what the Conde-Nast cafeteria is to publishing. Divas and dapper-dans insouciantly sip cocktails while watching each other sing and perform at the open-mic event during Broadway's dark night," says Next Magazine. Broadway impresario Jim Caruso hosts a combination open-mic, networking event and party in which the biggest stars on Broadway relax on their night off by performing their favorite songs in an informal setting.

    Mondays, August 4, 11, 18, 25 at 9:30pm
    $10 cover/$10 minimum

  • THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON...w/David Berger & The Sultans of Swing
    This Tuesday night residency has David Berger -- acclaimed bandleader, composer/arranger, and historical expert on all things Ellington - leading his 16 piece “Sultans of Swing" Big Band in a program of authentic, swinging arrangements by Ellington, Basie and other big band icons.

    Tuesdays, August 5, 12, 19, 26 at 8:30pm & 11pm
    $25

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION, PLEASE NOTE:
    Music charges vary by performer
    At the tables, there is a $10 food/drink minimum per person in addition to the music charge.
    At the bar, the music charge includes one complimentary drink, no additional minimum.
    American Fare w/ a Cajun Accent served nightly from 5PM-Mid. & until 1am Fri. & Sat.
    Discount parking garage across the street at 332 West 44th Street.
    For further information and reservations call (212) 581-3080
    Purchase tickets 24 hours a day at birdlandjazz.com


    PRE-THEATRE SPECIALS
    Every Wednesday, 5:30-7:30PM
    “DAVID OSTWALD'S LOUIS ARMSTRONG CENTENNIAL BAND"
    $10 music charge

    Every Friday, 5:15-7:00PM
    “THE BIRDLAND BIG BAND" with TOMMY IGOE
    $20 music charge/$10 minimum

    DISCOUNT ADMISSION SPECIALS (subject to availability)
    STUDENTS (with current ID): 50% off music charge, 11PM shows only.

    NO MUSIC CHARGE with Broadway ticket stub when presented at door for 11PM shows Sunday through Thursday (50% off Music charge Friday and Saturday).

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