#1 jazz club in NYC
—SecretNYC
SMOKE Jazz Club today announced its concert schedule for October 2025. The month’s capstone is a two-week Thelonious Monk Festival (Oct 8-19) celebrating the unparalleled genius of the legendary composer/pianist Thelonious Monk (born 10.10.17) with performances by some of today’s top artists including Melissa Aldana, winner of the 2013 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. Other highlights this month include the return of club audience favorites Nicholas Payton, Steve Davis, and one of the greatest organ trios Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart. For the complete and most updated October schedule, please visit SMOKEjazz.com. As always, all Friday night concerts are livestreamed!
Vicente Archer – bass
Marcus Gilmore- drum
“Payton's genius virtuosity captivated both faithful fans and anyone in the NPR crowd just discovering his music for the first time." —NPR
Nicholas Payton leads an exciting, groundbreaking group including bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Marcus Gilmore. A multi-instrumental virtuoso from New Orleans, Payton is a master trumpeter (and pianist) who brings insight, inspiration, and passion to a wide spectrum of Black American Music. Over the years, he has recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis, Dr. Michael White, Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Doc Cheatham, and Joe Henderson, among many others, and is widely considered one of the most important artists of our time. In a review, the Chicago Tribune states, “No descriptive label or category could be affixed to Payton’s solos, which were as brashly original as they were technically imposing.”
Payton’s latest album, TRIUNE (SMOKE Sessions Records), was just released and features a momentous trio collaboration with vocalist and bassist esperanza spalding and drummer Karriem Riggins, as well as a fellow New Orleanians on a Sly Stone-esq rendition of Payton’s anthem #bamisforthechildren.
Melissa Aldana – tenor saxophone
Robert Hurst – bass
Terri Lyne Carrington – drums
The Thelonious Monk Festival begins with an exhilarating quartet led by Orrin Evans and featuring saxophonist Melissa Aldana, bassist Robert Hurst, and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington.
Melissa Aldana—who in 2013 became the first woman, the first South American, and the youngest artist ever to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition—has been hailed by The Washington Post as embodying “a new sense of possibility and direction in jazz”. Pianist Orrin Evans, rooted in Philadelphia’s rich jazz tradition, has developed a style that seamlessly “bridged bop to funk and soul… but always remained firmly planted in a jazz tradition,” according to All About Jazz. With bassist Robert Hurst—longtime sideman to Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, and Branford and Wynton Marsalis—this quartet boasts undeniable rhythmic gravitas. At the drums is NEA Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington, winner of the Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album and praised by All About Jazz as a “first‑rate percussionist… at home whether backing Lenny Kravitz or spearheading a hard‑bop date.” These four leading artists bring their artistry to the enduring Monk repertoire that remains as vital and vibrant today as ever.
Miguel Zenon – alto saxophone (sun only)
Kevin Hays – piano
Rick Rosato – bass
Obed Calvaire – drums
The second week of the Thelonious Monk Festival features a spectacular quartet led by pianist Kevin Hays with saxophonists Joe Lovano (wed–sat) and Miguel Zenon (sun); bassist Rick Rosato; and drummer Obed Calvaire.
Kevin Hays is “heralded for his melodic and harmonic ingenuity” and “has an inherent dance in his piano playing,” reports Downbeat, and his projects, like this one, reflect these same qualities. For this celebration, he joins two brilliant saxophonists, Joe Lovano, and on the final night, Miguel Zenon. The New York Times says that Joe Lovano is “one of the great connectors in the history of New York jazz over the last few generations,” and is “long considered one of the great saxophonists of his generation,” according to PBS News. Alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon, who is originally from Puerto Rico, was a Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow, has multiple Grammy nominations. Downbeat calls him “one of the most esteemed and singular-voiced alto saxophonists in jazz.” The final two pieces of this exciting quartet are Rick Rosato and Obed Calvaire. Originally from Montreal, Rosato arrived in New York in 2007 and quickly became one of the most in-demand jazz bassists. Considered one of finest drummers of his generation, Obed Calvaire is well-known for his work with the SFJAZZ Collective and Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, among many others.
Peter Bernstein – guitar
Bill Stewart – drums
“An authentic organ trio with all the size and scope of Mount Everest, and twice the cool” —JazzTimes
Celebrated as one of the greatest organ trios in jazz, Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, and Bill Stewart reunite for five nights of inspired music. Of their most recent album, Perpetual Pendulum, JazzWise says, “What delight to come across something so simple, so good, so damn right.” Downbeat adds, “Individually, these three musicians are at the top of their respective fields. Together, they have become standard-bearers for the B-3 tradition.”
When they got started as a trio—now more than 30 years ago—it was also on 106th and Broadway, making this week a special homecoming. This week at SMOKE is the conclusion of a month-long U.S. tour that features the music of Wayne Shorter, which they will record for a new SMOKE Session Records album this Fall 2025.
Ralph Moore – tenor saxophone
Steve Davis – trombone
Renee Rosnes – piano
Essiet Essiet – guitar
Lewis Nash – drums
“Steve Davis is the Poet Laureate of the trombone." —Chick Corea
Steve Davis leads his popular and acclaimed “We See” sextet, an all-star ensemble he featured on his most recent album, We See (SMOKE Sessions Records). The group includes trumpeter Eddie Henderson, saxophonist Ralph Moore, pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Lewis Nash. “A major jazz trombonist since he joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in 1990,” according to New York City Jazz Record, Davis has also been a SMOKE Jazz Club favorite for many years. “He has established himself as one of the most accomplished and lyrical improvisers on his instrument as well as a prolific composer,” says JazzTimes, while Downbeat adds, “Davis thoughtfully balances modernism, lyricism, and drive—as a writer and a player.”
Every Wednesday-Sunday @ 7:00 p.m. + 9:00 p.m. and additional 10:30 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
2751 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
212-864-6662
In-Person $25-$60. Livestream $15. For more information and to make reservations visit our website.
October 2025 Concert Schedule
Wed-Sun Oct 1-5, Nicholas Payton Group
Nicholas Payton – trumpetVicente Archer – bass
Marcus Gilmore- drum
“Payton's genius virtuosity captivated both faithful fans and anyone in the NPR crowd just discovering his music for the first time." —NPR
Nicholas Payton leads an exciting, groundbreaking group including bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Marcus Gilmore. A multi-instrumental virtuoso from New Orleans, Payton is a master trumpeter (and pianist) who brings insight, inspiration, and passion to a wide spectrum of Black American Music. Over the years, he has recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis, Dr. Michael White, Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Doc Cheatham, and Joe Henderson, among many others, and is widely considered one of the most important artists of our time. In a review, the Chicago Tribune states, “No descriptive label or category could be affixed to Payton’s solos, which were as brashly original as they were technically imposing.”
Payton’s latest album, TRIUNE (SMOKE Sessions Records), was just released and features a momentous trio collaboration with vocalist and bassist esperanza spalding and drummer Karriem Riggins, as well as a fellow New Orleanians on a Sly Stone-esq rendition of Payton’s anthem #bamisforthechildren.
Wed-Sun Oct 8–19 Thelonious Monk Festival
A two-week celebration of Thelonious Monk—who was born on October 10, 1917.Week One, Wed-Sun Oct 8-12
Orrin Evans – pianoMelissa Aldana – tenor saxophone
Robert Hurst – bass
Terri Lyne Carrington – drums
The Thelonious Monk Festival begins with an exhilarating quartet led by Orrin Evans and featuring saxophonist Melissa Aldana, bassist Robert Hurst, and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington.
Melissa Aldana—who in 2013 became the first woman, the first South American, and the youngest artist ever to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition—has been hailed by The Washington Post as embodying “a new sense of possibility and direction in jazz”. Pianist Orrin Evans, rooted in Philadelphia’s rich jazz tradition, has developed a style that seamlessly “bridged bop to funk and soul… but always remained firmly planted in a jazz tradition,” according to All About Jazz. With bassist Robert Hurst—longtime sideman to Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, and Branford and Wynton Marsalis—this quartet boasts undeniable rhythmic gravitas. At the drums is NEA Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington, winner of the Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album and praised by All About Jazz as a “first‑rate percussionist… at home whether backing Lenny Kravitz or spearheading a hard‑bop date.” These four leading artists bring their artistry to the enduring Monk repertoire that remains as vital and vibrant today as ever.
Week Two, Wed-Sun Oct 15-19
Joe Lovano – tenor saxophone (wed-sat)Miguel Zenon – alto saxophone (sun only)
Kevin Hays – piano
Rick Rosato – bass
Obed Calvaire – drums
The second week of the Thelonious Monk Festival features a spectacular quartet led by pianist Kevin Hays with saxophonists Joe Lovano (wed–sat) and Miguel Zenon (sun); bassist Rick Rosato; and drummer Obed Calvaire.
Kevin Hays is “heralded for his melodic and harmonic ingenuity” and “has an inherent dance in his piano playing,” reports Downbeat, and his projects, like this one, reflect these same qualities. For this celebration, he joins two brilliant saxophonists, Joe Lovano, and on the final night, Miguel Zenon. The New York Times says that Joe Lovano is “one of the great connectors in the history of New York jazz over the last few generations,” and is “long considered one of the great saxophonists of his generation,” according to PBS News. Alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon, who is originally from Puerto Rico, was a Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow, has multiple Grammy nominations. Downbeat calls him “one of the most esteemed and singular-voiced alto saxophonists in jazz.” The final two pieces of this exciting quartet are Rick Rosato and Obed Calvaire. Originally from Montreal, Rosato arrived in New York in 2007 and quickly became one of the most in-demand jazz bassists. Considered one of finest drummers of his generation, Obed Calvaire is well-known for his work with the SFJAZZ Collective and Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, among many others.
Wed-Sun Oct 22-26 Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart
Larry Goldings – Hammond B-3 organPeter Bernstein – guitar
Bill Stewart – drums
“An authentic organ trio with all the size and scope of Mount Everest, and twice the cool” —JazzTimes
Celebrated as one of the greatest organ trios in jazz, Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, and Bill Stewart reunite for five nights of inspired music. Of their most recent album, Perpetual Pendulum, JazzWise says, “What delight to come across something so simple, so good, so damn right.” Downbeat adds, “Individually, these three musicians are at the top of their respective fields. Together, they have become standard-bearers for the B-3 tradition.”
When they got started as a trio—now more than 30 years ago—it was also on 106th and Broadway, making this week a special homecoming. This week at SMOKE is the conclusion of a month-long U.S. tour that features the music of Wayne Shorter, which they will record for a new SMOKE Session Records album this Fall 2025.
Wed-Sun Oct 29-Nov 2 Steve Davis “We See” All-Star Sextet
Eddie Henderson – trumpetRalph Moore – tenor saxophone
Steve Davis – trombone
Renee Rosnes – piano
Essiet Essiet – guitar
Lewis Nash – drums
“Steve Davis is the Poet Laureate of the trombone." —Chick Corea
Steve Davis leads his popular and acclaimed “We See” sextet, an all-star ensemble he featured on his most recent album, We See (SMOKE Sessions Records). The group includes trumpeter Eddie Henderson, saxophonist Ralph Moore, pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Lewis Nash. “A major jazz trombonist since he joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in 1990,” according to New York City Jazz Record, Davis has also been a SMOKE Jazz Club favorite for many years. “He has established himself as one of the most accomplished and lyrical improvisers on his instrument as well as a prolific composer,” says JazzTimes, while Downbeat adds, “Davis thoughtfully balances modernism, lyricism, and drive—as a writer and a player.”
About SMOKE
Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side at the junction of Broadway and 106th Street (aka Duke Ellington Boulevard), Smoke Jazz Club is one of New York City’s premier live music venues. Renowned for offering top-notch programming of accessible, timeless jazz featuring legendary performers, modern masters and rising stars, Smoke stands apart with its candlelit dining room, stellar acoustics, and classic American cuisine. Founded in 1999, SMOKE also boasts a GRAMMY-nominated label, Smoke Sessions Records, and a celebrated streaming concert series, Smoke Screens.Every Wednesday-Sunday @ 7:00 p.m. + 9:00 p.m. and additional 10:30 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
2751 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
212-864-6662
In-Person $25-$60. Livestream $15. For more information and to make reservations visit our website.
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