The third-annual celebration of jazz, from April 9-15, features the critically acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), under the leadership of musical director Wynton Marsalis. This year, the orchestra will celebrate the contributions of two American music icons: North Carolina native son, Thelonious Monk, and composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein.
Free events are available throughout the week: lunch hour concerts, late night jams, a “Hamiltunes” sing-along, jazz on the pavilion at Levine Center For the Arts, student jazz bands from area high schools and colleges, and a young jazz artist competition. Check out the full schedule of free events.
The main-stage shows at Knight Theater, featuring JLCO, are sure to delight audiences with “The Music of Thelonius Monk” on Friday and a tribute celebrating the centennial of America’s greatest classical composer and conductor, Leonard Bernstein, on Saturday.
The festival is hosted by Blumenthal Performing Arts and sponsored by The Leon Levine Foundation. Get your tickets now.
Enter below to win two tickets to Friday or Saturday night events, including the main-stage shows and performances under the tent at Romare Bearden Park.
THURSDAY
FIRST NIGHT CELEBRATION WITH THE BAYLOR PROJECT
Romare Bearden Park, 7:30 p.m., $15-$34.50 GET TICKETS
Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor draw from their church roots to blend gospel, blues, soul, and jazz. Jean’s vocals carry a unique sense of whimsy. She performed as one-half of the platinum recording duo Zhane’. Marcus is a renowned drummer, composer, producer, and bandleader.
FRIDAY
PARLOR SOCIAL
Romare Bearden Park, 5:30 p.m., $15-$34.50 GET TICKETS
If Cab Calloway, Outkast, and Lauryn Hill would have a love-child, it would sound like Parlor Social. Spend your happy hour with this Montreal-based husband and wife team of Dessy Di Lauro and Ric’key Pageot and their speakeasy-soul sounds.
THE MUSIC OF THELONIOUS MONK
Knight Theater, 7:30 p.m., $25-$92.50 GET TICKETS
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will take on Monk’s harmonies, demonstrating why this repertoire is a definitive platform for thoughtful improvisation and high-quality jazz.
PEDRITO MARTINEZ GROUP
Romare Bearden Park, 9:30 p.m., $15-$34.50 GET TICKETS
Get ready to move to the groove of this quartet. Master percussionist and bandleader Pedrito Martinez leads with vocals and conga playing, while bassist Sebastian Natal, pianist Edgar Pantoja-Aleman, and percussionist Jhair Sala introduce their own flair and extraordinary energy.
SATURDAY
SATURDAY MORNING JAZZ BREW
Romare Bearden Park, 11 a.m., $15-$49.50 GET TICKETS
Internationally-recognized composer and drummer Ocie Davis and lauded trumpeter and vocalist Mark Braud are brewing a performance that will kick-start your weekend. Cabaret seating includes a selection of light bites and brews, including a Chicory Coffee bar.
JOEY DEFRANCESCO TRIO
Romare Bearden Park, 5:30 p.m., $15-$34.50 GET TICKETS
Joey DeFrancesco revitalizes a long-dormant musical form, organ jazz, with a fresh energy and understanding of the genre. Introduced to jazz at a young age by his jazz organist father, DeFrancesco grew up surrounded by instruments and was considered a child prodigy for his musical ability.
LEONARD BERNSTEIN AT 100
Knight Theater, 7:30 p.m., $25-$92.50 GET TICKETS
The JLCO with Wynton Marsalis offers a truly unique way to celebrate Bernstein’s legacy. Grammy Award-nominated composer Richard DeRosa and JLCO trombonist Vincent Gardner will craft arrangements of Bernstein’s music, including West Side Story, Candide, and several unexpected gems.
MWENSO & THE SHAKES
Romare Bearden Park, 9:30 p.m., $15-$34.50 GET TICKETS
Michael Mwenso is the fearless leader of this group, whose rotating ensemble continuously incorporates traditional jazz techniques, as well as folkloric traditions. Mwenso & The Shakes pay homage to their eclectic roots, favorite jazz pioneers and individual creative passions
Enter to win tickets!
• FRIDAY: Win two cabaret table seats (includes light hors-d’oeuvres) for Parlor Social and two tickets to JLCO’s Monk tribute.
• SATURDAY: Win two tickets to JLCO’s Bernstein celebration and two cabaret table seats (includes light hors-d’oeuvres) for Mwenso & The Shakes.
Feeling lucky? View the entry rules and fill out the ENTRY FORM.
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