Victor Gould

Saturday, July 31, 7:00PM

Hailed by Downbeat magazine as “a new and important compositional voice,” and by allaboutjazz.com as “a composer of great ambition and skill,” Victor Gould has earned distinction as a pianist, composer and first-call sideman for such artists as vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, whose Grammy-nominated recordings A Social Call and Liberation feature Gould prominently. His first album, Clockwork, was named Debut of the Year in the 2016 NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll. With the subsequent releases Earthlings and Thoughts Become Things, Gould documented an ever-widening musical vision, adeptly orchestrating for horns and strings in varied combinations. On his 2021 release In Our Time he stakes a claim as an inventive, highly expressive player in the piano trio idiom with bassist Tamir Shmerling and drummer Anwar Marshall (plus special guest tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens). Born in Los Angeles and now based in the New York area, Gould began playing piano at age 4 and joined the great alto saxophonist Donald Harrison’s band at age 17. He has toured the world, performing at the Umbria, Newport, Monterey, Detroit and North Sea Jazz Festivals, among others. He has worked extensively with trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, whose albums Make Noise!, Noir En Rouge: Live in Paris, Jeremy Pelt The Artist and Griot: This Is Important! all highlight Gould’s top-tier artistry. As a member of the Black Art Jazz Collective, nominally co-led by Pelt and tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, Gould composed the title track from the sextet’s 2020 HighNote release Ascension. In addition, Gould has performed with Buster Williams, JD Allen, Vincent Herring, Eric Alexander and Sean Jones, and recorded with Wallace Roney, Bobby Watson, Etienne Charles, Ralph Peterson and many others. One of the first recipients of the Herbie Hancock Presidential Scholarship at Berklee College of Music, Gould went on to earn a Master’s degree from the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at Loyola University. He has taught at Xavier University and elsewhere, following in the footsteps of his great mentor-educators. His honors include a 2020 New Works Grant from Chamber Music America as well as a 2009 ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Award. He won Loyola University’s 2011 Concerto, Aria and Composition Competition and placed as a semifinalist in the 2006 Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition. In light of these accomplishments at a fairly young age, it is clear, as allaboutjazz.com has declared, that Gould “has got the musical world on a string, in his mind and at his fingertips.”

Michael Arenella Quintet

Saturday, July 31, 10:30PM

Personnel:
Michael Arenella – Trombone and Vocal
Nicholas Hempton – Alto Saxophone
Nat Harris – Guitar
Yoshi Waki – Bass
Dan Aran – Drums

While making a living busking in the subway upon his arrival to NYC in 1998, Michael Arenella made a name as he immersed himself in the virginal Jazz of the 1920s. He learned to play the cornet and to croon. This immersion went on to give birth to a cultural phenomenon, a good decade before it became wildly popular in popular culture: the rebirth of the Roaring ‘20s. Almost as soon as the tens of thousands began pouring through the gates of his now famous Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island, a restlessness started to beckon Arenella toward his next pursuit. The pandemic of 2020 galvanized this. A year without a place to be, a sense of purpose indefinitely suspended, gave him the opportunity to reunite after 15 years with his first and natural voice: the trombone. With this, the desire to travel further down the line musically; to evolve through challenge - became an urgent need. Though Arenella is now focused on expression untethered to one era, his sense swing and soul very much remain his timeless obsession.

JENNIFER JADE LEDESNA Live in The Django

Wednesday, August 04, 9:00PM

Stage mage JENNIFER JADE LEDESNA, a native Bronx polyglot, is an alumna of the New School Jazz Conservatory & the “Famed” LaGuardia Arts. A Montreux Jazz Voice Competition Finalist, Equity actress, & "Betty Carter Jazz Ahead" composer, Ms. Jade often performs at "Aux Trois Mailletz" in Paris. She's sung at Carnegie Hall w Bobby McFerrin in “INSTANT OPERA!”, in the World Premiere Tour of “CHAPEL/CHAPTER” w the Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Dance Co. She's graced the stages of the CHORUS Jazz Club in Lausanne, Norway's International “Silda Jazz Fest” w her group "RAJAFRO", Saint Croix's “Take Five” fest, Santiago de Chile's "Teatro Municipal de Las Condes", & Austria's PORGY & BESS. She's also shared the stage with Elew, Dave Valentin, Wycliffe Gordon, Junior Mance, Benny Powell, Candido Camero, & Wynton Marsalis, among others. Jenn Jade recently starred as “Tinima” in HATUEY: MEMORY OF FIRE! at BAM in NYC & just returned from her Summer Tour in North East Brasil!

Ms. Kokoh

Wednesday, August 04, 7:00PM

Ms. Kokoh is a multi-talented entertainer with a background in classical ballet. Her stage eloquence and distinctive magnetic voice have captivated audiences across the globe. This former RCA/BMG Artist is also a graduate of the legendary Booker T Washington Arts Magnet High School in Dallas and artists such as Roy Hargrove, Erykah Badu, and Norah Jones. She has performed and/or recorded with Phyllis Hyman, Walter Blanding, Gerald Albright, and many others. Her last recording, produced by Leon Ware, is entitled “Meltdown.” With a large fan base in the Far East, she has also spent years frequently performing, recording, and appearing as a featured actress on television in Asia. Her personal appeal combined with true artistic ability is a live experience that you don’t want to miss.

Alexander Claffy Trio

Thursday, August 05, 7:00PM

Personnel:
Alexander Claffy - Bass
Nicole Glover - Saxophone
Adam Arruda - Drums

Alexander Claffy moved to New York in 2011. Since then he has had the honor of working with many of his living heroes, including Jimmy Cobb, Louis Hayes, Harold Mabern, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Christian Scott, Joey Alexander, Wallace Roney and many more. In the past 3 years he has recorded for the Verve, HighNote, Positone, RopeADope and LaReserve record labels.

Chris Norton Live in the Django

Thursday, August 05, 9:00PM

Seeing Chris Norton perform is an experience you will not soon forget. This versatile singer, trumpeter, and bandleader has the rare ability to leave audiences floating on a cloud with his unique voice and expert interpretation of jazz standards, while simultaneously electrifying guests with pop, R&B hits, rock classics, and soulful ballads. Whether he’s entertaining celebrities during New York Fashion Week, playing for philanthropists at the amfAR gala, thrilling sports executives and football fans during official NFL Super Bowl events, or performing for heads of state (including former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton), Chris demonstrates his best with every note played and song sung – leaving each client satisfied, every single time.

Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Chris began playing the trumpet as a child – influenced by the hypnotic jazz stylings of Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis. As his craft developed, he found his voice – literally. The instrumentalist evolved into a talented vocalist, and began singing and playing trumpet in his live shows. After mastering both crafts, Chris decided to take his talents to the entertainment capital of the world – New York City.

It wasn’t long before Chris became one of the most sought-after and lauded performers on the NYC social scene. His unique shows earned him artist residencies and private events at the city’s most iconic venues including The Waldorf Astoria, The Rainbow Room, Cipriani, the St. Regis, The Plaza, The Standard Hotel, Le Cirque, The SoHo Grand, One World Trade, The New York Public Library, Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Oprea House, and Tavern on the Green. Specializing in high caliber entertainment, Chris has booked performances across the U.S. and internationally with luxury brands and Fortune 500 clientele including Porsche, Hermes, Chopard, Mercedes-Benz, L’Oreal, Microsoft, Audi, The New York Stock Exchange, Valentino, Omega, Tiffany, Direct TV, and The Whitney Museum – just to name a few.

Chris recently headlined Jane Fonda’s 80th birthday party and performed at the 2017 Esquire Magazine Golden Globes party. He’s headlined the 2016 Cannes Film Festival Party; The 2015 and 2017 Whitney Gala, the 2016 Omega Globemaster launch event with Oscar-winning actor, Eddie Redmayne; Montblanc’s 110th Anniversary Gala at NYC’s iconic Rainbow Room alongside Oscar-nominated actor, Hugh Jackman; the 2016 Campari “BitterSweet” launch party featuring Oscar-nominated actress, Kate Hudson; and most recently, the 2016-2017 Grand Valley State University Gala.

In addition to President Obama and President Clinton, Chris has performed before Vice President Joe Biden, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Secretary Hillary Clinton. He had the privilege of entertaining Vice President Al Gore and his family as the featured entertainer for his son’s wedding in Washington, D.C. The event earned wide recognition from various outlets, including exclusive name recognition for Chris in People Magazine’s national coverage.

Chris is internationally known, having performed for various dignitaries across the world, including private events and concerts at the renowned Royal Mansour in Marrakech, Morocco. A true citizen of the world, he has traveled to numerous countries over the course of his illustrious, multi-decade career. While he always enjoys sharing his musical talents abroad, Chris is also proud of the work he’s done in his home state, where he recently scored original music for two award-winning Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater tourism commercials.

Jason Clotter

Friday, August 06, 7:00PM

Personnel:
Joseph Farnsworth on drums
Sarah Hanhan on saxophone
Sean Mason on piano
Jason Clotter on bass
Andrew Wagner

Jason Clotter, a bassist from Puerto Cortes Honduras has currently resides in the mecca of jazz in New York City. During his years migrating from Honduras to New York City, he studied the bass at age 17 when he was invited to Celia Cruz Bronx High school of music. He has grown tremendously since he started playing the bass in high school. Clotter has taken part in many prestiges programs such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, NAFME, Manhattan school of music and much more. Clotter has shared the stage with numerous great musicians such as Eli Yamen,Stacy Dillard, Vincent Gardner, Marquis Hill, Wallace Roney, Eric Lewis, Steve Davis, Michael Mwnenso, Anthony Wonsey and many more. He has performed in prestiges venues around the world such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Smalls Jazz Club, Smoke Jazz Club, Grand Ole Opry and Reduta Jazz Club ( Czech Republic). Clotter has been selected to be a part of many programs such as Jazz Lincoln Center, Manhattan School music Pre college, Bloomingdales school in music, Skidmore Jazz Institute and much more. Currently Jason attends Purchase College. Currently Clotter has been Storming the Jazz Scene as an upcoming Bassist. It is Jason mission to create beautiful music and keep the music alive and going.

Ken Fowser Quintet

Friday, August 06, 10:00PM

Personnel:
Ken Fowser - Saxophone
Joshua Bruneau - Trumpet
Rick Germanson - Piano
Gerald Cannon - Bass
Willie Jones III - Drums

Since his arrival on the New York scene in 2005, Ken Fowser has continued to steer traditional harmony in uncharted directions. His lyrical approach to line construction and depth of harmonic sensibility allows him to record and play all over the world. A prolific composer, Fowser has celebrated four cooperative releases on Posi-tone Records, co-led with vibraphone virtuoso, Behn Gillece. His debut release as a leader, Standing Tall earned him the number-one spot on Jazz Week Radio Chart seven weeks in a row. Fowser enjoyed both downtown and uptown residencies at iconic New York venues, hosting the session at Smalls Jazz Club every Tuesday for four years, and playing the late set at Smoke Jazz and Supper Club every Friday for two years. He currently is the Music Curator for the Roxy Hotel New York, and performs every Friday at the Django with special guests each week.

Matt Chertkoff Trio feat Jazz Legend Houston Person

Saturday, August 07, 10:00PM

Guitarist Matt Chertkoff has played his music in 9 countries and at jazz festivals and clubs all over the world. He has shared the stage with Jimmy Cobb, Freddy Cole, Grady Tate, Dee Bridgewater and Craig Handy among many others. He has performed on national and international TV shows on the Telemundo and Nippon networks as well as on German national TV. Houston Person is one of the most recorded living jazz saxophonists having made over 100 records as a leader and appearing on more than 300 records total. His melodic bluesy sound is a perfect match for Matt Chertkoff's soulful guitar and the two have been performing together frequently for several years now so this performance is not to be missed!

Keith Brown

Saturday, August 07, 7:00PM

Personnel:
Keith Brown- Piano
Endea Owens- Bass
Darrell Green- Drums

Memphis-born, Knoxville-raised and New York-based Keith Brown is one of the most in-demand pianists on the contemporary jazz scene. Since he began playing jazz at the age of 18, Brown has performed and recorded with a who’s-who of jazz luminaries. He currently tours as the pianist for Charles Tolliver and Jazzmeia Horn and has shared the stage with great jazz artists such as Camille Thurman & The Darrell Green Trio, Dezron Douglas, Sherman Irby, Steve Slagle, Terreon Gully, Kenneth Whalum III, David Weiss, Mike Clark, Bill Saxton, Joe Farnsworth, Greg Tardy, John Clayton, Benny Golson, and Bobby Watson to name a few. The pianist’s third album as a leader, African Ripples introduces a new iteration of the Keith Brown trio now anchored by bassist Dezron Douglas and rotating drummers Darrell Green and Terron “Tank” Gully. Augmenting the mix is an abundance of notable special guests including trumpeter Russell Gunn, saxophonist Anthony Ware, vocalist Melanie Charles, vocalist Camille Thurman, vocalist Tamara Brown, spoken word artist Cyrus Aaron, and percussionist Nêgah Santos. After appearing on a number of universally acclaimed jazz recordings last year, including those by Jazzmeia Horn, Charles Tolliver, and Gregory Tardy, Keith Brown fulfills a long-held artistic vision on African Ripples. “The music of African Ripples was composed and collected to convey my personal experiences through Black music and how it has rippled out in so many different directions,” says Brown. “These ripples serve to bring to light our different relationships and connections and different variations of the same impactful shared experiences. This music has always been an extension of how we express ourselves within these relationships.” With the express purpose of fostering connection and positivity, African Ripples takes listeners on a journey throughout the life of the composer and offers a musical interpretation of many experiences that we all share in common - communion, hope, fear, nostalgia, grief and love. ‘My hope is that the listener will find enjoyment in the sounds, rhythms, harmonies, and melodies familiar to them and the ones that may be unfamiliar,” asserts Brown. “I hope that the energy and soul we put into this recording give them energy and uplift the soul.”

J. Hoard Live in The Django

Wednesday, August 11, 9:00PM

J. Hoard is a Brooklyn-based artist. In one performance you are given the core of the Black church and the allure of “The Great White Way” (Broadway). His original compositions and arrangements easily shift genre to articulate his vivid songwriting. This eclecticism has yielded collaborations with artists such as Black Coffee, Chance the Rapper, Brasstracks, and hip-hop royalty Jean Grae & Quelle Chris. Additionally, he has worked closely with a host of jazz/experimental artists such as Sonnymoon, Javier Santiago, Jose James TheLessonGK, and music legend Meshell Ndegeocello. My personnel for the band is - Tyler Newson -drum Daniel Winshall - bass Simon Dufour- saxophone

Tahira Clayton

Wednesday, August 11, 7:00PM

Personnel:
Tahira Clayton - Vocals
Addison Frei - Piano
Jon Michelle - Bass
Curtis Nowosad

Originally from Dallas, TX and now living in New York City, Tahira Clayton is known for her honest vocal delivery and charismatic stage presence. A strong lyricist and storyteller, Tahira’s musical style honors the ancestral lineage of Black American Music. Tahira was named “Audience choice,” and “Most Promising Artist” at the 2018 UNISA International Jazz Voice Competition in Pretoria, South Africa. In 2017 she won the DC Jazz Prix competition with AMP Trio, earning a headlining performance at the 2018 DC Jazz Festival and partnership with Willard Jenkins and the DC Jazz Festival. She has led groups and performed in places such as Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club (Jazz at Lincoln Center), Sony Music Hall, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, The 55 Bar, Minton’s Playhouse, The Rainbow Room, Cornelia Street Café, the Cell Theatre, and the Jazz Showcase (Chicago). As well as being an in-demand bandleader and performer, Tahira is a sought after side-woman, lending her voice to numerous recording projects, performances, and songwriting collaborations. Tahira is a well established creative teaching artist. Tahira currently serves as the vice president and is a founding board member of the Women in Jazz Organization (WIJO), based in NYC. In addition to her work with WIJO, Tahira has traveled internationally to present lectures on her research entitled, “The Dangers of Jazz: Sexism in Society.” A 2015 graduate of the University of North Texas Tahira has performed and participated in master classes of many of the genre’s greats. Tahira’s debut album of all original compositions, “Wait, Till Now” is currently available for purchase and streaming. www.tahiraclayton.com

Paul Sikivie

Thursday, August 12, 9:00PM

Personnel:
Brandon Lee- Trumpet
Caleb Curtis - Alto Sax
Nicole Glover - Tenor Sax
David Gibson - Trombone
Ben Zweig - Drums
Paul Sikivie- Bass

Paul Sikivie is an American jazz double bassist. Originally from Gainesville, Florida, he has lived in New York City since 2007, when he began studies at the Juilliard School. He has played with many artists of international stature, including long associations with Cecile McLorin Salvant, Aaron Diehl, Matt Wilson, Johnny O'Neal, Ted Nash, and Grant Stewart. Since 2015, Sikivie has turned attention towards composition and arranging. Most notably, he melded string quartet and jazz piano trio for six pieces on McLorin Salvant's Dreams and Daggers, which was awarded the 2018 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Selected Discography: Dreams and Daggers, Cecile McLorin Salvant For One to Love, Cecile McLorin Salvant Roll On, Grant Stewart Trio Trio, Grant Stewart The Melodious Drum, Phil Stewart Live at Smalls, Johnny O'Neal The Creep, Ted Nash

David Hazeltine Trio LIVE at the Django

Thursday, August 12, 7:00PM

Personnel:
David Hazeltine - Piano
Neal Miner - Bass
Joe Strasser - Drums

David Hazeltine is one of a handful of contemporary pianists who has mastered all of the major musical skills, from improvisation and technique, to accompaniment, arranging, and composition. Even more impressive, David is the rare artist able to innovate in each category. Thus it’s no surprise that he’s the most recorded contemporary jazz pianist of our time, having recorded thirty five cd’s as a leader and hundreds more as a sideman, on various major labels globally. A Milwaukee native, David was playing the clubs as a preteen, and before he’d even come of age he was already grabbing the attention and respect of jazz legends like Sonny Stitt, and Chet Baker. They urged him to make the move to New York City, which he did in 1992.

Chris Beck

Friday, August 13, 7:00PM

Personnel:
Jason Marshall (Baritone Sax)x
Victor Gould (Piano)
Alex Claffy (Bass) - percussion
Chris Beck (Drums)

With the release of his debut album, The Journey, Chris Beck is making a name for himself on the New York scene as a hard-swinging, powerhouse drummer and composer. Beck’s refreshing and soulful vision as an artist is on full display, as is his unique ability to pay homage to the classic straight-ahead style of jazz while infusing elements of his African roots and Gospel upbringing. Born into a musical family, Chris Beck, a native of Philadelphia, PA has been exposed to music from a young age. Deciding to make music a career, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Temple University in 2004. In 2006, Beck moved to New York City to establish himself on the jazz scene. After settling in New York, he began studying with highly esteemed master drum teacher, Michael Carvin. In 2010, Beck graduated with a Master’s Degree in Music from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he studied with Victor Lewis. Chris Beck currently performs with talented musicians such as Cyrus Chestnut, Oliver Lake, and Grammy nominated Rufus Reid. He has also been blessed to share the stage with renowned musicians such as McCoy Tyner, legendary Motown recording artist Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, James “Blood” Ulmer, The Mingus Big Band, David Murray, Billy Harper, Curtis Fuller, James Spaulding, Harold Mabern, Charles Fambrough, Mulgrew Miller, Wynton Marsalis, Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield Jr., Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Wycliffe Gordon, Orrin Evans, Bruce Barth, Nicole Henry, Jennifer Holliday, Macy Gray, Mark Whitfield, Derrick Hodge, Ralph Bowen, Joanna Pascale, Joe Locke, Duane Eubanks, Eric Lewis, and many others around the world.

Ken Fowser Quintet

Friday, August 13, 10:00PM

Personnel:
Ken Fowser - Saxophone
Joshua Bruneau - Trumpet
Rick Germanson - Piano
Gerald Cannon - Bass
Willie Jones III - Drums

Since his arrival on the New York scene in 2005, Ken Fowser has continued to steer traditional harmony in uncharted directions. His lyrical approach to line construction and depth of harmonic sensibility allows him to record and play all over the world. A prolific composer, Fowser has celebrated four cooperative releases on Posi-tone Records, co-led with vibraphone virtuoso, Behn Gillece. His debut release as a leader, Standing Tall earned him the number-one spot on Jazz Week Radio Chart seven weeks in a row. Fowser enjoyed both downtown and uptown residencies at iconic New York venues, hosting the session at Smalls Jazz Club every Tuesday for four years, and playing the late set at Smoke Jazz and Supper Club every Friday for two years. He currently is the Music Curator for the Roxy Hotel New York, and performs every Friday at the Django with special guests each week.

Joe Farnsworth at Django

Saturday, August 14, 10:00PM

Personnel:
Joe Farsnworth - Drums
Abraham Burton - Saxophone
Peter Bernstein - Guitar
Julius Rodriguez - Piano
Brandi Disterheft - Bass

One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today, Joe is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing. Upon moving to New York City, he led the weekend jazz combos at Augie’s (now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club). He performed with Junior Cook, Cecil Payne, John Ore, Big John Patton, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, John Jenkins and his brothers, John and James. Joseph’s career includes recording over 100 CD’s as leader and side-man, jazz festivals and world tours with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Harold Mabern, Barry Harris, Curtis Fuller to name a few.

Joe Saylor Quartet

Saturday, August 14, 7:00PM

Personnel:
Joe Saylor Quartet
Joe Saylor - Drums
Tivon Pennicott - Saxophone
Julius Rodriguez - Piano
Neal Caine - Bass

Joe Saylor is a percussionist, educator, and jazz artist based in New York City. Saylor plays percussion in Jonathan Batiste's Stay Human, the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He also performs at various jazz clubs, festivals, and venues around the world. He has conducted jazz workshops at various educational institutions including Stanford University. He has performed at such places as the Howard Theater, the White House, Lincoln Center, Rockwood Music Hall, Webster Hall, and the Great GoogaMooga. He has performed or recorded with Roy Hargrove, Wynton Marsalis, Dwayne Dolphin, Steve Wilson, Joe Lovano, Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, and Ellis Marsalis.

Hilary Gardner

Wednesday, August 18, 7:00PM

Vocalist Hilary Gardner, described by The New Yorker as “a singer with a beguilingly subtle wit,” has garnered critical acclaim from the jazz world’s major publications, with DownBeat Magazine declaring her “an artist to watch” and naming her a Rising Star Female Vocalist four years in a row. Among her more eclectic gigs are singing at Ralph Lauren’s 2019 fall launch at New York Fashion Week, guesting with Jeff Goldblum on the opening night of his run at Café Carlyle, making a cameo on a Moby record, and performing the national anthem at CitiField for the New York Mets (full disclosure: she's a Yankees fan). In 2010, Hilary appeared on Broadway as the female vocalist–and Frank Sinatra's duet partner–in Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away. In 2017, she appeared as a nightclub singer in Errol Morris's critically acclaimed Netflix documentary-drama, Wormwood. Hilary is a founding member of the vocal trio Duchess, which recently won Vocal Group of the Year in the 2021 Jazz Journalists Association Awards.

Johnny O'Neal Live in The Django

Wednesday, August 18, 9:00PM

Pianist and vocalist Johnny O’Neal, whose credits include Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson and Milt Jackson has established a popular destination spot for jazz musicians and fans alike. “O’Neal is an extremely moving musician whose blend of styles (blues, gospel, stride) can take your breath away”. (Justin Time Record) This late night institution often concludes with a vocal jam led by the unmistakeable scatting of O’Neal and includes an array of talented jazz vocalists.

Jeremy Manasia

Thursday, August 19, 7:00PM

Personnel:
Jeremy Manasia trio:
Jeremy Manasia - piano
Ugonna Okegwo - bass
Aaron Seber - drums

Pianist Jeremy Manasia has been a fixture on the New York City jazz scene for over 20 years, as an in-demand sideman, bandleader, composer, recording artist, and educator. His 6 records as a leader spotlight more than 40 compositions, and his bebop rooted, soulful, impressionistic sound on the piano.

Ian Hendrickson-Smith

Thursday, August 19, 9:00PM

Personnel:
Ian Hendrickson-Smith - Saxophone
TBA - Guitar
TBA - Bass
TBA - Drums

New York City-based saxophonist and flutist Ian Hendrickson-Smith is mostly noted for his remarkable tone, soulful approach and blues-driven melodies. Equally adept on all the saxophones, Ian stays very busy doing what he loves and loves staying busy! Currently, you can find Ian playing on the road with The Roots or on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Hendrickson-Smith’s extensive recording experience includes the release of twelve jazz records as a leader. His most recent, The Lowdown (Cellar Music 2020) is currently charting at #18 on the national jazz charts.

Elijah Balbed Quartet

Friday, August 20, 7:00PM

Personnel:
Elijah Jamal Balbed - Saxophone / Flute
Jeb Patton - Piano
David Wong - Bass
Aaron Seeber - Drums

Elijah Jamal Balbed is a Saxophonist, Multi-Instrumentalist, and Composer from Washington, DC. Winner of the 2020 DC Jazz Prix Competition, Elijah has also been named Best Tenor Saxophonist and Best New Jazz Musician by the Washington City Paper and has been featured in various publications such as Capital Bop, Smithsonian Magazine, and The Washington Post. Over the last decade, Elijah has established himself as an International Artist having performed in Japan, the United Kingdom, Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha (Qatar), and on the Capital Jazz Cruise which has taken Elijah all around the Caribbean Islands. In 2018 and 2019, Elijah led cultural diplomacy tours in Russia on behalf of the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Consulate in Yekaterinburg, sponsored by the Forum for Cultural Exchange (FCE). Most recently Elijah performed at the 2021 Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival (#PAPJAZZ) in Port-au-Prince, Haiti with Trinidadian Steel Pan virtuoso Josanne Francis. When Elijah is home, he dedicates much of his time towards education and passing down the knowledge he's learned from years of gigging and touring on to the younger generations.

Mike DiRubbo Live in The Django

Friday, August 20, 10:00PM

Today, in an age where media-created young lions are more interested in downloads than down beats, alto saxophonist/composer/bandleader/educator Mike DiRubbo is the real deal. Ever since he arrived in New York two decades ago, DiRubbo has reigned supreme as one of the most durable and dynamic musicians of his generation. That bold statement is augmented by the aural evidence of his work with the brightest jazz stars including Al Foster, Larry Willis, Jimmy Cobb, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Tony Reedus, Dwayne Burno, Peter Washington, Carl Allen, John Hicks and Cecil Payne, and as a solo artist, with eight critically-acclaimed CD’s as a leader. DiRubbo has worked in various New York clubs including Smalls, Smoke, the Kitano, 55 Bar, Blue Note, Birdland and has also performed in many national and international venues including Sunset/Sunside in Paris, Reduta, Jazz Dock & Agharta in Prague, Birdland in Neuberg, Vizta Jazz in Rio de Janeiro, The Maze in Rio de Janeiro, Ronnie Scott’s and Pizza Express in London, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, the JVC Jazz Festival in NYC, the Litchfield Jazz Festival, the Jazz, Blues and Videotape festival in Tel Aviv, Ferrara Jazz in Italy, Ancona Jazz Festival, Nisville Festival in Serbia, Koktobel Jazz Party in Crimea, Ystad Jazz Festival Sweden, etc.

The PETE MALINVERNI Trio

Saturday, August 21, 7:00PM

Personnel:
The PETE MALINVERNI Trio
UGONNA OKEGWO, bass
AARON SEEBER, drums

Pete Malinverni has been a mainstay on the NYC Jazz Scene since the early 1980s, his fifteen recording as a leader having received excellent notices and heavy airplay. Originally from Niagara Falls, NY, Pete came to the great crucible of Jazz that our City is, and has shared club bandstands and stages with the likes of Mel Lewis, Vernel Fournier, Joe Lovano, Charles Davis, Gary Smulyan and so many others, adding, in each instance, his own inimitable style, rooted firmly in the tradition yet always reaching for the new thing.

Evan Sherman Quintet

Saturday, August 21, 20:00PM

Personnel:
Evan Sherman - Drums
Jerry Weldon - Tenor Sax
Bruce Harris - Trumpet
Jeb Patton - Piano
TBD - Bass

A native of New Jersey, Evan Sherman (b. 1993) has toured and recorded in the bands of jazz icons such as Ron Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Roy Hargrove, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Jimmy Heath, and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars. His “sense of groove, atmosphere, and impeccable time-keeping” (All About Jazz) has led him to four continents, appearing at the Newport, Detroit, Caramoor, Montreal, and Jerusalem festivals, as well as top venues such as the Village Vanguard, Birdland, Blue Note, Dizzy's, The Django, Jazz Standard, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, New Morning (Paris), Tchaikovsky Hall (Moscow), Béla Bartók Concert Hall (Budapest), Palau de la Música Catalana (Barcelona), Shanghai Concert Hall (China), and many more. In 2014, he founded the Evan Sherman Big Band, a 16-piece ensemble of New York’s finest rising stars mixed with jazz veterans.

Kamilah

Wednesday, August 25, 7:00PM

"KAMILAH" Gibson (vox/artist)
Parker McAllister (bass)
Katie Jones (mgmt)

Bahamas-born, NYC-residing artist Kamilah defies genres just as she defies stagnant societal and cultural norms. Kamilah’s musicality is freewheeling, informed by her Caribbean roots and her eclectic musical upbringing. Kamilah’s full artistic expanse includes being a vocalist, songwriter, guitarist, pianist, producer, director, and vocal producer. To date, she’s released the searching and soulful EP, Learning Curve, and the singles “On My Mind” and “So Long.” Kamilah has won first place at the Apollo Theater’s notorious amateur night. She’s earned coverage in The Deli Magazine, The Tribune, and The Nassau Guardian-Pulse. As an in-demand backing vocalist, she has appeared on HBO’s Random Acts of Flyness, on the MTV Video Music Awards, on the film score for Last Black Man in San Francisco, on the soundtrack for DC Comic's latest installment, Birds of Prey, on Good Morning America, The View, and on Sirius XM Radio. Every Monday you can find her performing and creating music at the esteemed series “Producer Mondays” with modern soul star musicians Ray Angry and The Council of Goldfinger at the chic venue Nublu/ Studio 151.

Django Jazz Vocalist Series: Vanisha Gould

Wednesday, August 25, 9:00PM

Personnel:
Vanisha Gould - Vocals
Chris McCarthy - Piano
Dan Pappalardo - Bass
Kush Abadie - Drums

Vanisha Gould came to New York in 2015 from Simi Valley, California. Inspired by artists like Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell, Carmen McRae and Ella Fitzgerald - Vanisha has successfully curated her own sound as a composer and band leader. Performing originals and music from the Great American Songbook on several groundbreaking stages both in New York and overseas, she aspires to continue sharing her voice with audiences in New York and beyond.

Sean Mason Trio

Thursday, August 26, 7:00PM

Personnel:
Sean Mason - Piano
Russell Hall - Bass
Kyle Poole - Drums

Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Sean Mason taught himself by ear how to play the piano at the age of 13. His beginning musical roots included Gospel, Classical, Hip-Hop, and R&B music, but then he discovered Jazz and decided to make a career of it. In his short but already ground breaking career, Sean has played and toured with many Jazz professionals, predominantly Branford Marsalis and Wynton Marsalis, among many others. Sean is based in New York City and leads his own band, "The Sean Mason Trio", which performs and tours across the globe. Aside from his performing career, Sean is also a composer and an orchestrator in the musical theatre space.

Mark Whitfield

Thursday, August 26, 9:00PM

Personnel:
Mark Whitfield - Guitar
Pat Bianchi - Organ
Kush Abadey - Drums

Mark Whitfield graduated from Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, the world’s foremost institution for the study of Jazz and modern American music in the spring of 1987. Shortly thereafter, he returned to his to his native New York to embark on a career as a Jazz Guitarist that afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with legendary artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Carmen McRae, Gladys Knight, Burt Bacharach, Jimmy Smith, Clark Terry, Shirley Horn, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Joe Williams, Stanley Turrentine and his greatest teacher and mentor George Benson.

In 1990 the New York Times dubbed Whitfield “The Best Young Guitarist in the Business”. Later that year, Warner Bros. released his debut album “The Marksman”. The success of his debut release led to a recording career that has produced a total of 14 solo recordings and a myriad of collaborative efforts with some of the most important artists in recent years; Sting, Steven Tyler, D’Angelo, Mary J. Blige, John Mayer, Chaka Khan, Jill Scott, Diana Krall, Christian McBride, Chris Botti, Roy Hargrove and Nicholas Payton.

Robert Edwards Big Band Live in The Django

Friday, August 27, 10:30PM

Robert Edwards is one the bright new voices in jazz trombone today. Educated at The Juilliard School, Edwards' move to New York has been highlighted by performances with Jimmy Heath, Claudio Roditi, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride, and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. Ever striving for greater musical heights, his vigilance to be a leader in the music is realized by his debut on D Clef Records, "Sound Business". Robert Edwards plays Michael Rath trombones exclusively.

"Robert Edwards is one of the future giants of the jazz trombone." - John Lee, legendary bassist and director of the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band

"Robert Edwards is a wonderful trombonist with a smooth flow of ideas and great intonation. His harmonic understanding is exemplary and his writing is strong both in the tradition and in the modern/contemporary sense. I look for a lot more from Robert in the future." - Steve Turre, Trombone Icon

Dan Aran Band

Friday, August 27, 7:00PM

Personnel:
Nick Hempton - sax
Gary Versace - piano
Samuel Torres - percussion
Luke Sellick - bass
Dan Aran - drums

In the past two decades Dan Aran has been Touring, recording and performing with artists such as Harry Whitaker, Natalie Merchant, Stacey Kent, Adam Birnbaum Trio, Kevin Mahogany, Peter Bernstein, Joe Magnarelli, Wayne Tucker, Madeleine Peyroux, and many others. From playing 1920's music with The Michael Arenella Dreamland Orchestra, to Middle Eastern and Latin grooves with Itai Kriss's TELAVANA, Dan's versatility and ability to play different styles is what makes him unique.

Bruce Williams

Saturday, August 28, 7:00PM

Bruce Williams, Saxophone: Bruce is currently Adjunct Professor at Julliard School of Music, New York. Bruce Williams hails from Washington, D.C. and has performed, toured, and recorded with a long roster of jazz legends such as: Little Jimmy Scott, Frank Foster, The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Stanley Cowell, Louis Smith, Cecil Brooks III, The Count Basie Orchestra, The World Saxophone Quartet, Russell Gunn, Curtis Fuller, and Roy Hargrove to just name a few. Bruce is a versatile saxophonist who is currently the newest and youngest member, of the internationally recognized jazz group, “The World Saxophone Quartet” as well as a member of a newly founded group by legendary drummer Ben Riley, the “Thelonious Monk Legacy Septet”. In addition to Bruce’s playing, he is a jazz educator and mentor to many young jazz musicians. Bruce is currently a teaching artist at JazzHouse kids, an adjunct professor of saxophone at Bard College, and an ensemble coach at Julliard Conservatory Jazz department. In Addition, Bruce has served as a adjunct saxophone instructor at both the New School for Social Research (Mannes School of Music) in NYC and Princeton University in New Jersey. Bruce has given master classes at Ohio State, Iowa State, The Jazz Institute of New Jersey, The University of the District of Columbia, Princeton University, The New Jersey Performing Arts Center “Jazz For Teens” program, and the Paris Conservatory in France. Most recently, Bruce came out with his new C.D “Private Thoughts” under the Passin’ Thru label owned by Oliver Lake

Lezlie Harrison

Saturday, August 28, 10:30PM

Personnel: Lezlie Harrison - Vocals, Saul Rubin - Guitar, Yoshe Waki - Bass, Russell Carter - Drums

Lezlie Harrison is her own personal renaissance. Her constant state of evolution and growth brings with it, gifts for those paying attention. As a vocalist both bold and subtle, her vulnerability attends to the fragile matters of our collective human affairs while her optimistic momentum inspires us to rise above any tribulation to rejoice. Be it Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Soul, The American Song Form, original compositions, or any song in ANY form, Ms. Harrison will imbue it with her distinctive stamp and make a very personal delivery. On the planet's premier Jazz radio station; WBGO, her voice as a regular curator and presenter reveal the love and pride with which she regards America's classical music. Hyper-active on the New York and global Jazz scenes, Lezlie is also, along with the late Dale Fitzgerald and trumpeter Roy Hargrove, a member of the triumvirate responsible for launching New York's world-renowned JAZZ GALLERY. On occasion Lezlie lends her regal presence to the stage as an actress, bringing to those endeavors, the same sense of organic elegance that she brought to the runways and photo studios of Paris some years ago. By way of her childhood in New York and North Carolina or her maturation in New York, Boston or on stages throughout Asia, Russia, Europe, and elsewhere, Ms. Lezlie Harrison shows aesthetic evidence that she is a recipient of the lessons of dignity, integrity, and grace bestowed upon her by her elders and fine-tuned by her own history.