News

Jazz at Lincoln Center announces 2015-16 Concert Season

Season themed “Jazz and American Song” celebrates the music of the stage and silver screen

Anchored by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, season also includes appearances by Monty Alexander, Jonathan Batiste, Ravi Coltrane, Michael Feinstein, Bill Frisell, Fred Hersch, Adriane Lenox, Charles Lloyd, Joe Lovano, Christian McBride, Steve Miller, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Diane Schuur and more.

Dancers Lil Buck and Jared Grimes join the Orchestra for the debut of Spaces by Wynton Marsalis

New York, NY – Today Jazz at Lincoln Center announces its 2015-16 Concert season, themed “Jazz and American Song”. Through an impressive array of more than 80 concerts and programs, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 28th season celebrates the music of the stage and silver screen, anchored by the exceptional Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

The season features a diverse lineup of concerts that explore music created or popularized by masters such as Irving Berlin, Hoagy Carmichael, George Gershwin, Benny Goodman, Cole Porter, Ma Rainey, Frank Sinatra, Billy Strayhorn, and others. Renowned artists such as Monty Alexander, Bill Charlap, Adriane Lenox, Steve Miller, Johnny O’Neal, Catherine Russell, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Diane Schuur and more grace the stages of Rose Theater and The Appel Room. Ambassador of the Great American Songbook Michael Feinstein also returns for the fifth consecutive year to curate and perform in the incredibly popular Jazz & Popular Song series.

New interpretations of jazz and popular music also feature prominently throughout the season in concerts led by or featuring celebrated artists such as Jonathan Batiste, Fred Hersch, Charles Lloyd with Bill Frisell, Joe Lovano, and Christian McBride. Many of jazz’s rising stars continue to make their debuts as a leader on the stages of Rose Theater and The Appel Room, and this year Jazz at Lincoln Center is proud to feature Bryan Carter, Aaron Diehl, Chris Pattishall, and Christian Sands. (See complete season chronology below).

“Our 2015-16 season showcases the depth, beauty, diversity and continuity of Jazz and American Song. The early American Songwriters discovered in Jazz and the Blues, methods and materials to further Americanize their songs. And in the superbly crafted body of melodies and harmonies of the American Popular Songbook, the early Jazz musicians found suitable thematic material for more extended development through the art of Jazz. With mutual roots in Ragtime, the two mediums share an intertwined destiny. This fall, we are further privileged to welcome you to experience Jazz at some of New York City’s finest concert halls and performance spaces,” said Wynton Marsalis, Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. “Over the course of the rest of the season, we celebrate the American Songbook while also presenting singular visionaries like Charles Lloyd, Monty Alexander, Fred Hersch, Steve Miller, Joe Lovano, Catherine Russell, Diane Schuur, and more. As well, we showcase the talents of some of Jazz’s most gifted younger musicians, including Joey Alexander, Aaron Diehl, Charles Turner, and Chris Pattishall. We also shine a light on the relationship between jazz and movement with the debut of my completed work Spaces, featuring the incredible dancers Lil Buck and Jared Grimes. The list goes on, so please come on in and join us!”

Reaching out into the boroughs, the 2015-16 season opens in the Bronx on September 12, 2015 with the debut of new compositions and arrangements by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra bassist Carlos Henriquez, who returns home to honor his musical roots at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. The Jazz for Young People series begins with the greatest of all jazz composers, Duke Ellington, on November 21, 2015 at Symphony Space, as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis leads audiences through Duke’s journey from Washington, D.C. to New York City.

In December 2015, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis welcomes audiences to their annual favorite, Big Band Holidays, featuring vocalists Denzal Sinclaire and Audrey Shakir on December 17-18 in Rose Theater. Intimate concerts in The Appel Room kick off on December 18-19 when Tony-award winning actress and vocalist Adriane Lenox, with music director and pianist Chris Pattishall, lead Divas of the Silver Screen: Celebrating Lena Horne, Rosemary Clooney & Ethel Waters.

“Throughout the season, we’ll celebrate our living Jazz masters and uplift the music’s rising stars and emerging voices,” said Jason Olaine, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Director of Programming and Touring. “Audiences will have the opportunity to see many rising stars in headlining roles. Many of these artists have developed from playing Late Night shows and single nights at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola to performing as featured artists and music directors in Rose Theater and The Appel Room. We’re excited to see and hear how seasoned veterans create new shows alongside and in partnership with the next generation of leaders. The 2015-16 will be a season of discovery in the House of Swing.”

In January 2016, acclaimed pianist and composer Fred Hersch leads an all-star ensemble that includes Anat Cohen, Julian Lage, Sullivan Fortner and Stefon Harris in a reflection of Hersch’s music in The Appel Room. In Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra lead trombonist Vincent Gardner serves as Music Director for Jazz in the Key of Life, which finds the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis performing popular music from the ‘60’s to today, debuting new jazz arrangements of hits by Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway and others. 2015 NEA Jazz Master and iconic, innovative saxophonist Charles Lloyd returns to Jazz at Lincoln Center for intimate concerts in The Appel Room, joined by versatile guitarist Bill Frisell, a Jazz at Lincoln Center favorite, and his regular bandmates, drummer Eric Harland and bassist Reuben Rogers.

Jazz at Lincoln Center presents two shows to get audiences in the mood for Valentine’s Day in February 2016. Legendary pianist Monty Alexander celebrates Frank Sinatra at 100 in Rose Theater, joined by the always engaging vocalist Kurt Elling. In The Appel Room, 25-year-old vocal wonder Cécile McLorin Salvant takes this occasion to remind us why she has been called the next great jazz vocalist in the lineage of Ella Fitzgerald and Betty Carter. Later in February, the Jazz Jam series spotlights Christian McBride and Jonathan Batiste, with each band leader bringing their own world-class large ensemble to Rose Theater.

Emerging artists dominate the stages of Frederick P. Rose Hall in March 2016. Moonglow: The Magic of Benny Goodman in The Appel Room, narrated live by celebrated actor Wendell Pierce, finds rising star pianist Christian Sands, standout drummer Sammy Miller, 20-year-old vibraphone sensation Joel Ross, and a host of special guest clarinetists, Peter Anderson, Will Anderson, Patrick Bartley, and Janelle Reichman, exploring the unparalleled voice of Benny Goodman. Pianist Aaron Diehl, known fondly as “The Real Diehl” in jazz circles, makes his The Appel Room debut as a leader, joined by vibraphonist extraordinaire Warren Wolf, flamenco guitar virtuoso Dani de Morón, and the legendary saxophonist Benny Golson.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis returns to Rose Theater in April 2016 with Spaces by Wynton Marsalis. Movement is an essential aspect of jazz music, and for this special concert, two extraordinary dance geniuses join the orchestra: Lil Buck and Jared Grimes. In The Appel Room, renowned blues-rock guitarist and life-long jazz fan, Steve Miller hosts a wide-ranging revue, Out of This World: Ma Rainey Meets Miles Davis. Later that month, in Rose Theater, leading pianist Bill Charlap leads Broadway to Harlem, joined by his longstanding trio of drummer Kenny Washington and bassist Peter Washington, plus special guest vocalists Cécile McLorin Salvant and the unparalleled Freddy Cole. Soulful saxophonist Houston Person and virtuoso clarinetist Ken Peplowski also join this ensemble.

Also in April 2016, Michael Feinstein begins the Jazz and Popular Song series, illuminating the significant role of the American Jazz Standard in songs originally written for film and stage. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and vocalist Kate Davis put audiences in a New York state of mind in World on A String: Swinging Songs of Broadway. Jazz vocalist extraordinaire Catherine Russell returns to The Appel Room with Sunny Side of the Street, partnering with fellow vocalists Carolyn Leonhart and La Tanya Hall to perform Sy Oliver’s own re-arrangements of his most famous tunes, originally written for male vocal trios.

In May 2016, Michael Feinstein presents A Right to Sing the Blues in The Appel Room, demonstrating how the blues became part of the popular musical lexicon with writers like George Gershwin and Harold Arlen, and the interpretive brilliance of jazz vocalists. The Miles & ‘Trane Festival also kicks off that month in Rose Theater when the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis presents Miles Davis: The Sorcerer at 90, debuting new arrangements and revisiting favorites from Miles Davis’ legendary body of work, from Birth of the Cool to Miles In the Sky. In The Appel Room, Joe Lovano explores The Spiritual Side of Coltrane through John Coltrane’s magnum opus, A Love Supreme. Lovano debuts an all-star band of Brian Blade, Geri Allen, Tom Harrell, Steve Kuhn, and legendary bassist and longtime Coltrane colleague Reggie Workman. Special guest saxophonist Ravi Coltrane also joins in.

American song also features prominently throughout the month of May. Body & Soul: America’s Unforgettable Crooners honors Bing Crosby, Nat “King” Cole and Mel Tormé . Music director Bryan Carter and vocalists Denzal Sinclaire, Benny Benack III, and Charles Turner, backed by a 22-piece ensemble, pay tribute to these great masters of song. The Ray Charles Songbook brings singer and pianist Diane Schuur to Rose Theater to honor one of her heroes. She is joined by 2012 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drums Competition winner Jamison Ross and the Jazz at Lincoln Center All-Stars.

Michael Feinstein’s Sing Me A Swing Song in The Appel Room closes out his Jazz & Popular Song Series in June 2016, celebrating what he describes as, “the enduring influence of swing on popular music and song interpretation.” Lush Life: Celebrating Billy Strayhorn in Rose Theater, the final concert of the season, finds Jazz at Lincoln Center honoring 100 years of Stayhorn’s music. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will perform with renowned vocalist and pianist Johnny O’Neal. This concert is dedicated to the memory of essayist, critic and novelist Albert Murray (born May 12, 1916) on the occasion of the Albert Murray Centennial.

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER 2015-16 SEASON CHRONOLOGY

• Carlos Henriquez: Back in the Bronx
  September 12, 2015, 8pm
  Lehman College, Bronx

• Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Plays Monk
  Joey Alexander, Special Guest
  October 23-24, 2015, 8pm
  Town Hall

• Family Concert: Who is Duke Ellington?
  November 21, 2015, 11am and 1pm
  Symphony Space

• Big Band Holidays
  December 17-18, 2015, 8pm December 19, 2015, 2pm & 8pm
  Rose Theater

• Divas of the Silver Screen: Celebrating Lena Horne, Rosemary Clooney & Ethel Waters
  December 18-19, 2015, 7pm & 9:30pm
  The Appel Room

• Ring In The Swing: A New Year’s Eve Dance Party
  December 31, 2015
  Doors Open at 8:30pm
  The Appel Room

• Fred Hersch & Friends: Intimate Moments
  January 15-16, 2016, 7pm & 9:30pm
  The Appel Room
  Live in The Appel Room Series

• Jazz in the Key of Life
  January 15-16, 2016, 8pm
  Rose Theater

• Our Love is Here To Stay: The George Gershwin Songbook
  January 28-30, 2016, 8pm
  Rose Theater

• Charles Lloyd & Friends Featuring Bill Frisell
  January 29-30, 2016, 7pm & 9:30pm
  The Appel Room

• Family Concert: Who is Frank Sinatra?
  February 6, 2016, 1pm & 3pm
  Rose Theater

• Cécile McLorin Salvant
  February 12-13, 2016, 7pm & 9:30pm}
  The Appel Room

• Monty Alexander & Friends: Frank Sinatra at 100
  February 12-13, 2016, 8pm
  Rose Theater

• Christian McBride/Jonathan Batiste
  February 26-27, 2016, 8pm
  Rose Theater

• Moonglow: The Magic of Benny Goodman
  March 4-5, 2016, 7pm & 9:30pm
  The Appel Room

• Aaron Diehl: The Real Deal
  March 18-19, 2016, 7pm & 9:30pm
  The Appel Room

• Spaces by Wynton Marsalis
  April 1-2, 2016, 8pm
  Rose Theater

• Steve Miller: Out of This World
  Ma Rainey Meets Miles Davis
  April 8-9, 2016, 7pm & 9:30pm
  The Appel Room

• Bill Charlap: Broadway to Harlem
  April 8-9, 2016, 8pm
  Rose Theater

• Michael Feinstein: The Great Jazz Standards
  April 13, 2016, 7pm
  April 14, 2016, 7pm & 9pm
  The Appel Room

• World on A String: Swinging Songs of Broadway
  April 14-16, 2016, 8pm
  Rose Theater

• Catherine Russell: Sunny Side of the Street
  April 15-16, 2016, 7pm & 9:30pm
  The Appel Room

• Michael Feinstein: A Right to Sing the Blues
  May 11, 2016, 7pm
  May 12, 2016, 7pm & 9pm
  The Appel Room

• Miles & ‘Trane Festival
  Miles Davis: The Sorcerer at 90
  May 12-14, 2016, 8pm
  Rose Theater

• Miles & ‘Trane Festival
  Joe Lovano: The Spiritual Side of Coltrane
  May 13-14, 2016, 7pm & 9:30pm
  The Appel Room

• Body & Soul: America’s Unforgettable Crooners
  May 20-21, 2016, 7pm & 9:30pm
  The Appel Room

• The Ray Charles Songbook
  May 20-21, 2016, 8pm
  Rose Theater

• Michael Feinstein: Sing Me A Swing Song
  June 8, 2016, 7pm
  June 9, 2016, 7pm & 9pm
  The Appel Room

• Lush Life: Celebrating Billy Strayhorn
  June 10-11, 2016, 8pm
  Rose Theater

TICKET INFORMATION:
Beginning today, subscriptions will be available for renewal for all Rose Theater and The Appel Room packages, with savings of up to 15% off of single ticket prices. To keep their same seats, current subscribers must renew beginning today through April 12. New subscriptions may be purchased beginning on April 14.

The “Take 3 / 4 / 5” Series offers subscribers the flexibility and freedom to build their own subscription packages from any combination of performances in Rose Theater or The Appel Room. Subscribers can choose as many concerts as they’d like through this program, and receive a 10% discount (Exceptions may apply).

Becoming a subscriber is the best way to lock in the best seats at the guaranteed best prices for the entire season, as single ticket prices can increase as the concert approaches based on demand.

For more information on 2015-16 season subscriptions, visit jazz.org/subs. To order a subscription or to request information, please call the Subscription Services hotline at 212-258-9999, e-mail [email protected], or visit jazz.org/subs

Membership Discount
Jazz at Lincoln Center offers a robust Membership Program, with a wide array of benefits, including deep discounts on concert tickets. Individuals who join at the $50 level and above are eligible to receive 50% off tickets to Jazz at Lincoln Center-produced concerts in Rose Theater and The Appel Room on the day of the event. Tickets must be purchased at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office. Members must show their valid membership card to receive this discount. Limit two discounted tickets per member. Subject to availability. Learn more and sign up at jazz.org/membership.

Pricing
Ticket prices for Rose Theater are $30 and up dependent upon seating section, except where noted below:

- Jazz for Young People® tickets in Rose Theater are $10, $20 or $25.

- Ticket prices for The Appel Room are $55 and up, dependent on seating section for the 7pm sets and $45 and up, dependent on seating section for the 9:30pm sets.

- Ticket prices for Jazz & Popular Song shows are $55 and up.

- Ticket prices for Ring In The Swing: A New Year’s Eve Dance Party are $325 per person and include live music, open bar, and Southern style buffet dining.

Note: Hot Seats, $10 seats for each Rose Theater performance (excluding Jazz for Young People® concerts and other performances as specified) and performances in The Appel Room (excluding Jazz & Popular Song concerts), are available for purchase to the general public on the Wednesday prior to each performance. Subject to availability. Available only for select Appel Room shows; please call 212-258-9800 for available Hot Seats performance dates.

Hot Seats are available only by walk up at the Box Office. Maximum of two tickets per person. Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Hot Seats Ticket Discount Program is supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

*Please note that a $3.50 Jazz at Lincoln Center Facility Fee applies to ALL ticket purchases, with the exception of $10 Hot Seats. A $7 handling fee also applies when purchasing tickets from CenterCharge or a $6 handling fee applies when purchasing tickets via jazz.org.

All single tickets for The Appel Room and Rose Theater can be purchased through jazz.org 24 hours a day or CenterCharge at 212-721-6500, open daily from 10am to 9pm. Tickets can also be purchased at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office, located on Broadway at 60th Street, ground floor. Box Office hours: Monday-Saturday from 10am to 6pm (or 30 minutes past curtain) and Sunday from noon to 6pm (or 30 minutes past curtain).

Single tickets go on sale August 10

Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, one of the three main performance venues located in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s home, Frederick P. Rose Hall, produces world-class jazz performances nightly and welcomes locals and visitors alike to enjoy the city’s best music, food and libations. The intimate 140-seat jazz club is set against a glittering backdrop with spectacular views of Central Park. There are student rates and special Monday Night Presentations. Reservations: 212-258-9595 and jazz.org/dizzys.

Offers subject to change

Jazz at Lincoln Center proudly acknowledges its major corporate partners: Amtrak, Bloomberg, Brooks Brothers, The Coca-Cola Company, Con Edison, Entergy, HSBC Premier, The Shops at Columbus Circle at Time Warner Center, and SiriusXM.

Please visit jazz.org for more information.

Posted on February 24th, 2015 in Concerts | Tags: jazz at lincoln center, new season, new york