Charlie Parker Jazz Fest
- see all dates
The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, New York City’s annual salute to the late saxophonist, returns for its 31st year with a three-day celebration of live jazz in the neighborhoods near where Parker worked and lived.
On Friday, August 25, 7pm-9pm:
One of the world’s top jazz vocalists pairs with a sprawling band of virtuosic players and risk-taking soloists. Dianne Reeves sings with Orrin Evans’ Captain Black Big Band, making for vibrant interpretations of standards by Hancock, Thelonious Monk, Roy Hargrove, and even Fleetwood Mac.
Opening the show is the saxophonist and flutist T.K. Blue, a Jazzmobile alumnus and educator who has released more than a dozen LPs as a bandleader.
On Saturday, August 26, 3pm-7pm:
The Cookers headline a group of innovative artists that embody a sense of community. Most of this super septet—comprising Billy Harper, Cecil McBee, George Cables, Eddie Henderson, Billy Hart, David Weiss, and Donald Harrison—are veterans of the heady mid-’60s when hard bops gave way to the next wave of jazz.
Endea Owens and the Cookout is led by the house bassist for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. H
Nduduzo Makhathini has become a rising star of South African jazz in both art and academia
Rounding out the bill is Akua Allrich and The Tribe, led by the jazz and pan-African vocalist with deep musical roots in the blues, soul, and R&B.
The third concert takes place in Tompkins Square Park on Sunday, August 27.