Touted by NPR as “the next big jazz guitarist”, hailed by the New York Times as a “whiz kid”, and dubbed “incredible” by the Montreal Gazette, rising star Nir Felder has been making big waves in the New York City jazz scene since his arrival in 2005. Among his many credits include stints in bands led by Greg Osby, Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jose James, Meshell Ndegeocello, Cindy Blackman and Chuck Mangione as well as performances with Jack DeJohnette, Stanley Clarke, Matisyahu and Black Sheep at venues including Radio City Music Hall and the Village Vanguard and national television stations NBC and Fox. Felder currently resides in Brooklyn and leads his bands, Nir Felder 4 and Big Heat, while finishing work on his eagerly anticipated 2012 debut release as a leader.

www.smallsjazzclub.com

Saxophonist David Liebman’s career has spanned over four decades, beginning in the early ‘70s with his “apprenticeship” period performing and recording in the groups of drummer Elvin Jones (“Live At The Lighthouse”) and Miles Davis (“On The Corner”). Since then he has lead his own groups (Lookout Farm; Quest;The Dave Liebman Group) featuring musicians such as John Scofield, Richie Beirach, Billy Hart, Adam Nussbaum, Al Foster, John Abercrombie and Vic Juris. In 2011, Liebman received the NEA Masters of Jazz Award.

David has been featured on nearly three hundred and fifty recordings, of which he has been the leader or co-leader on one hundred fifty with several hundred original compositions published. His repertoire is among the most eclectic of contemporary artists ranging from original adaptations of standard material to 20th century inspired classical music; from fusion to his own big band and free jazz ensembles.

www.smallsjazzclub.com

Young joo Song is one of Korea’s leading Jazz pianists. After graduating Berklee College of Music and Manhattan School of Music, she was able to exponentially climb Korea’s Jazz charts in record sales and popularity where she then had multiple opportunities to perform with some of the most prominent artists from both Korea and the US.

Her prompt escalation in the Jazz world enabled her to record eight albums with distinguished labels such as EMI, Warner and Sony of which “Free to Fly” was nominated for the Korean Music award in 2009, and “Love Never Fails” which won Korea’s “Best Jazz Album” in 2010. Her new album “Tale of a City” won the “Best Jazz Performance” at the 2012 Korean Music Award. Young joo Song recorded and performed with some of the most prominent jazz musicians; including Steve Wilson, Mark Turner, Seamus Blake, Gretchen Parlato, Kendrick Scott, Marcus Gilmore, Vicente Archer, Rogerio Boccato.

Young joo Song continues to extend her love and knowledge of Jazz by teaching at multiple universities in South Korea. She shares her personal experiences with gospel and classical genres in her correlation to Jazz.

She plans to reach as many hearts and ears in hopes to share her passion and appreciation for Jazz on a global level.

Presented by CEG

At Zinc Bar – Show at 6:30PM

Grammy nominated JC Hopkins and his Biggish Band explode with exuberant flair and swinging originality. The NYC based band has played host to such legendary vocalists like Norah Jones, Madeleine Peyroux and Elvis Costello. The New York Times says of the band, “Some of the finest musicians in New York City” and the New Yorker quips, “Hopkins writes swinging material tailor made for vacuum-tube radio”.  The band will be featuring Svetlana Shmulyian who is a rising star of New York music scene with the sound that has at once tenderness, warmth, soulfulness and vulnerability, as well as unexpected edge and power of a seasoned vocalist (“Energetic” – Wall Street Journal; “Delightful” (WRHU radio); “Expressive voice, natural swing”

The Antique DJ MAC (host of WFMU Radio’s Antique Phonograph music program since 1995) will play original vintage 78’s of ragtime, dance bands, instrumentalists and songsters circa 1900-1929 using period disc phonograph for a quirky and engaging musical experience which is visually fascinating and vastly entertaining.  The evening will include swing dancing on Zinc’s hardwood floors and a swing dance lesson.

www.smallsjazzclub.com

The High and Mighty Brass Band! (HMBB!) is a party in progress. Their performances are both fiercely entertaining and refreshingly inspiring. Not only do they have musical talent, but they also have a level of camaraderie that is highly unusual in newer groups.

The group’s sincere enthusiasm and dynamic energy connects with every audience member who is willing to participate. Their sound is a mix of classic New Orleans Funk, R&B and more modern influences of Afro-Beat and Hip Hop.

“Rolling 7 deep,” HMBB includes Kevin Louis on Trumpet, Chad Gales on Alto Sax, Mark Williams on Trombone, Ron Caswell on Tuba, Jesse Barnes on Guitar, Evan Howard on Drums and Jamie Neumann, Dancer and Percussionist: everyone sings and everyone plays.

Beginning with a heavily percussive and tribal groove, the horns weave through solos, building and stretching the energy to its limits. Just catch one of their upcoming performances in the New York City area and see for yourself!

Bassist/composer Ben Allison is one of a few band leaders working in jazz today who has developed his own instantly identifiable sound.

Recent performance highlights include Carnegie Hall (New York City), Teatro Manzoni (Milan, Italy), Central Park’s SummerStage (New York City), Auditório Ibirapuera (Sao Paulo, Brazil), The Capitol Theater (Salt Lake City, NV) and Queen Elizabeth Hall (London, England).

Ben performed his Carnegie Hall debut as a leader in February 2012.

Ben has performed and collaborated with a stylistically wide variety of artists including oudist Ara Dinkjian, kora player Mamadou Diabate, saxophonists Lee Konitz and Joe Lovano, legendary performance artist Joey Arias, tap dancers Jimmy Slide and Gregory Hines and US Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky.

Jesse Posa (Frank Sinatra)
Joe Perce (Dean Martin)
Lloyd Diamond (Sammy Davis Jr.)
Kristi Coombs (Marilyn Monroe)

In the early ’60s, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin made history when they teamed up in Las Vegas. Their carefree antics on stage became legendary and earned them the nickname “The Rat Pack.” To this day, audiences can’t get enough of these performers.

Tonight, Sinatra and Friends bring the Rat Pack legend to life! The show runs for 90 minutes with no intermission and features classic Rat Pack favorites like “That’s Amore,” “New York, New York,” “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend, “Mr. Bojangles,” “My Way,” and many more. These outstanding performers will transport you back to a time of smoky Vegas lounges as you sing along to these timeless classics. When they take the stage, these performers capture not only the sound of Frank, Sammy, Dean, and Marilyn, but their charisma, charm, and chemistry as well. It’s pure magic – be a part of it!

JESSE POSA (Frank Sinatra)

Jesse Posa has recently appeared in Phillip Carlo’s Off-Broadway production of East of Evil, starring Frank Vincent and Tony Sirico. He has performed as Frank Sinatra in various corporate events and private parties and also recently appeared as the legendary crooner on stage at Radio City Music Hall for the industrial launch of Tahitian Noni.

LLOYD DIAMOND (Sammy Davis Jr.)

Lloyd Diamond has appeared at the Comic Strip, Stand Up New York, Caroline’s, the New York Comedy Club, and the Boston Comedy Club. He’s appeared on the Comedy TKO segment on Showtime at the Apollo, Good Morning America’s Make Us Laugh All Night Long Competition, and Chappelle’s Show. He also recently appeared on Jane Hanson’s New York on NBC. He recently portrayed Sammy Davis Jr. in Sandy Hackett’s Las Vegas revue A Tribute to The Rat Pack.

JOE PERCE (Dean Martin)

Joe Perce was the 1987 CLEO Award Winner for Best Male Performer in a Commercial, advertising a Pontiac Trans Am. He has also appeared in dozens of other commercials. His credits include 25 years of improvisational comedy with such groups as The First Amendment, Chicago City Limits, Comedy Mind Spill, Comedy Olympics, and Assorted Nuts. He was voted the Best Improvisational Comic of 1989 by Backstage Magazine.

KRISTI COOMBS (Marilyn Monroe)

Kristi Coombs began working in musical theatre at the age of seven, playing the role of Molly in the 1st National Touring Company of Annie. She was later elevated to the role of Annie in the 2nd National Touring Company. After touring around the country for four years, Kristi made her Broadway debut at the age of eleven, playing a young Norma Jean in “Marilyn. An American Fable.” Upon receiving her BFA from Montclair State University, Kristi began a career as an adult. She is honored to have worked for the Department of Defense performing for troops overseas, and continues to perform and choreograph for the USO of Metropolitan New York. Kristi is a familiar New York City entertainer whom you may have seen performing with The Cab Calloway Orchestra at The Rainbow Room, or in This Joint is Jumpin’ and Frank and Friends, playing Marilyn Monroe at The Supper Club. Other credits include Kicks, Ready or Not, The Little Prince, Legends in Concert, A Christmas Carol, Flashback, HBO’s popular Sex and the City, Lois on “Guiding Light,” and the Showtime Documentary film “Life After Tomorrow.”

Victor Lemonte Wooten is a unique human being. Born the youngest of five boys, he began learning to play music at the tender age of two. He started performing in nightclubs and theaters as the bassist with the family band at age five, and at age six, was on tour with his brothers opening shows for legendary soul artist Curtis Mayfield. Soon after, he was affectionately known as the 8-year-old Bass Ace, and before graduating high school, he and his brothers had shared the stage with artists such as Stephanie Mills, War, Ramsey Lewis, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Dexter Wansel, and The Temptations. But, this only begins to tell the tale of this Tennessee titan.

Wooten, now a five-time Grammy winner, hit the worldwide scene in 1990 as a founding member of the super-group Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Continuing to blaze a musical trail with the band, Victor has also become widely known for his own Grammy nominated solo recordings and tours.

Among other things, he is a loving husband and father of four, a skilled naturalist and teacher, a published author, a magician and acrobat, and has won every major award given to a bass guitarist including being voted Bassist of the Year in Bass Player Magazine’s readers poll three times (the only person to win it more than once.) In 2011, Rolling Stone Magazine voted Victor one of the Top Ten Bassist of ALL TIME.

At Blue Note Jazz Club – Shows at 8PM & 10:30PM (Doors at 6PM & 9:45PM)

What is there not to say about “The Songstress?” Talented singer-songwriter, incredible live performer, revered platinum-selling artist, Grammy® nominated and after over a decade in the music game, Marsha Ambrosius is still here. Telling her story, captivating audiences with a perfected freshness and proving that good music will always prevail. Now two years after her solo debut Late Nights & Early Mornings, Marsha Ambrosius is ready to take you on a journey once again with her highly-anticipated sophomore album Friends & Lovers.

Hailing from Liverpool, England, fans first got a taste of Marsha’s talent as the singing half of the duo Floetry. Their 2000 debut Floetic produced signature singles like “Say Yes” and “Getting Late” as well as four Grammy nods. Following the 2005 release of their second studio album, Flo’Ology, the ladies veered creatively and personally. While the split was difficult, Marsha continued to build a name for herself as a songwriter and producer, penning “Butterflies” for the late Michael Jackson and other hits for artists such as Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Jamie Foxx and Nas, and was honored by BMI as their Songwriter of the Year.

In 2009 Marsha signed to J Records and her solo debut Late Nights & Early Mornings was released in 2011. The album debuted at #1 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Charts and #2 on the US Billboard Hot 200 behind Adele and ahead of Mumford & Sons; the first time in over 20 years that British Acts had topped the US charts. The album also produced hit singles “Hope She Cheats On You” and “Far Away” which landed Marsha two more Grammy® nods for a total of six nominations. She also won the Centric Award at the 2011 BET Awards, won Record of The Year (Ashford & Simpson Songwriters Award) at the 2011 Soul Train Awards for “Far Away,” and capped off 2011 with a performance at the White House for The President and First Family at The National Christmas Tree Lighting. Marsha was also nominated for Best Female R&B Artist at the 2012 BET Awards.

Dedicating most of her 2012 to making new magic in the studio, Marsha kicked of 2013 with a string of critically acclaimed live shows and released new single “Cold War,” produced by Diplo and Maxime Picard, the first single from her new album Friends & Lovers. Marsha calls the album an autobiography of her past relationships. “Friends & Lovers is to be listened to responsibly,” Marsha jokingly says. “Because you don’t know who will end up becoming a friend or will end up being a lover. It might be the wrong one so that whole album explores the decisions that were made in my life that made these songs possible.”