Each week Jonathan hand-selects a must-see live musical event for those listeners who want to become viewers. Here are some concerts to attend over the long weekend:
Cassandra Wilson @ Blue Note Festival
Acclaimed vocalist, Cassandra Wilson has become famous for her "unmistakable timbre and attack," according to critic Gary Giddins. Wilson's most recent album, Coming Forth by Day, a musical homage to Billie Holiday has been described as, luxurious and groovy. You can catch Wilson at the Blue Note Friday, June 30th through Sunday, July 2nd 8:00/10:30 PM http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/schedule/moreinfo.cgi?id=15209
Willie Jones III Quintet @ Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola
Drummer Willie Jones III, pianist Eric Reed, trumpeter Terell Stafford, tenor saxophonist Stacy Dillard, and bassist George DeLancey will play at Dizzy's Coca-Cola Club this weekend. A New York Times review from the quintet's last album complimented “the intense, ordered, disciplined energy of Mr. Jones as an improviser of trap-set concertos.” Catch the ensemble Friday, June 30th through Sunday, July 2nd. See link for showtimes and availability: http://www.jazz.org/dizzys/events/182796/willie-jones-iii-quintet/
Red, White, and Broadway: Patriotic Songs From Broadway Musicals! @ 54 Below
Dream Theater Productions kicks off the Fourth of July weekend with patriotic songs from classic Broadway musicals. The performance will feature favorites from Assassins, The Civil War, Hair and more! Red, White and Broadway features a cast of up and coming talent. Catch the performance on Saturday, July 1st at 7:00 PM https://54below.com/events/red-white-broadway-patriotic-songs-broadway-musicals/
U.S.-France: A Centennial Voyage @ SummerStage
In 1917, The Original Dixieland Jazz Band recorded their first jazz record in New Orleans. A little over a month later, the United States joined forces with France and entered the First World War. Since then, many have been exploring and unpacking the cross-cultural connection. This free event at Central Park commemorates the confluence of American and Gallic musical cultures following this century-old interaction. Among the traditional-jazz celebrants are Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, Natalie Dessay, Catherine Russell, Stephane Wrembel, and Kat Edmonson. Concert happening at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park at 6:00 PM http://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/night-life/u-s-france-a-centennial-voyage
Kurt Elling @ Cornelia Street Cafe
Kurt Elling came up in the jazz scene of Chicago, but you can catch him in the city this weekend for Cornelia Steet Cafe's 40th Anniversary in the VoxEcstatic Special Edition. Elling has been referred to as the "standout male vocalist of our time," by the New York Times. See him this Sunday, July 2nd at 8:30/10:00 PM http://corneliastreetcafe.com/underground/performances.asp
54 SINGS 1776 @ 54 Below
The music of one of the most beloved and patriotic musicals, 1776, is being performed at Feinstein's/54 Below this holiday weekend. The show will feature Broadway performers from the casts of The Color Purple, Wicked and more. Monday, July 3rd and Tuesday, July 4th 7:00 9:30 PM https://54below.com/events/54-sings-1776-2/
