Upcoming Events

Who is Lester Young?

Celebrated as a main progenitor of the “cool” sensibility, saxophonist Lester Young introduced a new sound and a new attitude towards jazz. Through his early work with Count Basie and…

Who is Gil Evans?

Gil Evans changed the way jazz sounded through his original concept and orchestrations and his work with Miles Davis and others. Host: Ryan Truesdale.

Latin Jazz with Nelson Gonzales All-Stars and DJ Brian Martinez

NJMH, in collaboration with Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, continues its annual summer Latin Jazz Jam concert series with Nelson Gonzales All Stars on Long Island Sound in Pelham Bay Park. Born in…

Who is King Oliver?

Louis Armstrong always said that for inspiration, all he had to do was to close his eyes and see/hear King Oliver in his mind. We’ll take an in-depth look at…

Amir ElSaffar

The innovative Amir ElSaffar Quintet, featuring John Escreet on piano, Francois Moutin on bass, Dan Weiss on drums, Ole Mathisen on tenor saxophone, and ElSaffar on trumpet, re-imagines the Iraqi…

Remembering Ralph Ellison with Sidney Offit

On August 7th, acclaimed writer Sidney Offit will be interviewed by Paul Devlin and share his memories of his friendship with Ralph Ellison over four decades, as well as offer his perspective…

Who is Mary Lou Williams?

Pianist/arranger Mary Lou Williams wrote music that always looked forward – from her early work for Andy Kirk and Benny Goodman in the 30′s, for Ellington in the 40′s, and…

Drop Me Off in Harlem A Perform & Create Day

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem All-Stars bring the sounds of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and the rhythm of iconic tap dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson to Meet The Artist Saturdays….

Manuel Valera

2013 Grammy Nominated Cuban composer and jazz pianist Manuel Valera releases his new solo album. Based in New York City, 2013 Grammy nominated artist, pianist and composer Manuel Valera was…

Who is Benny Goodman?

We celebrate Benny Goodman’s 105th birthday anniversary with a session devoted exclusively to his greatest band – the 1937 crew that included Harry James Lionel Hampton, Teddy Wilson and Gene Krupa.

Who is Sarah Vaughan?

There has never been the more influential or greatly loved jazz singer than Sarah Vaughan.

Who is Louis Armstrong?

It has been wonderful to see how the interest in the genius that was Louis Armstrong has been steadily increasing in the years since his passing.

Who is Count Basie?

Ever since he first came to Kansas City in the 1930′s, Count Basie’s name has been synonymous with swing.

Who is Billie Holiday?

There were many jazz singers in the 1930’s and 40’s, but none have been remotely as alluring and influential as Lady Day, as she was known.

Who is Bill “Bojangles” Robinson?

Bill Robinson, born shortly after slavery was abolished, lived to see his image and his unique way of tapping his feet become internationally loved and influential.

Who is Ella Fitzgerald?

Very few 20th century artists are still known today by one word – in this case “Ella”.

Who is Duke Ellington?

The composer of some of the world’s favorite melodies; a great pianist; a prime inspiration to the civil rights movement; a colorful, dynamic character; a very private yet very public man.

The Hall of Fame: Singer Betty Carter with Special Guests, Michael Mwenso and Charenee Wade

Join us for a series of fascinating evenings looking into some of the most legendary jazz artists being inducted into Jazz At Lincoln Center’s Hall of Fame next month. Singer…

Softly, With Feeling: Joe Wilder and the Breaking of Barriers in American Music, by Edward Berger

Sadly, trumpeter Joe Wilder passed away last week at the age of 92. He was a long-time member of our museum family as an educator, panelist, interviewee and friend. Fortunately,…

The Hall of Fame: Guitarist Wes Montgomery

Join us for a series of fascinating evenings looking into some of the most legendary jazz artists being inducted into Jazz At Lincoln Center’s Hall of Fame next month. Guitarist…

An Evening of Jazz on Film – the 2014 JALC Hall of Fame Inductees Elvin Jones, Betty Carter, Wes Montgomery, Fletcher Henderson

This year, bandleader/arranger Fletcher Henderson, drummer Elvin Jones, guitarist Wes Montgomery and singer Betty Carter have been elected to Jazz At Lincoln Center’s Hall of Fame. Join us for an…

The Hall of Fame: Discussing Drummer Elvin Jones with Author Pulitzer Prize winning author Paul Harding,

Join us for a series of fascinating evenings looking into some of the most legendary jazz artists being inducted into Jazz At Lincoln Center’s Hall of Fame next month. Few…

Eddie Bert, Trombonist

Cedar Walton, Pianist

Chico Hamilton, Drummer

Rhonda Hamilton, Jazz Broadcaster, WBGO

Hank O’Neal, Author/Producer

Justin DiCioccio, Drummer/educator

Andrew Cyrille, Drummer/Educator

Larry Willis, Pianist

Pat Martino, Guitarist

Dave Leibman, Saxophonist

Benny Golson, Saxophonist

Wendy Oxenhorn, Jazz Foundation of America

Toshiko Akiyoshi, Pianist

Phoebe Jacobs, Jazz Advocate

Randy Weston, Pianist

Charles Tolliver, Trumpeter

Marty Napoleon, Pianist

Lloyd Williams, President/CEO, Great Harlem Chamber Of Commerce

Jon Hendricks, Vocalist (Part I)

Etienne Charles, Trumpet

Rufus Reid, Bassist

Jon Hendricks, Vocalist (Part II)

2014 Benefit Concert with Dee Dee Bridgewater

Please join us for a special evening benefiting NJMIH with Dee Dee Bridgewater and special guests

Louis Hayes, Drummer

Vijay Iyer, Pianist

Eddie Gomez, Bassist

Clem DeRosa, Drummer/Educator

Jason Moran, Pianist

Sandra Reeves-Phillips, Vocalist

Percy Brice, Drummer

Sathima Bea Benjamin, Vocalist

Al Vollmer, Founder of Harlem Blues and Jazz Band

Ben Riley, Drummer

Ray Santos, Saxophonist/Composer

Connie Crothers, Pianist

Jack Kleinsinger, Impressario

Lew Soloff, Trumpeter

Kenny Barron, Pianist

Dick Griffin, Trombonist

International Jazz Day Celebration with host Michael Mwenso

In honor of International Jazz Day, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem (NJMH) will illuminate the truly global roots of jazz with an international jam session. Hosted by vocalist and man-about-town, Michael Mwenso, and curated by NJMH artistic director-at-large, Jonathan Batiste, this evening will epitomize the universal language that is jazz.

Maitreya Padukone, tabla

For our last Jazz For Curious Listeners discussion and live music series we are happy to have tabla virtuoso Maitreya Padukone.

Tim Porter, Jazz Mandolin Odyssey with Guitar and Bass

Tim Porter on mandolin, accompanied by virtuoso guitarist, Joe Selly, and internationally acclaimed bassist Santi Debriano, return to NJMH to perform and continue the musical dialogue highlighting the long history and continuing influence of mandolin in Blues, Jazz, and Latin music.

Amir El Saffar, trumpet

Iraqi-American trumpeter, santur player, vocalist, and composer Amir ElSaffar has distinguished himself with a mastery of disparate musical styles and a singular approach to combining aspects of Middle Eastern music with American jazz, extending the boundaries of each tradition and we are honored to have him talk and play music for us this evening.

Oran Etkin, clarinet and saxophone

Through years of experience in a myriad of musical cultures, Oran Etkin has developed a unique sound on the clarinet, bass-clarinet and saxophone that draws on ancient traditions from Africa, Israel, New Orleans and beyond, yet resonates with the driving energy of the current New York jazz scene. This makes him the perfect addition to our month-long discussion on cross cultural collaboration and world music “infiltration” into jazz.

Kavita Shah, vocalist

A native New Yorker of Indian origin fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and French, Ms. Shah incorporates elements of Indian, Brazilian, and Malian music into her jazz-based repertoire and we are thrilled to have her join us as we continue the cross cultural jazz discussion for International Jazz Month.

Listening Party Wednesdays: How Jazz Can Change Your Life: Curated by Jon Batiste with host Michael Mwenso

At these sessions, curated by NJMH Artistic Director At Large Jonathan Batiste, vocalist and elegant man about town Michael Mwenso will moderate a joyous listening party that you do not want to miss as the NJMH becomes THE happening spot in Harlem.

Listening Party Wednesdays: How Jazz Can Change Your Life: Curated by Jon Batiste with host Michael Mwenso

At these sessions, curated by NJMH Artistic Director At Large Jonathan Batiste, vocalist and elegant man about town Michael Mwenso will moderate a joyous listening party that you do not want to miss as the NJMH becomes THE happening spot in Harlem.

Melissa Aldana with guest Pablo Menares

To kick off our month of live music and discussion highlighting incredible international jazz artists making waves in the New York jazz scene there is no better fit than the young Chilean tenor star Melissa Aldana.

Yeahwon Shin

South Korean singer Yeahwon Shin celebrates the release of her ECM debut CD, “Lua ya” a gentle album of songs and lullabies, with Aaron Parks on piano and Rob Curto on accordion.

Joe Temperley, Saxophonist

Darcy James Argue, Bandleader

Wayne Escoffery, Saxophonist

Dave Samuels, Vibraphonist

Craig Harris, Trombonist/Composer

Paquito D’Rivera, Composer/Saxophonist/Clarinetist

Frank Stewart, Photographer

Michael Cuscuna, Record Producer

Joe Lovano, Saxophonist

Steve Coleman, Saxophonist

Lou Donaldson, Saxophonist

Steve Wilson, Saxophonist

Bruce Lundvall, Producer

Aaron Goldberg, Pianist

Eric Person, Saxophonist

Dave Valentin, Flutist

Mike Ledonne, Pianist

Greg Osby, Saxophonist

Steven Bernstein, Trumpeter

Tommy LiPuma, Producer

Antonio Hart, Saxophonist

Farrah Jasmine Griffin, Author

Renee Rosnes, Pianist

James Spaulding, Flutist/Saxophonist

Maria Schneider, Composer

Gene Bertoncini, Guitarist

Bennie Wallace, Saxophonist

Michael Carvin, Drummer

Sonny Fortune, Saxophonist

Warren Vache, Trumpet

Lew Tabackin, Tenor Sax and Flute

Paul West, Bassist

Vincent Gardner, Trombonist

Jane Ira Bloom, Soprano Saxophonist

Jimmy Heath, Saxophonist, Composer and Arranger

George Cables, Pianist

Jason Miles, Keyboardist and Producer

Maurice Peress, Conductor

Hal Galper, Pianist

Steve Turre, Trombonist

Russell Malone, Guitarist

Wycliffe Gordon, Trombonist

Jaleel Shaw, Saxophonist

Don Sickler, Arranger

Matthew Shipp, Pianist

Ben Williams, Bassist

Ed Neumeister, Trombonist

Vince Giordano, Bandleader

Janis Siegel, Vocalist

Daniel Bernard Roumain, Violinist — Interviewed by Jonathan Batiste

Michael Mwenso, Vocalist

Matt Wilson, Drummer

Helen Merrill, Vocalist

Nasheet Waits, Drummer

A Month With Christian McBride — Jazz In The Movies: The 70s

Jerry Dodgion, Saxophonist

Ralph Peterson Jr., Drummer

George Gee, Bandleader

Rome Neal, Singer/Playwright

An Evening for Marian McPartland

Ted Nash, Saxophonist

Bill Kirchner, Saxophonist

Richard Wyands, Pianist

Jean-Michel Pilc, Pianist

Nate Chinen

Jack Walrath, Trumpet Player

Awa Sangho: Malian Blues Singer

David Chevan

Voza Rivers, Arts Advocate/Producer

Kansas City Comes to Harlem: An Evening with Stanley Crouch and Charlie Parker

Louis Armstrong: Master of Modernism: with author Thomas Brothers

Join us as NJMH Artistic Director Loren Schoenberg and the author Thomas Brothers discuss the definitive account of a man whose musical legacy remains uncontested today.

Ellison Out Loud: Stage Actors Read from his Masterpieces

It’s one thing to read great words on the page, and another to hear them spoken aloud. Please join us as we bring Ralph Ellison’s words off the page to life, brought to life by two of New York’s most talented actors.

Shadow and Act: The Friends of Ralph Ellison with Stanley Crouch and Robert G. O’Meally

Two of America’s most distinguished authors join us this evening for a reflection on their mutual friend, Ralph Ellison: Professor Robert G. O’Meally and author Stanley Crouch.

“Ralph Ellison: The Man and His Records” Exhibition Opening

Leading up to our April 30th International Jazz Day concert at MIST, Jazz For Curious Listeners is focusing on the global influence of jazz with NYC’s premiere jazz musicians from around the world.

Listening Party Wednesdays: How Jazz Can Change Your Life

In this special interactive performance series curated by Jon Batiste and hosted by Michael Mwenso we will demonstrate how jazz can improve the quality of our lives.

Listening Party Wednesdays: How Jazz Can Change Your Life

In this special interactive performance series curated by Jon Batiste and hosted by Michael Mwenso we will demonstrate how jazz can improve the quality of our lives.

Listening Party Wednesdays: How Jazz Can Change Your Life

In this special interactive performance series curated by Jon Batiste and hosted by Michael Mwenso we will demonstrate how jazz can improve the quality of our lives.

Trading Twelves: The Ralph Ellison-Albert Murray Continuum

Continuing this month’s celebration of the centenary of Ralph Ellison’s birth, long-time NJMH contributor Greg Thomas hosts a discussion, “The Ralph Ellison-Albert Murray Continuum,” centering on the cultural, intellectual and personal ties between Ellison and his friend and fellow writer Albert Murray.

Visible Man: Ellison on Film with Paul Devlin

Paul Devlin will host a screening and discussion of Ralph Ellison’s most important appearance on film in which he discusses and reads from his work, along with filmed discussions of Ellison’s friends discussing his life and work, and film adaptations of his work.

Andrew Nemr and Yacouba Sissoko

Alfonso Cid and Itamar Borochov

Maritza Wellington Owens, CEO of Harvest Home; Brother Num, percussionist

Linda Oh, Kassa Overall and Jonathan Batiste

Jazz Talk: Learn to Sing Jazz in 60 Minutes!

Loren Schoenberg, executive director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, hosts a close-listening session of Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday followed by a group sing-along. Learn what constitutes jazz versus other musical genres, and then put theory into practice!

The Donny McCaslin Sax Quartet

Samuel Torres Group: Forced Displacement

Bird of a Nation: Charlie Parker and Clint Eastwood’s Biopic, Guests Jimmy Heath And Robert O’Meally

Clint Eastwood had the best of intentions when he created his Charlie Parker biopic Bird in 1988. Nonetheless, it perpetuated many of the myths that still dog Jazz and its…

The National Jazz Museum Presents: Spontaneous Combustion with Jonathan Batiste

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem (NJMH) presents the ‘Spontaneous Combustion’ series once again at Rockwood Music Hall hosted by NJMH Artist Director-At-Large, Jon Batiste. All proceeds from this event will go towards the NJMH’s urgent initiative to find a new home in Harlem.

“Friday Night in Harlem” at The Apollo Theater ft. Jonathan Batiste

NJMH is thrilled to announce that Artistic Director At-Large, Jonathan Batiste, is the recipient of the Apollo Theater’s Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Legacy Award. Jonathan will receive the award and perform as part of the Apollo Theater’s “Friday Night in Harlem” Super Bowl celebration and mega-concert featuring performances by Regina Belle, Cecil Bridgewater, Arturo O’Farrill and more!

Kavita Shah & Lionel Loueke

Kavita Shah, a visionary young singer who incorporates elements of Indian, Brazilian, and Malian music into her jazz-based repertoire, is joined by Benin-born jazz guitarist/vocalist (and producer of her upcoming album), Lionel Loueke.

A Long Shadow on “Pres” Day

We use Pres or Prez, nicknames for Lester Young, in a symbolic sense for all of the great jazz innovators of the second half of the twentieth century who cast a long shadow influencing generations of subsequent musicians- including several contemporary mandolinists.

Musings on Mardi Gras – Mandolin Skinny on Fat Tuesday

New Orleans, Mobile, and Rio are among the cities that celebrate this occasion which, like jazz, combines influences from around the world.

What Love’s Got to Do With It

The mandolin, with its lute ancestry, renaissance instrument relatives, kinship with the human vocal range, and nineteenth century parlor music history, was perhaps more fitting than most instruments to express the many themes on the subject of romance.

Migration Sketches – Hand Me Down My Mandolin

Join us for a musical reflection on Black History Month as we look at the mandolin during The Great Migration.

Body and Soul: Rhythm and the Body with Frederick Schjang and LaFrae Sci

In this installment of the Parallax Conversation series we will have fitness instructor and physical therapist Frederick Schjang in conversation with drummer LaFrae Sci on the connections between the body, rhythm, and music.

Rhythm and Dance with Michela Marino Lerman

Michela Marino Lerman, will join us for a discussion on the dynamic presence of dance in jazz and demonstrate her wonderful talent. Michela was a student of Buster Brown and Gregory Hines and has collaborated with Benny Golson, Roy Hargrove, Ravi Coltrane, and Marcus Strickland to name a few!

The Truth: Rhythm and Writing with Paul Harding

POSTPONED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER – Literary history is chock full of authors who, inspired by musical rhythms, have strove to integrate them into their writing.. This evening, NJMH is happy to welcome into its family of collaborators musician and author, Paul Harding.

A Cutting Session: Rhythm in Film with Emily Hubley

At the root of cinema is the art of editing; the assemblage of footage in time, which by definition creates its own rhythm. As part of our regular collaboration with the Maysles Institute and Cinema, we are proud to present filmmaker Emily Hubley, who has been making animated shorts since 1980.

Billy Drummond, Drummer

Critically acclaimed drummer Billy Drummond joins NJMH this month for our landmark oral history series, Harlem Speaks.

Broadway Boogie Woogie: Rhythm in the Visual Arts with Bob O’Meally

This evening we will investigate the influence that jazz had on such masters as Stuart Davis, Piet Mondrian and Romare Bearden with Professor Robert G. O’Meally, Columbia University’s Zora Neale Hurston Professor of English and Comparative Literature, and founder and director of the Center for Jazz Studies.

Douglas Detrick & the Anywhen Ensemble

Celebrating the release of their new album on Parma Recordings, “The Bright and Rushing World,” Douglas Detrick’s Anywhen Ensemble melds a dynamic chamber performance (composed for trumpet, sax, cello, bassoon, and drums) with jazz improvisation.

Creole Roots Plus

The many wonders of the Savory Collection will receive thrillingly new and varied interpretations in this imaginative evening of music with giants violinist and Matt Glaser and trumpeter Etienne Charles and more!

Alan Broadbent

Two-time Grammy Award-winning pianist Alan Broadbent, called “one of the greatest living jazz pianists” by the LA Times and “one of the most original improvisers in the world of jazz” by Charlie Haden, comes to the Rubin Museum for the first time, and on the heels of a rare five-star rating from DownBeat Magazine for his latest album, “Heart to Heart.”

Bill Savory and the Heroics of Sound, with Doug Pomeroy

Join us as fabled sound engineer Doug Pomeroy reveals some of the secrets of his trade and what the Savory Collection means to it. His passion for what he does promises to make this an unforgettable night!

Meg Okura & the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble

“Chamber jazz has found its queen in Meg Okura,” boasted All About Jazz of Okura whose concert and new CD pay an acoustic tribute to synth-pop pioneer Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Harlem Swings!

Featuring new interpretations of music from The Savory Collection with Jimmy Heath, Ethan Iverson, Aaron Diehl, Dominick Farinacci and Peter Evans

Bill Savory the Innovator, with Susan Schmidt-Horning

Join author Susan Schmidt-Horning, the only historian ever granted extensive interviews with Bill Savory, for an evening dedicated the untold story behind this one-of-a-kind American genius.

The Year in Jazz: A Critics Roundtable

Five renowned music critics who write for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR Music, The New Yorker and The Village Voice discuss the highlights of this year in jazz.

Matt Marantz and Sam Harris Quartet

Saxophone player Matt Marantz, “a deeply sincere and meditative player,” (Downbeat) teams with pianist Sam Harris lead a quartet with Martin Nevin on bass and Lee Fish on drums.

Echoes of Harlem: Classic Jazz Treasures featuring Loren Schoenberg

Jazz saxophonist Loren Schoenberg, Artistic Director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, brings the rare, recently-discovered Savory Collection jazz recordings to life. Schoenberg, with an all-star Bay Area jazz band, riffs along with, the classic jazz treasures.

Dayna Stephens

Join us for an interview with internationally renowned saxophonist/ composer/educator Dayna Stephens!

Sunny Jain & Matt Moran

To take a new look at the New Orleans second-line tradition and its NYC incarnations, this evening features brass band heavy hitters Sunny Jain of Red Baraat and Matt Moran of Slavic Soul Party!

Larry Blumenfeld & Ben Jaffe

Join Larry Blumenfeld of the WSJ and Village Voice and Ben Jaffe of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for a NOLA throw-down!

Tuning into Tremé

Part 4: The “New” New Orleans with special guest, Tremé producer Eric Overmyer

Tuning into Tremé

Part 3: It Happens in the Street

Tuning into Tremé

Part 2: What is New Orleans Tradition? With special guest, pianist Courtney Bryan

Tuning into Tremé

Part 1: Glorious Noises and Noise Ordinances

The Evolution of the Jazz Mandolin

The last session in our series on the jazz mandolin will focus on the further development of mandolin jazz through Swing, Bebop, and the present with discussion on the contemporary mandolinists.

The Evolution of the Jazz Mandolin

The mandolin music of the 1930’s, 40’s , 50’s, and 60’s was influenced in large part by six musicians: Dave Apollon, Bill Monroe, Yank Rachell, Howard Armstrong, Tiny Moore, and Jethro Burns. The fourth segment in our mandolin series takes a look at these masters and the spreading of mandolin to blues, bluegrass and swing.

David Amram, composer/multi-instrumentalist

We are honored to have as our guest multi-instrumentalist, composer and author David Amram, rightfully hailed as a Renaissance man of American Music for our Harlem Speaks interview series.

Unusual Instruments in the Savory Collection Featuring Scott Robinson

In this second of a series of concerts produced in collaboration with the National Endowment of the Arts, the NJMH celebrates The Savory Collection by presenting multi-instrumentalist Scott Robinson as he reacts and creates to the never-before-heard sounds from 70+ years ago.

Naren Budhakar, tabla & Sylvain Leroux, Guinean tambin flute and ngoni

In this installation of the Parallax Conversation Series we are excited to have two world music masters that have brought an unusual instrument to the forefront of their respective genres as well as jazz. Not only are Snehasish Mozumder and Sylvain Leroux virtuosos on the mandolin and tambin flute, respectively, but they have invented unique variations of the instruments.

ImproviNation: An Evening with OneBeat on Freestyling Across the Globe and Around the Block

An evening of live music and discussion on cross-cultural collaboration, cultural diplomacy and what the philosophy behind jazz can teach us about getting along.

The Evolution of the Jazz Mandolin

Part 1: “Once Upon a Time” The first segment on the evolution of jazz mandolin will examine the 17th and 18th century origins of the mandolin in the Mediterranean to…

The Evolution of the Jazz Mandolin

In the third segment of the jazz mandolin series, we discuss the explosion of mandolin playing and the development of mandolin groups in the teens and 1920′s.

The Evolution of the Jazz Mandolin

Part two of the jazz mandolin sessions will discuss the simultaneous popularity of ragtime in America and choro in Brazil.

FFEAR

FFEAR (Forum for Electro-Acoustic Research) is an improvising quartet co-led by Chris Washburne and Ole Mathisen, and is Washburne’s most adventurous project to date.