Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s all original core line-up includes Scotty Morris (lead vocals and guitar), Kurt Sodergren (drums), Dirk Shumaker (double bass and vocals), Andy Rowley (baritone saxophone and vocals), Glen "The Kid" Marhevka (trumpet), Karl Hunter (saxophones and clarinet) and Joshua Levy (piano and arranger). Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s efforts to promote and revitalize swing music have taken shape as much more than a simple tribute. Taking inspiration from the creators of this uniquely American art form, the band’s…

Pat Metheny is launching a new playing environment called “Side Eye” for this upcoming season. Pat explains “I wanted to create an ongoing setting to feature a rotating cast of new and upcoming musicians who have particularly caught my interest along the way. The first edition of Side Eye will feature James Francies (keyboard, piano) and drummer Nate Smith.

Pianist Aaron Diehl is one of today’s most sought after jazz virtuosos, consistently playing with what The New York Times describes as “melodic precision, harmonic erudition, and elegant restraint.” A featured soloist with the New York Philharmonic, Diehl’s meticulously thought-out performances, collaborations, and compositions are a leading force in today’s generation of jazz contemporaries, spearheading a distinct union of traditional and fresh artistry. In "Paradoxes in Performance," Diehl interprets classical works and brings a new twist to jazz favorites. Location: Beston Hall in the…

National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Kenny Barron (piano) and Dave Holland (bass) come together for a special performance as the Smith Opera House gears up for its 125th Anniversary. Each frequently dubbed as this generation’s best jazz musicians on their respective instruments, Barron and Holland form a duet that can often be described as seamless, or like two people who know each other so well they finish each other’s sentences. Their 2014 album, “The Art of Conversation,” proved…

Eastman School of Music brings Billy Harper, saxophonist, in concert with the Eastman Jazz Lab Band on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall. Billy will be here for a short residency and is available for interviews. The Eastman Jazz Lab Band is a full 17-piece jazz ensemble consisting of both undergraduate and graduate students, directed by Associate Professor Rich Thompson. The ensemble performs a full range of big band repertoire, as well as arrangements by known…