If You Love Jazz, Mark Your Calendars

Editor’s Note: Westchester is bubbling over with jazz events, from local emerging talents to top-tier Grammy Award winning musicians appearing throughout the county. We’ve rounded up a selection of upcoming jazz events taking place over the next several months so our readers can mark their calendars for whatever tickles their fancy – outdoor concerts, world-class venues, and a five-day jazz festival are all on the docket. –MAF

August 29, 2024
Bruce Williams Quartet
Presented by Jazz Forum Arts
Versatile jazz saxophonist Bruce Williams and his quartet will close out the 14^th annual Sunset Jazz series on the grounds of Lyndhurst Mansion with views of the Hudson River. Williams performs a range of jazz styles, from traditional to avant-garde.

August 29, 2024
The Ricardo Gautreau Trio
Presented by Armonk Chamber of Commerce
This Dominican-born White Plains guitarist will take over Armonk Square with a blend of Rock, Latin and Jazz as part of the town’s Music in the Square series. Alongside Williams will be guitarist Doug Munro and keyboardist Pablo Mayor.

September 6, 2024
The Hiroshi Yamazaki Piano Trio
Presented by Jazz on Main
Jazz pianist Hiroshi Yamazaki celebrates the release of a new record during this club performance with bassist Miles Gilbert and drummer Ron Vincent. The trio will perform original songs in the classical jazz piano style.

September 13, 2024
Nicole Zuraitis Quartet
Presented by ArtsWestchester, City of White Plains and White Plains BID
Zuraitis won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album (How Love Begins). Now she will bring her timeless vocals to ArtsWestchester’s intimate performance space for two sets during this year’s JazzFest White Plains.

September 14, 2024
Vijay Iyer Trio
Presented by ArtsWestchester, City of White Plains and White Plains BID
Pianist Vijay Iyer explores emotionally rich compositions steeped in tradition. As part of JazzFest White Plains, he will perform two sets with drummer Tyshawn Sorey and bassist Linda May Han Oh.

September 15, 2024
White Plains Food & Jazz Festival
Presented by ArtsWestchester, City of White Plains and White Plains BID
Five sets of live outdoor jazz will flood the streets of downtown White Plains when emerging and established acts headliner Ekep Nkwell take the stage on Court Street (between Main St. and Martine Ave.).

September 29, 2024
Freddie Bryant Brazilian Quartet
Presented by Jazz Forum Arts
Guitarist Freddie Bryant showcases versatile skills in jazz, classical, Brazilian and other world genres. With this concert, he celebrates the release of Upper West Side Love Story, a 16-movement song cycle written for a chamber-jazz ensemble.

October 4, 2024
Dianne Reeves & Romero Lubambo Duo
Presented by Tarrytown Music Hall
Five-time Grammy Award winner and jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves blends jazz and R&B stylings, while guitarist Romero Lubambo brings Brazilian jazz to the American jazz tradition. The two will perform together for one night.

October 17, 2024
Andromeda Turre
Presented by New Rochelle Council on the Arts
Andromeda Turre will help kick off this year’s ArtsFest New Rochelle when she headlines the festival’s opening night celebration. Turre will perform the entirety of her newly released jazz suite, From the Earth, which explores environmental justice.  

October 18 & 19, 2024
Ann Hampton Callaway
Presented by Jazz Forum Arts
Tony Award nominee Ann Hampton Callaway’s show, Finding Beauty: Inspired Classics and Originals, consists of the classics songs by artists who have inspired her, including Carole King, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, as well as songs from her new album, Finding Beauty: Originals Vol. 1. She’ll take these songs to the Jazz Forum Club this fall.

November 8, 2024
Abdullah Ibrahim Trio
Presented by Caramoor
In collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, Caramoor will present pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, as he blends traditional African rhythms with jazz improvisation. The 90-year-old is one of Africa’s most acclaimed jazz musicians.

November 9, 2024
Samara Joy
Presented by Performing Arts Center at Purchase College
Grammy Award-winning vocalist Samara Joy returns to the stage of her alma mater with a rich voice that calls back to jazz greats like Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn. The concert will deliver “a nostalgic night of classic jazz with a youthful spin.”

December 14, 2024
The Vanessa Racci Trio: A Very Jazzy Christmas
Presented by Jazz on Main
Jazz vocalist Vanessa Racci of Tarrytown will kick off the holiday season with a program of swinging jazz holiday classics from Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and more.

Feb 28, 2025
Emmet Cohen Trio
Presented by Emelin Theatre
Renowned jazz pianist Emmet Cohen brings contemporary artistry to his master knowledge of jazz traditions and techniques, advancing the artform with new musicality and harmony.