Saluting jazz’ legendary Bird, Charlie Parker in style. This weekend, the New York City Parks Foundation brings us the return of The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. Now in its 27th year, the summer festival is a vibrant and free celebration of jazz in New York that annually brings together storied, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists.
Each year the City Parks Foundation and Summerstage assemble some of the finest musicians in the world who reflect Charlie Parker’s musical individuality and genius, to promote appreciation for this highly influential and world-renowned artist. This year of 2019 is extra special as The Bird’s centennial anniversary is next week.
THE CHARLIE PARKER JAZZ FESTIVAL LINE-UP
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24th, 3PM – 7PM
DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER/ RAVI COLTRANE/ QUIANA LYNELL + MORE
MARCUS GARVEY PARK, Harlem
FREE
Three-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter and jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater will headline an incredible line-up joined by jazz scion Ravi Coltrane, the son of jazz pianist Alice Coltrane and saxophonist John Coltrane. Bridgewater will be joined by Quiana Lynell, the winner of the 2017 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25th, 3PM – 7PM
CARL ALLEN’S ART BLAKEY TRIBUTE
THOMPSON SQUARE PARK, East Village
FREE
Also that afternoon will be “Reclamation,” a piece honoring Charlie Parker, commissioned in association with the Joyce and George Wein Foundation and the Jazz Gallery, featuring Queens native Camille Thurman; Nikara Warren, a Brooklyn-born vibraphonist whose latest project, Black Wall Street, is designed as an ode to excellence in black music; and harpist Brandee Younger.
HARLEM SPARKS!
Harlem sparks are exceptionally bright this week and next as Harlem Restaurant Week runs from August 19 thru September 1st. Make sure to check out all the happenings and special offers plus live music happenings.
It is also the Centennial of the Harlem Renaissance. Watch for festivities around this momentous occasion. Click on the above link to see all the events.
There is a lot to get Socially Sparked® about in Harlem, New York this weekend. The Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker Jazz Festival, Harlem Restaurant Week and the Harlem Renaissance celebrations will provide that ultra spark to your plans. — Abbe is Socially Sparked! — tweet her @asparks01 & @sosparkednews
November 18, 2019
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