Musicians all across Manhattan are playing al fresco in the hopes of earning some money and lifting morale. For many New Yorkers, the sounds and sights of musical ensembles on city streets and in parks is a much-needed sign of promise and resilience.
Since June, for example, Prospect Park’s entrance plaza has been the regular stage for Wayne Tucker and Bad Motha’s. They started playing outside because they missed the thrill of playing for crowds.
All of the city’s 2,400 indoor performance spaces have been closed since March when the pandemic began and New York issued lockdown orders. The improvised outdoor shows are kindling a connection and comradery that is healing for both the musicians and the city dwellers.
The place to be for jazz lovers this summer is New York City. With such stars as the Charles McPherson Quintet, Julian Lee, and the Jon Irabagon Quartet, there is something for everyone to love.
On August 2 treat yourself to a fantastic concert with the Jon Irabagon Quartet. Irabagon is the winner of the 2008 Thelonius Monk Saxophone Competition and the New York City Jazz Record’s 2012 Musician of the Year.
Joining him as part of the quartet is Billy Drummond on drums; bassist Yasushi; and pianist Luis Perdomo.
In New York Irabagon is an up and coming performer in the New York music world. He is a member of several ensembles, including “Mostly Other People Do the Killing” and the “Mary Halvorson Quintet.”
The concert is on Tuesday, August 2, at 7:30pm and 9:30pm, will mostly explore the more swinging style of Irabagon, performing pieces from his well-received 2015 album “Behind the Sky.” The venue is Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola at Broadway and 60th Street, on the fifth floor.
