Programs Harlem Jazz Shrines
Harlem Jazz Shrines
Three esteemed Harlem cultural organizations – the Apollo Theater, Harlem Stage/Aaron Davis Hall, and Jazzmobile along with collaborating partner Columbia University – join forces to present the annual Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival in May. Celebrating the unique legacy of jazz in the uptown community, the Festival will bring both established and emerging artists to some of the famed venues where jazz flourished in Harlem: Lenox Lounge, Showman’s Café, the Apollo Theater, and Alhambra Ballroom. Other festival events will take place at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, Columbia University and a variety of locations throughout the Harlem area.
Highlights of the 2011 Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival included:
- Wycliffe Gordon’s Jazz à la Carte – The Apollo’s variety shows of the 1930’s made a comeback under the music direction of Wycliffe Gordon and staging by Director/Choreographer Ken Roberson with the Temple University Big Band and featuring vocalists Carla Cook and Nikki Yanofsky, tap savant Savion Glover, sax wunderkind Grace Kelly, and trombone prodigy Corey Wilcox, among others.
- Geri Allen Quartet "Jam" Session – During the 1940’s and ‘50’s, the Harlem jazz scene was famous for its after-hours “jam sessions.” Jazz pianist and producer Geri Allen "jammed" with her quartet and special guests at the Apollo Music Cafe.
- Late Night Jam Sessions & Conversations with Legends at Minton’s Playhouse – Jazzmobile re-created Minton’s legendary “cutting contests” with emerging jazz talents and an all-star house band curated by T.S. Monk with celebrated cultural critic and journalist Stanley Crouch hosting an intimate dinner and leading provocative discussions.
- Fats Waller Dance Party: Small’s Paradise Tribute with Jason Moran & Meshell Ndegeocello – Harlem Stage presented two nights of Waller’s music taken to new heights with a dance party featuring 2010 MacArthur Genius pianist Jason Moran & dynamic singer/bassist Meshell Ndegeocello.
The next Harlem Jazz Shrines festival will take place in May, 2012. The schedule will be announced in February, 2012.
Harlem Jazz Shrines is made possible by generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts and The New York Community Trust – Elizabeth Meyer Lorentz Fund. Also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.