https://academy.jazz.org/listening-parties/

Join us for free Listening Parties, as musicians and scholars play for you legendary records that shaped the course of Jazz history. Hear from some of today’s greatest artists as they share with you the albums and artists that inspired them. All Listening Parties are free and open to the public. Unless otherwise indicated, seating is available on a first come/first served basis.

UPCOMING LISTENING PARTIES

The Irene Diamond Education Center (IDEC)
Time Warner Center, 60th Street and Broadway
5th Floor

September 19 at 7 pm

THE VENERABLE JAZZ BANJO:  Stars & Music from Speakeasies, Vaudeville, Concert Halls and More

Hosted by Cynthia Sayer

When people hear the word “banjo,” they typically associate it with bluegrass, folk and country music. However, it was the 4-string jazz banjo  that defined the hot rhythm section sound of American pop music of the Roaring 20’s and early 30’s. Some of the major music stars of the early 20th century played the 4-string jazz banjo, the aristocratic cousin of the 5-string bluegrass/folk instrument. Jazz banjo was found in speakeasies, concert halls, vaudeville houses, and musical theater pits of the day.  It remains an integral ingredient of America’s traditional jazz sound, embraced by players and listeners alike in today’s resurgent hot jazz scenes.

In this evening’s Listening Party, award-winning 4-string jazz banjoist/bandleader and American Banjo Hall Of Fame inductee Cynthia Sayer will discuss the banjo’s eventful history, from its African slave origins to its venerable place in jazz. Along the way, she will demonstrate the instrument’s broad range and influence in various musical genres, as well as pay tribute to some of America’s historic 4-string banjo stars.

Ms. Sayer’s performance will be supported by Dennis Lichtman on clarinet, Mike Weatherly on string bass, and Larry Eagle on drums. More information about Cynthia Sayer is available at www.cynthiasayer.com

September 28 at 7 pm

Celebrating South African Jazz

Join host Seton Hawkins, pianist Eli Yamin, and vocalist Melanie Scholtz as they explore South Africa’s incredible Jazz history! With a mix of classic recordings as well as live performance by Melanie and Eli, the event will showcase the extraordinary breadth of styles and incredible array of artists that have contributed to the country’s jazz scene.