Art of Jazz Series to Feature Award-Winning Jazz Trios
For over two decades, the Art of Jazz Series has been recognized as one of the premier jazz events in North America. Now, guests are invited to join the museum as this series takes the Sunday Jazz Experience to a new level, complete with opportunities for brunch, pre-concert music, and the best in jazz performance. Experience awe-inspiring musical presentations presented by award winners, competition winners, and some of the most talented artists, composers, and arrangers in jazz. Organized and produced by Tony Zambito, prepare to be captivated by iconic jazz musicians who have left an indelible mark on the world of jazz.
In the upcoming season, the Art of Jazz series will showcase four exceptional “Art of the Jazz Trio” programs, promising unforgettable and unique jazz trio experiences. With an incredible lineup featuring the likes of jazz pianist and vocalist Dena DeRose in a rare appearance in the United States, Joe Alterman and his magnificent recording project, “Big Mo & Little Joe,” playing the music of Les McCann, Jeff Hamilton, and his trio’s special tribute performance of Oscar Peterson’s masterpiece “Canadiana Suite” in celebration of Peterson’s 100th Centennial, and jazz pianist extraordinaire Emmet Cohen bringing his trio and energy of “Live From Emmet’s Place” to the stage, this series will leave you with lasting memories.
Don’t miss out on securing your season subscription! Lock in your seats early and receive a significant 20% discount. Mark your calendars for these four extraordinary concerts in the Art of Jazz series. Get ready to experience the magic of jazz at its finest at the Buffalo AKG.
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Secure a 2025 Season Subscription and Save 20%!
Season subscription: $150
AKG member season subscription: $130
General admission (single concert): $45
AKG member general admission (single concert): $40
Visit https://buffaloakg.org/art-jazz-2025 to purchase tickets.
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Dena DeRose Trio
February 2, 2025, 3 pm
The Art of Jazz audience is set to be captivated by the rare and unparalleled talent of Dena DeRose as she graces the stage on February 2 for an unforgettable concert. Hailed as “the most creative and compelling singer-pianist since Shirley Horn” by Joel Siegel of the Washington City Paper, DeRose’s virtuosity knows no bounds. With her swinging, soothing vocal style and masterful command of the piano, she effortlessly earns the audience’s attention, leaving them in awe of her musical brilliance.
Though constantly touring Europe from her home base in Austria, this rare chance to catch her in the US and Buffalo is a real treat. Joined by her seasoned trio featuring Martin Wind on bass and Matt Wilson on drums, which has been captivating audiences for an impressive 18 years, DeRose will enchant listeners with songs from her extensive repertoire, including music from a new album scheduled for release in February 2025.
Renowned for her dynamic live performances, DeRose has received accolades from esteemed critics and publications worldwide. With consistent appearances in Downbeat Magazine’s Critics’ Poll and glowing reviews in JazzTimes, Jazz Is, and more, her talent has been recognized on a global scale. As a recording artist, she boasts an impressive discography of 14 CDs, each receiving acclaim from jazz aficionados and critics alike.
DeRose’s most recent album, “Ode To The Road,” features the incomparable rhythm section of Martin Wind and Matt Wilson, with guest appearances by jazz vocal icon Sheila Jordan, saxophonist Houston Person, and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. Garnering international acclaim, this album has been featured and favored in the ‘Hot Box’ reviews of Downbeat Magazine’s June Issue 2020.
In addition to her musical pursuits, DeRose is a dedicated jazz educator, serving as Professor of Jazz Voice at the Jazz Institute of The University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria. With over 25 years of experience, she has conducted workshops and clinics at prestigious institutions and festivals worldwide, enriching the next generation of jazz musicians.
Don’t miss this rare chance to experience the magic of Dena DeRose live in concert and be among the first to witness her groundbreaking new album. Secure your tickets early with an Art of Jazz Series 2025 full subscription and embark on a musical journey with one of jazz’s most extraordinary talents.
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Joe Alterman Plays the Music of Les McCann: Big Mo & Little Joe
March 9, 2025, 3 pm
Renowned for his captivating piano performances, Joe Alterman brings a fresh perspective to the genre, infusing it with his own unique style and energy.
Having performed at many world-renowned venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland, and Blue Note alongside Houston Person, Les McCann, Dick Gregory, Ramsey Lewis, and his own trio, among others, Alterman has solidified his status as a standout talent on the international jazz stage.
This special event celebrates Alterman’s unique recording project, “Joe Alterman Plays Les McCann: Big Mo & Little Joe.” The recording and performance project pays homage to the legendary Les McCann, a pivotal figure in jazz history, and showcases Alterman’s deep appreciation for McCann’s music.
Alterman’s unique friendship with McCann, marked by their frequent phone conversations until McCann’s passing, adds a poignant layer to the tribute. Their shared love for jazz and mutual respect for each other’s craft enriched their bond and influenced Alterman’s interpretations of McCann’s timeless compositions. With soulful renditions of McCann’s classics and original compositions inspired by his legacy, Alterman’s initiative is a heartfelt tribute to one of the greats of jazz.
Despite the passing of McCann, his spirit lives on through Alterman’s heartfelt interpretations of his music. The late Ahmad Jamal, another luminary in the jazz world, hailed Alterman as “a very special artist,” while Ramsey Lewis, who has also since passed, called him “an inspiration” and praised his piano playing as “a joy to behold.”
Famed jazz critic Nat Hentoff, added to the acclaim, stating that Alterman “would have been able to hold his own jamming with…Lester Young, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, and Duke Ellington.” Alterman is known to swing you out of your seats — don’t be surprised if you start dancing!
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the magic of Joe Alterman in his Buffalo debut, and his extraordinary homage to Les McCann live on stage. Secure your tickets early with a full Art of Jazz Series subscription and join us for an unforgettable time of jazz at the Art of Jazz Series.
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Jeff Hamilton Trio: A Special Tribute Performance of Oscar Peterson’s “Canadiana Suite” in Honor of Peterson’s 100th Centennial
April 13, 2025, 3 pm
The Art of Jazz will present an extraordinary occasion as it pays homage to the 100th Centennial of the iconic Oscar Peterson on April 13, 2025.
“Canadiana Suite” is Oscar Peterson’s best-known work, composed in 1963. Considered a masterpiece, it is a collection of compositions that move its listeners across the Canadian landscape on a conceptual railway journey. The suite artfully captures the vastness and diversity of the Canadian landscape through a thoughtful blending of blues and swing, altering rhythm and mood as the mythical railway travels across the nation of Canada.
Leading this monumental tribute is none other than the renowned drummer Jeff Hamilton, whose versatility and originality have solidified his status as one of jazz’s foremost talents. With a career that spans decades, Hamilton’s dynamic drumming has graced recordings and stages worldwide, including being a member of the legendary Oscar Peterson Trio as well as the acclaimed Ray Brown Trio.
Leonard Feather of the Los Angeles Times described Jeff and his work with Oscar Peterson as “the Los Angeles-based drummer whose intelligent backing and spirited solo work met Peterson’s customarily high standards…” His mastery of the drums brings unparalleled energy and depth to every performance, captivating audiences with his impeccable timing and spirited solos. In addition to his many recordings with Ray Brown, Jeff has been on 200 plus recordings with artists such as Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Milt Jackson, Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Streisand, Mel Torme, John Pizzarelli, Benny Carter, Lalo Schifrin, George Shearing, Dr. John, Clark Terry, Gene Harris, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Scott Hamilton, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Keely Smith, Bill Holman, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Pete Malinverni, and Mark Murphy. Jeff is a frequent guest of the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany.
Joining Hamilton on stage is the exceptional pianist Tamir Hendelman, who is celebrated for his imaginative playing and arranging. Notably, Hendelman premiered John Clayton’s arrangement of Oscar Peterson’s “Canadiana Suite” with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, showcasing his skillful interpretation and deep reverence for Peterson’s timeless compositions. His soulful renditions and sensitive touch evoke the essence of Peterson’s music, transporting listeners to another era with each note.
Completing the trio is the versatile bassist Jon Hamar, whose tasteful and unique voice adds a rich sonic tapestry to the ensemble. With a career marked by his disciplined approach and exceptional musicianship, Hamar has shared the stage with jazz luminaries and performed with the likes of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, embodying the spirit of the jazz tradition with every performance.
Together, Hamilton, Hendelman, and Hamar promise an unforgettable performance that honors the legacy of Oscar Peterson in the most profound way. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the magic of the “Canadiana Suite,” mastered by the Jeff Hamilton Trio, and performed by three extraordinary musicians. Secure your tickets now with a full Art of Jazz Series subscription and join us for a memorable time of jazz brilliance at the Art of Jazz Series.
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The Emmet Cohen Trio
May 18, 2025, 3 pm
Join us for an extraordinary performance debut at the Art of Jazz Series on Sunday, May 18, 2025, featuring the multifaceted American jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen. Renowned as one of his generation’s pivotal figures in music and the related arts, Cohen is the leader of the Emmet Cohen Trio and the visionary behind the Masters Legacy Series. He is set to release a highly anticipated new recording project in early 2025 that is sure to take his artistry to new heights.
An internationally acclaimed jazz artist and dedicated educator, Cohen’s accolades include winning the prestigious 2019 American Pianists Awards and being a finalist in the 2011 Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition. He graces the stages of iconic jazz venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Village Vanguard, and Birdland, and has left his mark on renowned jazz festivals worldwide, including Newport, Monterey, and North Sea.
During the 2020 lockdown, Cohen pioneered “Live From Emmet’s Place,” a groundbreaking series of weekly performances live-streamed from his New York apartment, reminiscent of the Harlem rent parties of yesteryear. These concerts, viewed by millions worldwide, set the standard for live internet jazz performance with their sophisticated production values.
Trained at the Manhattan School of Music and the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, Cohen’s dynamic and charismatic performances invigorate the contemporary art scene both domestically and internationally. As the Cole Porter Fellow of the American Pianists Association and Artist-in-Residence at the University of Indianapolis, Cohen’s impact on jazz education and performance is profound and far-reaching.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the brilliance of Emmet Cohen live at the Art of Jazz Series. Join us to experience Cohen’s exceptional talent and sheer musical joy as we celebrate the artistry of this jazz luminary. Secure your tickets now with a full Art of Jazz Series subscription.
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Secure a 2025 Season Subscription and Save 20%!
Season subscription: $150
AKG member season subscription: $130
General admission (single concert): $45
AKG member general admission (single concert): $40
Visit https://buffaloakg.org/art-jazz-2025 to purchase tickets.
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