A Memorable Tribute to Mothers: Experience the Magic of Swing, Timeless Jazz Standards, and Cherished Memories
Join us for an unforgettable Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday, May 11th at 4 pm at the beautiful Canterbury Woods Performance Arts Center, as JazzBuffalo proudly presents the debut Buffalo performance of the sensational Gabrielle Stravelli. Known for her tremendous swing feel and unparalleled gift for lyric interpretation, Gabrielle is a masterful interpreter of jazz standards and the Great American Songbook. Residing in New York City, she enchants audiences with both well-known classics and hidden gems from the glorious American Songbook.
As The New York Times notes, “Ms. Stravelli’s emotional intelligence coincides with a phenomenal voice that she wields with an easygoing confidence and impeccable taste.” This event is more than a musical performance—it’s a heartfelt tribute to mothers and a celebration of the enduring magic of jazz.
In the past year, Gabrielle made her Carnegie Hall debut with the New York Pops Orchestra and released her fifth album, Beautiful Moons Ago. This album title beautifully encapsulates the idea of cherished memories that stand the test of time—each phase of the moon symbolizes a unique moment in our lives. Much like the recurring lunar cycles that light up our nights, the phrase evokes the enduring and radiant memories we create with our loved ones, making it a perfect tie-in for Mother’s Day—a day dedicated to celebrating the timeless bonds and treasured moments shared with the special women in our lives. This event is also a wonderful opportunity to bring the extraordinary women in your life to a concert, as well as to remember those long gone, through the beauty of the American Songbook.
Gabrielle’s stellar career is highlighted by numerous accolades and remarkable performances. Her 2017 release, Dream Ago, earned a rare 5-star review from Downbeat Magazine, and her 2019 project, Pick Up My Pieces: Gabrielle Stravelli Sings Willie Nelson, was featured by renowned music critic Will Friedwald in the Wall Street Journal and awarded the 2020 Bistro Award for Outstanding Recording. She has led her trio or quartet at some of the country’s finest jazz clubs and performing arts centers, headlining prestigious festivals such as the Delaware Water Gap COTA Festival (2023 & 2024), Cape Cod Jazz Festival (2023), Cayman Arts Festival (2023), WBGO Jazz on the Mountain Festival (2024, ’21, ’18), Providencia Jazz Festival in Chile (2019), and the Eleuthera Jazz Festival in the Bahamas (2016). In 2022, she sold out Birdland’s main room with the New York debut of her show, “Mel & Ella Swing!”, alongside pianist/singer Billy Stritch.
Her collaborations further attest to her star power. Gabrielle has worked with world-renowned jazz pianist Fred Hersch—premiering his song cycle Rooms of Light, filming an online masterclass for OpenStudio.com, and recording a new song cycle set for release this month. She toured the U.S. premiering Abyssinian with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and, as a U.S. State Department “Jazz Ambassador” since 2015, she has shared her artistry throughout Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America.
Adding to this extraordinary lineup, Gabrielle will be joined on stage by the remarkable pianist Michael Kanan and the illustrious bassist Pat O’Leary. Michael Kanan is celebrated for his virtuosic improvisation and innovative harmonic sense. In 2001, he became the accompanist and arranger for Jane Monheit, touring worldwide and recording several CDs and DVDs with her—earning appearances on shows like Letterman and Conan. Alongside him, Pat O’Leary brings a deep, soulful tone and impeccable timing that anchors every performance. Having toured with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra—and recorded the Grammy-nominated Sentimental Journey—Pat’s extensive resume includes collaborations with luminaries such as Diana Krall, James Moody, and Joe Lovano, making his sophisticated playing a true asset to the ensemble.
This special Mother’s Day event offers a unique opportunity to experience the captivating magic of swing and the timeless elegance of jazz standards, all brought to life by one of today’s foremost interpreters of the Great American Songbook. Celebrate with us as Gabrielle Stravelli graces the stage at Canterbury Woods Performance Arts Center, creating an atmosphere of warmth, joy, and community—a true gift for mothers, a chance to honor the women in your lives, and a moment to remember those who are long gone through the beauty of the American Songbook.
“Truly special. Gabrielle Stravelli is an absolute arresting talent…” — Buffalo News
For more insight into her artistry, read Jeff Simon’s review of Stravelli’s 2017 release Dreams Ago in the Buffalo News:
Gabrielle Stravelli: An Arresting Jazz Talent Emerges
(This event marks the inaugural concert of The American Songbook Experience program, and we are thrilled to feature the acclaimed Gabrielle Stravelli in a special showcase performance. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements as we launch The American Songbook Experience—a celebration of music that continues to bring joy and create lasting memories for generations of music lovers.)
Please reserve your seat now and join us for an evening that promises to be as memorable as the moments it celebrates. Click this link or purchase directly below!
Gabrielle Stravelli Presents “Beautiful Moons Ago”
