9-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton and acclaimed jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman reunite to celebrate the genius of Buffalo’s own Harold Arlen at Kleinhans Music Hall on February 15, 2026.
In the ever-evolving world of jazz, few partnerships capture the deep connection between lyric, melody, and emotion quite like Tierney Sutton and Tamir Hendelman. When the two acclaimed artists take the stage for the Harold Arlen 121st Birthday Celebration at Kleinhans Music Hall on Sunday, February 15, 2026, audiences will experience an afternoon that honors one of Buffalo’s most iconic composers through the artistry of one of today’s most insightful jazz duos.
Over the past three decades, Tierney Sutton has established herself as one of the most sophisticated vocal interpreters of her generation. A nine-time Grammy nominee, Sutton’s work blends intellect, swing, and soul, exploring the emotional core of the Great American Songbook. Her ability to find fresh meaning in familiar songs makes her the perfect voice to celebrate Harold Arlen, whose compositions, such as “Over the Rainbow,” “Blues in the Night,” and “Come Rain or Come Shine,” remain among the most enduring in American music.
Joining her is Tamir Hendelman, the Israeli-born, Los Angeles-based pianist known for his lyrical touch and deeply empathetic accompaniment. A longtime member of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and a historic collaborator with Barbra Streisand and Natalie Cole, Hendelman brings both rhythmic brilliance and emotional nuance to every performance. As Sutton notes, “What really sets him apart is that Tamir knows lyrics—he plays as if he’s singing them.”
Their partnership dates back to the late 1990s, when Sutton and Hendelman first began performing together. They rekindled their musical collaboration during the pandemic through a series of live-streamed performances—intimate, conversational concerts that captured the essence of jazz as dialogue. Those sessions revealed the magic of their duo format: just piano and voice, interpreting timeless songs with freshness and vulnerability.
Together, Sutton and Hendelman embody the spirit of Harold Arlen, who infused jazz and blues into the very fabric of the Great American Songbook. Their performance promises not only virtuosic musicianship but a heartfelt tribute to the songwriter who gave the world its most endearing standards—and whose story began right here in Buffalo.
This special event, presented as part of Jazz at Kleinhans, represents both a celebration of musical legacy and a statement of civic pride. As Buffalo continues to reestablish itself as a jazz and arts destination, the city’s embrace of Arlen’s genius through artists of Sutton and Hendelman’s caliber underscores a deeper truth: Buffalo’s musical heartbeat has always swung to the rhythm of jazz.
Join us for a memorable time of song and spirit.
Harold Arlen’s 121st Birthday Celebration
Featuring Tierney Sutton and Tamir Hendelman
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 3:00 pm
Kleinhans Music Hall
Reserve your seats today and be part of this meaningful celebration of Buffalo’s musical legacy and the enduring power of jazz.
