Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

The Farewell Tour!

For nearly four decades, New York Voices - soprano Kim Nazarian, alto Lauren Kinhan, baritone Peter Eldridge, and tenor/saxophonist/music director Darmon Meader—have set the gold standard for jazz vocal ensembles. Founded in the mid-1980s at Upstate New York's Ithaca College, the quartet - dubbed "The Four and Only" by Paquito D’Rivera - seamlessly blends four distinctive soloists into an exquisitely unified sound, renowned for sophisticated arrangements, daring swing, and flawless vocal precision.

Since their collegiate origins, the group has captivated audiences worldwide. Their performance history features high-profile collaborations with the Count Basie Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, an epic holiday tour with the Boston Pops, and concerts alongside leading international big bands and orchestras. Their 11-album discography includes celebrated tributes like New York Voices Sing the Songs of Paul Simon, big-band showcases like Sing! Sing! Sing!, holiday favorite Let It Snow, and dynamic collections such as A Day Like This and Reminiscing in Tempo.

Beyond the stage, NYV has profoundly shaped modern vocal jazz through global masterclasses, university faculty positions, and their acclaimed 18-year-run Vocal Jazz Camp. Their mentorship has trained generations of singers in ensemble balance, solo expression, improvisation, and songwriting.

Now, the quartet enters its final chapter with a Grand Finale Tour across North America and Europe, concluding with a farewell gala concert in New York City in January 2027. While the ensemble prepares for its final bow, each member will continue as solo artists, composers, and educators—leaving behind a lasting legacy of peerless artistry and mentorship.

https://newyorkvoices.com/

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

Mike LeDonne’s Groover Quartet is the ultimate expression of modern soul-jazz—a powerhouse, heavy-hitting ensemble that bridges the golden era of the Hammond B-3 organ with contemporary hard-bop brilliance. Originally formed in 2000 following a legendary, long-running Tuesday night residency at New York City’s prestigious Smoke Jazz Club, the quartet has evolved into what critics call a jazz "dream team".

Led by master keyboardist and DownBeat "Rising Star" winner Mike LeDonne, the band features an elite, unchanging roster of New York A-listers who possess a near-telepathic musical chemistry: tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, guitarist Peter Bernstein, and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Together, they deliver their own sophisticated version of what is affectionately known in the trade as "grits and gravy" jazz — deep-groove music that is fiercely swinging, blues-drenched, and inherently good for the soul.

https://mikeledonnegrooverquartet.bandcamp.com/music

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

"CONNECTED" was formed during the lockdown. Bassist Richie Goods and vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu had frequent conversations about the Black Lives Matter movement and unwarranted hate crimes against Asians. They decided to undertake a project that would unify people and evoke imagery of love and peace. Not only was the music they produced impressive, but their friendship also deepened as they explored the stereotypical discord that often exists between the African American and Asian communities. Richie Goods and Chien Chien met in 2019 during a European tour. Shortly after, Richie produced Chien Chien's debut album, "The Path." As their collaboration continued to flourish, a new endeavor emerged: "Connected," a project that embodied the profound musical connection between them.

Chien Chien’s foundation in classical training provided a rich and textured canvas upon which their collaborative work thrived. Her intricate knowledge of classical nuances intertwined seamlessly with Richie Goods' background rooted in the realms of R&B and Funk, creating an enchanting juxtaposition of genres that breathed life into their compositions.

Richie Goods - Bass

Chien Chien Lu - Vibraphone

Mike Piolet - Drums

Russell Gelman - Guitar

https://www.richiegoods.com/

https://www.chienchienlu.com/

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

John Pizzarelli Guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” Established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Pizzarelli has expanded that repertoire by including the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim and the Beatles. In addition to being a bandleader and solo performer, Pizzarelli has been a special guest on recordings for major pop names such as Natalie Cole, Kristin Chenoweth, Rickie Lee Jones and Dave Van Ronk, as well as leading jazz artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Ray Brown, Ruby Braff, Johnny Frigo, Buddy DeFranco, Harry Allen and, of course, his father Bucky Pizzarelli. He won a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category as co-producer of James Taylor’s American Standard in 2021. A radio personality who got his start in the medium in 1984, Pizzarelli is co-host, alongside wife Jessica Molaskey, of Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli. He has performed on America’s most popular national television shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and Great Performances, as well as the talk shows of Jay Leno, David Letterman, Regis Philbin and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

https://www.johnpizzarelli.com/

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

New York based and Canadian born singer, trumpeter, and songwriter Bria Skonberg has been described as one of the “most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” (Wall Street Journal). Bria has stormed onto the jazz scene with her smoky vocals, blistering trumpet, and compelling compositions and arrangements. The Juno Award winner has sung the music of Aretha Franklin alongside Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, played with U2 at the iconic Apollo Theater, sat in with the Dave Matthews Band, was a featured guest with Jon Batiste, performed as part of The Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour, and sang the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden for a NY Rangers game.

With her 2024 release, Bria solidified her artistry, mastering her signature style as one of the most distinctive artists in jazz. What It Means Is a career-defining album, inspired by the sounds of New Orleans jazz. “Pure sonic ebullience is in full display on Skonberg’s latest album What It Means, which mashes traditional jazz sounds and tunes with more modern jazz and even pop styles,” wrote Lee Mergner for WBGO.

Bria has a multitude of new and exciting music for audiences, with a holiday EP released in late 2025 (Christmas Is…), and two albums out in 2026: one trumpet-focused (BRASS, March 13) and one vocal-forward (INDIGO, July 10). All of which she’ll be bringing to the stage alongside her quintet.

https://www.briaskonberg.com/

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

The iconic sound of Sergio Mendes returns to the stage as Gracinha Leporace leads The Sergio Mendes Band in a spirited celebration of his life, joy, and musical legacy. Marking sixty years since the worldwide debut of Brasil ’66, this revitalized ensemble continues Mendes’ lifelong mission of sharing the vibrant rhythms and infectious soul of Brazilian music with audiences around the world.

“Carrying Sergio’s music forward is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Gracinha Leporace. “This band embodies his spirit, joy, and deep love for Brazilian music. Sergio cherished every single member of this extraordinary ensemble, and we’re proud to continue what he started.”

With a sound that blends timeless Brazilian grooves with fresh arrangements and uplifting energy, The Sergio Mendes Band brings a renewed sense of celebration to every performance. Each note pays tribute to Mendes’ remarkable influence — a career that helped shape the global appreciation of Bossa Nova, Samba, and the unmistakable warmth of Brazilian culture. Together, the artists uphold Mendes’ vision of spreading joy through music — performing with the same passion, precision, and energy that captivated global audiences for over six decades.

https://www.thesergiomendesband.com/

The Sergio Mendes Band

• Gracinha Leporace and Katie Hampton – Vocals
• Leo Costa – Drums
• Gibi dos Santos – Percussion
• Kleber Jorge – Guitar & Vocals
• Andre de Santanna – Bass
• Scott Mayo – Keys, Saxophone, Flute & Vocals
• Jamieson Trotter – Piano

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE

Three time GRAMMY™ Award-Winning Drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., is known for being a drummer who “take[s] a back seat to no one,” and “a musician who balances excitement gracefully and shines with innovation." (The New York Times)

A versatile performer, producer, and educator, Owens has released eight albums as a leader alongside his GRAMMY-winning work with Kurt Elling, The Christian McBride Big Band, and the Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra. His eighth album, A New Beat with his "Generation Y" band, topped the JazzWeek charts for eight weeks and spawned a viral Nirvana cover with over 5 million views. As an author, Owens has published three books through Simon & Schuster and Hal Leonard, and contributed as a writer to The New York Times. His educational impact spans over seven years on the jazz faculty at The Juilliard School, artistic leadership at Jacksonville’s "Don’t Miss A Beat" non-profit, and serving as Drumeo’s inaugural jazz drum instructor. Recently, Owens made his Broadway debut in A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical at Studio 54 and was named "Jazz Drummer of the Year" by both the Modern Drummer Readers Poll and the Drumeo Awards.

https://www.usojazzy.com/#home-section

Individual tickets on sale Thursday, October 1st at 10:00am

Full RIJF Innovation Jazz series passes are on sale now for $182.43 HERE