Ever since most of Chicago’s top musicians moved to New York in the mid-to-late 1920s, New York City has been the Jazz Mecca. Nearly every major jazz style has been initiated and performed in the NYC.
It was Charlie “Bird” Parker was the dynamic creative personality and genius of the alto saxophone who served as the vision for Birdland.
When the original Birdland opened sixty years ago in December, 1949, Charlie Parker was the headliner and the club was located on Broadway.
Since the resurgence of the Birdland, Manhattan has been treated to some of the best jazz on the planet, including famous sets by such musicians as Oscar Peterson, Pat Metheny, Diana Krall, Roy Haynes, Michel Legrand, Dave Brubeck, Pat Martino, Tony Williams, Hank Jones, Michel Petrucciani, Maynard Ferguson, Freddie Hubbard and many many more.
Birdland is home to such popular musical events:
• Umbria Jazz Festival in NYC
• Annual Django Reinhardt NY Festival.
Birdland has established itself as a fundamental component of New York Jazz.