The Fresh Cut Orchestra (FCO) is a hip, mid-sized band whose slogan reads “The best in electronic jazz music from Philadelphia.” Led by trumpeter Josh Lawrence, the FCO fuses a wide range of jazz influences into an eclectic but distinctive blend that honors much of jazz’s history while also incorporating contemporary influences from numerous genres. Tonight’s performance will celebrate the history and future sounds of the trumpet in Philadelphia—and it features a powerhouse group of special guest trumpeters, including Terell Stafford, Duane Eubanks, John Swana, Arnette Johnson, and Leon Jordan Jr.

With pianist Isaiah Thompson, bassist Philip Norris, drummer TJ Reddick, and saxophonist Julian Lee.

Corcoron Holt is a rising star bassist and percussionist who has performed with a long list of greats and released his debut album this past year. At Dizzy’s Club he recently appeared in the bands of Tia Fuller, Josh Evans, Wycliffe Gordon, Bria Skonberg, Kenny Garrett, and Russell Gunn with NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Cobb. The Corcoran Holt Quintet is here for one night only, so make sure to stop by for some high-quality New York jazz.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis kicks off Opening Weekend in Rose Theater with a musical celebration of South African democracy, 25 years after apartheid's end. A diverse group of top South African musicians will join the orchestra to perform essential South African music, with each song chosen by a guest performer and newly arranged for the show by the JLCO.

Tonight’s performances will be split between two headlining pianists joining us from South Africa. Hilton Schilder, born in 1959, has long been a particularly important figure in the genre known as “Cape jazz,” which takes popular music from Cape Town and adds jazz elements and improvisation. 34-year-old Bokani Dyer writes an impressive variety of expansive instrumental compositions that range from slow, contemplative ballads to hard-grooving modern fusions.

With tenor saxophonist George Coleman, pianist Emmet Cohen, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, and drummer Kyle Poole.

Composer, arranger, poet, bandleader, and saxophonist Oliver Lake is a true renaissance man, most widely recognized as a composer and as an explosive, piercing saxophonist. For the first time since 2013 at Dizzy’s Club, he will present his highly acclaimed Oliver Lake Big Band. The ensemble packs in an unusually wide range of music, shifting effortlessly from a traditional, heavily arranged big band sound, to the avant-garde, to Outkast’s “The Whole World,” which DownBeat called “the best-ever jazz cover of a hip-hop track” upon its release. While definitely on the wild, modern side of big band jazz, Lake mostly keeps his music accessible enough for fans of the traditional big band sound as well as those with an affinity for jazz’s more experimental possibilities. It’s a captivating blend, one that reinforces the notion that “all jazz is modern.”

Pianist Rick Germanson returns to Dizzy’s Club for this 7:30pm set. It will be his first time headlining the early show, although regulars will likely recognize him from performances with Sherman Irby, Gerald Cannon, Papo Vazquez, Steve Nelson, or Russell Malone. Tonight will be the NYC album release celebration for Turquoise Twice, out on WJ3 Records.

Citizens of the Blues is a quartet featuring some of the finest young musicians on the scene. Already a favorite at Dizzy’s Club Late Night Sessions, the band now takes the stage for its first 9:30pm set. Featuring trumpeter Anthony Hervey, pianist Isaiah J. Thompson, bassist Philip Norris, and a to-be-announced drummer, it’s a band of distinctive players who share an admirable passion for the core tenets of jazz: blues, swing, and improvisation.

With tenor saxophonist Julian Lee, pianist Sean Mason, bassist Marty Jaffe, and drummer TJ Reddick.

Guitarist Pasquale Grasso performs at Dizzy’s Club with the dream-team rhythm section of Peter Washington and Kenny Washington, who are also well known for supporting Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes.

Blessed with a crystal clear voice, fierce originality, and a commanding stage presence, René Marie is a musical force of nature and a provocative risk-taker. Marie’s repertoire is nicely varied, with a welcome emphasis on her incisive original compositions. For her return to Dizzy’s Club, Marie will bring her regular, Grammy Award-nominated rhythm section of pianist John Chin, bassist Elias Bailey, and drummer Quentin Baxter.

Following a short debut run on the East coast early last year, Nick Cave brings his evenings of talk and music back to North America for a full tour. 

Having recently taken this special show to sold out venues in Australia & New Zealand, and with a sell out tour of the UK and Europe to come this Spring, Cave will return to North America in the Fall. During this series of music and open discussion events, he will take questions direct from the audience on all manner of subjects and perform some of his most beloved songs on piano.

Theo Croker is a trumpeter and composer who has thoroughly captivated audiences, critics, and fellow musicians since the very beginning of his career. Tonight he will bring his big band to Dizzy’s Club for the first time. They’ll be joined by a very special guest, Grammy Award–nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, a favorite at Jazz at Lincoln Center and a featured headliner later this concert season in The Appel Room.

For one set only, you can enjoy the Dizzy’s Club headlining debut of pianist Sean Mason. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Mason now resides in New York City and is studying music at The Juilliard School. Tonight he will perform with his regular working trio of bassist Butler Knowles and drummer Malcolm Charles.

Alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins makes his headlining debut at Dizzy’s Club in this single-set showcase. Already a hit at Late Night Sessions, new audiences will now get a chance to hear this young talent lead a band. A student of The Juilliard School, Immanuel has already performed throughout the United States and overseas, and he was worked with artists including Jason Moran, the Count Basie Orchestra, Delfeayo Marsalis, Aaron Parks, Gerald Clayton, Gretchen Parlato, Lalah Hathaway, Solange, Bob Dylan, and Wynton Marsalis. We’re lucky to have him in the neighborhood! Any jazz lover should come by and support this exciting young musician.

With soprano and tenor saxophonist Abdias Armenteros, pianist Joe Block, bassist Felix Moseholm, drummer Taurien Reddick, and trombonist Jacob Melsha.