Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
Kandace Springs Sings Billie Holiday
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
Dr. Lonnie Smith will headline the 17th CUNY Jazz Festival, which runs May 4–5.
(Photo: Courtesy the artist)The City College Center for the Arts (CCCA) and the City College of New York Jazz Program will present the 2017 CUNY Jazz Festival featuring Hammond Organ guru Dr. Lonnie Smith on May 4–5.
The two-day festival includes free master classes with saxophonist Jon Gordon and vocalist René Marie, performances by student ensembles from schools throughout the City University of New York (CUNY) and a free concert with Smith, a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master and 2016 DownBeat Critics Poll winner whose most recent album, Evolution (Blue Note), was reviewed in the March 2016 issue of this magazine.
The event culminates with a gala concert featuring the CCNY Student Jazz All-Stars opening for Smith and his trio, on May 5 at 7:30 p.m. The events will be held at historic Aaron Davis Hall.
“The CUNY Jazz Festival celebrates its 17th year and this year is particularly special because City College Center for the Arts joins the festival in presenting living legend Dr. Lonnie Smith and his trio,” said CCCA Managing Director Gregory Shanck.
Past CUNY Jazz Festival guest artists include guitarists John Abercrombie and Adam Rogers, bassist John Patitucci, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, vocalist Luciana Souza, saxophonists Dick Oatts Chris Potter, Dave Liebman, and Billy Drewes, pianist Kenny Werner, trumpet players Ralph Alessi and Marvin Stamm, as well as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.
The 17tth Annual CUNY Jazz Festival kicks off May 4 with a performance by the CCNY Faculty Jazz Ensemble at noon, followed by a master class featuring Gordon and performance by student ensembles. That evening, Smith joins the CCNY Large Jazz Ensemble for a free concert followed by a jam session.
On Friday, May 5, the festival continues at noon with student performances and a master class featuring vocalist René Marie. The festival wraps up with a gala concert featuring the CCNY Student Jazz All-Stars followed by the Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio at 7:30 p.m.
CCNY is the home of a distinguished jazz faculty, which recently added saxophonist Steve Wilson as a full-time professor of jazz music. Other full-time faculty members include Mike Holober, Suzanne Pittson and Scott Reeves.
Participating schools joining CCNY ensembles this year include Hunter College, Queens College, Lehman College, York College and The College of Staten Island. Admission is $15 for the general public and free with CUNY ID.
For more information, visit the CUNY Jazz Festival website.
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
