Celebrate Women's History Month With a Night of Jazz

In celebration of Women’s History Month, a designated month in the U.S. since 1987 to honor women’s contributions to history, culture and society, on Saturday, March 8, East End Jazz presents “Women in Jazz All-Star Band.” Presented in collaboration with LTV Studios, this special concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and is presented in honor of Women’s History Month. This dynamic performance will feature an all-star lineup of female musicians performing the works of legendary female jazz composers and performers. It will showcase the incredible talent and artistry of female musicians who have made significant contributions to the world of jazz.

“This concert is more than just a performance; it’s a celebration,” says Iris Ornig, director of East End Jazz. “It is a time to recognize and honor the contributions of female vocalists, composers, bandleaders and instrumentalists, and to inspire the next generation of female musicians.”

The evening features an all-star lineup, including: Lauren Kinhan, a vocalist, composer, arranger and educator renowned for her genre-bending music and work with the internationally acclaimed New York Voices; Olivia Foschi, a vocalist, composer and educator born in San Francisco and raised in Italy with a passion for jazz that is evident in her impeccable timing and finesse; Ada Rovatti, renowned saxophonist and composer from Italy and a graduate of Berklee College of Music who has performed with the WDR Big Band, toured with the Brecker Brothers Band Reunion, and led her own acclaimed Elephunk Band; Kal Ferretti, a rising star trumpet player and Manhattan School of Music student who has already performed with renowned ensembles like the Christian McBride Big Band and Mingus Dynasty/Big Band’ Miki Hayama, a pianist from Kyoto, Japan who has established herself as a prominent figure in the New York jazz scene, performing and recording with jazz legends like Kenny Garrett and Roy Hargrove; Iris Ornig, bassist, composer and a leading voice in the contemporary New York jazz scene, has performed with an impressive roster of musicians, including Gretchen Parlato and Ambrose Akinmusire; Gary Kerkezou, a highly sought-after drummer on the New York City jazz scene who has performed with top-tier musicians like Christian McBride and Regina Carter.

The repertoire will showcase the music of iconic female jazz figures such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Mary Lou Williams, Carla Bley, Alice Coltrane, Dorothea Fields, Irene Higginbotham and many more.

“By performing the works of these legendary women, we can help to preserve and promote this rich musical tradition,” adds Ornig. “This concert is an opportunity to honor their legacies and inspire future generations of female musicians.”

Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door) and $50 for a VIP cafe table with reserved seating and a drink ticket at www.eastendjazz.org. LTV Studios is at 75 Industrial Road, Wainscott.