Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts on Long Island is a regular venue for renowned jazz singer Jane Monheit, and I have been privileged to watch her perform on numerous occasions. When I saw her picture besides an article entitled “A Plush Voice Discovers Some Room to Be Frisky“, I was immediately intrigued.
Jane just recently performed at Birdland (a prestigious jazz club in Manhattan), and according to music reviewer Stephen Holden, she was spectacular, and even more so than usual (which is saying something). She is known for her beautiful, “plush” voice, improvisational skill, and polished performances. This alone is enough to be extraordinarily impressive, but at her Birdland performance, she also connected to her music in ways she had previously struggled. She was confident, at ease, and interpretive.
It is these elements, I believe, which take music and turn it into art.
Trip to Birdland sounds like a great small group trip.