Live Jazz in New York

At the age of 25, Pittsburgh-born musician Benny Benack III has been hailed by Nate Chinen of the New York Times as “a charismatic young trumpeter who maintains an earnest sideline as a singer”. As a dual-threat, he’s quickly established himself as one of the most versatile and virtuosic voices of his generation. He first made his mark internationally through competitions, winning the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Soloist Competition \(2011\), National Trumpet Competition for Jazz \(2010\), International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition \(2010\), and was most recently a Finalist for the prestigious Thelonius Monk International Jazz Competition \(2014\). Demonstrating his versatility, he also was a Finalist in two vocal competitions, the Gentlemen Sing Competition \(2013\) and the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival Vocalist Competition \(2014\). Delivering on the promise of his early career, he has since recorded albums as a sideman for musicians such as Ulysses Owens Jr., Michael Dease, and Chihiro Yamanaka, the latter on the iconic Blue Note Records label. Sought after as a trumpet soloist, he's played in nearly every major big band, including the Christian McBride Big Band, Mingus Big Band, Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, Jimmy Heath Big Band, and Bobby Sanabria's Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra. An international touring schedule includes frequent engagements in Japan, Mexico, Russia, and most recently, Italy. When not on the road, he calls NYC home, and remains in-demand at the finest jazz venues in town, leading engagements at Jazz @ Lincoln Center’s “Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola”, The Blue Note, Birdland, SMOKE, Small’s, Fat Cat & the Iridium to name a few. He is featured as a vocalist during Jazz @ Lincoln Center’s upcoming 2016 Concert Series in the Appel Room, as a part of “Crooners” celebrating Bing Crosby, Mel Torme & Nat King Cole. He will soon be making his television debut, featured live on-air in the band for NBC's upcoming variety/comedy show "Maya & Martin" in June 2016. As an educator, Benack is highly sought after around the country as a clinician and masterclass presenter, known for his engaging and enthusiastic style with students. Throughout many schools, he leads The Benny Benack Band on behalf of Jazz @ Lincoln Center’s “Jazz For Young People” outreach program, as well as programs at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, and is currently a Teaching Artist for the NY Pops Education Outreach Program. He is a two-time graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, obtaining his Master of Music degree in \(2015\). He is endorsed by Torpedo Bag cases, and Carol Brass flugelhorns.

Fernanda Silveira leads a weekly Choro jam in our front room with Regional Samauma and special guests. A casual affair with virtuosos. Fernanda Silveira is a cavaquinho player specializing in the Brazilian practices of choro and traditional samba. She is a disciple of Luciana Rabello and has accompanied many artists including guitarists Maurício Carrilho, Yamandu Costa and Zé Barbeiro, clarinetist Nailor Proveta, mandolinists Pedro Amorim and Miltinho Mori, as well as Ronaldo do Bandolim and Jorginho do Pandeiro. $20 suggested donate in advance or pay in person.

Over the past two decades Ted Chubb has developed into both a deeply expressive trumpeter and an inventive composer. He is both an accomplished bandleader and has served as sideman to an impressive list of NYC’s top musicians, including Winard Harper, Christian McBride, Wallace Roney, Billy Hart, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Antonio Hart, Houston Person, George Coleman, Charenee Wade, Norman Simmons, Don Braden, Billy Harper, Vince Ector, Melissa Walker, Bruce Williams, Jerome Jennings, Oscar Perez, Mike Lee and Cecil Brooks III. He has performed at venues from NYC jazz clubs Smalls; Fat Cat, The Jazz Standard, Jazz at Lincoln Center, to Jazz Festivals across North America, South America and Europe. Ted received his Master of Music from Rutgers University and studied with master trumpet teacher, William Fielder. From 2006-2011, he toured with the Tony Award- winning show, Jersey Boys. Ted is a passionate jazz educator and served as JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, Director of Music from 2012–2017 and JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, Vice President of Jazz Education \+ Associate Producer 2017–2024. He is currently Adjunct Professor of Jazz Trumpet at Princeton University and continues to serve as JAZZ HOUSE KiDS in a curatorial and advisory role. He is a member of the artistic leadership team responsible for the Montclair Jazz Festival, curates Jazz at One at St. Paul's Chapel NYC in collaboration with JAZZ HOUSE KiDS and Trinity Church, and is on the advisory board for the Jersey City Jazz Festival. He has led tours, master classes and cultural exchange programs across the US, as well as, the globe including multiple tours to Peru and Bahrain. Along with his wife, Rachel Ryll, Ted is co-owner, President & Artistic Director of The Statuary, an active artist live/work/present space that serves as a hub for the local jazz community and presents world class jazz to the people of Jersey City. His solo release “Gratified Never Satisfied”, demonstrates an innate ability to adapt his knowledge, talent and worldliness to every aspect of his art and work.“ Ted Chubb has stated, “I am in a phase in my life where I am trying to connect with and develop relationships through the music around the globe, anywhere there are people that can benefit from the positive and universal power of the music. In a time where so much of the world is trying to divide us from one another, I believe this is of the highest importance." Ted is excited to release a newly recorded album "Live From The Statuary" early next year.

THE NEW YORK OUD FESTIVAL presents: ALBERT AGHA Day 1 of the New York Oud festival will feature oudist Albert Agha. Seating is limited, first-come first-served. This program will bring together classical Arab repertoire, featuring works from Egyptian and Syrian traditions, alongside original compositions rooted in classical forms, performed through voice and oud. It includes the premiere of a new instrumental work that explores musical bridges between the Middle East and Southeast Asia, emerging from Agha’s research into the integration of modal systems across cultural traditions. Albert Nasser Agha - Oud & Vocals Insia Malik - Violin Gabe Lavin - Buzuq Alber Basee l - percussion Albert Nasser Agha is an ethnomusicologist, music educator, and director. He holds a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where he studied under the distinguished composer and scholar A. J. Racy. Originally from Aleppo, Dr. Agha is both a scholar and performer whose work bridges rigorous academic inquiry with deeply embodied musical practice. A vocalist and oudist, he grounds his scholarship in lived experience. An accomplished interpreter of the classical Arab repertoire, Dr. Agha has performed at leading cultural institutions and international stages across North America and the Middle East, with performances characterized by expressive depth and historical nuance. The New York Oud Festival is a multi-day, multi-venue music festival that displays the oud and its versatility as it exists in New York's diverse musical culture. The NYOF celebrates the oud and its wide-ranging influence on global music culture, showcasing artists from a multitude of traditions and contexts, and demonstrating why the oud continues to be one of the world's most beloved instruments. 7pm to 9:30pm $20 Tickets Pay now online now or in person that night Tickets do not guarantee seating.

This milestone event marks an exciting moment for Momentum dancers. In their annual recital, they take the stage to showcase their passion, dedication, and artistic growth. Dance is more than just movement - it is an expression of energy, emotion, and storytelling. Momentum in Motion embodies the spirit of progress, celebrating each dancer's journey from their first steps in the studio to this unforgettable performance under the spotlight. Combining ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and tap, Momentum dancers bring the stage to life with exhilarating choreography, breathtaking technique, and heartfelt performances. This recital is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of Momentum students, instructors, and families. From beginners to advanced performers, every dancer has poured their heart into months of training and rehearsals to share their love of dance with you. Each routine is a reflection of movement in its purest form - flowing, evolving, and pushing forward with unstoppable energy. Whether this is your first time experiencing a dance recital or you're a longtime supporter, we invite you to join us in appreciating the beauty of motion, the power of music, and the joy of dance. Let the music play, the dancers shine, and the momentum continue! Accessibility & Accommodation Visit Accessibility Page If you or a member of your party needs assistance, please notify SOPAC at the time your tickets are purchased. Contact the SOPAC Box Office at \(973\) 313-2787 or boxoffice@SO

About Weekly jazz brunch duos and trios, and more, with guitarist Peter Rubie, (opposite the beautiful gardens of the cathedral of St John the Divine), featuring some of New York's finest established and emerging jazz singers and instrumentalists. Downtown you’d have to stay up late and pay a music charge to see these guys. No Cover! Atmosphere is relaxed, children are welcome, food is excellent by Executive Chef Federico Terminiello https://www.facebook.com/peter.m.rubie www.peterrubie.com

About Weekly jazz brunch duos and trios, and more, with guitarist Peter Rubie, (opposite the beautiful gardens of the cathedral of St John the Divine), featuring some of New York's finest established and emerging jazz singers and instrumentalists. Downtown you’d have to stay up late and pay a music charge to see these guys. No Cover! Atmosphere is relaxed, children are welcome, food is excellent by Executive Chef Federico Terminiello https://www.facebook.com/peter.m.rubie www.peterrubie.com

The Jersey City Jazz Festival returns in 2026 with its biggest event yet, inviting music fans of all ages to experience jazz from across the spectrum including straight-ahead, Latin jazz and more throughout an unforgettable three-day celebration of live music, family-friendly activities, culture and community. The free event runs from Friday evening, May 29 through Sunday, May 31 along the Hudson River waterfront at Exchange Place Plaza, made possible by the generous support of Exchange Place Alliance, RWJ Barnabas Health, the NJEDA’s A.R.T. - Phase II Grant Program and other partners. Additional information can be found at http://jerseycityjazzfestival.com/.