The jazzy Birdland Big Band coming to Jorgensen Thursday

Jorgensen will host an upcoming dynamic jazz ensemble, The Birdland Big Band, in a show Thursday night.

Straight from the jazz mecca of New York City, this band is directed by internationally renowned drummer Tommy Igoe and has been described as an unforgettable musical event “that sets the standard for 21st-century jazz orchestra.” The band infuses world music with the best of American jazz. 

Named after saxophone player Charlie Parker, Birdland was founded in 1949. Regular performers at Birdland were legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Lester Young. The band itself was created in 2006 by Igoe and has become a popular music attraction in the big city. The band recreates the ambience and experience of a night at Birdland. Featuring fresh treatments of Parker compositions as well as innovative arrangements from composers such as Chick Corea, Lennon/McCartney and Buddy Rich, the band includes musicians from every jazz/pop tour and Broadway show imaginable.

The band’s newest record, “Eleven,” has received five star reviews and is currently in the Grammy conversation for three separate awards.

The Birdland Big Band will be putting on a one-of-a-kind show Thursday night. At 6:30 p.m. there will be food available to eat, and the show itself starts at 7:30 p.m. Student tickets are $20 for UConn students and $25 for non-UConn students.