Ruth Leon recommends…Birdland

Birdland – Fundraiser

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If you love jazz, as I do, you won’t be able to tear yourself away from this fabulous livestream in support of Birdland.

The New York City jazz institution Birdland first opened in 1949 and was home to performances by many of jazz’s great names. It closed in 1964 but reopened in 1986 and has been going strong since then. Like many music venues across the country, Birdland is struggling during the time of coronavirus. Closed for months, it has now reopened and is trying hard to recoup the losses of the past two years so, of course, they’re raising money in the best way they can, by showcasing the music and musicians who love Birdland.

This event, performed live last year, tapped into the talents of many of the star artists who appear often at Birdland. I love this venue, never miss it when I’m in New York, and, along with just about every other jazz fan in the Western World, I’d be heartbroken if it disappeared.

Check out the stars who turned out to perform for this fundraiser. I couldn’t begin to list them but they include Leslie Odom, Veronica Swift, Elvis Costello, Wynton Marsalis, Bill Clinton, Sting, Billy Joel, and more, many more. It’s nearly four hours of great music. Don’t miss it. We just can’t lose Birdland.

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