The DIVA Jazz Orchestra w. Susan Giles and Hailey Brinnel
Jazzcultural347 West 46th Street, New York 10036
The DIVA Jazz Orchestra brings its holiday program, Ella’s Swingin’ Christmas, with vocalists Susan Giles and Hailey Brinnel. The show honors Ella Fitzgerald’s 1960 Christmas recording, adds nods to other holiday classics, and makes room for the orchestra’s soloists. Drummer Sherrie Maricle leads the listed big-band lineup.
New York-based DIVA is a 15-piece, multi-generational orchestra playing original contemporary and mainstream big-band jazz. Led by Maricle, the band has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center, and has worked with artists including Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Rosemary Clooney, Clark Terry and Dave Brubeck. Jazz Journal calls the orchestra “dynamic,” praising Maricle’s “precision and verve.”
Jazzcultural offers a distinctive live music experience in Manhattan, housed in a space that invites close connection between performers and audience. The venue features a modestly sized room where the sound carries clearly, allowing even those at the back to catch the nuances of each set. Seating is available but limited, encouraging an attentive listening environment without the distraction of a bustling bar scene. The venue operates with ticketed shows, often featuring multiple sets that stretch into the late evening, giving you a full night of music. While there is a bar, the focus remains on the performances, making it a place to immerse yourself in the artistry of jazz. The neighborhood adds a quiet charm, making the walk to and from the venue part of the evening’s rhythm.