The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band
Birdland315 West 44th Street, New York 10036
The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band brings its seven-piece New Orleans-style jazz lineup to Birdland. Co-led by trumpeter and vocalist Simon Wettenhall and pianist and vocalist Conal Fowkes, the group plays traditional New Orleans jazz alongside early popular tunes. The band’s 2025 debut, Live at Birdland, was recorded during its residency at the club, making this a return to a room already woven into its recorded story.
Based in New York, High Society also includes Tom Abbott on clarinet, Harvey Tibbs on trombone, Josh Dunn on banjo, Brian Nalepka on bass and vocals, and Kevin Dorn on drums. Wettenhall and Fowkes spent several decades in Woody Allen’s band, and members of the group have appeared in or provided music for Allen films. The two leaders have also worked with New York traditional-jazz groups and, separately, recorded with singer Barbara Rosene. Reviewing Live at Birdland in The Syncopated Times, Chip Deffaa singled out its “enthusiastic ensembles, colorful solos, and the general group spirit,” calling the album “heartily recommended.” Holli Harms of The Front Row Center has described the band’s sound as “exquisite” and its performances as “fresh and fun.”
Birdland offers a refined jazz experience in a room where the audience sits at tables close to the stage, allowing every note to reach you clearly. The venue features a full menu with dishes like New Orleans-style gumbo alongside a well-stocked bar, making it easy to enjoy a meal or drinks while listening. Each show is ticketed per set, encouraging focused listening as the music unfolds in roughly 45-minute segments. The club’s walls echo decades of jazz history, having hosted legends and continuing to attract top contemporary artists. Located in Manhattan’s Theater District, the space balances a serious music environment with the energy of a night out, where attentive audiences savor the performances without distraction. Booking ahead is essential, as the club fills quickly for its celebrated lineup.