The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band
Birdland315 West 44th Street, New York 10036
The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band brings its New Orleans-style jazz to Birdland, led by co-leaders Conal Fowkes on piano and vocals and Simon Wettenhall on trumpet and vocals. The working band for the evening 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. It is a full ensemble set built around the band’s driving New Orleans jazz sound.
For decades, the group has been Woody Allen’s band of choice for films, concert tours and weekly performances. Its members have appeared in and provided music for Wild Man Blues, Sweet and Lowdown, Midnight in Paris, Blue Jasmine, Café Society, Magic in the Moonlight and A Rainy Day in New York. The band has played premiere concert stages across Europe and the United States, and held a 20-year residency at the Café Carlyle. During that run, jazz figures including Chick Corea, Marian McPartland and Diana Krall sat in with the group. The listing describes its sound as “driving” and as proof of the ongoing relevance of New Orleans jazz.
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.