The DIVA Jazz Orchestra w. Susan Giles and Hailey Brinnel
Jazzcultural347 West 46th Street, New York 10036
DIVA Jazz Orchestra brings Ella’s Swingin’ Christmas, a festive big-band salute to Ella Fitzgerald’s 1960 holiday recording. Led by drummer Sherrie Maricle, the orchestra is joined by vocalists Susan Giles and Hailey Brinnel for seasonal classics, additional holiday songs and featured soloists.
New York-based DIVA is a 15-member, multigenerational ensemble known for original contemporary and mainstream big-band jazz, shaped around its own arrangements and players. The group has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center, and has shared stages or recordings with artists including Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Clark Terry and Dave Brubeck. Jazz Times praised a band that “punched, kicked, roared and swung with a disciplined abandon and an unaffected joie de vivre.”
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.