Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks
Birdland315 West 44th Street, New York 10036
Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks bring their 11-piece ensemble to Birdland for an evening devoted to the authentic jazz sounds of the 1920s and beyond. The band’s repertory moves through hot jazz and sweet dance music, with the large-group arrangements and period character that have made Giordano’s appearances a recurring part of the club’s calendar.
A New York native, Giordano is described as a leading American specialist in Jazz Age music of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. With the Nighthawks, he has set the standard for recreating that era’s sound, while his work has also reached far beyond the bandstand through period soundtracks for The Cotton Club, The Aviator and HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. He won a Grammy for his work on Boardwalk Empire, an accolade that reflects the depth of his command of this music’s rhythmic drive, dance-band detail and historical language.
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.