Mingus Big Band
The Pocket130 West 46th Street, New York 10036
Mingus Big Band comes to The Pocket in Manhattan as a 14-piece jazz repertory ensemble devoted exclusively to the compositions of Charles Mingus. Founded by Sue Mingus to realize the larger-band sound Mingus wanted, the group plays his music in new arrangements, with a rotating cast of New York musicians. Its stated approach leaves room for deep exploration and individual artistic expression within that book.
The New York-based band was created in 1991 and has become a continuing home for Mingus’s writing in a large-ensemble setting. Its recordings include the Grammy-winning Live at Jazz Standard, honored in 2011, while The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions also received a Grammy nomination; the band has seven Grammy nominations overall. The New York Times called it “the jazz repertory event of the season,” praising its “muscle,” “willingness to take chances,” and “guts and soulfulness.” The Guardian heard “charismatic, unpredictable jazz passion,” and The Washington Post cited “a remarkable high standard of musicianship, energy and consistency.”
The Pocket offers a close-up encounter with world-class jazz musicians in a small, focused setting where every note feels immediate and unfiltered. The room is designed to bring listeners near the performers, creating a direct connection that makes the music feel personal and vivid. Seating is limited and arranged to emphasize attentive listening rather than casual socializing, with a bar available to complement the experience. Shows are ticketed, encouraging an audience that is there to fully engage with the performance. The venue’s location in Manhattan places it within easy reach of the city’s vibrant cultural pulse, making it a perfect spot for an evening dedicated to serious jazz appreciation without distractions.