Frank Vignola's Guitar Night
Birdland315 West 44th Street, New York 10036
Frank Vignola leads Guitar Night with Pasquale Grasso on guitar, Gary Mazzaroppi on bass and Alex Raderman on drums. Inspired by John Pisano’s Los Angeles Guitar Night, the weekly series explores jazz guitar through tunes from the standard repertoire and guest-artist appearances.
Vignola has worked with Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Tommy Emmanuel, Lionel Hampton, and the Boston and New York Pops. Les Paul included him on his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List,” while one review called him “an electrifying player,” citing a range “from lyrical to stinging” and “rip-roaring chops.”
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.