April Varner Trio
Mezzrow161 West 10th Street, New York 10014
April Varner brings her trio to Mezzrow for a Winter Songs, Vol. 3 album-release evening, with Konrad Paszkudzki on piano and Isaac Beaumont on bass.
The Toledo-born, New York City-based vocalist works in bebop, scat and vocalese, described in her bio as a “bebop technician and a contemporary storyteller.” Winner of the 2023 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition and DownBeat’s 2025 Rising Star Female Vocalist of the Year, Varner has performed with Kurt Elling, Jane Monheit, John Pizzarelli and the late Russell Malone. Her debut, April, earned four stars in DownBeat.
Mezzrow offers a focused jazz listening experience in a compact, basement setting where the audience is close enough to catch every subtle note and interaction among musicians. The room features a bar serving drinks but no full kitchen, encouraging guests to settle in for the music rather than a meal. Shows typically have two sets in the evening, with ticketing recommended to secure a spot in this popular venue. The vibe is attentive and respectful, with seating arranged to maximize the connection between performers and listeners. After the sets, the night often extends into late hours with vinyl sessions or jam sessions, making it a place where jazz lives beyond the scheduled performances. This venue is part of a foundation supporting jazz artists, ensuring a vibrant, ongoing presence in Manhattan's music scene.