The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band
Birdland315 West 44th Street, New York 10036
The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band brings its seven-piece New Orleans-style jazz lineup to Birdland, co-led by pianist and vocalist Conal Fowkes and trumpeter and vocalist Simon Wettenhall. Clarinetist Tom Abbott, trombonist Harvey Tibbs, banjoist Josh Dunn, bassist and vocalist Brian Nalepka, and drummer Kevin Dorn complete the group.
The New York-based band has been Woody Allen's band of choice for films, tours and weekly performances for decades, with members appearing in or providing music for films including Midnight in Paris, Blue Jasmine and Café Society. Chick Corea, Marian McPartland and Diana Krall were among the musicians who sat in during its long Café Carlyle residency. Reviewers have praised its “enthusiastic ensembles, colorful solos, and the general group spirit.”
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.