MINGUS BIG BAND
Birdland Tuesday, January 27 — Saturday, Jan 31 * 2 shows a night *
MINGUS BIG BAND
Birdland Tuesday, January 27 — Saturday, Jan 31 * 2 shows a night *
Donald Edwards has played across the globe with some of the finest musicians in jazz and other genres. He has now built a reputation all his own. He is a 2018 recipient of the Chamber Music America's New Jazz Works Grant, A Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Jazz Project. After winning the Louisiana Arts Ambassador’s Award in 1994 for Music Composition, Donald Edwards became one of the most sought after drummers on the Baton Rouge/ New Orleans music scene. He grew up playing different kinds of music ranging from marching band, hip-hop and pop to r&b, jazz, funk and gospel music. As a result, Edwards is now called on to play many different genres of music and meets them with creative interpretation and virtuosity. Donald Edwards is among the vanguard of players on the New York scene today. Edwards has 4 recordings as a leader and is also involved in the production of numerous recording projects.
MINGUS BIG BAND
Birdland Tuesday, January 27 — Saturday, Jan 31 * 2 shows a night *
Donald Edwards has played across the globe with some of the finest musicians in jazz and other genres. He has now built a reputation all his own. He is a 2018 recipient of the Chamber Music America's New Jazz Works Grant, A Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Jazz Project. After winning the Louisiana Arts Ambassador’s Award in 1994 for Music Composition, Donald Edwards became one of the most sought after drummers on the Baton Rouge/ New Orleans music scene. He grew up playing different kinds of music ranging from marching band, hip-hop and pop to r&b, jazz, funk and gospel music. As a result, Edwards is now called on to play many different genres of music and meets them with creative interpretation and virtuosity. Donald Edwards is among the vanguard of players on the New York scene today. Edwards has 4 recordings as a leader and is also involved in the production of numerous recording projects.
MINGUS BIG BAND
Birdland Tuesday, January 27 — Saturday, Jan 31 * 2 shows a night *
MINGUS BIG BAND
Birdland Tuesday, January 27 — Saturday, Jan 31 * 2 shows a night *
Open Rehearsal, Classes, Performances and on Sunday, high school finalists compete performing Mingus Music, all free and open to the public.
Mingus Big Band performs 4 ticketed shows at Joe's Pub Saturday and Sunday.
More info here! https://charlesmingus.org
Let My Children Hear Music (The Charles Mingus Institute) and Dr. Keller Coker of the School of Jazz & Contemporary Music at The New School are excited to announce the 18th Annual Charles Mingus Festival & High School Competition, founded in 2008 by NEA Jazz Master Sue Mingus.
The Competition/Festival weekend includes optional Friday and essential Saturday workshops and masterclasses at The New School, run by veteran Mingus repertory musicians and educators, a full day Sunday of Competition performances, special Mingus Big Band concerts, and numerous opportunities to immerse in the sights and sounds of New York City.
In addition, at least one $25,000 tuition scholarship to The New School will be awarded in the name of Charles Mingus, to a graduating senior participating in the Festival. Award will be based on Competition performance, and application and acceptance to The New School’s Jazz & Contemporary Music program.
Outstanding soloists from the Competition are invited to sit in on Sunday with Mingus Big Band, performing at Joe’s Pub Saturday and Sunday.
Can’t make it to New York City? You can still participate!
Each school receives Mingus music for study and expert feedback from Mingus musicians and educators. There is also a “Comment-Only” option available this year!
All events are open to the public, daytime events are FREE.
We invite sponsorship to help subsidize student expenses and enhance their experience!
Donations may also be made here: https://www.paypal.me/mingusinstitute or contact us at 212-736-4749 info@charlesmingus.com
All proceeds after expenses will be donated to Let My Children Hear Music (The Charles Mingus Institute) to support The Charles Mingus Festival and High School Competition and other educational projects.
Open rehearsal/master class and Q&A FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC but requires RSVP!
Mingus Big Band performs exclusively the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022. Building off the strengths of Mingus Dynasty septet Sue Mingus formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, and 1989’s Epitaph orchestra, in 1991 she created this 14-piece band to feature new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus wanted, but was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.
Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has twelve recordings to its credit, seven nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022 and nominated for a Grammy. The second volume was be released in 2024 on Candid Records.
The band has become a New York institution for locals and tourists alike, with a weekly residency now in its fourth decade. From Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, to Joe’s Pub, Iridium, and landing finally at Mingus Mondays at Jazz Standard until its pandemic closure and has since had various residencies at top NYC venues. Check out events to find Mingus Big Band performances in NYC and elsewhere, including 4 shows at Joe’s Pub Feb 15 & 16 during 2025 Mingus Festival
LAST YEAR’S OPEN REHEARSAL:
An extended Mingus Dynasty performs to kick of the days events! FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC but RSVP to get on security list.
FREE and open to the public-RSVP
MINGUS BIG BAND PERFORMS 4 SHOWS AT JOE’S PUB DURING THE 18th ANNUAL CHARLES MINGUS FESTIVAL AND HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION WEEKEND
FREE LIVESTREAM AGAIN on Joe’s Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@joespubnyc
Any proceeds after expenses will be donated to Let My Children Hear Music (The Charles Mingus Institute) to support The Charles Mingus Festival and High School Competition and other educational projects. Donations may also be made here: https://www.paypal.me/mingusinstitute
FREE full day of High School big bands and combos playing Mingus and competing against other bands from around the county.
All events are open to the public, daytime events are FREE.
Streams of last year’s fest (this year will be here, too):
Combo Adjudicators
Big Band Adjudicators
Left to right: Keller Coker, Roberto Ungaro, and Eric Mingus
Event is free! Donations may be made here: https://www.paypal.me/mingusinstitute
MINGUS BIG BAND PERFORMS 4 SHOWS AT JOE’S PUB DURING THE 18th ANNUAL CHARLES MINGUS FESTIVAL AND HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION WEEKEND
FREE LIVESTREAM AGAIN on Joe’s Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@joespubnyc
Any proceeds after expenses will be donated to Let My Children Hear Music (The Charles Mingus Institute) to support The Charles Mingus Festival and High School Competition and other educational projects. Donations may also be made here: https://www.paypal.me/mingusinstitute
SUNDAY LINEUP:
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY
Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm
Cover at the club
Please arrive 30 minutes before the show you’re attending.
Mingus Dynasty was the first band Sue Mingus organized after Charles Mingus’ death in 1979, collaborating with his own sidemen to honor his life and work. Although Mingus was an iconic and trailblazing bassist, he always said he was first and foremost a composer, and he left behind over 300 composition that deserved to be played. So a band carrying on his music became a natural, if unanticipated, mission. Today, four decades later, the powerful legacy of Mingus Music ignites bandstands as new generations of musicians express their individual voices and musical personalities, and celebrate and explore this rich and varied musical legacy.
Mingus Dynasty performs at Zinc
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY (and Occasional Saturdays so check back or join our mailing list!)
Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm
Cover at the club
Please arrive 30 minutes before the show you’re attending.
Mingus Dynasty was the first band Sue Mingus organized after Charles Mingus’ death in 1979, collaborating with his own sidemen to honor his life and work. Although Mingus was an iconic and trailblazing bassist, he always said he was first and foremost a composer, and he left behind over 300 composition that deserved to be played. So a band carrying on his music became a natural, if unanticipated, mission. Today, four decades later, the powerful legacy of Mingus Music ignites bandstands as new generations of musicians express their individual voices and musical personalities, and celebrate and explore this rich and varied musical legacy.
https://www.winterjazzfest.com
Winter Jazzfest 2026 celebrates the fire that keeps jazz evolving — artists who honor the past by reinventing it. Reimagine the greats, reminding us that legacy isn’t preservation, it’s transformation.
MINGUS DYNASTY brings the explosive swing, protest, and poetry of Charles Mingus to life through musicians who carry his uncompromising vision forward.
DOORS 6PM, ONE SET AT 6:45PM (PART OF THE FESTIVAL’S MANHATTAN MARATHON)
Mingus Dynasty was the first band Sue Mingus organized after Charles Mingus’ death in 1979, collaborating with his own sidemen to honor his life and work. Although Mingus was an iconic and trailblazing bassist, he always said he was first and foremost a composer, and he left behind over 300 composition that deserved to be played. So a band carrying on his music became a natural, if unanticipated, mission. Today, four decades later, the powerful legacy of Mingus Music ignites bandstands as new generations of musicians express their individual voices and musical personalities, and celebrate and explore this rich and varied musical legacy.
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY PLUS EXTRA DATE: SAT DEC 20
Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm
Cover at the club
Please arrive 30 minutes before the show you’re attending.
Mingus Dynasty was the first band Sue Mingus organized after Charles Mingus’ death in 1979, collaborating with his own sidemen to honor his life and work. Although Mingus was an iconic and trailblazing bassist, he always said he was first and foremost a composer, and he left behind over 300 composition that deserved to be played. So a band carrying on his music became a natural, if unanticipated, mission. Today, four decades later, the powerful legacy of Mingus Music ignites bandstands as new generations of musicians express their individual voices and musical personalities, and celebrate and explore this rich and varied musical legacy.
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY
Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm
Cover at the club
Please arrive 30 minutes before the show you’re attending.
Mingus Dynasty was the first band Sue Mingus organized after Charles Mingus’ death in 1979, collaborating with his own sidemen to honor his life and work. Although Mingus was an iconic and trailblazing bassist, he always said he was first and foremost a composer, and he left behind over 300 composition that deserved to be played. So a band carrying on his music became a natural, if unanticipated, mission. Today, four decades later, the powerful legacy of Mingus Music ignites bandstands as new generations of musicians express their individual voices and musical personalities, and celebrate and explore this rich and varied musical legacy.
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY
Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm
Cover at the club
Please arrive 30 minutes before the show you’re attending.
Mingus Dynasty was the first band Sue Mingus organized after Charles Mingus’ death in 1979, collaborating with his own sidemen to honor his life and work. Although Mingus was an iconic and trailblazing bassist, he always said he was first and foremost a composer, and he left behind over 300 composition that deserved to be played. So a band carrying on his music became a natural, if unanticipated, mission. Today, four decades later, the powerful legacy of Mingus Music ignites bandstands as new generations of musicians express their individual voices and musical personalities, and celebrate and explore this rich and varied musical legacy.
TRUMPET Tatum Greenblatt
ALTO SAXOPHONE Brandon Wright
TENOR SAXOPHONE Wayne Escoffery
TROMBONE Conrad Herwig
PIANO Helen Sung
BASS Mark Lewandowski
DRUMS Adam Cruz
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY
Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm
Cover at the club
Please arrive 30 minutes before the show you’re attending.
Mingus Dynasty was the first band Sue Mingus organized after Charles Mingus’ death in 1979, collaborating with his own sidemen to honor his life and work. Although Mingus was an iconic and trailblazing bassist, he always said he was first and foremost a composer, and he left behind over 300 composition that deserved to be played. So a band carrying on his music became a natural, if unanticipated, mission. Today, four decades later, the powerful legacy of Mingus Music ignites bandstands as new generations of musicians express their individual voices and musical personalities, and celebrate and explore this rich and varied musical legacy.
FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
http://kupferbergcenter.org/qjt/
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY
Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm
Cover at the club
Please arrive 30 minutes before the show you’re attending.
Mingus Dynasty was the first band Sue Mingus organized after Charles Mingus’ death in 1979, collaborating with his own sidemen to honor his life and work. Although Mingus was an iconic and trailblazing bassist, he always said he was first and foremost a composer, and he left behind over 300 composition that deserved to be played. So a band carrying on his music became a natural, if unanticipated, mission. Today, four decades later, the powerful legacy of Mingus Music ignites bandstands as new generations of musicians express their individual voices and musical personalities, and celebrate and explore this rich and varied musical legacy.
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY
Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm
Cover at the club
Please arrive 30 minutes before the show you’re attending.
Mingus Dynasty was the first band Sue Mingus organized after Charles Mingus’ death in 1979, collaborating with his own sidemen to honor his life and work. Although Mingus was an iconic and trailblazing bassist, he always said he was first and foremost a composer, and he left behind over 300 composition that deserved to be played. So a band carrying on his music became a natural, if unanticipated, mission. Today, four decades later, the powerful legacy of Mingus Music ignites bandstands as new generations of musicians express their individual voices and musical personalities, and celebrate and explore this rich and varied musical legacy.
Mingus Dynasty launches a new series at Bill's Supper Club, a 19th-century townhouse restaurant/bar serving modern American fare
2 sets 7:30pm (6pm doors) & 9:30pm (9pm doors). $15 student discount 9:30 set only with ID
Mingus Dynasty launches a new series at Bill's Supper Club, a 19th-century townhouse restaurant/bar serving modern American fare (also 7/14)
2 sets 7:30pm (6pm doors) & 9:30pm (9pm doors). $15 student discount 9:30 set only with ID
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY
Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm
Cover at the club
Please arrive 30 minutes before the show you’re attending.
Mingus Dynasty was the first band Sue Mingus organized after Charles Mingus’ death in 1979, collaborating with his own sidemen to honor his life and work. Although Mingus was an iconic and trailblazing bassist, he always said he was first and foremost a composer, and he left behind over 300 composition that deserved to be played. So a band carrying on his music became a natural, if unanticipated, mission. Today, four decades later, the powerful legacy of Mingus Music ignites bandstands as new generations of musicians express their individual voices and musical personalities, and celebrate and explore this rich and varied musical legacy.
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY
Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm
Cover at the club
Please arrive 30 minutes before the show you’re attending.
Mingus Dynasty was the first band Sue Mingus organized after Charles Mingus’ death in 1979, collaborating with his own sidemen to honor his life and work. Although Mingus was an iconic and trailblazing bassist, he always said he was first and foremost a composer, and he left behind over 300 composition that deserved to be played. So a band carrying on his music became a natural, if unanticipated, mission. Today, four decades later, the powerful legacy of Mingus Music ignites bandstands as new generations of musicians express their individual voices and musical personalities, and celebrate and explore this rich and varied musical legacy.
MINGUS BIG BAND
Birdland Tuesday, April 29 — Saturday, May 3rd * 2 shows a night *
MINGUS BIG BAND
Birdland Tuesday, April 29 — Saturday, May 3rd * 2 shows a night *
MINGUS BIG BAND
Birdland Tuesday, April 29 — Saturday, May 3rd * 2 shows a night *
MINGUS BIG BAND
Birdland Tuesday, April 29 — Saturday, May 3rd * 2 shows a night *
MINGUS BIG BAND
Birdland Tuesday, April 29 — Saturday, May 3rd * 2 shows a night *
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025 - 12:00AM TO 11:59PM
WKCR is pleased to announce our annual birthday celebration for celebrated bassist, pianist, and composer Charles Mingus, broadcast on FM and HD radio and online 24 hours straight from 12:00 am to midnight on April 22, 2025.
One of the most important figures in twentieth-century American music, Charles Mingus was a virtuoso bass player, accomplished pianist, bandleader, and composer. Born on a military base in Nogales, Arizona, in 1922 and raised in Watts, California, his earliest musical influences came from the church—choir and group singing—and from "hearing Duke Ellington over the radio when [he] was eight years old." Mingus studied double bass and composition formally and had early professional experiences with Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory, and Lionel Hampton.
Mingus' innovative compositions and boundary-pushing recordings include Pithecanthropus Erectus, Mingus Ah Um, The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, Cumbia and Jazz Fusion, and Let My Children Hear Music. His works are among the most influential in jazz, blending complex structures with improvisation, while addressing profound social and political themes.
Though Mingus passed away in 1979, his legacy lives on. His music is still celebrated worldwide through repertory groups like the Mingus Dynasty, Mingus Orchestra, and Mingus Big Band, founded by his wife, Sue Graham Mingus. His works are cataloged in the Charles Mingus Collection at the Library of Congress, ensuring future generations can study and appreciate his genius.
Join us at WKCR for a 24-hour celebration of Mingus’ 103rd birthday, featuring his extraordinary music, both live and from the archives. Follow WKCR on Instagram (@wkcr) and Twitter (@WKCRFM) for further updates. Online listening is available 24/7 at wkcr.org (http://wkcr.org/).
Noon-1:30 Mingus Big Band musician, Mingus High School Competition band director Tatum Greenblatt live in the studio
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY
Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm
Cover at the club
Please arrive 30 minutes before the show you’re attending.
Mingus Dynasty was the first band Sue Mingus organized after Charles Mingus’ death in 1979, collaborating with his own sidemen to honor his life and work. Although Mingus was an iconic and trailblazing bassist, he always said he was first and foremost a composer, and he left behind over 300 composition that deserved to be played. So a band carrying on his music became a natural, if unanticipated, mission. Today, four decades later, the powerful legacy of Mingus Music ignites bandstands as new generations of musicians express their individual voices and musical personalities, and celebrate and explore this rich and varied musical legacy.
