Birdland Big Band with Special Guest Emma Smith

Come out for a week and celebrate the New Year with the Birdland Big Band Directed by David DeJesus! Every Friday, and for two headlining weeks a year, the BBB roars into action playing a thrilling and original mix of jazz, funk, Brazilian, Latin and world music for sold-out audiences. Featured weekly guest artists drop-in from television bands (David Letterman, Saturday Night Live) and pop music touring bands (Rob Thomas, Rod Stewart). Come see for yourself why Time Out New York called the BBB, a completely unique experience... there isnt another band like this anywhere, and yelp.com proclaims, if you hear one band in NYC make sure this is it... and prepare to be blown away!Saxophonist David DeJesus has been on the New York City Jazz scene since the late 90s and has established himself as a key player in numerous bands in various genres. In Jazz, David has performed with the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Mingus Big Band, the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, and Jimmy Heaths Big Band along with many others. In Latin Jazz and Salsa, David has shared the stage with Ruben Blades, Larry Harlow, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Artro OFarrill and Tito Rodriguez Jr. Currently, David is the leader of the Birdland Big Band, a member of the Grammy nominated Bobby Sanabria Big Band, and the Legendary Ron Carters Great Big Band. On top of his busy performing career, David has long been involved in education. Having taught at major conservatories including Manhattan School of Music, New York University, and the New School, David is proud to currently be a Professor of Jazz Studies at Purchase College where he directs the 18 piece Purchase Latin Jazz Orchestra, coaches student combos and instructs Jazz Arranging classes.