Grammy-Nominated Artists To Play Free UWS Jazz Concert Series

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Free live jazz is returning to Lincoln Square this summer.

The Lincoln Square Business Improvement District will bring its weekly Summer Jazz Sensations concert series to Dante Park beginning June 24 and continuing through Sept. 16.

Now in its fifth year, the free lunchtime series will feature acclaimed jazz performers from New York and beyond every Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the park on Broadway between West 63rd and West 64th streets.

Rain dates are scheduled for the Friday following each performance.

"We're excited to jazz up the neighborhood with Summer Jazz Sensations returning for a fifth straight year, bringing music and summertime entertainment to the neighborhood," Monica Blum, president of the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District, said in a statement.

The concert series aims to showcase world-class jazz talent while drawing residents and visitors to the neighborhood's cultural and culinary offerings, Blum said.

In addition to live music, attendees can enjoy food and beverage offerings from local businesses, including Le Botaniste, at select performances. The West Side YMCA will also lead gentle stretch yoga sessions during intermissions.

This year's lineup features a mix of emerging and established performers, including Grammy winners and nominees such as Steve Davis, Bobby Sanabria and Corcoran Holt.

The season opens June 24 with vocalist and saxophonist Camille Thurman performing alongside the Darrell Green Quartet. Thurman, a New York City native, has earned recognition as an NAACP Image Award-nominated jazz artist and Fulbright Scholar Cultural Ambassador.

Other featured performers throughout the summer include guitarist Ron Jackson, saxophonist Eric Person, and jazz vocalist Nancy Kelly.

Summer Jazz Sensations Schedule

• June 24: Camille Thurman with the Darrell Green Quartet
• July 1: Rutgers University Emerging Artists Ensemble, led by Kenny Davis
• July 8: Lucia Jackson & The Ron Jackson Trio
• July 15: Corcoran Holt Quintet
• July 22: Jason Tiemann Trio
• July 29: Steve Davis featuring Abena Koomson-Davis
• Aug. 5: Jason Marshall: Baritone Saxophone Extraordinaire!
• Aug. 12: Eric Person: A Centennial Tribute to Miles and Coltrane
• Aug. 19: Nancy Kelly
• Aug. 26: Leonieke Scheuble and Midnight Special
• Sept. 2: Pucci Amanda Jhones
• Sept. 9: Bobby Sanabria
• Sept. 16: Lou Watson

More information and updates on the concert schedule are available on the Lincoln Square BID website.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.