An Evening of Jazz

**The event is sponsored by the Bethlen Gábor Alapkezelő Zrt.**

Like in any good conversation, ideas can change along the way. They can be influenced by the flow of the dialog, and seamlessly adapted to the stream of collective thinking. A spontaneous and articulate exchange of ideas is the point —to be engaged and stimulated.

JOIN US AT THE AMERICAN HUNGARIAN LIBRARY FOR AN INTIMATE AND COMMUNICATIVE EVENING OF SEASONED JAZZ IMPROVISERS ON FEBRUARY 3, AT 7 PM. THE NUMBER OF GUESTS WHO CAN JOIN THE EVENT IS LIMITED TO 20 PEOPLE, SO MAKE SURE TO REGISTER. IN CASE YOU CANNOT COME, PLEASE BE KIND TO CANCEL YOUR REGISTRATION, SO OTHERS CAN JOIN! READ THE DETAILS OF OUR COVID-19 POLICY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. IF YOU CAN NOT ATTEND, DO NOT WORRY, WE WILL SEND OUT A ZOOM LINK ON THE DAY OF THE CONCERT SO ANYBODY CAN JOIN!

The suggested donation is $20.00. To donate, please use Zelle (donations@americanhungarianlibrary.org), our PayPal link, or donate upon arrival. Your generosity makes it possible for us to maintain our operations, to serve a broad, inclusive community, and continue to fulfill our mission: to promote interest in and knowledge of Hungary, its culture, literature, art, and contribution to society at large. We're hoping you'll consider supporting the good work American Hungarian Library and Historical Society does by donating or sharing with others who'd like to help.

About the musicians:

Ted Piltzecker has performed at festivals throughout the US and around the globe. His five albums as a leader have been critically acclaimed and influential in both the percussion and jazz worlds. The current release “Brindica” reflects his recent four-month venture around the world. It was recorded in New York and in Buenos Aires, and evokes musical encounters in Iceland, India, Nepal, and Bali. "Piltzecker writes and arranges tunes that draw on tango, second-line, Afro-Cuban, South African, and even carnatic influences, always in an organic, fun, and respectful way. The result is a stylistic kaleidoscope of an album that reveals new combinations of rhythm and harmony at every turn and always sparkes with wit and good humor." CD HotList

Ted Piltzecker has received awards from the National Endowment, NY State Council, NJ State Council, Lincoln Center Institute, and the ASCAP Foundation. He is a professor emeritus of music composition at the Purchase Conservatory of Music, SUNY, and also teaches vibraphone at the Hartt School in CT. A graduate of the Eastman and Manhattan Schools, he performs using Musser vibraphones and his signature Vic Firth mallets. 

Additional information: https://tedvibes.com/.

Mike Richmond has been featured on over 350 recordings (16 solo) and has recorded/performed internationally with musicians such as Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Quincy Jones, Bobby McFerrin, Ravi Shankar, Elvin Jones, Gil Evans, Woody Herman, Benny Golson, BB King, Chet Baker, Hubert Laws, Sonny Stitt, Clark Terry, Don Cherry, Lee Konitz, Bob Brookmeyer, Henry Mancini, Joào Gilberto, Astrid Gilberto, Michel Legrand, Cologne Radio Big Band, Chico Hamilton, Richie Havens, and many others. He has won Grammy Awards with Miles Davis, Quincy Jones and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

His book Modern Walking Bass Technique (Ped Xing Music) is used worldwide as one of the leading texts on jazz bass technique. Mike's workshops have been well received throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, China, South America, and the Middle East. Mike is a professor of Double Bass at New York University (Teacher of the Year 1991 & 1994). He represented the United States in France as a guest lecturer at the “International Symposium On Jazz Pedagogy” sponsored by the French Cultural Ministry.

Mike has been a guest soloist with the Bratislava Philharmonic Orchestra, United Arab Emirates Philharmonic Orchestra, Prince George's Philharmonic, Lima Peru Symphony, Costa Rica National Symphony, Cologne Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hamburg State Opera, and the Hacettepe Conservatory Symphony (Turkey).

Guitarist Jack Wilkins has been on the International jazz scene since the early 1970's. His flawless technique and imaginative chordal approach have inspired collaborations with Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughan, Bob Brookmeyer, and Buddy Rich among many others. A native of Brooklyn, Jack began playing guitar at age thirteen. His mentors included Johnny Smith, Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Bill Evans, Clifford Brown and Freddie Hubbard.

“Windows”, his first album as a leader (Mainstream, 1973,) also available in transcription published by Hal Leonard Publications has been critically acclaimed as a dazzling, seminal guitar trio work. Later recordings, “Merge”, “Mexico”, “Call Him Reckless”, “Alien Army”, “Keep in Touch”, and “Trioart”, feature the Brecker Brothers, Eddie Gomez, Jack De Johnette, Al Foster, Phil Woods, Kenny Drew, Jr., and many others. Project G7, a two CD set tribute to Wes Montgomery, features peerless chordal creativity by Wilkins.

In recent years, Jack has played many international festivals with jazz greats Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy Heath, The Mingus Epitaph, 5 Guitars play Mingus, Red Rodney, Ira Sullivan, Johnny Griffin and others. A consummate accompanist, Wilkins has played and recorded with renowned singers Mel Torme, Ray Charles, Morgana King, Sarah Vaughan, Sammy Davis Jr, Tony Bennett, Manhattan Transfer, Nancy Marano, Chris Conner, Cassandra Wilson, and Jay Clayton. Wilkins was awarded an NEA grant in recognition of his work and contribution to the guitar. He has been widely and prominently profiled in such publications as Guitar Player, Just Jazz Guitar, Downbeat, 20th Century Guitar and Leonard Feather’s Jazz Encyclopedia. Jack was invited to the Smithsonian Institution as part of the Blue Guitars exhibit, and appeared on the P.S. I. first live jazz Internet concert. He was also featured on the J.V.C. festival tributes to Johnny Smith, Tal Farlow, Herb Ellis, and Barney Kessel

Wilkins teaches at The New School, Manhattan School of Music, NYU, and LIU. He was invited to judge the Monk Institute Guitar Competitions in Washington. He also conducts seminars on the “Great American Songbook”, and guitar clinics, both in New York and abroad. His latest CD's, "Reunion" (On the Chiaroscuro Label), “Christmas Jazz Guitar” the DVD”s, “The Benedetto Players in Concert”, “The Benedetto Players and Guild Jazz Masters”, and “Jazz Guitar Workshop”, are all currently available. (Mel Bay Productions). A CD called “Until It’s Time” is on the Maxjazz label. The latest CD called “I Was Born In Love With You” is now available on the Paris Jazz Corner label.

COVID-19 restrictions

All audience members must provide in-person verification of vaccination. Prior to entering, you will be asked to provide proof of vaccination through the CLEAR app (if available to you), the Excelsior Pass (for New York State residents), the NYC COVID Safe app (for New York City residents), or an original physical vaccination card or photograph of it. If using Excelsior Pass, NYC COVID Safe app, or a vaccination card, you must present photo ID along with your vaccine proof. 

Wearing a mask is mandatory at all times when on the premises.

We kindly ask you to fill out the health form prior, but no earlier than 24 hours before your visit:

HEALTH FORM