The New York Hot Jazz Festival presents US-France: A Centennial Voyage - New York City Article

The dual purpose of this free (non-ticketed) all-star extravaganza (a mini festival contained in one jam-packed five hour time slot) is to commemorate both the hundredth anniversary of the first jazz record and the century of collaboration between America and France that was cemented with the American entry into the first world war in 1917 - and which, in turn, led directly to the constant presence of jazz in France over the last hundred years. If you’re in the city this Saturday, this spectacular show is one you don’t want to miss, with four distinct bands, starting with Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, plus the Avalon Jazz Band with special guest Stephane Wrembel, Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses from New Orleans, as well as an actual French Army military brass orchestra. Singers include the extraordinary Catherine Russell, the versatile Kat Edmonson and France’s own Tatiana Eva-Marie. And as special guests, the highly celebrated French Soprano Natalie Dessay plus dancers Nicolle Rochelle (recreating Josephine Baker, the African American entertainer who conquered Paris in the jazz age), and tap dance wiz DeWitte Fleming Jr. (of Smash and Boardwalk Empire fame).  Did we mention that it's free?