Xiomara Laugart founded Yerba Buena and played the lead in the off-Broadway Celia Cruz musical; here she sings in a community garden blocks from where Charlie Parker actually lived on Avenue B. Backing her is Reverse Audio, her son Axel Tosca's trio, folding Cuban timba and hip-hop into progressive jazz. It's free, it holds maybe a hundred people, and it's the half of the Charlie Parker festival most people miss.
What to expect
A garden setting rather than a stage-and-barricade festival, with the band set up close to a small standing and seated crowd. Sets run about an hour and the sound is acoustic-leaning, so the singing carries rather than being pushed through a PA wall. Neighbors, regulars and festival-followers mix, and it fills up early because capacity is small.
Good to know
- The Jazz In the Garden shows sit in East Village green spaces near Avenue B, a short walk from the L to 1st Ave or F to 2nd Ave
- Capacity is small — arrive early if you want to be inside the garden rather than listening at the fence
- Free and open to the public, no ticket needed
- Bring a folding seat or be prepared to stand; garden seating is limited
- Good for a first jazz show — sets are short and the setting is unintimidating
- Rain can move or cancel garden shows; check City Parks Foundation before heading over
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Common questions
Is this part of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival?
Yes. Jazz In the Garden is an ancillary series City Parks Foundation programs around the main festival, staged in East Village gardens near where Charlie Parker lived.
Who is Xiomara Laugart?
A celebrated Cuban trova singer, a founding member of the Latin fusion band Yerba Buena, and the lead in the off-Broadway musical Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz.
Do I need a ticket?
No. The garden shows are free and open to the public, though the space is small and fills quickly.
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