Monty Alexander is one of the last living players who came up in both the Jamaican dancehall world and the American jazz mainstream, and the joy in his playing is unmistakable at close range — he swings hard and then drops into a Bob Marley tune without blinking. Birdland's main room is a proper supper club with sightlines from almost every seat. This is the closing night, so the band plays it loose.
What to expect
Birdland's main room is a wide, low-lit supper club with tiered tables facing a broad stage, and a full menu served before and during the set. Alexander talks to the room between tunes and takes the pace from ballad to full stride within a single number. Two sets run back to back with a reseat in between.
Good to know
- Birdland is on West 44th between Eighth and Ninth; take the A/C/E to 42nd Street
- A food or drink minimum applies at the tables on top of the music charge
- Arrive with time to order — the kitchen gets slammed right before a set
- This is the final night of the run, so it tends to fill first
- The main room is separate from Birdland Theater downstairs, so check which door you want
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Common questions
What time does he play?
There are two sets, at 8:30pm and 10:30pm, and you buy for one specific set rather than the whole night.
Is there dinner service?
Yes. Birdland serves a full menu at the tables, and there is a food or drink minimum per person.
Which Birdland room is this?
The main Birdland Jazz Club room on the ground floor, not the smaller Birdland Theater downstairs.
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