CHARLIE PARKER’S YARDBIRD
Schomburg Center Symposium

Tuesday, March 15 at 6:30PM – 8:30PM

The Apollo and The Schomburg Center present this panel discussion on the life and legacy of Charlie Parker. Robert O’Meally, Zora Neale Hurston professor of English and Comparative Literature, and founder of the Columbia University Center for Jazz Studies, moderates. Panelists and performers scheduled to participate include:

Sheila E. Anderson, host of WBGO-FM’s Weekend Jazz After Hours, author, Columbia University Community Scholar, and host of the annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in Harlem.

T.K. Blue, composer of Latin Bird, a Latin Jazz-themed Charlie Parker tribute CD.  Mr. Blue has performed with other great artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Regina Carter, Paquito D’Rivera, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, James Moody, Archie Shepp and Randy Weston.

David Levy, the Senior Vice President, Artistic Operations at Opera Philadelphia. David oversees the production, music and artistic administration and operations for the Opera and has held positions in opera houses in Kentucky, Washington and Saint Louis.

Terrance McKnight, WQXR-FM weekday evening host and host of WQXR’s All Ears with Terrance McKnight, a Saturday evening program about musical discovery honored with a 2010 ASCAP Deems Taylor Radio Broadcast Award.

Bridgette Wimberly, librettist, award-winning poet and author of eight plays, including Charlie Parker’s YARDBIRD, commissioned and produced by theaters Off-Broadway and across the country.

This event takes place at The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, located at 515 Malcolm X Blvd. between 135^th and 136^th Streets.  It is free and open to the public.  Pre-registration is strongly suggested. 

Charlie Parker Harlem Tour

Saturday, March 26 at 12PM – 2PM

In anticipation of the New York premiere of Charlie Parker’s YARDBIRD, a co-production between the Apollo Theater and Opera Philadelphia, the Apollo will offer related cultural events for the public.

Led by Harlem historian, lecturer and architect, John Reddick, this historic tour will visit Harlem landmarks associated with the legendary musician’s life and career - from Minton’s Playhouse, where Parker performed jam sessions early in his career to Abyssinian Baptist Church where his funeral was held. Other stops will include: the Cecil Hotel, Mt. Morris Park, Dewey Square Hotel, Dan Wall’s Chili House, Clark Monroe’s Uptown House, the Savoy Ballroom and Small’s Paradise.

At the height of his talent and popularity, “Bird” as Parker came be known, would perform at Harlem’s most distinguished venues including Small’s Paradise, the Savoy Ballroom and the world famous Apollo Theater. Harlem also served briefly as Parker’s home base where he resided at the Dewey Square Hotel on 117th Street and later, upon his death, Harlem would host his funeral at Abyssinian Baptist Church with a service officiated by Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Each year since 1993 the community has celebrated his talent, artistry and Harlem association with the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in Marcus Garvey Park.

This event is free. Limited space. Pre-registration is strongly suggested.    

CHARLIE PARKER’S YARDBIRD

NEW YORK PREMIERE

Friday, April 1 at 8PM & Sunday, April 3 at 3PM

Set in the famed NYC jazz club, Birdland, this opera is a free-form expedition into the mind, heart, and personal purgatory of the bebop great.

In the empty twilight between life and death, saxophonist Charlie Parker composes his final masterpiece, revisiting the inspirations, demons, and women who fueled his creative genius. Acclaimed as “a swift-paced chamber opera with a pulsing, jazz-infused score” (The New York Times), the opera stars Lawrence Brownlee as the legendary saxophonist—a role crafted around the effortless, improvisational style that makes him one of music’s most sought after tenors. Soprano Angela Brown mesmerizes as his mother, Addie Parker, and baritone Will Liverman portrays jazz icon Dizzy Gillespie.

TICKETS: $30-$125

April 1 Tickets    April 3 Tickets 

Composed By Daniel Schnyder; Libretto By Bridgette A. Wimberly; Performed By Lawrence Brownlee, Tenor; Angela Brown, Soprano; Will Liverman, Baritone; Conducted By Corrado Rovaris; Directed By Ron Daniels; Set Design By Riccardo Hernandez; Costume Design By Emily Rebholtz; Lighting Design By Scott Zielinksi and Photos by Dominic M. Mercier.

Details & Tickets

Location: Apollo Mainstage
Tickets*: $30-$125
In person at the Apollo Theater Box Office
By phone call Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000
Online at Ticketmaster.com
For Groups Call (212) 531-5355

* Additional $3.50 facility fee, online and phone service fees apply 

April 1 Tickets    April 3 Tickets