Curated / hosted by multiple ASCAP Pop Award winner Valerie Ghent, The Songwriter’s Beat features top up-and-coming songwriters. Each month four songwriters of varying musical styles perform original songs and are encouraged to try out their newest material and arrangements.

Founded in 2000 by Valerie Ghent, The Songwriter's Beat has presented over 190 phenomenal songwriters (hailing from all over the globe: from the US, UK, Australia, South Africa and Japan!) and keeps growing!

The Songwriter's Beat welcomes songwriters from around the world, so if you are planning your trip to New York, allow time for The Songwriter's Beat!
 Cover $5   songwritersbeat.com ,  valghent.com

Against the backdrop of the Swing Era, Blues, Ragtime and Boogie Woogie, the decade following the great depression was a fireball of poltical and social issues. In New York the jazz clubs on 52nd Street (commonly known as “The Street”) hosted some of the greatest performers of all time –Louis Armstrong, Lester and Lee Young, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw and an endless list of pioneers who ‘s artistry and fight for jazz continues on today. They have left us a legacy on recording that the rest of us can only dream about.

Tonight’s program is entitled “Blues, Bops and Memories” and it is dedicated to the Ladies and songs of this decade –Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ruth Brown, Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughn and others. Each one was unique in voice, style and presentation – but the one with the biggest flair for the lyric was Lady Day – she became the lyric and New York audiences in the 1930’s had the time to listen to her story unfold. She performed and recorded with the best Big Bands and jazz musicians New York had to offer – they all loved her! Count Basie even called her William – she was one of them. I refer you to the 1936 -38 recordings of Billie Holiday. Unique!

Tonight’s program at the Cornelia Street Café will feature singer Rosemary George and poet Golda Solomon in selections that bring back the lyrics and heart of a New York that once was and is no longer. Thank you to the great ladies of jazz!
 Cover $12 (includes one house drink)   www.goldajazz.com

“[Ted] has an uncanny ability to shape the music and a refreshingly unique, organic approach to playing the drums.”
Jazzreview.com

Ted Poor graduated from the Eastman School of Music in 2003
 Cover $10

“Brilliantly performed…very impressive.”
- Ahmad Jamal, jazz piano legend, of ‘100 Dreams Ago.’

"In the era of concept records, this startling young pianist has flipped the script: the message behind One Hundred Dreams Ago is ‘let's just play.’ Accordingly the trio gets its bustle on. Ellington's small groups are in the air here, and the pleasure Waltzer generates is bountiful.”
- Jim Macnie, the Village Voice
 Cover $10   www.benwaltzer.com

"...has played inside and out :from Bud Shank to John Tchicai"
The Village Voice

"Pianist Haney's got hands like ballerinas have feet.”
John Graham, Willamette Week
 Cover $10   planningliturgy.tripod.com/davidhaney

As a composer, piano player, musical saw soloist, and ensemble artist, Luciano Chessa has largely performed in the U.S. and in Europe. He has created performances and has written music for different instruments and ensembles. His first recording, Humus (1997) received excellent reviews in all the major Italian musical magazines (Fare Musica, Rumore) and was voted by Rockerilla’s critics as one of the 10 best Italian recordings of 1997. His solo clarinet piece for Italian virtuoso Guido Arbonelli was premiered in Strasbourg last spring. His
 Cover $10

David Allen is a guitarist and composer based in New York City. His music is both lyrical and challenging, combining memorable melodies with complex harmonies and shifting rhythms.

Among the notable players he has worked with are Mark Shim, Donny McCaslin, Chris Cheek, Matt Wilson, Dennis Irwin, Ben Street and Eric McPherson. His trios and quartets draw from the best young players on the NY scene and have performed at Birdland, The 55 Bar, Cornelia St. Cafe, The Knitting Factory and CBGB's Lounge.

Allen's CD, Untold Stories, features saxophonist Seamus Blake, known for his work with John Scofield and Dave Douglas, and drummer Mark Ferber, who has become increasingly busy working with legends such as Fred Hersch, Steve Coleman, Scott Colley, Drew Gress, and Kenny Werner. And, bassist Carlo DeRosa, who is known for his superlative technique and musicality, and who also works with Donny McCaslin, Brad Shepik, Clarence Penn, and Vijay Iyer.

“There’s a true sensuality to the guitarist’s sound. On the new Untold Stories, he brings a pearly tone to a piece called 'Searching,' unfolding his lines with an edge-of-your-seat stealth.
– Jim Macnie, The Village Voice
 Cover $10