Friday Night Jazz on the Rooftop,  in partnership with WBGO 88.3, New York’s premier jazz station. Enjoy live performances from top jazz talent as you take in the city mood, savor light bites and shareable plates from our rooftop menu.
It’s more than a night out, it’s a celebration of jazz and New York energy.

The 2025 Fall Jazz Schedule:

November 21: Benny Benack III – Trumpet:
Emmy-nominated trumpeter, singer, and pianist Benny Benack III is truly a rare multi-talent. At just 33, he commands the stage with fiery trumpet playing and a naturally expressive, slyly mature vocal delivery. Known for his superb intonation and clever original vocalese, Benack brings an exciting, youthful virtuosity to the jazz tradition as we welcome the transition into the festive season.

December 1: Tree Lighting with Matt Chertkoff – Guitar
Guitarist Matt Chertkoff, celebrated for his sophisticated harmonies and deep command of the jazz guitar tradition, performs a special set to ring in the holidays. Having played with jazz legends like Jimmy Cobb and Houston Person, Matt’s melodic improvisations provide the perfect warm, elegant backdrop for the Patroon Tree Lighting, mixing classic standards with a touch of holiday cheer.

December 5: Grant Green Tribute with Matt Chertkoff Trio:
Guitarist Matt Chertkoff returns to Patroon, this time leading a tribute to the legendary Grant Green. Having performed with greats like Jimmy Cobb and Freddy Cole, Matt is celebrated for his command of the jazz guitar tradition, sophisticated harmonies, and melodic improvisations. This performance will capture the soulful, blues-inflected grooves of Green’s iconic sound, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere as the holiday spirit takes hold of the city.

December 19: 2025 Holiday Jazz with Lezlie Harrison:
Lezlie Harrison is a dynamic vocalist, curator, and beloved radio personality, known for her rich, soulful blend of jazz and blues. A key figure in the NYC scene and longtime host on WBGO (where she famously curates annual holiday specials), Lezlie is the ideal artist to celebrate the season. Her expressive voice and deep musical sensibility will fill the rooftop with classic holiday cheer alongside beloved jazz standards.

We have truly enjoyed sharing all of these Friday Night Jazz events with our audience this year on the Rooftop. As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to enjoy this final round of premier jazz in midtown. We are already hard at work putting together an even more exciting program for 2026, and we look forward to announcing new talent and surprises soon!.

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Performers earlier this 2025 Fall:

September 19: Jerry Weldon Trio – Tenor Sax:
A veteran tenor saxophonist, Jerry Weldon has been a formidable force on the jazz scene for over three decades. After joining the legendary Lionel Hampton Orchestra in 1981, he went on to perform and record with a who’s who of jazz, including organist Jack McDuff and as a charter member of Harry Connick Jr.’s big band. Weldon’s powerful and swinging style is an authentic New York jazz experience.

October 10: Curtis Lundy Trio:
A prolific double bassist, composer, and arranger, Curtis Lundy has been a highly in-demand presence on the modern jazz scene since making his debut in New York in the late 1970s. Hailing from a musical family in Miami, he was classically trained at the University of Miami before quickly rising to prominence as a member of jazz vocalist Betty Carter’s band. He is highly regarded for his robust, lyrical approach to the acoustic bass and has performed with an impressive list of jazz legends, including Art Blakey, Johnny Griffin, Freddie Hubbard, and Pharoah Sanders. Lundy is also a Grammy-nominated composer whose arrangement for the ARC Gospel Choir was famously sampled by rapper Kanye West for the Grammy Award-winning hit “Jesus Walks.”

October 17: Matt Chertkoff & Dave Stryker – Guitar:
Guitarist Matt Chertkoff has made a name for himself playing at jazz clubs, concerts and festivals all over the world. He has performed with legends such as Jimmy Cobb, Houston Person, Freddy Cole, Grady Tate and many others. He has also appeared on numerous jazz CDs, pop recordings and movie scores. Matt is known for his sophisticated harmonies, melodic improvisations, and command of the jazz guitar tradition.

October 24: Lezlie Harrison – Vocals:
Lezlie is a dynamic vocalist, curator, and radio personality whose soulful blend of jazz, blues, and gospel has captivated audiences worldwide. A key figure in the New York City jazz scene, she is not only a celebrated performer but also a longtime host on WBGO. As a founding member of The Jazz Gallery, Lezlie has played a vital role in fostering the next generation of jazz talent. Whether on stage or on the air, her rich, expressive voice and deep musical sensibility make her an undeniable force in contemporary jazz.

Halloween 🎃 October 31: Freddie Hendrix:
A New Jersey native and highly regarded trumpeter, Freddie Hendrix has made a name for himself as a dynamic soloist and sideman in the contemporary jazz scene. He has been a fixture on the New York jazz circuit for years, performing and recording with a wide range of artists including Christian McBride, The Count Basie Orchestra, and Wynton Marsalis. A graduate of The Juilliard School, Hendrix is celebrated for his rich tone, blistering solos, and deep respect for the jazz tradition. His performances are known for their improvisational brilliance and soulful expressiveness, making him an ideal artist to lead a tribute to the legendary Miles Davis.