Dorthaan’s Place Coming Soon

Photo above of Dorthaan Kirk and James Moody

If you've ever attended a WBGO event, you've probably encountered and met Dorthaan Kirk. In fact, she is the face of WBGO and an ambassador of all things Jazz. She's been with the station for over thirty years and has received countless awards for her work in community-based arts programs/initiatives.

So it's no wonder, when NJ PAC and WBGO got together to do a jazz brunch series, they name it for Newark's "First Lady of Jazz" - Dorthaan's Place. The jazz brunches will take place at NICO Kitchen + Bar on specific Sundays. Tickets are $45 per person, $15 for children under 12. Price includes brunch and concert. Doors open for brunch at 11am - music begins at noon and again at 1:30pm.

Here's the line-up for the first four events:

Geri Allen Trio - Oct 21
The Sunday's event features trend-setting pianist and composer Geri Allen, an artist who lends her elegant style to everything from spirituals to American standards to her own compositions.

Houston Person Quartet - Dec 16
During his career, which includes a long partnership with the late, great Etta Jones, saxophonist Houston Person has recorded everything from gospel to R&B to disco, but he's best known for his trademark hard bop sound.

Don Braden Organix Group - Jan 20
This week's event features versatile saxophonist, flutist and composer Don Braden performs with Cecil Brooks III on drums and Kyle Koehler on the unmistakable Hammond organ.

Cyrus Chestnut Trio - Feb 17
This Sunday's event features pianist Cyrus Chestnut, who has performed with artists as diverse as Dizzy Gillespie, Kathleen Battle, and Bette Midler. As a leader, he's know for classic recordings like Revolution (1994) and Soul Food (2001).