# Birdland Big Band with Special Guest Emma Smith

> Birdland Big Band with Special Guest Emma Smith at Birdland Jazz Club & Theater in Uptown. Dec 31, 2026 · 1 date listed.

- Venue: [Birdland Jazz Club & Theater](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland.html.md)
- Address: 315 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036 ([Google Maps](https://goo.gl/maps/97ZmiXRjDWK2))
- Neighborhood: Uptown
- Status: Dec 31, 2026 · 1 date listed
- Section: [NYC Jazz Clubs](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/index.html.md)
- Web page: https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/birdland-big-band-with-special-guest-emma-smith.html
- Markdown: https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/birdland-big-band-with-special-guest-emma-smith.html.md
- Last updated: Nov 05, 2026 at 06:51 AM

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- Venue: Birdland Jazz Club
- Run: Dec 31, 2026
- Tickets and info: https://www.birdlandjazz.com/tm-event/birdland-big-band-with-special-guest-emma-smith/

Come out for a week and celebrate the New Year with the Birdland Big Band Directed by David DeJesus! Every Friday, and for two headlining weeks a year, the "BBB" roars into action playing a thrilling and original mix of jazz, funk, Brazilian, Latin and world music for sold-out audiences. Featured weekly guest artists drop-in from television bands (David Letterman, Saturday Night Live) and pop music touring bands (Rob Thomas, Rod Stewart). Come see for yourself why Time Out New York called the BBB, "a completely unique experience... there isn't another band like this anywhere," and yelp.com proclaims, "if you hear one band in NYC make sure this is it... and prepare to be blown away!" Saxophonist David DeJesus has been on the New York City Jazz scene since the late 90’s and has established himself as a key player in numerous bands in various genres. In Jazz, David has performed with the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Mingus Big Band, the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, and Jimmy Heath’s Big Band along with many others. In Latin Jazz and Salsa, David has shared the stage with Ruben Blades, Larry Harlow, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Artro O'Farrill and Tito Rodriguez Jr. Currently, David is the leader of the Birdland Big Band, a member of the Grammy nominated Bobby Sanabria Big Band, and the Legendary Ron Carter’s Great Big Band. On top of his busy performing career, David has long been involved in education. Having taught at major conservatories including Manhattan School of Music, New York University, and the New School, David is proud to currently be a Professor of Jazz Studies at Purchase College where he directs the 18 piece Purchase Latin Jazz Orchestra, coaches student combos and instructs Jazz Arranging classes.

Upcoming dates:

- Thu, Dec 31 at 07:00 PM — Birdland Jazz Club

## Also on at Birdland Jazz Club & Theater

- [The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/the-high-society-new-orleans-jazz-band.html.md) — Thu Nov 5 at 5:30 PM and 19 more
- [Cyrille Aimée](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/cyrille-aimee.html.md) — Thu Nov 5 at 7 PM and 5 more
- [Birdland Big Band](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/birdland-big-band.html.md) — Fri Nov 6 at 5:30 PM and 10 more
- [Tatiana Eva Marie: Jazz in Paris](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/tatiana-eva-marie-jazz-in-paris.html.md) — Fri Nov 6 at 7 PM and 5 more
- [Ehud Asherie Trio](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/ehud-asherie-trio.html.md) — Sat Nov 7 at 5:30 PM and 3 more
- [Dave Pietro Quintet](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/dave-pietro-quintet.html.md) — Sun Nov 8 at 5:30 PM
- [The Birdland Latin Jazz Orchestra](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/the-birdland-latin-jazz-orchestra.html.md) — Sun Nov 8 at 8:30 PM and 20 more
- [Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/vince-giordano-and-the-nighthawks.html.md) — Mon Nov 9 at 5:30 PM and 47 more
- [Jeff Harnar – I KNOW THINGS NOW: My Life in Sondheim’s Words](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/jeff-harnar-i-know-things-now-my-life-in-sondheims-words.html.md) — Mon Nov 9 at 7 PM
- [Jim Caruso's Cast Party with Billy Stritch](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/jim-carusos-cast-party-with-billy-stritch.html.md) — Mon Nov 9 at 9:30 PM and 9 more
- [Tedd Firth Big Band](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/tedd-firth-big-band.html.md) — Mon Nov 9 at 9:30 PM
- [Houston Person Quintet: 92nd Birthday Celebration](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/houston-person-quintet-92nd-birthday-celebration.html.md) — Tue Nov 10 at 7 PM and 1 more
- [David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/david-ostwalds-louis-armstrong-eternity-band.html.md) — Wed Nov 11 at 5:30 PM and 11 more
- [Dee Dee Bridgewater](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/dee-dee-bridgewater.html.md) — Wed Nov 11 at 7 PM and 7 more
- [Frank Vignola's Guitar Night with Guest Hosts Jimmy Bruno and Ed Cherry](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/frank-vignolas-guitar-night-with-guest-hosts-jimmy-bruno.html.md) — Wed Nov 11 at 8:30 PM
- [Troy Roberts Quartet – A Tribute to Stanley Turrentine](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/troy-roberts-quartet-a-tribute-to-stanley-turrentine.html.md) — Fri Nov 13 at 7 PM and 3 more
- [Jason Marshall Quartet](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/jason-marshall-quartet.html.md) — Sun Nov 15 at 5:30 PM
- [JUNKO YAGAMI: Pop Meets Jazz on Route 66](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/junko-yagami-pop-meets-jazz-on-route-66.html.md) — Sun Nov 15 at 7 PM and 1 more
- [Frankie Moreno](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/frankie-moreno.html.md) — Mon Nov 16 at 7 PM
- [Maria Schneider Orchestra](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/maria-schneider-orchestra.html.md) — Tue Nov 17 at 7 PM and 9 more
- [Frank Vignola's Guitar Night with Bria Skonberg and Pasquale Grasso](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/frank-vignolas-guitar-night-with-bria-skonberg-and-pasquale.html.md) — Wed Nov 18 at 8:30 PM
- [Evan Palazzo & Friends](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/evan-palazzo-friends.html.md) — Fri Nov 20 at 7 PM and 5 more
- [Wayne Tucker and The Bad Mothas](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/wayne-tucker-and-the-bad-mothas.html.md) — Sun Nov 22 at 5:30 PM
- [Jamie deRoy & Friends](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/jamie-deroy-friends.html.md) — Mon Nov 23 at 7 PM
- [ANDERSON BROTHERS: THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/anderson-brothers-the-american-songbook.html.md) — Tue Nov 24 at 7 PM and 9 more
- [Frank Vignola's Guitar Night with Pasquale Grasso](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/frank-vignolas-guitar-night-with-pasquale-grasso.html.md) — Wed Nov 25 at 8:30 PM
- [Geoffrey Keezer Trio with Yasushi Nakamura and Billy Kilson](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/geoffrey-keezer-trio-with-yasushi-nakamura-and-billy-kilson.html.md) — Fri Nov 27 at 7 PM and 5 more
- [Joie Bianco Trio](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/joie-bianco-trio.html.md) — Sun Nov 29 at 5:30 PM
- [David Finck Quintet](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/david-finck-quintet.html.md) — Mon Nov 30 at 7 PM
- [Joe Lovano Nonet](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/joe-lovano-nonet.html.md) — Tue Dec 1 at 7 PM and 9 more
- [Frank Vignola's Guitar Night](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/frank-vignolas-guitar-night.html.md) — Wed Dec 2 at 8:30 PM and 6 more
- [Brandee Younger](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/brandee-younger.html.md) — Fri Dec 4 at 7 PM and 3 more
- [Quintin Harris Trio](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/quintin-harris-trio.html.md) — Sat Dec 5 at 5:30 PM
- [Vanessa Racci – Comfort & Joy Album Release](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/vanessa-racci-comfort-joy-album-release.html.md) — Sun Dec 6 at 5:30 PM
- [Laura Anglade](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/laura-anglade.html.md) — Sun Dec 6 at 7 PM and 1 more
- [Daniel Reichard: It’s a Birdland Christmas!](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/daniel-reichard-its-a-birdland-christmas.html.md) — Mon Dec 7 at 7 PM
- [Emmet Cohen Trio feat. Ron Carter](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/emmet-cohen-trio-feat-ron-carter.html.md) — Tue Dec 8 at 7 PM and 9 more
- [Bria Skonberg](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/bria-skonberg.html.md) — Fri Dec 11 at 7 PM and 5 more
- [Carole J. Bufford](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/carole-j-bufford.html.md) — Sat Dec 12 at 5:30 PM and 1 more
- [Summer Camargo Quintet](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/summer-camargo-quintet.html.md) — Sun Dec 13 at 5:30 PM
- [We Love the Winter Weather: Songs of the Season](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/we-love-the-winter-weather-songs-of-the-season.html.md) — Mon Dec 14 at 7 PM
- [Stacey Kent](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/stacey-kent.html.md) — Tue Dec 15 at 7 PM and 9 more
- [A Swinging Birdland Christmas](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/a-swinging-birdland-christmas.html.md) — Sun Dec 20 at 5:30 PM and 5 more
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- [Champian Fulton Quartet](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/champian-fulton-quartet.html.md) — Sat Dec 26 at 5:30 PM and 2 more
- [HOLIDAY INTERLUDE WITH LIZ GILLIES](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/holiday-interlude-with-liz-gillies.html.md) — Mon Dec 28 at 7 PM
- [Birdland Big Band feat. Emma Smith](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/birdland-big-band-feat-emma-smith.html.md) — Tue Dec 29 at 5:30 PM and 11 more
- [Marilyn Maye](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/marilyn-maye.html.md) — Wed Dec 30 at 7 PM and 8 more
- [Birdland Big Band New Year's Eve with Special Guest Emma Smith](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/birdland-big-band-new-years-eve-with-special-guest-emma.html.md) — Thu Dec 31 at 11 PM
- [Marilyn Maye's New Year's Eve Extravaganza](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/marilyn-mayes-new-years-eve-extravaganza.html.md) — Thu Dec 31 at 11 PM
- [The Boss Baritones](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/the-boss-baritones.html.md) — Sun Jan 3 at 5:30 PM
- [Nicole Zuraitis](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/nicole-zuraitis.html.md) — Mon Jan 4 at 7 PM
- [Bill Charlap Quartet](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/bill-charlap-quartet.html.md) — Tue Jan 5 at 7 PM and 9 more
- [Bill Charlap Solo](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/bill-charlap-solo.html.md) — Sat Jan 9 at 5:30 PM
- [Mike Davis and the New Wonders](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/mike-davis-and-the-new-wonders.html.md) — Sun Jan 10 at 5:30 PM
- [The Greg Ruvolo Big Band Collective](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/the-greg-ruvolo-big-band-collective.html.md) — Tue Jan 12 at 7 PM and 1 more
- [Kurt Elling](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/kurt-elling.html.md) — Wed Jan 13 at 7 PM and 7 more
- [Kate Kortum](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/kate-kortum.html.md) — Fri Jan 15 at 7 PM and 1 more
- [Caity Gyorgy Quartet](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/caity-gyorgy-quartet.html.md) — Sat Jan 16 at 5:30 PM
- [Stella Cole](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/stella-cole.html.md) — Sun Jan 17 at 5:30 PM
- [Gabrielle Cavassa](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/gabrielle-cavassa.html.md) — Sun Jan 17 at 7 PM and 1 more
- [Ms. Lisa Fischer featuring Orrin Evans Trio](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/ms-lisa-fischer-featuring-orrin-evans-trio.html.md) — Tue Jan 19 at 7 PM and 9 more
- [Danny Tobias Quartet](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/danny-tobias-quartet.html.md) — Sat Jan 23 at 5:30 PM and 1 more
- [Benny Green Trio](https://bronder.nyc/jazz/clubs/birdland/benny-green-trio.html.md) — Tue Jan 26 at 7 PM and 9 more