"If it sounds good and feels good, then it IS good!"
- Duke Elllington
Upcoming East End Jazz Events:
East Meets West Jazz Jam Session is back every First Sunday of the month with different themes
East Meets West Jazz Jam Session
Sunday October 4th
2:00 to 4:30PM
25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
Free! RSVP Here!
Bring Your Voice: East End Jazz Invites the Whole Community to Join the American Songbook Sing-Along
Unlike traditional jazz jams that cater solely to instrumentalists, this session is intentionally crafted for listeners, music lovers, and complete novices—you name it, we play it! Printed lyric sheets will be provided at the door, making it effortless to join in on classic Amrican songbook standards including “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Summertime,” “What a Difference a Day Made,” “The Girl from Ipanema,” and Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E.”
The afternoon kicks off with a featured set by beloved local vocalist Vanessa Trouble, backed by an all-star rhythm section featuring Bill Smith on piano, Iris Ornig on bass and Troy Grindle on drums. Following the opening sing-along set, the stage opens up for a multi-generational, judgment-free jam session.
Musicians and vocalists wishing to sit in are encouraged to sign up in advance by emailing eastendjazzny@gmail.com with the title of the song you would like to perform, including sheet music.
The Heart of America: Songs of our Roots, Blues, Hymns & Gospel & Country
Saturday October 24th
7:300PM
Jamesport Meeting House, 1590 Main Road, Jamesport NY 11947, USA
A 250-Year Musical Celebration of American Roots
The program explores the foundational sounds of the American experience, beautifully weaving together the soulful grit of the Blues, the spiritual depth of Hymns and Gospel, and the rich storytelling tradition of Country music.
Under the direction of bassist, arranger and Director of East End Jazz, Iris Ornig, the stellar quartet will perform reimagined, jazz-infused versions of quintessential American classics, including - just to name a few - “Oh, Susanna,” “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “Michael, Row the Boat Ashore” ... and more.
"These songs are more than just melodies; they are the rhythmic heartbeat of the history of the United States of America. By bringing them into a jazz context, we honor where we've been while celebrating where we are today.” - Iris Ornig, Director of East End Jazz
The evening features a powerhouse quartet lineup of New York’s and the Hamptons' finest jazz musicians: Lauren Lee on vocals, Taka Otomo on Piano; Iris Ornig on Bass & Arrangements; and Brian Woodruff on Drums.
Youth Education:
Music, Movement & Jazz
We are thrilled to announce that East End Jazz is partnering once again with the Southampton Youth Bureau to bring our signature workshop series to Flanders!
Starting September 30th, 2026, this 10-week intensive program is more than just a class—it’s a launchpad for young talent. Our mission is to empower the next generation of musicians by providing a space where creativity, improvisation, and leadership take center stage.
Past Performances, Interactive Workshops & Educational programs
Sunday May 3rd | 2 PM to 5 PM
Season Finale: East Meets West Jazz Jam Session
Live Film / Live Jazz "FILM JAZZ JAM"
We’re transforming a traditional screening into a collaborative jam session where musicians improvise live soundtracks to classic silent film clips
Southampton Cultural Center
25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
Free Admission
East End Jazz is thrilled to announce the grand finale of its current season: a special "Live Film / Live Jazz" edition of the "East Meets West Jazz Jam Session" on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 from 2 to 4:30PM at the Auditorium at SCC on 25 Pond Lane, SH. Admission Free. This season closer features a high-concept collaboration with renowned multimedia artist Cliff Baldwin, who has curated a series of silent film clips specifically to be "scored" in real-time by the community.
In a departure from traditional performances, the musicians are in complete charge of the narrative. As Baldwin’s visual compositions flicker on screen, participating artists will be tasked with creating their own musical stories to match the action. From dramatic crescendos to whimsical melodies, the musicians will use their instruments to provide the dialogue, emotion, and pacing, making every performance a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
To support this creative leap, East End Jazz will provide a professional rhythm section as backup for all musicians and vocalists to participate. Musicians will also receive cues in advance—ranging from a specific melody or a classic jazz standard to a driving rhythm or a specific emotional movement—to serve as the foundation for their stories. These prompts allow participants to bend familiar sounds to fit the mood on screen, whether transforming a swing rhythm into a high-speed chase or using an emotional movement to guide a moment of cinematic reflection.
"This finale is about giving the musicians total creativity in writing their own story," says Iris Ornig, Director of East End Jazz. "By combining visuals with music, we are transported back to the spirit of the early 19th century. With Cliff Baldwin’s visuals, we are challenging the performers to become storytellers and inviting the audience to create their own stories as well. Whether they are using a well-known standard or pure improvisation, they are directing the mood and soul of the film."
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Huntington Arts Council.
March 15th @ 2:00 PM
Generations of Jazz -Women in Modern Jazz
Featuring emerging young local vocalists
St. Ann's Episcopal Church
"Experience the power of music and storytelling as we honor the incredible women whose voices and visions have defined the jazz tradition."
Sunday March 8th | 2 PM to 5 PM
East Meets West Jazz Jam Session
Sing-Along Jazz
Sing iconic hits like "Summertime" and "Fly Me to the Moon" with a live band.
Lyrics provided—no judgment, just fun!
Southampton Cultural Center
March 7th @ 7:30 PM
Voices of Vision: An All-Star Tribute to Women’s History Month
Jamesport Meeting House
Join us for an evening of captivating music, honoring the incredible women who have shaped the history of jazz.
January 29th @ 9:30 AM
Tune in to WLIW-FM for a radio interview with Gianna Volpe on the Heart of the East End program. Chris Mandato from HMEA and I will talk about our upcoming events, the importance of youth in jazz, and more.
Sunday February 1st | 2 PM to 5 PM
East Meets West Jazz Jam Session
HMEA Youth Big Band kicks off our monthly jazz jam session
Southampton Cultural Center
Theme Tenor Madness
Sunday January 4th, 2026 from 2 to 5PM
Southampton Cultural Center
Thursday, Dec. 18th from 2PM to 3PM: Holiday Songs Around the World: A Global Musical Celebration
Location: Queens Library at Middle Village
Saturday, January 10th at 2PM: East End Jazz presents "Music Around the Globe"
Experience the World's Music Reimagined as Jazz!
Queens Library - Pomonok
East End Jazz, Inc. is a nonprofit organization (public charity)
exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.