After many years of being one of the indispensable drummers of New York jazz clubs and Broadway stages, Jared Schonig released his first albums as a leader in 2021. For this debut, Schonig composed a set of eight tunes, showcasing a vibrant rhythmic vocabulary. However, Schonig was not content to feature this music with just a working quintet—Schonig also commissioned eight distinctive big band composers (all of whom Schonig has played with before) to offer their own takes on his music.

This Thursday at The Jazz Gallery, Schonig will convene his big band to perform these arrangements by the likes of Jim McNeely, Darcy James Argue, Miho Hazama, and Brian Krock. The band features many of Schonig’s longtime collaborators from both the jazz and theater worlds, creating an ensemble that balances tightness and unique solo flights.

The Jared Schonig Big Band plays The Jazz Gallery on Thursday, July 21, 2022. The group features Mr. Schonig on drums & compositions; Andrew Gould, Matt Hong, John Ellis, Jason Rigby, and Remy LeBoeuf on woodwinds; Tony Kadleck, Jon Owens, Brian Pareschi, and Scott Wendholdt on trumpets; Michael Davis, Mike Fahie, Matt McDonald, and Jeff Nelson on trombones; Jeff Miles on guitar; Carmen Staaf on piano; and Edward Perez on bass. Featured arrangements by Darcy James Argue, John Daversa, Alan Ferber, Miho Hazama, Laurence Hobgood, Mike Holober, Brian Krock, and Jim McNeely. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. E.D.T. $15 general admission ($10 for members, FREE for SUMMERPASS holders), $25 reserved cabaret seating ($20 for members, $10 for SUMMERPASS holders). Purchase tickets here.