This weekend, the renowned Lincoln Center Jazz honors the Grammy-nominated clarinetist, saxophonist, and composer Anat Cohen as she marks her 50th birthday. The celebration includes a series of concerts held at JALC’s Appel Room, scheduled for 7 PM and 9 PM on March 14th, and 4:30 PM and 7 PM on March 15th. Enthusiasts can also tune in to the two March 14 performances via a live stream on jazzlive.com.

Musical Diversity on Display

According to concert director Jark, attendees can expect a showcase of Cohen’s considerable talent, which spans various jazz styles—from early swing to post-bop, alongside her expertise in Brazilian genres such as Choro. Additionally, her performances pay tribute to Klezmer, rock, and chamber music, providing a rich tapestry of sound.

The concerts will feature an eclectic lineup, highlighting Cohen’s Grammy-nominated tentet. Performers will include:

• Marcelogonsalve – seven-string guitar
• Avishai Cohen – trumpet
• Naggie Nordhuis – trumpet and flugelhorn
• Nick Finzer – trombone
• Owen Broder – baritone saxophone
• James Shup – vibraphone
• Pancocion Keys – accordion
• Cheryl Bailey – guitar
• Tal Masiach – bass and guitar
• Ohri Nehemiah – drums

Recognized Achievements

Anat Cohen has been named Clarinet of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association annually since 2007, reflecting her recognition in both reader and critic polls. In addition, she was honored with an ASCAP Wall of Fame induction for her contributions to music composition and musicianship back in 2009.

Early Life and Musical Education

Cohen, a native of Tel Aviv, Israel, began her musical journey at the age of 12 with the clarinet. She enhanced her skills at the Jaffa Music Conservatory before joining her school’s big band as a tenor saxophonist. Her education continued at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she embraced various Latin music styles.

After relocating to New York in 1999, Cohen toured for a decade with the Diva Jazz Orchestra and collaborated with Brazilian ensembles such as The Choro Ensemble and the Samba Jazz Quintet.

Latest Album and Upcoming Performances

In a recent interview with Forbes.com, Cohen expressed her excitement about the weekend’s events, which concurrently celebrate the release of her latest album, Quartetinho Bloom. The album features unique compositions crafted by each quartet member, with arrangements by notable musicians like Thelonious Monk and Paraguayan guitarist Agustin Barrios Mangoré.

Cohen aims for this weekend’s concert to resonate with audiences, fostering a celebratory atmosphere focused on connections, culture, and the diverse genres that inspire her work.