WBGO Livestream Hub
Live performance has always been the lifeblood of improvised music, and the essential bridge between artists and audiences. When the coronavirus pandemic closed clubs and canceled tours, it wasn’t long before many enterprising musicians turned to the livestream — more a stopgap than a substitute, but still an important means of keeping that connection alive.
The Livestream Hub from WBGO was created in response to this moment. It’s an up-to-date way to help musicians connect with audiences, whether through solo recitals from a Brooklyn apartment or broadcasts from an audience-less club.
Livestream of the Week
Guitarist Bill Frisell celebrates his 70th birthday this Thursday — and The Village Vanguard will mark the occasion with a new livestream by his trio, featuring Thomas Morgan on bass and Rudy Royston on drums. It's available from 8 p.m. Thursday through the weekend; tickets are $10.
A searchable, comprehensive survey of livestream offerings from musicians. Consult our calendar for extensive listings — and if you are an artist (or an artist or venue representative) and want to be sure that your event gets listed, complete this form. (Select the category “Livestream Hub.”)
Many musicians have been (even more) creative in their cloistered state, and WBGO is proud to stand in support of their efforts. This video series, co-presented by Jazz Night in America and The Checkout, is a series of at-home performances by musical couples.
In addition to artist livestreams, an array of venues and organizations — from SFJAZZ to Jazz at Lincoln Center to clubs like The Falcon in the Hudson Valley — have been releasing choice concerts from their archives. We’re keeping track of their various offerings; see this page for highlights.
The pandemic’s impact on the musical ecosystem is incalculable, and relief efforts have been initiated by a range of nonprofits. Consult this page for resources — whether you are an artist applying for aid or a fan looking for ways to provide support.