Jazz superstar Igor Butman to perform at On Stage at Kingsborough

On Stage at Kingsborough is ringing in the New Year with another world class concert.

On Saturday, January 27, Russian jazz superstar Igor Butman will be performing at the venue for the third time. The celebrated saxophonist will be accompanied by award-winning jazz prodigy Oleg Akkuratov and other guest vocalists.

Executive Director of On Stage at Kingsborough Anna Becker is excited to bring Butman back with a twist.

“While this is the third time that Igor Butman will perform at On Stage at Kingsborough, it is the first time that he will be performing with his quintet,” she said, explaining that he has previously brought along the Moscow Jazz Orchestra.

Although Butman has performed twice before, attendees can expect a fresh performance.

“What is so exciting about the upcoming performance is that, when Igor Butman plays with his quintet, there is a whole different feeling, which I am excited for our audience to experience,” Becker said.  “Mr. Butman and his quintet will show us what it means to really swing. There is a more relaxed, more improvisational and more swingin’ feel to the concert, and it is so joyous.”

In addition, Becker praised Akkuratov, whom she described as “an outstanding young Russian jazz piano/vocals prodigy.

“I know our audiences will be thrilled by his talent,” Becker added. “We will also be featuring some surprise guest vocalists and I am extremely pleased to be presenting artists of their caliber and charisma. But, since they are surprise guest vocalists, I will say no more.”

Becker described Butman as world-renowned thanks in part to his brilliant musicianship. He has played with all of the jazz greats, such as Wynton Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea and Lionel Hampton. He also earned the high rank of People’s Artist of Russia and was awarded the UNESCO Five Continents Medal, amongst many other achievements.

Becker, who labeled Butman an “international treasure,” said she loves his style.

“I went to hear Mr. Butman play, and the rest is history,” she recalled. “There’s no doubt when you witness someone of such extraordinary talent that you would want to share that artist with your audience. It takes some patience to wait for him to be touring in our area but, without a doubt, it is always worth the wait.”

On Stage at Kingsborough helped introduce Butman to local attendees and thus far, excitement for his show continues to increase.

“Based on our past presentations of Mr. Butman, we expect a wide range of jazz lovers to show up,” Becker said.  “There is strong interest from the Russian jazz-loving community which knows his work well. There are also those that simply love jazz but have not yet had the good fortune to hear Mr. Butman play. There are few opportunities in New York to hear Mr. Butman, so most jazz aficionados will make the time to come. Mr. Butman is the kind of artist that people want to be sure to hear live.”

With affordable tickets, On Stage at Kingsborough continues its tradition of offering high quality shows and concerts that anyone can attend.

“This is a very important part of On Stage at Kingsborough’s mission for every presentation that we offer,” Becker said. “We are dedicated to serving the greater community with world-class performances at prices that are widely affordable. We want to ensure that the arts are an accessible and integral part of life, and that On Stage at Kingsborough is a gathering place for inspiration, conversation, and breathtaking performances.”

Igor Butman & Friends featuring Oleg Akkuratov and special guests will take place on Saturday, January 27 at 8 p.m. at On Stage at Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Boulevard. Tickets range from $32-$37. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.onstageatkingsborough.org.