3/19/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY – WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: Ella Fitzgerald A-Tisket-A-Tasket

A-Tisket, A-Tasket is the 1938 breakout hit that catapulted Ella Fitzgerald to national stardom. Co-written by Fitzgerald and arranger Al Feldman (Van Alexander), the song is a playful jazz adaptation of a 19th-century children’s nursery rhyme. Ella famously performed the song in her 1942 film debutRide ‘Em Cowboy. Continue reading

2/16/26 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: St Louis Blues(1958) – Nat King Cole Eartha Kitt

St. Louis Blues is a 1958 film broadly based on the life of W.C. Handy, in which both Eartha Kitt and Nat King Cole starred. Nat King Cole played the leading role of W.C. Handy, while Eartha Kitt played the character Gogo Germaine, a glamorous nightclub singer. Continue reading

11/28/25 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Robert Battle’s Under the Rhythm – Paul Taylor Dance Company

By Walter Rutledge

When Robert Battle discussed Under the Rhythm prior to the Paul Taylor Dance Company New York season the poignant story of his upbringing was inspiring. Dessie Williams, his mother by choice, introduced him to the arts and encouraged his terpsichorean journey. The nonagenarian still plays the piano at the same church little Robert attended. Continue reading

3/9/25 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Oscar Peterson Trio and Ella Fitzgerald – Jazz At The Philharmonic

This is the full concert of The Oscar Peterson Trio with Ella Fitzgerald from the Jazz At The Philharmonic tour 1957 in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, the Netherlands. The concert is introduced by Norman Granz himself. Continue reading

12/24/21 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Ailey’s 2021 Opening Night Gala

As special holiday gift from the Ailey company to you, watch the Opening Night Gala now through Dec 28. The performance honors you, our audience, our inspiration. Happy Holidays! Featuring: Robert Battle’s ‘Ella’(performed to live music by Jazzmeia Horne) and the finale of Love Stories,’ plus Bird’ Lives!, an excerpt from Alvin Ailey’s For Bird’ – With Love featuring Company member Clifton Brown with students from The Ailey School, and Mr. Ailey’s beloved Revelations. Continue reading

8/26/18 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Ella Fitzgerald And Duke Ellington Milan (1966)

Jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington perform an intimate concert in Milan 1966.  Continue reading

10/29/17 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Queens of Jazz- The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas


Queens of Jazz: The Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas featuring Sara Vaughan, Nina Simone, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and more.  Continue reading

1/29/17 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Jazz Divas- Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Dorothy Dandridge


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Jazz Divas shares rare performances by Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Dorothy Dandridge.  Continue reading

5/24/15 O&A Gospel Sunday: Kim Burrell

GOSPEL SUNDAY

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Kimberly Burrell calls her musical style jazz gospel. Though she is comparatively new to the gospel music industry, having only performed since 1989, she has quickly become one of the most influential voices in the genre, often called “this generation’s Ella Fitzgerald.” In 2010, she founded The Love & Liberty Fellowship Pentecostal Overcoming Holy Church, where she serves as Senior Eldress/Overseer-Bishop. Continue reading