About the Performance

Presented as part of a touring project associated with Jazz at Lincoln Center, this performance brings together a group of emerging jazz musicians under the direction of drummer Ulysses Owens Jr.

The program spans a mix of original works and well-known jazz repertoire, including pieces such as Stardust, Confirmation, and Bebop, alongside newer compositions like The Light That Grew Amongst Us and Better Days. The set reflects a balance between tradition and contemporary expression, shaped by the individual voices within the group.

Performers

Drums: Ulysses Owens Jr.

A Grammy-winning drummer, producer, and educator. He has performed on award-winning albums with Kurt Elling and Christian McBride. A Juilliard graduate, his playing draws from early gospel influences, and he leads the Generation Y initiative focused on performance and education.

Bass: Langston Kitchen

A bassist known for his strong tone and musical depth. A jazz student at Michigan State University under Rodney Whitaker, he has received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and the Essentially Ellington Best Musicianship Award, and performed at venues such as Detroit Jazz Festival and Smalls Jazz Club.

Piano: Jake Nalangan

Originally from Sacramento, Jake began performing in traditional jazz ensembles at a young age. He studied at the University of North Texas and later moved to New York to pursue a master’s degree at Juilliard. His style is rooted in traditional jazz, influenced by Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson, and Ahmad Jamal.

Saxophone: Langston Hughes II

A saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist trained at Howard University and Juilliard. He has toured internationally with Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and performs across concert stages and Broadway productions.

Trumpet: Anthony Hervey

A Juilliard-trained trumpeter recognized as a rising artist. Praised by Wynton Marsalis, he has performed with Christian McBride and Jon Batiste, leads his own quintet, and has appeared at major venues including Birdland and Newport Jazz Festival.

Event Program

• London Towne
• Sticks
• Better Days
• Until I See You Again
• Soulful
• Bird Lives
• Helen’s Song
• New York
• Road Life
• I’m Not So Sure
• Stardust
• The Light That Grew Amongst Us
• Prodigal Son
• Bebop
• Confirmation
• Espresso

*Program is subject to change

Why It’s Worth Seeing

This is a chance to catch a full band of young US jazz players in a relatively close setting, working through both standards and newer material. With Ulysses Owens Jr. anchoring the group, the set leans into ensemble interplay rather than solo showcase, making it as much about group chemistry as individual technique.

The multi-night schedule also means some flexibility in timing, and the club-style seating setup keeps it informal—more like a working jazz room than a formal concert hall.

Seating Plan