Harlem '58 | Strictly Smokin' Big Band

Live Show & Album

10am, August 12th 1958 at 17 East 126th Street in Harlem between Fifth and Madison Avenues – a collection of the most influential jazz musicians of all time gather to be photographed for the front cover of Esquire Magazine by Art Kane.

Harlem '58 tours the music of a host of iconic New York City jazz artists as depicted in Art Kane's infamous image - delving into their intricate personalities and the exciting world of jazz in 1950s New York City.

The story begins with Count Basie, an iconic big band leader, who’s musical career began only a few blocks away from the photo location watching master pianist Fats Waller perform at the old Lincon Theatre, NYC.

Each musician links to the next as members of Strictly Smokin’ tell their stories, drawing tales from the exciting world of the New York jazz scene and bring their relationships to life through liver performances.

Mary Lou Williams, Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Hank Jones, Gene Krupa, Charles Mingus, Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver and many more are all featured.

Through the stories of these noted musicians, Harlem 58' explores not only jazz history, but race and gender equality in their musical era.

The show is accompanied by a projection, which not only brings the musicians to life in stills, but also contains rare video footage from the photo day itself.

Harlem '58 is the perfect blend of musical concert, theatrical story telling and documentary theatre all rolled into one production.

Harlem '58 tours the music of a host of iconic New York City jazz artists as depicted in Art Kane's infamous image - delving into their intricate personalities and the exciting world of jazz in 1950s New York City.
Performed by 18 piece big band Strictly Smokin' Big Band and Alice Grace.
There is a narative throught the show which tells their stories and makes connections from one musicain to the next.
Through the stories of these noted musicians, Harlem 58' explores not only jazz history, but race and gender equality in their musical era.
Our show’s projected backdrops are carefully curated and have proven extremely popular with audiences; increasing engagement and elevating the performance beyond a ‘gig’.

The Spring 2023 leg of our Harlem '58 tour sold to over 95% across venues in the North, most of which were in new areas for the show and band.
Recent sold-out venues include Sage Gateshead, Durham Gala Theatre, Alnwick Playhouse, Queen's Hall Hexham, Gosforth Civic Theatre and numerous others.

Album available to support tour.
Numerous dates throughout the year available.

Available to purchase or download:

Also available to purchase/ stream: