Catherine Russell Turns 70 at Lincoln Center

Catherine Russell turns 70 this month, and she's marking the occasion with two nights at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater, October 2 and 3. The concerts gather longtime collaborators and friends, including special guest Cyndi Lauper, with whom Russell toured in the 1990s.

She's only been Catherine Russell the solo artist, bandleader, the name on the marquee, for twenty years—a late bloomer who spent decades on other people's stages, from Steely Dan to David Bowie. Born into a true royal family of jazz—her mother, Carline Ray, was a member of the pioneering International Sweethearts of Rhythm, and her father, Luis Russell, served as music director for Louis Armstrong's big band—she came into her own as a leader only after turning 50.

The concerts come on the heels of the release of Russell's 10th album as a leader and first-ever live recording, Live At Jazz At Lincoln Center, released this April. WBGO's profile notes her path was shaped by unexpected opportunities and a willingness to keep following the music.

October 2–3, 7:30 PM at Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center.