Miki Yamanaka Trio
Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
Venue: Birdland Theater, 315 West 44th Street
Price: $35.46-45.76
Category: Jazz
34-year old Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and in the past decade has wasted no time establishing herself as one of the leading personalities of her generation on the piano and beyond. Critics laud her light, expressive touch and solidly crafted, mainstream approach - Mike Jurkovic (All About Jazz), while audiences delight in not only her playing, but her vibrant personality as well. Yamanaka has gained international recognition from her albums as a leader; her most recent and most celebrated release, Shades Of Rainbow (Cellar Music), features Jazz masters Mark Turner and her NYC rhythm section, Tyrone Allen and Jimmy Macbride. Additionally, Miki has emerged as a leader of the New York Scene via her notable residencies at mainstay West Village sister clubs Smalls and Mezzrow. During the pandemic, she developed a successful in-home live-streaming weekly concert series cleverly titled Mikis Mood where she features a veritable whos who of NYC talent (including her husband and frequent collaborator - drummer Jimmy Macbride). The series showcases her vast knowledge of Jazz standards and tunes, often featuring themed offerings of various composers from both the Great American Songbook as well as iconic Jazz composers. As a sideman, Yamanaka has worked with Jazz luminaries such as alto saxophonist Antonio Hart who posits Miki will be recognized as one of the most exceptional artists of her generation, as she is already one of the most talented and dedicated musicians from Japan. Other notable bands she currently works in include the Harish Raghavan Quintet and The Mingus Bigband. One of her most respected mentors on piano and organ (Yamanaka also performs on organ frequently), Larry Goldings, once mused, If only I could have Miki Yamanaka comp behind me! - a compliment of the highest order from one master pianist to another. She has a myriad of glowing reviews from her recorded work and the iconic Downbeat Jazz magazine has repeatedly awarded her albums high marks.Photo by Martina DaSilva
About This Event
New York City's concert scene never disappoints. Miki Yamanaka Trio takes the stage at Birdland Theater on Friday, July 31. Whether you are a longtime fan or discovering them for the first time, this is the kind of live music moment that makes NYC the music capital of the world. Tickets start at $35.46-45.76, and tickets are available via Ticketmaster. 34-year old Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and in the past decade has wasted no time establishing herself as one of the leading personalities of her generation on the piano and beyond. Critics laud her light, expressive touch and solidly crafted, mainstream approach - Mike Jurkovic (All About Jazz), while audiences delight in not only her playing, but her vibrant personality as well. Yamanaka has gained international recognition from her albums as a leader; her most recent and most celebrated release, Shades Of Rainbow (Cellar Music), features Jazz masters Mark Turner and her NYC rhythm section, Tyrone Allen and Jimmy Macbride. Additionally, Miki has emerged as a leader of the New York Scene via her notable residencies at mainstay West Village sister clubs Smalls and Mezzrow. During the pandemic, she developed a successful in-home live-streaming weekly concert series cleverly titled Mikis Mood where she features a veritable whos who of NYC talent (including her husband and frequent collaborator - drummer Jimmy Macbride). The series showcases her vast knowledge of Jazz standards and tunes, often featuring themed offerings of various composers from both the Great American Songbook as well as iconic Jazz composers. As a sideman, Yamanaka has worked with Jazz luminaries such as alto saxophonist Antonio Hart who posits Miki will be recognized as one of the most exceptional artists of her generation, as she is already one of the most talented and dedicated musicians from Japan. Other notable bands she currently works in include the Harish Raghavan Quintet and The Mingus Bigband. One of her most respected mentors on piano and organ (Yamanaka also performs on organ frequently), Larry Goldings, once mused, If only I could have Miki Yamanaka comp behind me! - a compliment of the highest order from one master pianist to another. She has a myriad of glowing reviews from her recorded work and the iconic Downbeat Jazz magazine has repeatedly awarded her albums high marks.Photo by Martina DaSilva. Planning to make a night of it? Hotels near Birdland Theater fill up fast — especially on weekends. Book early to get the best rates within walking distance of the venue.