The Jazz Gallery Presents: Kanoa Mendenhall

Photo courtesy of the artist.

Back in 2019, bassist Kanoa Mendenhall was part of The Jazz Gallery’s Mentorship Series, working with drummer Kendrick Scott. At their first performance together at The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, one of Mendenhall’s strings snapped after soundcheck and she ended up having to play the gig with three strings. That was a particular challenge, as Mendenhall noted in a Jazz Speaks interview, “especially playing with Kendrick, it gets intense many times.”

Since, Mendenhall has become a beloved collaborator, playing in bands led by the likes of Joel Ross (see below), Sasha Berliner, Maria Grand, and Jeremy Corren.

This week, Mendenhall makes her first Gallery appearance as a leader, joined by acclaimed peers Kalia Vandever on trombone, Micah Thomas on piano, and Craig Weinrib on drums.

Kanoa Mendenhall plays The Jazz Gallery on Thursday, September 28, 2023. The group features Ms. Mendenhall on bass, Kalia Vandever on trombone, Micah Thomas on piano, and Craig Weinrib on drums. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. E.D.T. each night. $20 general admission (FREE for members), $30 reserved cabaret seating ($20 for members), $20 livestream access (FREE for members), for each set. Purchase tickets here.