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Rutgers IJS Presents Kate Curran at Clements Place
January 29 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm EST
Rutgers IJS Presents: Kate Curran at Clements Place Jazz Presented by the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University
Join us for an intimate evening of jazz vocals and storytelling as acclaimed singer Kate Curran takes the stage at Clements Place Jazz in Newark, NJ.
Kate Curran
Known for her warm tone, expressive phrasing, and deep connection to the Great American Songbook, Curran brings a timeless elegance to every performance. With a voice that evokes both classic jazz divas and contemporary soul, Kate Curran has performed at top venues across the tri-state area and beyond. Her repertoire spans beloved standards, modern jazz compositions, and original works that showcase her artistry and emotional depth.
Kate Curran — Vocalist, Storyteller, Bandleader
Kate Curran is a powerfully emotive and musically voracious vocalist whose sound bridges the golden age of the Great American Songbook with the fresh, modern energy of today’s New York jazz scene. A native Brooklyn artist and graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Curran has built a reputation for her lush tone, expressive phrasing, and the kind of storytelling that brings classic repertoire into sharp, contemporary focus.
Equally at home fronting a swinging small group or commanding the stage with a full big band, Curran has performed nationally with Louis Prima Jr. & The Witnesses, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and her own ensembles throughout the tri‑state area. Her performances at venues such as Swing 46, Shanghai Jazz, and Clements Place Jazz highlight her ability to illuminate unexpected corners of the Songbook while delivering vocals that are warm, present, and deeply connected.
On stage 1/29/2026 with the dynamic Kate Curran, multi‑instrumentalist and exceptionally talented pianist Brandon McCune on piano, Grammy-nominated drummer @Evan Hyde and internationally acclaimed Italian jazz bassist @Gianluca Renzi. This is going to be a hot one!!!!! Come join us. RSVP
Expect a night of lyrical beauty, swinging rhythms, and heartfelt interpretations—perfect for jazz lovers and newcomers alike.
Brandon McCune — Pianist, Multi‑Instrumentalist, Musical Director
Brandon McCune is a celebrated pianist, multi‑instrumentalist, producer, and musical director whose versatility and soulful touch have made him a fixture on the national and international music scene. A native of Chicago and now based in the New York/New Jersey region, McCune is known for his commanding musicianship across jazz, gospel, R&B, and contemporary music. His performances reflect deep technical mastery, rich harmonic imagination, and a sensitivity that elevates every ensemble he joins.
A graduate of Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, McCune was awarded the prestigious Presser Music Foundation Award, recognizing exceptional talent and achievement in music performance. He also received the Rutgers University Jazz Fellowship, affirming his early promise as both a performer and composer.
McCune’s career includes extensive touring and recording with some of the most influential voices in modern music. His collaborators span genres and generations, including Abbey Lincoln, Terence Blanchard, Nnenna Freelon, Vanessa Rubin, Take 6, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, and Shirley Caesar. Whether on piano, organ, drums, or bass, McCune brings a rare multi‑instrumental fluency that deepens his musical direction and arranging work.
As a bandleader and sideman, he has appeared on major stages across the U.S., Europe, Africa, and Asia, performing in top jazz festivals, concert halls, and sacred music venues. McCune is also a respected educator and clinician, mentoring emerging musicians while continuing to shape the sound of contemporary jazz and gospel through his performances, productions, and musical direction.
Brandon McCune’s artistry is defined by depth, versatility, and a profound sense of musical purpose — qualities that continue to make him one of the most compelling pianists and musical directors of his generation.
Evan Hyde — Drummer, Percussionist, Composer
Evan Hyde is a Grammy‑nominated drummer, percussionist, and composer whose dynamic touch and musical sensitivity have made him one of the standout young voices in contemporary jazz. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan and now based in New York City, Hyde brings a refined blend of swing, modern vocabulary, and deep groove to every ensemble he joins. His playing is marked by clarity, warmth, and a melodic approach to rhythm that elevates both small‑group and large‑ensemble settings.
Hyde has performed with an impressive roster of jazz greats, including Russell Malone, Freddy Cole, Houston Person, Stanley Jordan, Brian Lynch, and George Coleman. His artistry earned him a coveted spot in Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead Residency (2015), a program known for identifying and developing the next generation of leading jazz composers and performers. In 2018, he received Honorable Mention for the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards, recognizing his emerging voice as a writer and creator.
In addition to his work as a performer, Hyde is an active educator, having taught at Grand Rapids Community College, Kellogg Community College, the University of Miami, and the Keith Hall Summer Drum Intensive. His versatility extends to the Broadway world as well, where he has subbed in the percussion chair for Hamilton.
Hyde’s discography includes his 2020 EP “Coda (Momento)”, showcasing his compositional range and personal artistic vision. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, Evan Hyde continues to shape the sound of modern jazz with creativity, precision, and a deep respect for the tradition.
Awards & Recognitions
- Grammy Nomination (project featuring Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats)
- Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead Residency Artist (2015)
- ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards — Honorable Mention (2018)
- Broadway percussion sub for Hamilton (professional distinction)
Gianluca Renzi — Bassist, Composer, Arranger
Gianluca Renzi is an internationally acclaimed bassist, composer, arranger, and educator whose powerful sound and refined musicality have made him a respected figure on the global jazz scene. Born in Frosinone, Italy and now based in New York City, Renzi has spent more than three decades performing at major jazz festivals, concert halls, and premier clubs across Europe, Asia, and the United States. He has recorded on 40+ albums, collaborating with leading Italian, European, and American artists.
Renzi holds advanced degrees in classical performance, jazz performance, jazz composition, and jazz arranging from the Italian Conservatory of Music. His artistic development includes studies with legendary bassists Marc Johnson, Miroslav Vitous, Palle Danielsson, and John Patitucci, influences that shaped his lyrical tone, rhythmic clarity, and expressive solo voice.
Before relocating to New York in 2008, Renzi was one of Italy’s most in‑demand bassists, performing with ensembles such as the Antonio Faraò Trio, Rosario Giuliani Quartet and Quintet, and Maurizio Giammarco Megatones. His work as an arranger and composer is equally celebrated, with critics noting his sophisticated writing and evocative harmonic language.
Renzi’s artistry has earned consistent praise from major jazz publications. Jazz Magazine (France) describes him as an “uncompromising interlocutor,” while Jazz Times highlights the Patitucci‑like energy and precision in his soloing. JazzMan (France) commends his arranging talent and the emotional depth of his compositions.
Renzi continues to shape contemporary jazz through his performances, compositions, and mentorship, bringing a distinctive blend of European lyricism and New York modernism to every project.
Presented by the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University, this performance is part of their ongoing commitment to celebrating jazz heritage and supporting emerging voices in the genre.
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