Grammy-nominated jazz pianist and vocalist Judy Carmichael is set to take the stage at Bay Street on Saturday, December 17th at 8:00 pm. Judy’s annual performance in Sag Harbor has become a beloved holiday tradition among Hamptons locals and visitors to a sold-out audience.
Judy performs high-energy interpretations of everyone’s favorite music from the Great American Songbook with her trio, as well as her own witty compositions, swinging romps, and sultry takes on other greats—all perfect for a warm and cheery holiday celebration!
Judy spoke more about her connection to Sag Harbor and Bay Street, what she is most looking forward to about her upcoming performance, and what those in attendance can expect.
What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming performance at Bay Street?
JC: I love playing in theaters, in some ways more than concert halls because of the cozy setting, great lighting and all around theater environment. The audience is ready for a show beyond a musical concert and that creates a different mood that I love. My original stage work was in plays and musicals long before I started playing concerts, so this is home for me. And with Bay Street Theater it IS a home, in the town where I live and I was the first concert presented at the theater, shortly after it opened.
Would you tell us a bit about your musical background and career?
JC: I have been obsessed with early film musicals since I was a kid, so that music is in my bones, as well as the style and elegance of the time. I pursued acting and music in my teens and early twenties, but the music world kept pulling me in that direction so that’s the way I went. Count Basie and Sarah Vaughan were early supporters and encouraged me to move to NY and go all in on jazz, so that became my primary focus.
How would you describe your musical style?
JC: I play swing music, songs from the 1930s and ‘40s, the repertoire of the Great American Songbook and my own compositions in that style.
Do you find inspiration from the Hamptons that differs from other places you perform?
JC: Yes. This is my home and when I play here the audience is filled with friends I love and acquaintances that I see frequently because I live here full-time. I grew up in the urban sprawl of Los Angeles, so I especially appreciate the small town feel we get here, especially as a year-round resident.
You have discussed the major impact moving to Sag Harbor has had on you, would you tell us about that?
JC: I tour internationally two thirds of the year so coming home to the beauty and quiet of this area heals me. I feel the love and support of this little village in multiple ways, which is especially lovely to someone who travels constantly. I love to travel but it can leave you feeling disconnected. Sag Harbor brings me home.
What’s special about performing at Bay Street each holiday season?
JC: I love the holidays so doing this annually is a treat. Sag Harbor is especially beautiful and celebratory during this time, and I love my concert being a part of that.
What do you love about performing for East End crowds in particular?
JC: This is a sophisticated, appreciative crowd. That’s the best! The people who come to Bay Street love the arts and come to have a great time. I feel the support and enthusiasm the moment I walk onstage.
What’s your favorite pastime in the Hamptons?
JC: Tennis and just about any other sport you can name. I’m also big on eating and there are so many great restaurant choices, although I mainly stick with my favorites, Page at 63 Main and the American Hotel.
What can those in attendance expect from your performance?
JC: Lots of swing music, laughter, and FUN!
Can you talk a bit about your trio?
JC: I’ll have two longtime collaborators with me, Dan Block on tenor sax and clarinet, and Chris Flory on guitar.
What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?
JC: Giving gifts to people who have no idea that I’m going to give them a gift.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
JC: I have a podcast and NPR show called, Judy Carmichael’s Jazz Inspired where I talk with creative artists who love jazz and feel it inspires their creativity. It airs locally Sundays at 7:00 pm on WLIW and podcasts on all platforms.
To learn more about the show and purchase tickets, visit https://www.baystreet.org. To learn more about Judy, visit https://www.judycarmichael.com.
