Ron Carter Returns to Birdland for 2026 “Ron-tober” Residency
Ron Carter will return to Birdland Jazz Club in New York City this October for his annual “Ron-tober” residency. The jazz legend will perform 29 times over four weeks with four different ensembles, showcasing his playing in a variety of settings.
“With a staggering discography boasting over 2,000 albums, Carter is certified as the most recorded bass player in the history of recorded music,” Birdland writes. “Honored with the prestigious 1998 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship, Carter’s collaborative footprint spans an astonishing spectrum of musical genres, with performances and recordings alongside an eclectic array of artists.”
The residency will begin on Wednesday, October 7th with four nights featuring Carter’s Jazz Quartet. The lineup includes the maestro alongside pianist Donald Vega, saxophonist Jimmy Greene, and drummer Payton Crossley.
From October 14th through the 17th, Carter will perform in a duo setting with guitarist Bill Frisell.
“This isn’t their first musical meeting, as the duo previously collaborated on the acclaimed 2006 trio album Bill Frisell, Ron Carter, Paul Motian, and their musical connection runs deep, with Frisell having composed pieces inspired by Carter, including the aptly named ‘Ron Carter’ and ‘Throughout, Ron Carter,’” a press release states. “Their shared commitment to musical exploration and interplay promises an evening of sublime jazz artistry.”
Carter’s Great Big Band will take the stage from October 21st through the 24th. The residency will conclude October 28th through the 31st with his Foursight Quartet, featuring Greene and Crossley alongside pianist Renee Rosnes.
Each evening will feature two concerts. Fans outside the New York City area can also experience Ron-tober, as each Thursday performance at 7 p.m. will stream exclusively through Veeps. Visit the Birdland website for more information.
Ron Carter Birdland October 2026 Schedule:
- October 7-10: Ron Carter’s Jazz Quartet with Jimmy Greene, Donald Vega, and Payton Crossley
- October 14-17: Ron Carter duo with Bill Frisell
- October 21-24: Ron Carter’s Great Big Band
- October 28-31: Ron Carter’s Foursight Quartet with Jimmy Greene, Renee Rosnes, and Payton Crossley
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
