Charlie Parker’s Yardbird
Showtimes
A journey through the mind of a great jazz legend, Charlie Parker’s Yardbird delves into the personal purgatory of the great American saxophonist. Told through a series of interconnected scenes following his death, Parker attempts to compose his final masterpiece while examining the demons that propelled his genius. Swiftly paced and pulsing with energy, this journey into the mind of a legend will captivate you from its first, blue notes to its final rest.
Hear from jazz experts and the creators themselves!
One hour prior to each performance, there will be a pre-performance lecture on historical and musical context of Charlie Parker's Yardbird. Stick around after select performances for a talk back with the creators of Charlie Parker's Yardbird: Composer Daniel Schnyder and librettist Bridgette A. Wimberly!
Friday, November 9
6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Pre-Show Talk by Dr. Keith Kelly
Approx. 9:15 p.m.
Talk back with Daniel Schnyder and Bridgette A. Wimberly
Saturday, November 10
6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Pre-Show Talk by Dr. Jeff Libman
Approx. 9:15 p.m.
Talk back with Daniel Schnyder and Bridgette A. Wimberly
Sunday, November 11
1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Pre-Show Talk by Dr. Keith Kelly
Approx. 3:45 p.m.
Talk back with Daniel Schnyder, Bridgette A. Wimberly, and the performers.
Saturday, November 17
6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Pre-Show Talk by by Clinton Smith, Conductor
Sunday, November 18
1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Pre-Show Talk by by Clinton Smith, Conductor
Approx. 3:45 p.m.
Talk back with the performers.
Charlie Parker's Yardbird is underwritten, in part, by:
The Carol Franc Buck Foundation
The Flinn Foundation
Dr. Martin L. Dresner
John A. Johnson and Patricia Coyne-Johnson
Susan and Lee Berk
Charlie Parker's Yardbird photography courtesy of
Tim Trumble
James Gill Photography
Related Events
Grab a drink and enjoy a fun jazz night featuring Studio Artist alumni Sarah Tucker and The Russell Schmidt Quartet at The Nash on September 8, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.! Sarah and The Russell Schmidt Quartet will be performing a concert that will feature music genres of jazz, opera, and a mix of both!
Grab a drink and enjoy a fun jazz afternoon featuring Studio Artist alumni Sarah Tucker and The Russell Schmidt Quartet in Tucson on September 9 at 3:00 p.m.! Sarah and The Russell Schmidt Quartet will be performing a concert that will feature music genres of jazz, opera, and a mix of both!
Join us for a free music and lecture series at the Kerr Cultural Center. Get a detailed look at each opera and receive exclusive, behind-the-scenes information about our productions. This lecture series is ideal for all opera lovers – of all ages. Reservations are available through the Kerr Cultural Center 2 weeks before each event.
Join us at Changing Hands Bookstore – Phoenix location for a discussion of How to Listen to Jazz by Ted Gioia.
Special tickets are available for the final dress rehearsal of every mainstage opera. These nights are reserved specifically for students to get swept away by great music and stories – while enhancing classroom learning with pre-show presentations.
Join us in Tucson for a discussion of How to Listen to Jazz by Ted Gioia.
Charlie Parker's Yardbird Final Dress
Charlie Parker's Yardbird Costume Designs
