DIVA

SHERRIE MARICLE 

& The DIVA Jazz Orchestra

76 Trombones

Hard-charging. Powerful. Immersed in the history of their craft and in total command of their instruments. That’s DIVA – an ensemble of 15 extremely talented and versatile musicians who just happen to be women. They can’t help it – they were born that way.

Headed by swinging drummer Sherrie Maricle, DIVA exudes the excitement and force found in the tradition of the historic big bands but with an eye towards today’s progressive sound of originality and verve. With New York as their home base, DIVA performs all over the world playing contemporary, mainstream big band jazz composed and arranged to fit the individual personalities and styles of the musicians themselves. Audiences can expect to hear high-energy performances packed with unique improvisation, spontaneity and fun.

The inspiration for DIVA came from Stanley Kay, one-time manager and relief drummer for Buddy Rich. In 1990, Kay was conducting a band in which Sherrie Maricle was playing the drums. Stanley immediately picked up on her extraordinary talent and began to wonder if there were other women players who could perform at the same level. The search was on and through nationwide auditions, the foundation for DIVA was poured in 1992 and what emerged is the dynamic musical force that holds forth to the present day.

Since their premiere performance over 21 years ago, DIVA has toured the world to critical and popular acclaim. To fully grasp how wide the appeal is of this incredibly gifted ensemble, one has only to read the catalog of prestigious venues in which the band has performed. In fact, it’s almost easier to ask the question: Where haven’t they played? Here is but a partial list: Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops Orchestra, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, Verizon Jazz Festival at Lincoln Center, Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland and the Apollo Theater in New York. Add to that the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in Pittsburgh, and Symphony Halls in St. Louis, Philadelphia and Cleveland, plus the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl and Cinegrill in Hollywood. International appearances include Le Meridien Hotel in Paris, France; Teatro de Sistina in Rome, Italy; Berlin Jazz Festival in Germany; Salzburg Music Festival in Austria; Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland; Montreal and Ottawa International Jazz Festivals in Canada; Bogota International Jazz Festival in Colombia; Jamaica Jazz Festival; Zagreb Jazz Festival in Croatia; and the Pori Jazz Festival in Finland.

As if the list of settings in which DIVA has performed isn’t impressive enough, from 2013 to the present day the band is featured in Maurice Hines’s autobiographical musical Tappin’ Through Life, performing extended runs at New World Stages in New York City; Arena Stage in Washington, DC; the Alliance Theater in Atlanta; the Wallis Performing Art Center in Los Angeles; Cleveland Playhouse; and Delaware Theatre Company. DIVA has also shared the stage with Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Diane Schuur, Carmen Bradford, Marlena Shaw, Dee Daniels, DeeDee Bridgewater, Rosemary Clooney, Ann Hampton Callaway, Jack Jones, Clark Terry, Dr. Billy Taylor, Terry Gibbs, Tommy Newsom, Randy Brecker and Dave Brubec

As if the list of settings in which DIVA has performed isn’t impressive enough, from 2013 to the present day the band is featured in Maurice Hines’s autobiographical musical Tappin’ Through Life, performing extended runs at New World Stages in New York City; Arena Stage in Washington, DC; the Alliance Theater in Atlanta; the Wallis Performing Art Center in Los Angeles; Cleveland Playhouse; and Delaware Theatre Company. DIVA has also shared the stage with Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Diane Schuur, Carmen Bradford, Marlena Shaw, Dee Daniels, DeeDee Bridgewater, Rosemary Clooney, Ann Hampton Callaway, Jack Jones, Clark Terry, Dr. Billy Taylor, Terry Gibbs, Tommy Newsom, Randy Brecker and Dave Brubeck.

The band has also made several notable television and film appearances including performing the soundtrack for the 2014 NBC/Macy’s Firework Spectacular, a feature in the award-winning documentary film, The Girls in the Band, multiple appearances on CNN Arts Break, a dedicated segment on CBS Sunday Morning, and musical features as part of The Kennedy Center’s 25th Anniversary Special, the Japanese television network NHK, and Metropol TV in Germany. 

-divajazz.com/-