Bertha Hope, the acclaimed American jazz pianist, composer, and educator, will be our guest for Episode 215 of NJMH’s Harlem Speaks Oral History Series. Hope, a dynamic performer since the 1950s, preserves the legacy of her late husband, Elmo Hope, while forging her own path in jazz. Known for her lyrical style and commitment to music education, she remains a vital force in championing women and underrepresented voices in jazz. NJMH Senior Scholar Loren Schoenberg will host this exciting interview with Hope to discuss her storied career and her take on the impact of Charlie Parker.

This event is produced in partnership with the City Parks Foundation, SummerStage and the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.

About the Artist:

A dynamic force in improvised music, pianist Bertha Hope has been making headway in the jazz scene since the early 1960s. Raised in Los Angeles, Bertha began her jazz journey with pianists Elmo Hope and Richie Powell. In 1961, both Elmo and Bertha recorded together for the Riverside label on an album called “Hope-full.” After Elmo’s passing in 1967, she decided to devote her career to promoting his music. During her marriage to bassist Walter Booker, Jr., she created two ensembles called ELMOllenium and the Elmo Hope Project. Bertha served as an artist-in-residence for the New Jersey State Council on the Arts where she performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Foster, N at Adderley, and Philly Joe Jones. She gained exposure for her own music with the groups Jazzberry Jam and The Bertha Hope Trio, and she toured extensively in Japan. She teaches advanced jazz ensembles and continues to perform in the New York area.

The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, New York City’s annual salute to the eponymous late saxophonist, returns for its 32nd year for a three-day celebration of free live jazz performances in the neighborhoods near where Parker worked and lived, including Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey Park and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. Every year, premier jazz musicians who reflect Parker’s musical vision assemble to honor the highly influential and world-renowned artist. This year’s lineup will bring together storied, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists. Running August 22nd through August 24th, this year’s festival will include performances by Ron Carter’s Great Big Band, trumpet player and multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Payton, accomplished jazz pianist Bertha Hope and her quintet, rising jazz vocalist Georgia Heers, legendary TONY and GRAMMY-winning jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater with celebrated jazz pianist Bill Charlap, brilliant jazz saxophonist and his influential jazz group Gary Bartz: NTU Troop, and the noted NYC jazz ensemble The Jazz Gallery All-Stars, among other.

Other Events