Jazz on the Plaza — New York City’s favorite community-based jazz festival — proudly welcomes the Jonathan Saraga Quintet.

• Janathan Saraga (trumpet)
• Marvin Carter (alto saxophone)
• Arcoiris Sandoval (keyboard)
• Nick Jozwiak (bass)
• Kenneth Salters (drums)

Join us every Thursday throughout the summer during the lunch hour, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., through September 25, for an exciting line-up of jazz acts!

Each week over the course of the summer months, The Arts and Architecture Conservancy hosts a series of jazz concerts for the Midtown community. This historic program is made possible in partnership with BXP and Grand Central Partnership, and is presented in the outdoor plaza at 601 Lexington / Saint Peter’s Church.

These midday concerts are free of charge and open to the general public. Many people bring a lunch or purchase it from one of the several area vendors. While every effort is made to host Jazz on the Plaza outdoors, in the event of inclement weather, the concert may be moved indoors to the Sanctuary of Saint Peter’s Church, where guests are asked not to bring food or open beverages.

About Jonathan Saraga:

Jonathan Saraga is a GRAMMY^®-winning trumpeter, flugelhornist, composer, arranger, and Doctor of Musical Arts. He’s been performing and recording globally for nearly two decades and has engaged with audiences in over 500 cities, nearly 70 countries, and just short of 100 different universities. He has played in ensembles led by Maria Schneider, Miguel Zenon, Arturo O’Farrill, Henry Cole, Darcy James Argue, Orrin Evans, Tyshawn Sorey, Jimmy Greene, Steve Colema,n and the Mingus family. Dr. Saraga’s musical work has received over 30 international awards, and he appears in over 230 YouTube videos, can be heard on 30+ albums, and has performed throughout Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Asia, and the U.S. via multiple national tours.

About Marvin Carter:

Marvin Carter is a dynamic alto saxophonist whose sound blends the fiery spirit of bebop with the modern edge of New York’s jazz scene. Originally from St. Louis, Marvin sharpened his chops at institutions like Berklee College of Music before making his mark in NYC. Known for his lyrical phrasing, agile technique, and deep improvisational sense, Marvin has performed with artists across jazz, soul, and hip-hop genres. He’s a frequent presence at venues like Smalls, Zinc Bar, and The Jazz Gallery, and is a sought-after collaborator for both live and studio projects. Deeply committed to mentorship, he also teaches workshops for young improvisers and maintains a growing body of original compositions. Whether in an intimate trio or a blazing big band, Marvin brings emotional clarity and technical brilliance to every performance, pushing the music forward while honoring the alto legacy of Charlie Parker, Jackie McLean, and Kenny Garrett.

About Arcoiris Sandoval (Keyboard):

Arcoiris Sandoval is a visionary keyboardist, composer, and bandleader whose work bridges the traditions of jazz, classical, and global music. Based in NYC, she’s the founder of the Sonic Asylum and co-leader of the D.O.M.E. Experience (a multimedia project addressing environmental and social justice issues). A graduate of Manhattan School of Music, Arcoiris brings an expansive harmonic palette and cinematic approach to both improvisation and composition. She has performed internationally and appeared alongside legends like Terri Lyne Carrington, Tia Fuller, and Mimi Jones. Her work often explores themes of unity, nature, and cultural identity, reflecting her Mexican-American heritage. Arcoiris is equally comfortable in avant-garde spaces and groove-based settings, moving fluidly between synthesizers and grand piano. A frequent presence on the NYC jazz circuit, she is celebrated for her fearless creativity, rhythmic drive, and emotional depth — marking her as one of the most original voices in modern jazz keyboard artistry.

About Nick Jozwiak:

Nick Jozwiak is a versatile bassist and composer known for his fluid technique, deep tone, and expansive musical vocabulary. A fixture in New York City’s creative music scene, Nick seamlessly navigates jazz, classical, avant-garde, and indie rock contexts. He studied at both Oberlin Conservatory and Manhattan School of Music, where he developed a voice equally grounded in tradition and experimentation. Whether anchoring an acoustic quartet or exploring soundscapes with electronic textures, Nick brings a powerful sense of groove and openness to every project. He has performed at iconic venues like The Stone, Roulette, and Lincoln Center, collaborating with boundary-pushing artists including Tyshawn Sorey, Jen Shyu, and Fay Victor. His improvisations are marked by sensitivity and risk-taking, often blurring genre lines. Committed to interdisciplinary collaboration, Nick is also involved in dance, film, and poetry projects, establishing himself as a creative force in New York’s cross-genre musical landscape.

About Kenneth Salters:

Kenneth Salters is a dynamic drummer and composer whose rhythmic precision and expressive versatility make him a vital presence in New York City’s jazz community. Originally from New Orleans, Kenneth infuses his playing with the groove-rich sensibilities of his hometown while embracing the exploratory energy of modern jazz. A graduate of William Paterson University, he has performed with luminaries like Andy Milne, Don Byron, and Myron Walden, and is the leader of his ensemble, Kenneth Salters Haven, which blends spiritual jazz, R&B, and Afro-Caribbean influences. Kenneth’s drumming is marked by deep pocket, dynamic range, and a keen sensitivity to texture and form. He is equally at home in acoustic jazz trios, big bands, and genre-bending experimental settings. In addition to his performance career, Kenneth is a passionate educator and mentor. His work continues to bridge generations and traditions, affirming his place as a powerful rhythmic voice in contemporary jazz.

Time: 12:30 pm EDT

Free!

Registration