Saxophonist Dave Pietro has been on the New York music scene since 1987. A gifted saxophonist, composer, and educator, he has performed at jazz clubs, jazz festivals, schools and concert halls around the world. Dave is currently a member of the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Darcy James Argue's Secret Society, and the Gil Evans Project as well as the jazz orchestras of Pete McGuinness, Jihye Lee, Tracy Yang, and Chris Zuar. He was also the lead alto saxophonist with the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra from 1994-2016. Dave has released eleven albums as a leader accompanied by musicians such as Brian Blade, Scott Colley, Dave Holland, Kenny Werner, Jay Anderson, Johnathan Blake, Michael Rodriguez, and Billy Drummond. He is a passionate music educator and currently holds the position of Director of Jazz Studies at New York University. This appearance at Birdland celebrates the release of his most recent album “Satori.” The quintet includes:  Dave Pietro – alto saxophone Mike Rodriguez – trumpet Gary Versace – piano Johannes Weidenmueller – bass Kendrick Scott – drums