About VTY Jazz Arts
A legacy of live jazz in New York — built on passion, culture, and a deep respect for the legends of the genre.
Our Introduction
Our Beginnings 2 our present...
The story of VTY Jazz Arts is basically a story of two gentlemen whose entire lives have been about Jazz in New York. Nat White and Arnie Perez, the creators of VTY Jazz Arts, and their Sunday Serenade Series began their productions back in August of 2008 at the Bassline in Mount Vernon, New York with a Two Tenor Serenade dedicated to the memory of tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin.
That afternoon played to a sold-out house and featured tenor saxophonists Ray Blue and Patience Higgins. The Bassline came alive that Sunday with an electric feeling of excitement coming from hard-core jazz fans who loved the vibe and nothing but right down the middle of straight ahead no nonsense jazz that only had the Hip in attendance could appreciate. In other words, there were no squares in attendance that Sunday in Mount Vernon, New York.
Nat and Arnie knew they had the makings of something very special that needed to be continued. Here it is – 2026 – and this Sunday Serenade Series has a hard-core fan following that has reached dynasty proportion. This has been done without funding or sponsorship – just a love for this fabulous art form commonly called jazz.
Many things have changed since 2008, but one thing that remains the same is the quality of music that can be heard at a Sunday Serenade. Having lost co-founder Nat White in July 2020, Arnie has kept the music alive and the only thing that has changed has been the different venues that have been hosting this Sunday Serenade Series. Arnie knows what his former partner would like and what he wouldn’t. These two gentlemen of Jazz go back to the days of the Uptown Jazz Junta and the Jazz Knights – both co-founded by Nat.
As I have said earlier, many changes have been made over the years but that is common in business. Either you make the changes or you have no business being in business today. One thing I know, Nat would like is the current venue where we now present our Sunday Serenade Series. The Cutting Room has it all and then some.
I know that Nat has his box seat in heaven above and he is enjoying what is now taking place. Can’t thank owner Steve Walter for giving us this jazz showcase for jazz right on 32nd Street in Manhattan. A major shout out to my partner in life, Barbara Harding, for coming in and co-producing this jazz dynasty series. A very special thanks goes out to VTY Jazz Diva, Francie Heller, for holding down the door and more for over ten years. Can’t say enough about Magdalena Ridley and all the hard work she’s been doing on our Program.
We also want to introduce our newest talent, Graphic Designer Nita Sacco. At VTY Jazz Arts, we always have room for talent, and Nita's creative vision helps us continue to visually capture the essence of our jazz experiences.
Last but not least, can’t thank all of the great artists that have made this series what it is today “The Best Jazz Experience on Earth”. You think I’m kidding? It’s a jazz experience you will never forget. Hope to see you soon live at a Sunday Serenade…
Our History
Honoring a Legacy That Lives On
Every performance today carries forward that legacy — a commitment to keeping authentic jazz alive.
The Beginning
The journey began in August 2008 at The Bassline in Mount Vernon, New York, with the launch of the Sunday Serenade Series — a tribute performance dedicated to the legendary tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin.
A Sold-Out Debut
That very first show, featuring Ray Blue and Patience Higgins, played to a sold-out audience and set the tone for what would become a powerful and lasting movement in New York’s jazz scene.
Building a Community
What started as one unforgettable afternoon quickly grew into a respected series. Over the years, Sunday Serenade built a loyal audience driven purely by passion — without the backing of sponsorships or major funding.
Honoring a Legacy
In July 2020, VTY Jazz Arts lost co-founder Nat White. His vision, passion, and dedication helped shape what VTY Jazz Arts is today.
A Jazz Institution
Arnie Perez continues the journey, preserving the integrity of the music while evolving the experience to meet new audiences and venues across New York.
What Makes Us Different
More Than a Show — A True Jazz Experience
VTY Jazz Arts is not just about live performances — it's about creating an atmosphere where jazz can be felt, not just heard. Every event is thoughtfully curated to bring together the right musicians, the right venue, and the right audience.
Tribute Performances
Honoring jazz legends with authentic, straight-ahead performances.
Passionate Musicians
Featuring experienced and passionate musicians from the New York scene.
Intimate Venues
High-quality, carefully selected venues that enhance the music.
Loyal Audience
A dedicated and engaged community of true jazz lovers.
Consistent Legacy
A lasting tradition built over years of dedication to the art form.
Where We Perform
Live Jazz Across the New York Metropolitan Area
VTY Jazz Arts produces live jazz shows across the New York Metropolitan area, including New York City and surrounding regions.
From cultural venues to intimate performance spaces, each location is carefully selected to enhance the music and create a memorable experience for every guest.
Experience It Live
Whether you're a lifelong jazz enthusiast or discovering it for the first time, VTY Jazz Arts offers an experience that stays with you. Join us for an upcoming performance and be part of a tradition that continues to celebrate the true spirit of jazz.