Nicholas Payton live in New York

Experience Nicholas Payton live on August 8th

Nicholas Payton will be performing at Smoke Jazz Club in New York City on August 8, 2026. Payton is a highly regarded trumpeter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his expansive approach to jazz. His musical style defies easy categorization, drawing deeply from the traditions of bebop and post-bop while incorporating elements of funk, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. He’s recognized for his virtuosic technique, harmonic sophistication, and conceptual projects that often challenge conventional genre boundaries. Payton has released numerous albums as a leader and has collaborated with a wide range of artists across diverse musical landscapes.

Smoke Jazz Club, located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, has been a prominent fixture in the New York City jazz scene since its founding in 1999. Originally established by Frank Vicari, it quickly gained recognition for its intimate atmosphere and commitment to presenting established and emerging jazz musicians. The club is noted for its excellent acoustics and dedication to live performance without a cover charge during many sets – historically prioritizing a listening room environment. Smoke has hosted performances by many leading figures in jazz and continues to be an important venue for both performers and audiences alike.