Steve Smith Plays Thelonious Monk’s “Blue Monk” at Birdland Oct., 2026

On October 9, 10 & 11, 2026, Birdland Jazz Club NYC celebrated Thelonious Monk’s 109th Birthday by featuring a weekend of his music Live in the Birdland Theater. For two sets a night, Uri Caine on piano, Ben Allison on bass, and Steve Smith on drums, played a selection of Monk’s compositions. “Blue Monk” a blues, swings at a medium tempo. Each of us has a chance to stretch and tell our story. A favorite part of the performance is the interaction between Ben Allison and I near the end of his bass solo. Steve Smith Steve Smith’s set up: Sonor Vintage kit 18” x 14” BD, 12” x 8.5” rack tom, 14” x 13.75” & 16” x 14” floor toms. 14x5 3/4” Vintage snare (main) 14x5” Artist Series Birch snare (side) Zildjian Cymbals L-R drummer’s perspective 14” Paper Thin HHs, 20” Mini-Bell Prototype, 22” Left-Side Ride, 18” K Flat Ride, 20” K Flat Ride w/ upside down 6” A Splash on top. REMO Ambassador white coated heads on snare and toms. Clear Powerstroke 3 on the BD Vic Firth Steve Smith Signature Sticks DW5000 double BD pedal w/single chain.