About Us

Our Introduction

We are a group of talented and professional musicians

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 appreciateJ. In other words, there were no squares in attendance that Sunday in Mount Vernon, New York. J. 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 32^nd 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.

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…

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