The Cookers, a critically acclaimed all-star band with a hard bop heat and energy, handily lives up to its name, especially live. Leader David Weiss shares trumpet duties with Eddie Henderson, with saxophonists Donald Harrison and Billy Harper, pianist George Cables, bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Billy Hart have conjured up a powerful sound resulting in albums like last years’ Time and Time Again, which iTunes selected as “the jazz album of the year.” 

As the headlining act of the festival’s second weekend, commanding the high profile Saturday night slot, The Cookers is poised to capture head, heart and soul, with a sound respectfully steeped in history and yet vividly of the spontaneous, felt moment.