Michael Valeanu Paris-born jazz guitar virtuoso & Wes Montgomery International Jazz Guitar Competition finalist returns to BLU by way of New York City with an all-star band to perform music from his all-new album, "Hard to Cook!" Featuring Jake Sherman & Jake Goldbas.

From Paul Bocuse to Julia Child, France has been known to spawn many of the world’s culinary greats over the years. However, Parisian guitarist Michael Valeanu gives new meaning to the word “gourmet” with “Hard To Cook” (2015), his sophomore effort as composer and bandleader. A wordplay on French expression Dur á Cuire, meaning “tough cookie,” “Hard To Cook” is meant to please the most demanding musical tastemakers. The ingredients of the feast come from everywhere: a pinch of folk, a sprinkle of impressionism, a generous spoonful of groove, and a minute knowledge of jazz guitar tradition.
 
Born in Paris, France in 1985, Valeanu began playing guitar when he was 14-years-old. While in Paris, he studied at the Nadia & Lili Boulanger Conservatory as well as at the Edim/National School of Music of Bourg-La-Reine. During this time, Valeanu was affirming his spot in the local Parisian music scene as both a sideman and a studio musician.
 

 
He moved to New York City in 2008 to attend the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in order to branch out into the jazz scene even further. Since moving to New York, Valeanu has played a myriad of clubs such as Smalls, Birdland, Jazz Standard, and Smoke, as well as various festivals throughout the United States.
 
Join us at BLU for an exciting night of sizzlin’ live jazz from the big city, featuring Michael’s all-star band – get your tickets today!

$15