By Laura Eckles, KCCK Programming Intern

David Berkman, an award-winning composer/bandleader and jazz pianist, has been a major contributor to the New York jazz scene over the last thirty years. Along with being a talented pianist, Berkman is currently an educator at Queens College.

David Berkman is well known for his post-bop playing. His CD’s have been praised in numerous best records of the year critic’s lists (the New York Times, the Village Voice, Downbeat, JazzIz, and Jazz Times). Berkman has played and arranged for countless jazz musicians including Tom Harrell, Cecil McBee, Joe Lovano, and many others. His latest album is 2015’s “Old Friends and New Friends.” Berkman does a spectacular job at adding a new and inventive spin on this album; he connects both old and new styles. David Berkman closes out the Iowa City Jazz Festival on Sunday, July 3, at 8 p.m. on the Main Stage.