James Barbour, Daniel Reichard, Klea Blackhurst and More to Bring the Holidays to Birdland This December
By: BWW News Desk Nov. 15, 2016
Birdland Jazz Club has announced its December 2016 schedule, featuring Stacey Kent, A Swingin' Birdland Christmas, Daniel Reichard's "Guide to Christmas," The Birdland Big Band, Freddy Cole, Karrin Allyson, ShowBiz After Hours with Frank DiLella, Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano, James Barbour, Barbara Carroll, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more. Scroll down for details!
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
November 29-December 3 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Dave Holland, Kevin Eubanks, Chris Potter, Obed Calvaire
Birdland is pleased to welcome Dave Holland featuring Kevin Eubanks on guitar, Chris Potter on sax and Obed Calvaire on drums.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
December 5 (Monday) at 6:00PM
Tom Lenk in "Lenk Lewk Live!"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is excited to announce the New York debut of Lenk Lewk Live!, starring actor/comic Tom Lenk. The one-night-only event will take place on Monday, December 5 at 7pm. Since his debut/farewell Broadway performance in Rock of Ages, Tom Lenk has become a "Haff-assed, low price, HI FASHUN icon" and he's bringing his music/comedy/storytelling shenanigans to Birdland.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
December 6-10 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Stacey Kent
Critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated singer Stacey Kent sings from the soul, telling her stories with faultless phrasing and a lucid, enchanting voice. Her new CD release, "Tenderly," is a collaboration with Brazilian music master Robert Menescal and follow-up to "Marcos Valle & Stacey Kent Live." Stacey's previous Brazilian-flavored CD, "The Changing Lights," (EMI) was a follow-up to "Dreamer In Concert," the Grammy nominated, "Breakfast on the Morning Tram," (2007) and all-French, "Raconte-moi," (2009). Throughout her career, Stacey's band has featured Jim Tomlinson (sax) whose songwriting partnership with famed novelist Kazuo Ishiguro has formed another essential plank in her repertoire.
All tickets $50, $10 food/drink minimum
December 11 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
James Barbour in "The Holiday Concert"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that the award-winning Broadway star and current "Phantom" in Broadway's Phantom Of The Opera will bring his annual holiday concert to the historic stage on Sunday, December 11 at 6pm. James Barbour's 9th Annual Holiday Concert has become a nationwide sold-out sensation. Premiering in 2008 'The Holiday Concert' has been seen by thousands of people across the country in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and across Florida. Each year, Barbour brings joy and warmth to the holiday season with his booming baritone, wacky sense of humor, and a slew of some of the greatest holiday tunes of all time. This year, his special guest will be the spectacular R&B vocalist Jesse Stevenson.
All tickets $25-40, $10 food/drink minimum
December 12 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Frank DiLella's "ShowBiz After Hours"
With Nikki M. James, Matt Doyle, Michael Longoria & Alysha Umphress
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that NY1 theater journalist Frank DiLella will return to the Birdland stage with the eighth episode of his new talk show, "Show Biz After Hours With Frank DiLella." Frank's very special guests will include Nikki M. James, Matt Doyle, Michael Longoria and Alysha Umphress. The event will be taped in front of a live audience on Monday, December 12 at 7pm. "Show Biz After Hours With Frank DiLella" is a regular theater-based live talk show featuring Broadway movers-and-shakers, impromptu musical performances, audience interaction, and a cocktail or two! Musical director for the show will be performer and composer Randy Redd. The show will be filmed and aired on Time Warner Cable's Video On Demand System. The series is sponsored by LAB SERIES Skincare for Men.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
*Special cover charge: $15 with unwrapped toy!
December 13-17 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Among musicians, Karrin is known as a great bandleader and one of the deep pleasures of the current scene is listening to her highly developed interplay with her bandmates - it sounds so effortless - but it conceals a deep musical sophistication. It's one of Allyson's great achievements - the result of working over the years with an ensemble of fearless and powerfully committed jazz virtuosi. Karrin has also developed a unique relationship with the multi-talented L.A. composer Chris Caswell and the two have collaborated for nearly ten years as composers and performers in a very spirited ensemble featuring Caswell on Hammond B-3 organ. In fact, Karrin has been doing a lot of writing of late and promises an album of original songs in the near future.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
December 15 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Monika Herzig
In her stunning and contemporary Whaling City Sound debut, pianist/composer/arranger/author/jazz educator - Monika Herzig showcases the collective artistry of international women jazz leaders, featuring guitarist Leni Stern, percussionist Mayra Casales, flutist/saxophonist Jane Bunnett, flutist Jamie Baum, trombonist Reut Regev, alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, bassists Linda Oh, Anna Butterss and Jennifer Vincent, creating a whole panoply of music that is truly greater than the sum of its impressive parts. Her intelligence and depth are audible, from exciting originals to the striking arrangement of the traditional, "The Whole World in His Hands."
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
December 17-19 (Saturday-Monday) at 6:00PM, 7:00PM on Monday
Daniel Reichard's "A Guide to Christmas"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Broadway and concert stage star Daniel Reichard is bringing his popular annual New York City holiday show back to the historic music room. Reichard, who created the role of Bob Gaudio in the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys and currently tours with the vocal group, "The Midtown Men," will play the iconic jazz club for three consecutive nights, December 17th, 18th, and 19th.
All tickets $40-50, $10 food/drink minimum
December 20-22 (Tuesday-Thursday) at 6:00PM
Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano Present
"Downton Abbey Road: The Best of Britain"
Did you ever think about how many songs in the Great American Songbook actually originated in the UK? The New York nightclub world's most celebrated couple, pianist/singer Eric Comstock and vocalist Barbara Fasano, celebrate the great songs of Great Britain in their new show, "Downton Abbey Road."
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
December 20-24 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
The New York Times calls Freddy Cole, "the most maturely expressive male jazz singer of his generation, if not the best alive." People Magazine praises his "gorgeous autumnal baritone, expressive phrasing and pitch-perfect feel for jazz standards, pop tunes and love ballads." Uncle to Natalie Cole, brother of Nat "King" Cole, pianist and vocalist Freddy Cole doesn't apologize for sounding a little bit like his iconic elder brother. While there are certain unmistakable similarities, many consider his voice to be smokier, jazzier even. Cole's annual visit is the perfect blend of jazz and great American holiday standards.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
December 23-25 (Friday-Sunday) at 6:00PM
KLea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch
In "A Swingin' Birdland Christmas"
Birdland is proud to announce the seventh year of "A Swinging Birdland Christmas," starring Birdland regulars KLea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch. This will be a limited engagement of 3 performances, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 23, 24 and 25. All shows are at 6pm. In the tradition of beloved seasonal specials, Blackhurst, Caruso and Stritch will perform swinging arrangements of "Christmas Waltz," Kay Thompson's "Holiday Season," "Sleigh Ride," and "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," "Snow," and "It Happened In Sun Valley" among other favorites. The singers will be joined by Steve Doyle on bass and Daniel Glass on drums. "A Swinging Birdland Christmas" is also available on CD, on Birdland Records.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
December 27-31 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Birdland Big Band
Founded by drummer and musical director Tommy Igoe, the Birdland Big Band features the finest musicians in New York! Celebrating 10 years at the club, the BBB roars into action every Friday, playing the finest Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music from the world's best arrangers. After work or before a show, drinks or a great dinner, come hear one of the world's best drummers driving the hardest swinging band in New York. Experience why the BBB is the must-see weekly jazz event in New York and kick off your weekend with what critics are calling "the best live music bargain in all of NYC!"
All tickets $50, $10 food/drink minimum
*On New Year's Eve: $75 for the 8:30pm show, $150.00 for the 11:00pm New Year's Celebration
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
December 5, 12, 19, 28 (Mondays) at 9:30PM
Jim Caruso's Cast Party
Jim Caruso's Cast Party is a wildly popular weekly soiree that brings a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night. It's a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars, backed by Steve Doyle on bass, Billy Stritch on piano and Daniel Glass on drums, hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
December 7, 14, 28 (Wednesdays) at 5:30PM
David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band
Inspired by the noble jazz pioneers Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton and their colleagues, David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band breathes life and passion into America's own great art form. Now in its 14th year of residency at Birdland, the weekly post-workday engagement is the city's best musical bargain! Tuba player David Ostwald leads a rotating lineup that features talents such as clarinetist Anat Cohen, trombonist/vocalist Wycliffe Gordon, pianist Ehud Asherie, drummer Marion Felder and more!
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
December 2, 9, 16, (Fridays) at 5:15PM
The Birdland Big Band
With Guest Conductor Rob Middleton
Founded by drummer and musical director Tommy Igoe, the Birdland Big Band features the finest musicians in New York! Celebrating 10 years at the club, the BBB roars into action every Friday, playing the finest Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music from the world's best arrangers. After work or before a show, drinks or a great dinner, come hear one of the world's best drummers driving the hardest swinging band in New York. Experience why the BBB is the must-see weekly jazz event in New York and kick off your weekend with what critics are calling "the best live music bargain in all of NYC!"
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
December 3, 10 (Saturdays) at 6:00PM
Barbara is an elegant jazz pianist, composer and vocalist, long recognized as one of the premier players of swinging jazz piano and expressive vocals.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
December 4, 11, 18, 25 (Sundays) at 9PM & 11PM
Arturo O'Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Grammy Award winning pianist, composer and educator Arturo O'Farrill -- leader of the "first family of Afro-Cuban Jazz" (NY Times) -- was born in Mexico and grew up in New York City. Son of the late, great composer Chico O'Farrill, Arturo was Educated at Manhattan School of Music, Brooklyn College Conservatory and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He played piano in Carla Bley's Big Band from 1979 through 1983 and earned a reputation as a soloist in groups led by Dizzy Gillespie, Steve Turre, Freddy Cole, Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis and Harry Belafonte.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Purchase tickets at www.BirdlandJazz.com. For more information and reservations call 212-581-3080. Ticket prices will vary by performer. At the tables, there is a $10 food/drink minimum per person in addition to the music charge. At the bar, the music charge will include one complimentary drink with no additional minimum.
Named for alto saxophonist and jazz pioneer Charlie "Bird" Parker who dubbed it "The Jazz Corner of the World," Birdland opened on December 15th 1949. For 60 years it has been home to jazz legends, from Parker, John Coltrane Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, Diana Krall and everyone in between. The original 52nd street location was a cultural barometer and meeting place, inspiring the songs "Birdland" and "Lullaby of Birdland," and serving as a regular haunt for celebrities and cultural figures. The modern incarnation is a state of the art nightclub featuring award winning Southern and Cajun cuisine, first rate sound and lighting and a who's who of contemporary musical artists, 7 nights a week.
Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues), New York, NY 10036. Students (with current ID) & Broadway Theatre-Goers (with Broadway ticket stub from same day of performance): 50% off music charge at 11PM shows only. Birdland serves American Fare with a Cajun Flair nightly from 5PM until Midnight and until 1AM on Friday and Saturdays. Parking is available across the street at 332 West 44th Street. Concert Grand Piano By: Yamaha.
For more information, visit www.BirdlandJazz.com or follow BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB on Twitter: @birdlandjazz, Facebook, Instagram, and on Pinterest.
Comments
Videos