Bettye Lavette News

The world's most famous drummer-Ringo Starr-will be bringing his legendary talents and style to SKECHERS where he's set to appear in the footwear company's global marketing campaign for SKECHERS Relaxed Fit footwear. The new multimedia campaign featuring Ringo will begin in Spring 2015.

The 2014 Jazz at the Bowl Series begins tonight, July 9, 2014 as The Count Basie Orchestra and special guests celebrate the music of Ella Fitzgerald. The series also features, among others, Boz Scaggs, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Herbie Hancock, a Christian McBride-directed James Brown Celebration, John Legend recreating Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, Peter Frampton, Marcus Miller, and more. The season marks Herbie Hancock's fifth year as Creative Chair for Jazz.

The 2014 Jazz at the Bowl Series begins July 9, 2014 as The Count Basie Orchestra and special guests celebrate the music of Ella Fitzgerald. The series also features, among others, Boz Scaggs, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Herbie Hancock, a Christian McBride-directed James Brown Celebration, John Legend recreating Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, Peter Frampton, Marcus Miller, and more. The season marks Herbie Hancock's fifth year as Creative Chair for Jazz.

Great Hudson River Revival (Clearwater Festival) this weekend, June 21 and 22 in beautiful Croton Point Park, Croton-On-Hudson, NY marks the first event since the passing of its founders, musician and activist Pete Seeger and his wife Toshi Seeger. Clearwater 2014 promises to be a special celebration of the Seeger's and their legacy - hosting many Clearwater friends old and new, many of who will perform special musical tributes during the event.

Great Hudson River Revival (Clearwater Festival) on June 21 and 22 in beautiful Croton Point Park, Croton-On-Hudson, NY marks the first event since the passing of its founders, musician and activist Pete Seeger and his wife Toshi Seeger. Clearwater 2014 promises to be a special celebration of the Seeger's and their legacy - hosting many Clearwater friends old and new, many of who will perform special musical tributes during the event.

Great Hudson River Revival (Clearwater Festival), the country's oldest and largest music and environmental festival, brings together major musical acts and Clearwater's own brand of green activism for a unique weekend every June. Clearwater Festival 2014, which takes place on June 21 and 22, on the banks of the Hudson River at beautiful Croton Point Park, Croton-On-Hudson, NY, recently announced its lineup of musical headliners.

Award-winning rhythm and blues singer Bettye LaVette performs songs from her 50 year career, including selections from her latest album, Thankful N' Thoughtful, tonight, March 21 at 10:00 p.m. in Zankel Hall.

Award-winning rhythm and blues singer Bettye LaVette performs songs from her 50 year career, including selections from her latest album, Thankful N' Thoughtful, on Friday, March 21 at 10:00 p.m. in Zankel Hall.

The highly successful Arts & Ideas program at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF) continues into 2014 with an array of fascinating thinkers, writers and entertainers.

In 2013 Joe's Pub at The Public launched its 15th Anniversary season and was named one of the top ten music venues in the country by Rolling Stone magazine. It was a busy year, and there are no signs of slowing down in 2014. With a new sound system, record-setting ticket sales and some of the most eclectic programming New York City has to offer, Joe's Pub continues to set the standard for showcase venues worldwide.

On Friday, February 7 at 10:00 p.m., Lake Street Dive brings its mix of soul, folk, and jazz to Zankel Hall as part of the ninth annual WFUV Live at Zankel concert series. The band, composed of drummer Mike Calabrese, bassist Bridget Kearney, vocalist Rachael Price, and trumpet-wielding guitarist Mike "McDuck" Olson will perform original songs from their forthcoming album, Bad Self Portraits, which is to be released on February 18, 2014. The quartet's previous albums have included fresh takes on popular songs (Fun Machine, released in 2012); a live album and concert-film (Live at the Lizard Lounge, released in 2011); and 2010's self-titled debut album of original songs. "It seems the only limitation we have," Kearney explains, "is that we try to make music that we would like listening to."

Last night, 92Y celebrated songwriting legend Mike Stoller on the occasion of his 80th year with An 80th Birthday Celebration, a one-night-only Lyrics & Lyricists Special Event hosted by Paul Shaffer and directed and written by Randy Johnson (director/writer of A Night withJanis Joplin). Performers included: legendary vocal group The Coasters, along with artists Karen Akers,Mary Bridget Davies, Corky Hale, Maria Elena Infantino,Sally Kellerman, Bettye Lavette, Melissa Manchester, Billy Stritch, Tommy Tune and Steve Tyrell. Backed by Tyrell's band, the artists performed some of the greatest songs written by Stoller with his longtime lyricist partner Jerry Leiber and others. Check out photos from the special event below!

The highly successful Arts & Ideas program at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF) continues into 2014 with an array of fascinating thinkers, writers and entertainers.

Fifty years in show business deserves celebration! With a voice as powerful as Etta James' and a story as compelling as Tina Turner's, Grammy-nominee and veteran jazz artist Bettye LaVette is finally gaining the superstar status that has eluded her since the 1960s. Her eclectic musical style combines elements of soul, blues, rock 'n' roll, gospel, funk and country music. Accompanied by bass, guitar, drums and keyboard, this Grammy Award nominee has earned superstar accolades for her new album, Thankful and Thoughtful. This soul sensation and 2012 Blues Music Award winner has The New York Times raving that LaVette 'now rivals Aretha Franklin as her generation's most vital soul singer,' and her velvet-rich voice and gospel-based blues have earned the admiration of everyone from Paul McCartney to Bonnie Raitt and Elvis Costello. On Today, November 7, at 8 p.m., this accomplished artist will entertain at The Ridgefield Playhouse. To enhance this evening of jazz, a wine and cheese tasting by No. 109 Cheese & Wine starts at 7:15 p.m. with an art exhibit and artist's reception.

On December 9, 2013 92Y celebrates songwriting legend Mike Stoller on the occasion of his 80th year with An 80th Birthday Celebration, a one-night-only Lyrics & Lyricists Special Event hosted by Paul Shaffer and directed and written by Randy Johnson (director/writer of A Night with Janis Joplin). Confirmed artists performing expected and unexpected interpretations from Stoller's genre-spanning career in blues, R&B, rock 'n' roll and jazz include legendary vocal group The Coasters, along with artists Karen Akers, Mary Bridget Davies, Corky Hale, Maria Elena Infantino, Sally Kellerman, Bettye LaVette, Melissa Manchester, Billy Stritch, Tommy Tune and Steve Tyrell. Backed by Tyrell's band, the artists perform some of the greatest songs written by Stoller with his longtime lyricist partner Jerry Leiber and others. Leiber will be the subject of a special tribute during the evening. Stoller is planning to be in attendance for the celebration.

Connecticut's Ridgefield Playhouse has announced its upcoming schedule for November 2013 and beyond!

With a voice as powerful as Etta James' and a tale as gripping as Tina Turner's, the 2013 Blues Music Award Nominee for Best Contemporary Blues Female Artist Bettye LaVette will be in concert with a new album Thankful and Thoughtful at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Thursday, November 7, at 8 p.m. Bettye is a Grammy-nominee and veteran jazz artist whom The New York Times raves "now rivals Aretha Franklin as her generation's most vital soul singer." With fifty years in show business, Bettye LaVette is celebrating her eclectic soul, blues, rock 'n' roll, gospel, funk and country music legacy. Bettye's band includes bass, guitar, drums and keyboard in a stunning performance of her velvet-rich voice and gospel-based blues. To start the evening of jazz, wine and art in style, there will be a wine and cheese tasting by No. 109 Cheese & Wine at 7:15 p.m. and art exhibit in the lobby. Piccolo's Pizza & Jazzeria (Prospect St., Ridgefield) is offering a free glass of wine with dinner the night of the show when tickets are presented. This event is underwritten by Acousticmusic.org and is part of the Xfinity Rock Series with support from the Connecticut Blues Society with media sponsor WSHU.

Parmigiani Fleurier presents the 22nd annual JAZZ LOFT PARTY to benefit The Jazz Foundation of America. A Tribute to Claude Nobs, the celebration will include music, food and drink tonight, October 19, 2013, from 7 p.m. to midnight in NYC.

Brooklyn-based trio The Lone Bellow brings its unique blend of American folk, country, and Southern gospel musical traditions to Zankel Hall tonight, October 18 at 10:00 p.m., kicking off the ninth annual WFUV Live at Zankel series. The group, featuring Zach Williams (vocals), Brian Elmquist (guitar and vocals), and Kanene Pipkin (mandolin and vocals), performs songs from their self-titled debut album released by Descendant Records / Sony Music this past January.

The Ridgefield Playhouse has announced its remaining events for its 2013-14 season, including new additions Phil Vassar and psychic Syliva Browne. Check out the full listings below!