Jim Caruso's Cast Party and
TheaterMania.com have announced "Summer In The City," a continuation of 7pm concerts featuring top Broadway stars, cabaret performers and songwriters at the legendary Birdland (315 West 44th Street) in NYC.
The season will include the cast of
The Light In The Piazza in "Piazza Party" (June 5),
Jason Robert Brown (June 12),
David Burnham (June 19),
Stephanie J. Block (June 26/27),
Linda Lavin (July 3),
Victoria Shaw (July 10), Lucie Arnaz (July 17), Patrick DeGennaro (July 24), Toxic Audio (August 7),
Nancy Anderson (August 14), and
Natalie Douglas (August 21).
On June 5th, Birdland will host "Piazza Party" ($25). "The talented cast of Broadway's
The Light In The Piazza show their 'lighter' side one last time before they end their successful run and scatter to the showbiz winds. It will be an evening of fun, frivolity and fabulous singing! Hold the anchovies!," state press notes. David Bonnaro will host.
June 12th will be
Jason Robert Brown's night ($35). "The Tony Award-winning composer and his band, The Caucasian Rhythm Kings, return to Birdland with some very special guest performers. The concert will contain songs from Jason's Broadway and Off-Broadway successes, as well as material from his new solo cd, 'Wearing Someone Else's Clothes' (Sh-K-Boom Records). Visit
www.jasonrobertbrown.com for more information.
David Burnham will perform on June 19th ($25). "Currently appearing in
Light in the Piazza, this leading man will sing favorites from the contemporary and classic Broadway songbook, as well as Johnny Mercer standards and
Christine Lavin specialty tunes."
Christopher Denny serves as musical director,
Stephanie J. Block guests. Visit
www.davidburnham.com for more information.
Stephanie J. Block will throw a "Block Party" on June 26th and 27th ($35). " The star of
The Boy From Oz, Wicked, and the upcoming
Pirate Queen brings her dazzling concert to Birdland for the third time. In addition to singing standards, Stephanie will perform a rarely heard ballad cut from
Wicked, swinging duets with musical director/performer
Billy Stritch and a medley of '60s songs." Visit
www.stephaniejblock.com for more information.
On July 3rd, Birdland will present
"Linda Lavin: Songs And Confessions of a Former Waitress" ($35). The star of 'Alice' is up-close and personal as she recalls her roots in the theater (originating Sondheim's 'The Boy From...' in
The Mad Show) and her early cabaret trials and tribulations in some less-than-glamorous boites. Her musical choices range from Gershwin to Maltby & Shire; Dave Frishberg to Trisha Yearwood, and the musical relationship with pal
Billy Stritch at the piano only adds to the party atmosphere this hostess-with-the-mostess exudes.
"Under The Covers with
Victoria Shaw" will be on July 10th ($25). "Our favorite Nashville diva is joined by composer Gary Burr and
Ring of Fire's
Lari White, who will sing and chat about all your favorite songs (and the stories behind them). These folks should know…these wrote songs like 'Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me' (Juice Newton), 'Before Your Love' (Kelly Clarkson), 'I Try To Think About Elvis' (Patty Loveless), and more. Between them they have written over 30 #1 songs!" Visit
www.victoriashaw.com,
www.garyburr.com,
www.lariwhite.com for more information.
On July 17th, Lucie Arnaz will perform ($35). The newest star of
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Emmy Award-winning performer Lucie Arnaz celebrates a birthday and her return to Broadway with a special one-night concert!" Visit
www.luciearnaz.com for more information.
Birdland will present Patrick DeGennaro on July 24th ($25). "Multi award-winning pop singer Patrick DeGennaro celebrates the music of Burt Bacharach, from his collaborations with Hal David to
Elvis Costello. Patrick and his band will at once honor and breathe new life into Bacharach classics like 'Close To You,' 'I Say A Little Prayer,' and 'The Look of Love.' Visit
www.patrickdegennaro.com for more information.
Toxic Audio will perform on August 7th ($35). "The five vocalists in Toxic Audio use no instruments other than the human voice to create complex sonic textures, rhythmic drumbeats, thumping bass lines and searing guitar-like solos in their performance of contemporary pop songs, timeless classics, jazz scat and vocally-orchestrated original compositions. The group showcased their unique vocal, comedic and improvisational skills at the John Houseman Theater in a Drama Desk Award-winning Off-Broadway run last year." Visit
www.toxicaudio.com for more information.
On August 14th,
Nancy Anderson will perform "Ten Cents A Dance" ($30). "Celebrate the release of
Nancy Anderson's debut CD "Ten Cents A Dance" with standards and swing tunes of the 20's and 30's. This Broadway baby (
Wonderful Town, Fanny Hill) will be joined by Ross Patterson and his Little Big Band, performing hits by Artie Shaw, Rodgers and Hart, Dolly Dawn, Ruth Etting and more!"
On August 21st,
Natalie Douglas will bring "Black, White & Blues" to Birdland ($25). "Six-time MAC award winner
Natalie Douglas returns to Birdland fresh from engagements at the Kennedy Center's Open Arts Festival. She will rock the house with standards and contemporary material, backed by longtime musical director/arranger and
Avenue Q conductor Mark Hartman." Visit
www.nataliedouglas.com for more information.
On August 28th, Birdland will conclude the Summer in the City series with "The Marcy & Zina Show" ($25). "Broadway and cabaret stars join Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, the vivacious and prodigious songwriting duo responsible for 'Taylor The Latte Boy,' and the Off-Broadway hit,
Junie B. Jones."In addition to the cover charges, there will be a $10 food/drink minimum. Tickets may be purchased through the Birdland box office (212-581-3080) or online at
www.instantseats.com/birdland. A full dinner menu is available at Birdland until 1am. All Monday night concerts will be followed by
Jim Caruso's Cast Party, an open-mic night for the showbiz community.
