McDonald, Buckley, Kuhn, Etc. Set for American Songbook

A starry line-up has been announced for the 2006-2007 Lincoln Center "American Songbook" series.  Audra McDonald/>, Betty Buckley/> and Judy Kuhn/> will be just a few of the participating performers.

The series celebrates American popular song, ranging from '20s and '30s classics to contemporary standards.  Shows for this season, which will be held from October 11th through February 24th, will take place in the Allen Room of the Frederick P. Rose Hall at the Time Warner Center (Broadway at 60th St.). 

As previously announced, four-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald/> will "Build a Bridge" on October 11th and 12th.  McDonald, soon to be seen in 110 in the Shade, will be joined by Nellie McKay/> and Tony Award-winner Patti LuPone/> in performing songs written by such contemporary artists as Rufus Wainwright/>, John Mayer and theatre composers like Adam Guettel/>.

Among the other Broadway, West End and cabaret names who will perform "American Songbook" concerts are: Mos Def/> (with "Mos Def/>'s Big Band" on January 17th), Judy Kuhn/> (Jan. 19th), Jason Robert Brown/> (Feb. 9th), Betty Buckley/> (with Quintessence, and featuring Kenny Werner, on February 10th), and Ute Lemper/> (Feb. 21st).  Peter Eldridge, Kate McGarry, Jessica Molaskey/> and Michael Winther/> will perform as part of "Songs by Fred Hersch" on Jan. 18th, while Molaskey and Melissa Errico/> will be featured in "Marilyn and Alan Bergman/>: A 50th Anniversary Celebration" on Feb. 2nd.  John Pizzarelli will take the stage with "Dear Mr. Sinatra" on Feb. 3rd, while Jane Monheit will perform on February 24th.

Other scheduled artists include: Josh Ritter (Jan. 21st), Howard Fishman (with "The Basement Tapes" on Feb. 1st), The Cherryholmes (Feb. 7th), Calexico (Feb. 8th), Sasha Dobson, Jesse Harris and Richard Julian (Feb. 22nd), and Neko Case (Feb. 23rd).

Tickets go on sale on October 11th.  Visit www.lincolncenter.org for more information.