Steve Kazee, Rebecca Luker and More Set for 54 Below This Week

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54thStreet, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. 54 Below also launched its series of late night events. Joining Tuesday nights' popular "Backstage" with Susie Mosher is the "54 Piano Bar," a new vocal competition - "The Callback," and more:

Sam Harris, May 13 at 7PM:

Sam Harris returns to New York for two shows only, bringing his singular interpretation and inimitable style to an eclectic collection of Broadway and pop classics from Hammerstein & Sondheim to U2, Lennon & Hendrix. Also look for sneak preview material from his upcoming book - HAM: Slices of a Life (Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster). For over two decades, Harris has starred on Broadway, on television and in concert. His talent for redefining the vast American Songbook, exploring songs from the 20's up to today, defines him as one of cabaret's most distinguished performers.Cover charge $30-40. $25 food & beverage minimum.

Steve Kazee, May 13 at 9:30PM:

The 2012 Tony Award winner for his performance as Guy in Once makes his 54 Below debut with this, his very first chance to share his original songs with New York audiences! Joined by his band, The Shiny Liars, this alt-country evening reflects Steve's southern upbringing. Inspired by artists such as Damien Jurado, Night Beds, Wilco, and others, a few of which Kazee will cover in the show, these special evenings showcase the tunes planned for his debut album, which he'll be recording this summer! In addition to winning the 2013 Grammy for Musical Theater Album for Once, Broadway has embraced Steve in roles including Sir Lancelot in Monty Python's Spamalot, Starbuck, opposite Audra McDonald, in Roundabout's 110 in the Shade, To Be or Not to Be at MTC, and Edward Albee's Seascape. Cover charge $45-55. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: THE CALLBACK- Preliminaries, May 13 at 11PM:

At The Callback on Monday nights, contestants perform for a chance to win their own cabaret show at 54 Below. Contestants are chosen by video audition, their performances recorded and uploaded to 54 Below's Facebook and Youtube page, and each week, a winner is determined by audience vote to progress to the next round. "The Callback" contestants may also have the chance to sing in front of industry executives and Broadway celebrity guest judges as they move forward in the competition. For more information on "The Callback" rules or how to submit an audition video, please visit www.54Below.com. No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

WBGO JAZZ SERIES; Benny Goodman'S Carnegie Hall CONCERT, May 14 at 7PM & 9PM:

Sing! Sing! Sing! features an all-star lineup directed by Ken Peplowski, reinventing clarinetist Benny Goodman's legendary Carnegie Hall Concert 75 years ago on January 16, 1938. That famous concert marked a momentous occasion of jazz crossing from the clubs to the highbrow realm of concert music (as well as being notable as one of the first public concerts featuring a racially integrated lineup). The show featured a host of stars including Goodman regulars Lionel Hampton and Gene Krupa as well as Buck Clayton, Johnny Hodges, Walter Page, Lester Young, Harry Carney, Bucky Pizzarelli and FrEddie Green.?This show's director, Ken Peplowski, is a virtuosic clarinetist and sax player and charismatic entertainer who has been delighting audiences for over 30 years. A former member of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Ken has collaborated with Benny Goodman, Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney, and more. Cover charge $25-35. $15 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: BACKSTAGE, May 14 at 10:30PM:

Each week, Broadway cast members and audiences alike gather to mix and mingle at 54 Below, Broadway's most intimate haunt, located in the heart of the theatre district. Musical Director Brad Simmons keeps the house jumping from the piano, while host Susie Mosher (the love child of Joanne Worley & Paul Lynde) guides the crowd through an evening of music, mayhem and full throttle belting, while special guests from Broadway and beyond drop in to perform. NPR had this to say: "The best thing happening right now might just be the weekly Backstage. Hosted by the ridiculously funny Susie Mosher and pianist Brad Simmons who clearly is the man, it's two feel-good hours among New York's theater people, who seem like they're having a really fine time. Can't recommend it highly enough!" At this week's Backstage is Celisse Henderson(Broadway's Godspell, In Transit), Stacy Sullivan (celebrated chanteuse), Marcus Paul James (Broadway's In the Heights, Rent), Courtney Act (Australian Idol), Michael Garin (Song of Singapore), and Lavinia Draper (Nightlife Icon).No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

Rebecca Luker, May 15 & 16 at 7PM, May 17 & 18 at 8PM:

Broadway audiences fell in love with Rebecca Luker when she created the role of Lily in The Secret Garden. Since then, she's delighted New York with Tony-nominated roles in The Music Man, Showboat, and Mary Poppins, as well as her acclaimed performances in Nine and The Sound of Music. Her solo CD's, Greenwich Time and Leaving Home, are available on PS Classics. A long time champion of new composers, Rebecca has trumpeted new works in her appearances at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, and on her recordings. This May, 54 Below is thrilled to present Rebecca in a reprise engagement of her brilliant evening of music, all penned by the singular Jerome Kern. Cover charge $30-40. $25 food & beverage minimum.

Sharon Wheatley, May 15 at 9:30PM:

Never an impersonator but always an admirer, Broadway's Sharon Wheatley (Avenue Q, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Cats) takes on the music recorded by Bette Midler and pairs it with stories from a life that is all her own. Joined by her husband, Broadway musical director Rob Meffe, backup singers and a band, Sharon celebrates her devotion to the divine (and the glory of love) in this one night only event directed by Scott Coulter. From a distance, Bette Midler has been the wind beneath Sharon Wheatley's wings. Wheatley is the author of the widely read memoir, 'Til the Fat Girl Sings (Adams Media Publishing). Sharon's blog has been featured in New York Magazine, Marie Claire, and Vulture.com. It can be found at www.SharonWheatley.com. Cover charge $25- 35. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: THE STUDIO; LOOK MA, NO PIANOS! , May 15 at 11PM:

Join us for an evening of new music by two up-and-coming NYC musical talents, Caroline Prugh and Eli Zoller, along with The O Pioneer Band. Prugh and Zoller combine for a no-pianos-allowed evening of stellar new musical theatre that promises to challenge, excite, and entertain. THE STUDIO series at 54 Below is the place to see up-and-coming New York talent. You don't want to miss this exciting evening. Featuring performances by: ElizaBeth Davis, George Salazar, Victoria Huston-Elem, Libby Winters, Colin McAdoo, Demi Fragale, Kate Rockwell, Ryan Duncan, Garen McRoberts and Haven Burton. With musical numbers from: John Muir Wolf, Estate, At Daybreak, Decline and Fall or A Guide to How the End Begins, Highway Blue, and more songs with The O Pioneer Band. No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

MARQUEE FIVE, May 16 at 9:30PM

Award-winning vocal group Marquee Five debuts at 54 Below with a collection of Broadway material arranged with their signature harmonies, humor, and heart. Featuring Mick Bleyer, Lynsey Buckelew, Adam West Hemming, Vanessa Parvin, and Julie Reyburn with Musical Director Mark Janas, Broadway By The Letter: Act One is a harmony-infused tribute to theatrical composers, shows, and songs, presented in alphabetical order with a wink and a few surprises. Marquee Five's CD, 8-Track Throwback, is available for purchase after the show, on iTunes and at www.marqueefive.com. Cover charge $25-35. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: 54 PIANO BAR, May 16 at 11PM:

On Thursdays at 11 pm, pick a song and join extraordinary pianist and host Brian Nash as you take your turn on the stage at 54 Piano Bar. See new Broadway talent perform on a whim, and perhaps take part in the ever-popular (and inevitable) audience sing along. No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

Aaron Tveit, May 17 & 18 at 11PM:

Catch him if you can! 54 Below is delighted to welcome Aaron Tveit to our stage this May for four special performances only! Mixing Broadway with pop, childhood favorites with contemporary sounds, and superstar vocals with charismatic good looks, Tveit's cabaret debut will have them talking for years. Broadway embraced Aaron when he memorably created roles in Next to Normal and Catch Me if You Can, in addition to his performances in Hairspray and Wicked. Television audiences can soon tune in regularly for the debut of his new USA Network series, Graceland, coming this June, and movie goers were recently starstruck by his work in Les Miserables. His star is on the rise, and we've got him this May! Cover charge $40-50. $25 food & beverage minimum.

HIGH FIDELITY IN CONCERT, May 19 at 9:30PM:

For two nights only, the Broadway show that lives in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have seen it makes a triumphant return to the theatre district. Join show creators Tom Kitt and Amanda Green and a cast that includes original cast members Will Chase and Jenn Colella, along with new additions Adam Chanler Berat, Mario Cantone, Ana Gasteyer, Mitch Jarvis, Van Hughes, Alison Case, and The Indigo Girls (yes, The Indigo Girls - who will be in the cast on Sunday the 19th only) when 54 Below proudly presents a special concert version of this much loved musical. Directed by Leigh Silverman, it's a Broadway event not to be missed! Cover charge $30-40. $25 food & beverage minimum.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (866) 468-7619.

MORE ABOUT 54 BELOW

54 BELOW, Broadway's nightclub, is the new performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife. A few blocks from the heart of Times Square and just below the legendary Studio 54, 54 BELOW is a classically designed state-of-the art nightclub in the theatre district that hosts audiences with warmth and style.

In their description of 54 BELOW, The New York Times writes "the club has the intimacy of a large living room with unimpeded views and impeccable sound; there is not a bad seat. Its sultry after-hours ambience is enhanced by brocade-patterned wall panels planted with orange-shaded lanterns. And the atmosphere is warmer and sexier than in Manhattan's other major supper clubs." The New York Post calls the venue "a gorgeous new cabaret space. With its heavy lineup of moonlighting Broadway stars, 54 Below has the congenial feel of a theater hangout where stars go to unwind and sing the songs that really matter to them. It's a pleasure to share their joy."

Designed by Tony Award winner John Lee Beatty and architect Richard Lewis, lit by Tony Award winner Ken Billington, and with sound by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, 54 BELOW features an in-your-living-room intimate relationship between its performers and audiences. Tony Award winner Scott Wittman serves as Creative Consultant and MAC Award Winner Phil Geoffrey Bond serves as Director of Programming. André J. Marrero is the Executive Chef of the new venue, which provides a food and beverage menu from early evening through the wee hours of the morning that is worthy of the world-class entertainment on the stage. Bringing together his love of the arts with his passion for cooking and hospitality, Chef André has created a market driven contemporary bistro menu that includes ingredients sourced from all over the world.

54 BELOW is owned and operated by Tony Award winning producers Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, and Steven Baruch. 54 BELOWfeatures up to three shows nightly and has audio and video recording capabilities. The cover charge ranges from $15-$115.

54 BELOW is located at 254 West 54th Street. Tickets and information are available at www.54Below.com.