Tony Winner Laura Benanti to Host, Perform at 16th Annual WINTER'S EVE in Lincoln Square

Benanti will lead the line-up on the main stage at Dante Park (Broadway & 63rd Street) performing holiday classics and will introduce this year's headliners: THE CHAPIN FAMILY. The famous, folk, family-band will feature Tom Chapin, the Steve Chapin Band, the Chapin Sisters, and Jen Chapin.

Benanti will also help light the Lincoln Square holiday tree live on WABC-TV with Anchor, Sade Baderinwa.

"As a long time Upper West Sider, I am thrilled to be hosting this year's WINTER'S EVE at Lincoln Square. Question: does Santa give extra presents to hosts? *Asking for a friend*," said Tony Award winning actress, Laura Benanti.

The annual holiday festival will feature more than 20 free, world-class musical performances, processional groups, dancing, face-painting, ice-sculpting, jugglers, stilt-walkers and other street festivities. WINTER'S EVE revelers can also indulge in savory samples of signature dishes from almost 40 Upper West Side restaurants for nominal costs ($1 - $4).

Other talent performing at WINTER'S EVE includes: Nigunim Trio featuring Lorin Sklamberg, Frank London & Uri Caine and Alicia Svigals' Klezmer Fiddle Express, each performing after the tree lighting at Dante Park; Cynthia Sayer & Joyride, and The Brain Cloud at Richard Tucker Park; three amazing jazz artists, Shenel Johns at Pottery Barn, Christie Dashiell from Jazz at Lincoln Center at Time Warner Center and acclaimed Jazz Musician Karrin Allyson at the Upper West Side Apple Store; and many more.

"We are so pleased to have the talented television and Broadway star, Laura Benanti, lead our fabulous line-up for this year's WINTER'S EVE - and in her own neighborhood," said Lincoln Square BID President, Monica Blum. "Laura will undoubtedly light up the Upper West Side, with holiday cheer and demonstrate the extraordinary caliber of talent showcased at this annual celebration that has become one of New York City's iconic public, holiday events! Whether you live here or are visiting; whether you are a foodie, a student, a retiree, a theater, folk or klezmer music enthusiast; there is something for everyone at WINTER'S EVE and we encourage all to join in on the fun!"

Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti can be seen playing the role of Alura Zor-El in the CBS Action Drama, Supergirl. In 2014, she joined the cast of ABC's hit series "Nashville" guest-starring as songbird Sadie Stone. Laura also appeared in recurring roles on CBS's "The Good Wife" and HBO's "Nurse Jackie."

In addition to television work and her critically acclaimed performance as Elsa Schrader in NBC's The Sound of Music LIVE, Ms. Benanti is a highly celebrated, four time Tony Award-nominated stage actress who took Broadway by storm at the age of 18.

After a five year hiatus, Benanti will be returning to the Broadway stage in spring 2016 along with actor Zachary Levi in a revival of the musical She Loves Me.

For more information about the Lincoln Square BID's WINTER'S EVE, visit www.WintersEve.nyc or call 212.581.3774.