WBGO Jazz Series Comes to 54 Below Tonight

WBGO Jazz Series is presenting two major jazz shows at 54 Below (254 West 54th Street, NYC) tonight, October 22nd, and Tuesday, October 29th:

IAN SHAW & FRIENDS: FEATURING KEN PEPLOWSKI (TONIGHT, OCTOBER 22 @ 7PM)

**please tune into WBGO TONIGHT, 10/22 AT 2PM for exclusive interview with Michael Bourne**

THE COOKERS: BILLY HARPER, Gary Bartz, BILLY HART, David Weiss, GEORGE CABLES, CECIL MCBEE

Billy Harper, tenor saxophone; Gary Bartz, alto saxophone; David Weiss, trumpet; George Cables, piano; Cecil McBee, bass; Billy Hart, drums

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. 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 BELOW features 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.

The 54 Below WBGO Jazz Series will feature weekly Tuesday evening shows by jazz artists. Just around the corner from Swing Street, these seasoned jazz performers come to Broadway's Nightclub to play and sing the night away in grand style. Whether you're a long time jazz buff or new to the genre, this series, sponsored by the country's premier jazz radio station, promises a truly classic only-in-New York experience.

Founded in 1979, Newark Public Radio, Inc. is a publicly supported cultural institution that champions jazz at WBGO 88.3 FM in Newark, New Jersey and worldwide via wbgo.org. WBGO is the recognized world leader in jazz radio and one of the most respected jazz presenters in the country, and offers award-winning news and innovative children's programs. Beyond reaching 450,000 weekly listeners (including 17,000 contributing members) on air, online and via mobile devices, WBGO presents live broadcasts from prestigious jazz venues and produces acclaimed programs for NPR heard by millions.