Rob Lester

With a quartet led by Billy Stritch, dynamic Linda Eder is in her comfort zone at 54 Below. She returns to the venue on 2/24 and 3/15. If skill, musical chops, and charm were measured in fluid ounces, this star has it in gallons.

Catherine Russell & Sean Mason made joyful jazz together, digging beyond the usual suspects of the overdone. Their upbeat repertoire, energy, and chemistry together all radiated happiness, serving delight through music.

Tierney Sutton & Tamir Hendelman's night at Birdland was cool and warm, varied and velvety. With perspectives on life and music, plus reactions to the horrific, still-burning fires in home base LA, the music had extra meaning

KURT ELLING is at Birdland through January 11 (two shows a night). The veteran singer and frequent Grammy nominee (two-time winner) who tops jazz polls is still top-drawer.

A crooner with charisma, a vocalist with versatility, an old soul with new energy: that’s dynamic and delightful David Marino. His powerful voice radiates star power. He returned to Birdland for another sold-out standout concert to close out 2024.

Take BWW Cabaret's monthly quiz and see how much you know about music stars born in January. If your New Year's Resolution is to learn more about music, here's a fun way to do that for New Year's.

RICHARD SKIPPER CELEBRATES 'HELLO, DOLLY!' revisits a classic musical with history and joy. See this cabaret-style song & talk show the next time it comes around.

Marilyn Maye is unstoppable and more than worth stopping in to see and hear. It doesn't get more exciting and invigorating than this veteran's shows. She plays two more shows 12/29 and two on New Year's Eve.

Swing on by Birdland Jazz Club for A SWINGING BIRDLAND CHRISTMAS with Jim Caruso, Billy Stritch, and Klea Blackhurst. It will get you into the holiday spirit just in time. The show, celebrating its 15th anniversary, is in full swing through 12/25.

Duchess, the four-member female harmony group made one night during the week before Christmas full of comfort (zone) and joy with songs from their EP and their retro fun songs.

The captivating veteran singer Mary Stallings is a stylist with flair. Her run, 12/12 to 12/15, was a hot ticket and she brings a warm glow to Dizzy's (Jazz at Lincoln Center).

A song-packed 12/12 Christmas event helmed by baritone James Barbour (PHANTOM, JANE EYRE) helped celebrate the season and raise money to help others. Alternately earnest, chatty, cheery, or electrifying, Barbour's event was a night to remember.

You have until Saturday to make Merry with THE MERRIEST and make your way to Birdland Jazz Club for Jane Monheit's Christmas tour stop, with sets at 8:30 and 10:30 pm. It's a recommended treat.

No, the Laurie Beechman Theatre/ West Bank Cafe will not be disappearing forever as feared. KT Sullivan was one of the last booked artists before the hiatus and re-opening. Her show was a pleasure.

Songbook Sundays, a series celebrating songwriters, is a treat of tradition. Deborah Grace Winer and co. closed out the year singing Cole Porter's praises in HAPPEN TO LIKE COLE PORTER.

The legacy of iconic Nina Simone is in good hands with the admiring Amber Iman (Lempicka). The captivating star takes on more of the repertoire with impressive skills and love.

HOLIDAY REGARDS at Urban Stages, a collection of Michael Colby's songs sung by a fine company repeats 12/8 & 12/16. Part of a mega-series of shows with over 100 performers total (cabaret, theatre, jazz, more) at Urban Stages in Manhattan.

Read our interview with a long-time, long admired cabaret star who celebrates born in the same month (different year) as one of his idols (Noel Coward). It's our monthly Birthday Tribute feature.

Samuel Vincent Aubuchon and friends sing songs from yesteryear with energy and fondness. The Burt Bacharach tunes in this 12/3 show bring nostalgia and smiles.

WAITING IN THE WINGS at The Triad tells of the tribulations and triumphs of an understudy. Melodie Wolford is the talented lady in question. There's no question that she's star-worthy, not just star-adjacent.