Birdland to Present DREAMING OF A SONG: THE MUSIC OF HOAGY CARMICHAEL With Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the return of vocalist Klea Blackhurst and singer/pianist Billy Stritch in their acclaimed show “Dreaming of a Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael” on Monday, August 7 at 7:00 PM. These two powerhouse performers reunite to bring their hit 2008 concert celebrating the music of one of America’s most treasured songwriters for one night only. Blackhurst and Stritch have mined the Carmichael catalogue to unearth lesser-known gems as well as beloved treasures such as “Skylark,” “Georgia on My Mind” and “Stardust.” Theatre Scene called the evening a “remarkably entertaining show with all the Heart and Soul of the legendary composer himself.” According to Cabaret Scenes, “Blackhurst and Stritch are as compatible as caviar and champagne.” There is a $30-40 music charge. Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street in New York.

  

Klea Blackhurt is an actress, singer and comedienne known for her award-winning tribute to Ethel Merman, Everything the Traffic Will Allow. She has appeared in legendary concert venues from The London Palladium to Carnegie Hall, The Royal Albert Hall to Jazz at Lincoln Center and with symphony orchestras from Atlanta to Boston, Pittsburgh to Philly. Most recently she appeared as Emma Goldman in Ragtime: The Symphonic Concert with the Boston Pops at Tanglewood conducted by Keith Lockhart, as well as Ragtime: The Symphonic Concert with the Cincinnati Pops under the direction of John Morris Russell. NY theatre credits include Party Face opposite Hayley Mills, Bingo, Radio Gals, Oil City Symphony, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Her television appearances include “Pose,” “The Knick,” two seasons on “The Onion News Network” as legal pundit Shelby Cross, “Law & Order: SVU,” and “Sesame Street.” Last season, Klea appeared at the Ogunquit Playhouse, where she continues her long association with The Nutty Professor, a new musical by the late Marvin Hamlisch and Rupert Holmes. Originally directed by legendary comedian Jerry Lewis, the show continues its bid for a Broadway run under the direction of Marc Bruni. Klea starred in the 50th Anniversary production of Hello, Dolly! at The Goodspeed Opera House and has continued her association with Jerry Herman as a charter member of the Jerry Herman Broadway Legacy Project, performing with symphony orchestras and teaching related master classes in an effort to bring Herman’s music to new generations. Her most recent solo project, One of the Girls, celebrates the words and music of Mr. Herman. She also presents master classes in collaboration with Singnasium and Spot-On Arts Academy and teaches privately through Klea Blackhurst Studio. She performs regularly with Billy Stritch and along with pal Jim Caruso their holiday show at Birdland has become a New York tradition and will be celebrating its 14th year in December. She is a member of Mendez Boxing Harlem, where she is known as The Belter. Klea is a distinguished Alumna of the University of Utah.

 

Billy Stritch is one of the premier singer-pianists on the New York and national jazz and cabaret scenes. He began his career in Houston, Texas, where he formed the vocal trio Montgomery, Plant and Stritch. The trio performed all over New York and Europe from 1983 until they disbanded in 1990. A chance meeting with Liza Minnelli in of 1991 resulted in her asking him to create vocal arrangements for the record-breaking extravaganza Liza Stepping Out at Radio City Music Hall. In addition to his 25-year collaboration with as accompanist and opening act for Liza, Billy recently toured with the legendary Tony Bennett as Tony’s pianist and musical director. A solo entertainer in his own right, he has performed his own shows (including tributes to Mel Tormé and Cy Coleman) in concert halls and nightclubs across the country. Billy also serves as musical director for such leading vocalists as Linda Eder, Christine Ebersole and Linda Lavin. He is the co-writer of the Grammy-winning song “Does He Love You,” recorded by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis, and recorded again last year by Reba and Dolly Parton. When he’s not on the road, he is the pianist for Jim Caruso’s Cast Party open mic night every Monday at Birdland. Named the Best Musical Director four times by BroadwayWorld, Billy’s 2022 birthday engagement at Birdland was the winner of Best Vocal Jazz Show of the year. During Covid-19, he hosted his own weekly Facebook livestream “Billy’s Place”. He has recorded five solo albums and his latest release Billy’s Place (Club44 Records) is a collection of his favorite songs from these online concerts.

  

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch in “Dreaming of a Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael” onMonday, August 7 at 7:00 PM. There is a $30-40 music charge and a $20 food and beverage minimum. Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues) in Manhattan. For reservations, please call (212) 581-3080 or visit www.BirdlandJazz.com. 

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UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS AT

BIRDLAND THEATER AND BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB

 

Every Monday at 9:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club

Jim Caruso’s Cast Party

“Jim Caruso’s Cast Party,” a New York institution for almost two decades, is a wildly popular weekly open mic night/variety show that has brought a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to Birdland since 2004. Called “show-business heaven” by The New York Times and “the gold-standard of open mic nights” by The Wall Street Journal, “Cast Party” will take advantage of the city’s post-pandemic nightlife renaissance to keep presenting a potent mix of Broadway stars, jazz swingers and cabaret legends, in addition to new faces and rising talent from every genre. The buoyant, sharp and charming Caruso guides the entire affair, while musical genius Billy Stritch (Liza Minnelli, Tony Bennett) holds court at the ivories and leads the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra (Steve Doyle on bass and Daniel Glass on drums).

$30 + $20 food/drink minimum

 

Every Tuesday at 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater

The Lineup with Susie Mosher

“The Lineup with Susie Mosher” is a wild, anything-goes variety show featuring entertainers from the Broadway, cabaret and comedy scenes, ranging from today’s hottest headliners to the best up-and-coming stars of tomorrow. Mosher – the noted actress and singer from Broadway and beyond, called “one of those talents you need to see to believe” by Time Out New York – hosts the spontaneous extravaganza every Tuesday, and each Lineup is unique and promises to deliver an unforgettable night of quintessential New York City entertainment.

$20 + $20 food/drink minimum

 

Every Saturday at 5:30 PM – Birdland Jazz Club 
 

Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano

Hailed as “the truest heir to Bobby Short” in The New York Times, pianist/singer Eric Comstock returns to Birdland with star bassist/composer Sean Smith with songs by everyone from George Gershwin to George Harrison. These two masters met on the Off-Broadway hit Our Sinatra (which Eric co-wrote) and have since worked separately and together around the world. Vocalist Barbara Fasano joins them at Birdland for a swinging Saturday supper where the music and stories are equally great. Sean Smith has been an integral part of the international jazz scene for over 25 years, and has performed with Gerry Mulligan, Phil Woods, Benny Carter, Art Farmer, Flip Phillips, Clark Terry and many others. Barbara Fasano has been praised as “a gorgeous, soulful singer who has an actor’s intensity in whatever she sings” by The New York Post and “a lyrically sensitive interpreter” by The New York Times. Her latest album Busy Being Free is the recipient of the MAC Award for “Major Recording of the Year.”

$30 + $20 food/drink minimum

 

July 20 (Thursday) 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater

Bryan Eng Sextet – “Swingin' Standards”

Multi-faceted Broadway actor and acclaimed jazz pianist and singer Bryan Eng is one of the most promising and accomplished entertainers of his generation. With a sound and showmanship compared to jazz masters such as Nat King Cole and Harry Connick Jr., Eng’s musicality packs a punch of energy that manages to maintain an alluring level of intimacy. At 24 years old, Eng has already made big strides across industries in entertainment. He has been featured in movies, TV, commercials, and at venues including Broadway, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and Birdland His ability to compose and arrange music for all styles has led him to musical collaborations with stars such as Heather Headley, Stephen Colbert, and The American Pops Orchestra. Eng attended Northwestern University where his Chicago acclaim proved inevitable. Chicago Now proclaimed, “Bryan Eng is one of Chicago’s bright stars.” Eng was invited to join the Broadway cast of Plaza Suite with Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. Now a New York star in ascension, Eng recently acted in an episode of “Law and Order” and performs regularly around the city.

$30 + $20 food/drink minimum

 

July 21-23 (Friday-Sunday)  7:00 & 9:30 PM - Birdland Theater

Carole J. Bufford – “Divine Decadence”

With a seductive blend of vintage charm and modern flair, "Divine Decadence" combines the best of the past and present, showcasing a diverse collection of songs spanning from the Roaring 1920s to the Vibrant 2020s. This captivating cabaret takes audiences on a dazzling 100 year journey celebrating the evolution of music and capturing the spirit of each decade. Carole J. Bufford and her trio breathe new life into timeless classics and offer scintillating takes on some of today's current hits. The show features songs made famous by Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, Adele, Tina Turner, Solomon Burke, Patsy Cline, Liza Minnelli, Nancy Wilson, Amy Winehouse, Frank Sinatra, and more. Carole J. Bufford has become one of the most sought-after young performers in the New York nightclub and jazz scene. Her recent shows, “speak easy” (featuring the Grammy Award-winning Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks) and “Body & Soul” earned her rave reviews across the board, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Carole is the recipient of a Nightlife, Bistro and BroadwayWorld Award for Outstanding Vocalist. She was featured in Michael Feinstein’s Great American Songbook series at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

$35 tables / $25 bar + $20 food/drink minimum

 

July 24 (Monday) 7:00 PM – Birdland Jazz Club

 Julie Benko – “Julie Sings Jule”

Funny Girl star and Broadway’s newest sensation Julie Benko will perform “Julie Sings Jule,” a concert celebrating the songs of Jule Styne. Amidst one of Broadway’s most inspiring stories, Styne’s music transformed Benko into “the greatest star.” Julie brings her trademark charm, comedic timing, and sterling vocals to her namesake’s songbook, performing such classics as “Just in Time,” “The Party’s Over,” “Make Someone Happy,” “People,” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” as well as lesser-known gems from Styne’s forgotten shows. The evening features Jason Yeager on piano, Michael O’Brien on bass, Jay Sawyer on drums, and Andy Warren on trumpet. Julie Benko is currently marching her band out on Broadway, where you can catch her as the alternate for Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Thursday evenings. Benko will return to Broadway this fall in Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman’s Harmony. Her new record Hand in Hand (Club44 Records), an award-winning duo effort with her jazz-pianist spouse Jason Yeager, and debut album Introducing Julie Benko, are available wherever music is streaming.

$40 + $20 food/drink minimum

 

July 31 (Monday) 7:00 PM – Birdland Jazz Club

Daniel Reichard – “It’s You I Like”

Broadway and concert star Daniel Reichard, who originated the role of Bob Gaudio in the musical, Jersey Boys, will present a compilation of iconic, nostalgic tunes from our childhoods re-explored through an adult perspective. The evening intends to be an emotional, summertime pick-me-up, exploring the themes of self-esteem, motivation, curiosity, and communication. Reichard will be supported by musical director and pianist Micha Gilad, drummer Alex Wyatt, and bassist Brian Holtz. Reichard’s signature style and talent paved the way to starring roles in New York City, including his portrayals of Candide in Leonard Bernstein’s Candide at New York City Opera and pop artist Keith Haring in The Public Theater’s Radiant Baby.  Over the past decade, Reichard has toured the world with his Jersey Boys co-stars as a founding member of the vocal group, The Midtown Men. They have performed over 1,000 concerts and recorded two albums and two public television specials. Reichard has guest starred with 35 major symphonies, including the Boston Pops, the National Symphony, and the Philadelphia Pops.

$50/75 + $20 food/drink minimum

 

August 14 (Monday) 7:00 PM – Birdland Jazz Club

Matt Baker & Luke Hawkins – “The Buddy Boys Take Birdland”

Join jazz pianist Matt Baker and tapper/singer Luke Hawkins, along with a few talented friends for an exciting night of music, magic and a little mayhem. Matt Baker performs regularly as a sideman at jazz venues including Birdland and The Blue Note, tours both within the USA and internationally as a bandleader and sideman and has released 6 albums, his latest a DVD album Live at Birdland. In 2019 Matt premiered his new project “A Rhapsody of Gershwin,” presenting a new spin on the music of one of America’s most celebrated composers. Baker’s sideman credits include touring and performing with vocalists Jennifer Holliday, Vanessa Williams, Patti LaBelle, Veronica Swift, Tierney Sutton, and Judy Collins. He won the 2003 Montreux International Solo Jazz Piano competition. Luke Hawkins is a NYC based tap dancer and choreographer. He performed in and choreographed the Broadway show, Harry Connick Jr.- A Tribute to Cole Porter and has choreographed Connick and performed alongside him at The Hollywood Bowl, La Seine Musicale in Paris, the Palladium in London, and more. Luke’s theatre credits include the Broadway production of Xanadu, Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel (NYC) and Joya(Cancun,Mexico) as well as New York City Center Encores! productions of No, No, Nanette; Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; and On Your Toes. His TV and film credits include tap dancing alongside Channing Tatum in the Coen Brothers’ HailCaesar, the 2015 TonyAwards, “Gossip Girl,” “America's Got Talent,” “The Colbert Report,” “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Annie Live.

$30 tables / $30 bar + $20 food/drink minimum

 

August 21 (Monday) 7:00 PM – Birdland Jazz Club

Wendy Moten

Nashville vocalist Wendy Moten – best known for her 2021 run on NBC’s “The Voice” – returns to the venue following her sold-out debut at Birdland last May and a six-show engagement at Birdland Theater that fall. This performance will feature compositions from Richard Whiting to the Queen of Soul. Most recently Wendy made another appearance on “The Voice” to perform with CeeLo Green for Blake Shelton’s final show. Wendy’s new single “Don’t Give Up” was released earlier this year. At Birdland, she will be joined by Mike Ricchiuti on keyboards, Brian Delaney on drums, David M. Santos on bass, and Paul Livant on guitar. Wendy Moten is a bridge from Memphis to Nashville to the rest of the world. Respected in the music business as a consummate professional for years, the wider public discovered her talent and charm during her remarkable run on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2021. She turned all four judges chairs during her blind audition and ended up as a finalist. A native of Memphis, Wendy sang Pop/R&B on a major label in the ‘90s, then moved to Nashville to become an in-demand harmony singer. She has recorded duets with Michael McDonald, Julio Iglesias, Kirk Whalum, Peabo Bryson, Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’, Buddy Guy, Paul Brown, John Oates, and others. Wendy has performed as a solo artist on the Grand Ole Opry multiple times and recently with Blake Shelton.

$50 tables / $50 bar + $20 food/drink minimum

 

August 31 (Thursday) 8:30 PM – Birdland Theater

Cady Huffman and Mary Ann McSweeney – “Just Play”

Tony winner Cady Huffman and jazz and Broadway bass player Mary Ann McSweeney are two veteran performers who love playing music. “Just Play” explains their need to come together and play during the pandemic…and what they discovered along the way. Combining voice with bass, and whatever else strikes their fancy, the duo will pirouette from Peggy Lee to Jimi Hendrix, with a promise that nothing is off-limits. Cady Huffman started playing the Euphonium in 3rd grade, eventually putting it aside in favor of high kicks and belting out show tunes. In recent years she has taught herself the ukulele, couching the high kicks and refining her vocals to include her softer side. Influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, and Blossom Dearie, she infuses her music with a huge heart, humor and megawatt smile. Huffman won the 2001 Tony Award for playing “Ulla” in The Producers. She was nominated for an Outer Critics' Circle Award for The Nance, and nominated for a Tony Award for The Will Rogers Follies. She also appeared on Broadway in La Cage Aux Folles, Steel Pier, Dame Edna: The Royal Tour and Big Deal. Mary Ann McSweeney has played with jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Joanne Brackeen, Lee Konitz, Gil Goldstein and Bucky Pizzarelli. She has played for famous conductors Leonard Bernstein, Lalo Schifrin, and John Williams. As a freelance bassist she has played 45 different Broadway and Off- Broadway productions. She continues to compose and arrange music for her “Urban Fado” project and is looking forward to recording her Urban Fado Project II.

$40 tables / $40 bar + $20 food/drink minimum

 

 

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