Lesli Margherita, A SWINGIN' BIRDLAND CHRISTMAS and More Set for Birdland This December
By: BWW News Desk Nov. 13, 2015
Birdland Jazz Club has announced its December 2015 schedule, featuring Saxophone Summit: Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman and Greb Osby, Eliane Elias, The Birdland Big Band, Lesli Margherita, Swingin' Birdland Christmas, Freddy Cole, Jim Caruso's Cast Party and more!
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
December 1-5 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Saxophone Summit: Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman and Greg Osby
Saxophonist Joe Lovano, hailed as "one of the most creative saxophonists going" by The Boston Globe, combines eclectic taste in conceptual projects with his own reliably distinctive state of the art jazz improvisation. David Liebman, who has been called "one of the most important saxophonists in contemporary music... a leader and artist of integrity and independent direction." by Downbeat Magazine, states that, "late Coltrane" [has been] "largely underappreciated and unexplored. In his final years, Coltrane's music included amazingly beautiful, lyrical melodies offset by intense, abstract and dissonant free group improvisation." Saxophone "battles" have traditionally inspired musicians to raise their game. But this group is more than just a cutting contest. It has become a multi-faceted musical equation greater than the sum of its parts.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
December 3 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Marlene VerPlanck
Marlene VerPlanck began her career as the voice of countless commercials and performed as a studio singer alongside everyone from Sinatra to Kiss. Her career as a solo artist has spanned decades with a growing roster of solo albums and acclaimed appearances across North America and Europe. She is perhaps best known for the personal connection she brings to standards from the Great American Songbook, as well as new songs from today's composers. "Marlene VerPlanck has an uncanny ability to catch the truth of a lyric and make an old song sound new." (Jazz Journal) Marlene's band mates will be the best New York has to offer, Tedd Firth, piano, Jay Leonhart, bass, Ron Vincent, drums and very special guest, supreme tenor man, Harry Allen
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
December 6 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
The 2015 Annual James Barbour Holiday Concert
Laughing Dog Media will present James Barbour and his guests in his 8th Annual Holiday Concert. Filled with holiday classics such as "The Christmas Song," "O Holy Night," "The Dreidel Song" and an audience participation "Twelve Days Of Christmas," this concert celebrates the warmth and joy of the holiday season through the the voices of some of Broadway's greatest singers. Starting in 2008, James Barbour's Holiday Concert has played to sold out crowds around the world and has become a staple each holiday season. This year, James will be joined by guests from the Broadway cast of The Phantom of The Opera and other surprise performers.
All tickets $25-35, $10 food/drink minimum
December 7 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Lesli Margherita "BROAD"
Mae West. Sophie Tucker. Lesli Margherita. Brassy. Ballsy. Bawdy....BROAD. Olivier Award Winner Lesli Margherita (Dames at Sea, Matilda) returns to the New York cabaret stage in "BROAD," an evening celebrating the controversial women of yesteryear. Written by Margherita, the evening will be directed by Lauren Bass, with musical arrangements by Brett Ryback and produced by Jordan & Lauren Bass
All seats $30-40, $10 food/drink minimum
December 8-12 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Eliane Elias
Pianist/singer/songwriter, Eliane Elias, is known for her distinctive and immediately recognizable musical style which blends her Brazilian roots and her sensuous, alluring voice with her virtuosic instrumental jazz, classical and compositional skills. Made in Brazil, her newest recording for Concord Jazz, marks a musical homecoming for Elias. In her three-decade long career as a solo artist, Made in Brazil results from the first time she's recorded a disc in her native Brazil since moving to the United States in 1981.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
December 10 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Barbara Fasano comes home to Birdland to celebrate the release of her fourth solo CD, "Busy Being Free." Ms. Fasano explores the complexities of love and the circles we all swirl within, singing "wise, literate songs about life in all its confusing wonder," as author James Gavin writes in the CD's liner notes. Gavin adds, "She seems incapable of singing an unintelligent or unmusical phrase." The title comes from Joni Mitchell's "Cactus Tree", and the CD takes a deep dive into a woman's point of view, with other lyricists including Dorothy Fields, Carolyn Leigh and Nellie Lutcher.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
December 14 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Apollo Link in "Dressed In Holiday Style"
Following the success of last winter's "We Three Kings" and "Apollo Link: Live at Birdland" earlier this year, Apollo Link proudly makes their triumphant return to the Birdland stage to celebrate the release of their brand new album, "Dressed In Holiday Style." Join Brandon, Adam, and Jake for a night of laughs, surprises, giveaways, never before heard arrangements, and so much more! The evening will feature classic holiday songs you know and love with that Apollo Link twist.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
December 15-19 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Catherine Russell Septet
Catherine Russell is that rarest of entities - a genuine jazz and blues singer - who can sing virtually anything. Her repertoire features a selection of gems from the 1920's through the present; vital interpretations bursting with soul and humor. With an off-the-beaten-path song selection, sparkling acoustic swing, and a stunning vocal approach, Catherine Russell joins the ranks of the greatest interpreters and performers of American Popular song.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
December 21-25 (Monday-Friday) at 6:00PM, 7:00PM on Monday
"A Swingin' Birdland Christmas"
Featuring KLea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch
Birdland is proud to announce the sixth year of "A Swinging Birdland Christmas," starring Birdland regulars KLea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch. In the tradition of beloved seasonal specials, Blackhurst, Caruso and Stritch will perform swinging arrangements of "Christmas Waltz," Kay Thompson's "Holiday Season," "Sleigh Ride," and "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," "Snow," and "It Happened In Sun Valley" among other favorites. The singers will be joined by Steve Doyle on bass and Daniel Glass on drums.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
December 22-26 (Monday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
The New York Times calls Freddy Cole, "the most maturely expressive male jazz singer of his generation, if not the best alive." People Magazine praises his "gorgeous autumnal baritone, expressive phrasing and pitch-perfect feel for jazz standards, pop tunes and love ballads." Uncle to Natalie Cole, brother of Nat "King" Cole, pianist and vocalist Freddy Cole doesn't apologize for sounding a little bit like his iconic elder brother. While there are certain unmistakable similarities -- he plays piano, sings and performs live with a guitarist and bassist -- many consider his voice to be smokier, jazzier even. Cole's annual visit is the perfect blend of jazz and great American standards.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
December 27-28 (Sunday-Monday) at 6:00PM, 7:00PM on Monday
Erich Bergen & Angelo DiLoreto
Erich Bergen, best known for his performance as Bob Gaudio in the Clint Eastwood film "Jersey Boys" and the current hit CBS drama "Madam Secretary," will bring his dry wit and smooth vocals to the Birdland stage. Of Erich's past performances, the Los Angeles times said "His charisma feeds of the spotlight with his lanky good looks and vibrant intensity" and BroadwayWorld.com said "Taking the stage with the gusto akin to a tornado or blazing brushfire, this young dynamo captivated the packed house from the moment he opened his mouth."
All tickets $30-50, $10 food/drink minimum
December 29-January 2 (Tuesday-Saturday)
The Birdland Big Band directed by Tommy Igoe
Featuring the finest musicians in New York! The BBB roars into action every Friday, playing the finest Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music from the world's best arrangers. After work or before a show, drinks or a great dinner, come hear one of the world's best drummers driving the hardest swinging band in New York. Experience why the BBB is fast becoming the must-see weekly jazz event in New York and kick off your weekend with what critics are calling "the best live music bargain in all of NYC!"
All tickets $40-100, $10 food/drink minimum
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
December 7, 14, 21, 28 (Mondays) at 9:30PM
Jim Caruso's Cast Party
Jim Caruso's Cast Party is a wildly popular weekly soiree that brings a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night. It's a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars, backed by Steve Doyle on bass, Billy Stritch on piano and Daniel Glass on drums, hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
December 4, 11, 18 (Fridays) at 5:15PM
The Birdland Big Band
With Guest Conductor Rob Middleton
Founded by drummer and musical director Tommy Igoe, the Birdland Big Band features the finest musicians in New York! The BBB roars into action every Friday, playing the finest Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music from the world's best arrangers. After work or before a show, drinks or a great dinner, come hear one of the world's best drummers driving the hardest swinging band in New York. Experience why the BBB is the must-see weekly jazz event in New York and kick off your weekend with what critics are calling "the best live music bargain in all of NYC!"
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
December 13, 20 (Sundays) at 6:00PM
Daniel Reichard's "Under the Mistletoe"
Daniel Reichard, Broadway star and concert singer, returns to Birdland on December13th and 20th with his eighth New York City holiday concert, Daniel Reichard's "Under the Mistletoe!" They yuletide celebration, featuring a rousing eight-piece band, will include holiday favorites originally popularized by artists like Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, and Johnny Mathis. Reichard's holiday show has become a yearly tradition in the Big Apple, offering nostalgic musical classics, heartfelt and often hilarious Christmas stories, and unexpected guest stars and surprises. Jesse Vargas will serve as musical director and arranger. Come see what NY1's Roma Torre describes as "an instant rush of holiday spirit. Reichard reclaims the pure magic of Christmas." If you don't want this heartwarming time of the year to pass you by, join us for this inspiring, joyful evening.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
December 6, 13 (Sundays) at 9PM & 11PM
Arturo O'Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Grammy Award winning pianist, composer and educator Arturo O'Farrill -- leader of the "first family of Afro-Cuban Jazz" (NY Times) -- was born in Mexico and grew up in New York City. Son of the late, great composer Chico O'Farrill, Arturo was Educated at Manhattan School of Music, Brooklyn College Conservatory and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He played piano in Carla Bley's Big Band from 1979 through 1983 and earned a reputation as a soloist in groups led by Dizzy Gillespie, Steve Turre, Freddy Cole, Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis and Harry Belafonte.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
For tickets, go to www.BirdlandJazz.com, or for information and reservations call 212-581-3080. Ticket prices will vary by performer. At the tables, there is a $10 food/drink minimum per person in addition to the music charge. At the bar, the music charge will include one complimentary drink with no additional minimum.
Named for alto saxophonist and jazz pioneer Charlie "Bird" Parker who dubbed it "The Jazz Corner of the World," Birdland opened on December 15th 1949. For 60 years it has been home to jazz legends, from Parker, John Coltrane Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, Diana Krall and everyone in between. The original 52nd street location was a cultural barometer and meeting place, inspiring the songs "Birdland" and "Lullaby of Birdland," and serving as a regular haunt for celebrities and cultural figures. The modern incarnation is a state of the art nightclub featuring award winning Southern and Cajun cuisine, first rate sound and lighting and a who's who of contemporary musical artists, 7 nights a week.
Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues), New York, NY 10036. Students (with current ID) & Broadway Theatre-Goers (with Broadway ticket stub from same day of performance): 50% off music charge at 11PM shows only. Birdland serves American Fare with a Cajun Flair nightly from 5PM until Midnight and until 1AM on Friday and Saturdays. Parking is available across the street at 332 West 44th Street. Concert Grand Piano By: Yamaha.
For more information, visit www.BirdlandJazz.com or follow BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB on Twitter: @birdlandjazz, Facebook, Instagram, and on Pinterest.
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