Photo Flash: Billy Stritch Celebrates Birthday at Birdland with Marilyn Maye

On Thursday, February 12, Birdland was the place to celebrate! Not only were Marilyn Maye and Billy Stritch halfway through their wildly successful week-long engagement at the historic music room, but Stritch celebrated a birthday. Scroll down for photos from the evening!

After the concert, he was serenaded by the audience, then club owner Gianni Valenti surprised him with a portrait to be displayed on the club''s Wall of Fame. Of the evening, Billy said, "I'm humbled and very proud of this honor, and thrilled to be in the presence of so many music legends. Thanks especially to our esteemed owner and friend Gianni Valenti, my partner-in-crime on Monday nights Jim Caruso, and Kevin Alvey for taking such a swell photo!"

Billy Stritch is an award-winning composer, arranger, vocalist, and jazz pianist of extraordinary range and sophistication. He breathes new life into the Great American Songbook, all the while bringing an easy sense of humor and showmanship to his performances. As a soloist, he has headlined in music rooms across the world, recorded award-winning albums, co-written a Grammy Award-winning song, and appeared on Broadway in 42nd Street.

One of the most sought-after accompanists and arrangers in the business, he has worked with Liza Minnelli for the past 20 years, as well as Marilyn Maye, Christine Ebersole, Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso, and is the musical director for the extreme open mic, Cast Party.

Photo Credit: Kevin Alvey