Every month at Birdland, the Grammy and Tony nominated composer
Frank Wildhorn gathers up some brilliantly talented friends and a rocking band for "Frank & Friends." The one-night-only concert celebrates the songs and favorite performers from the composer's wide range of work in pop and theatrical music, with all proceeds going to The Actors Fund.
This past Monday, Frank's pals included Las Vegas and supperclub headliner
Clint Holmes and Broadway mainstay
Capathia Jenkins. (Holmes has recently been traveling the country singing Wildhorn's songs and praises, and Jenkins made her Broadway debut in the composer's production of The Civil War before starring in Caroline, Or Change and Newsies.)
Both singers are dazzling interpreters of the Wildhorn songbook, bringing passion, swing, humor and bold vocals to the material. Wildhorn, once again, proved to be a warm, witty and affable host, all the while providing smart accompaniment at the piano. Material was wide-ranging, from well-known theatrical hits to a
Whitney Houston ballad that had the house swooning and singing along.
The next "Frank & Friends" will take place at Birdland on Monday, June 17 at 7pm, with Special Guests Jackie Burns, Teal Wicks, Ryan Silverman and Darren Ritchie. For tickets, www.BirdlandJazz.com.
Photo Credit: Seth Walters
Frank Wildhorn
Frank and Friends
Clint Holmes
Clint Holmes
Capathia Jenkins
Capathia Jenkins
Capathia Jenkins and Clint Holmes
Capathia Jenkins and Clint Holmes
David Osmond, Natalie Hill and Jim Caruso
Clint Holmes, Capathia Jenkins and Frank Wildhorn
Jay Manuel and Frank Wildhorn
Frank Wildhorn
Frank and the Band