Photo Flash: Linda Lavin Proves EVERY TIME'S THE FIRST TIME at Birdland

Linda Lavin is a force of nature. This year alone, she has starred in an NBC sitcom ("Sean Saves the World"), received raves for her performance in the new Nicky Silver play at The Vinyard Theatre (Too Much Sun), and can be seen in movie theaters in "A Short History of Decay." If that wasn't enough, she's doing concerts up and down the Eastern Seaboard. She took time out of her crazy schedule for a one-nighter at Broadway at Birdland, and as usual, Ms. Lavin didn't disappoint. She's a musician and raconteur of the highest quality, singing, swinging, scatting and story-telling to the delight of a packed house of Lavin-files.

The concert, entitled Every Time's The First Time, gave the crowd a chance to know her up-close and personal as she recalled her roots in the theater, her life-long obsession with big bands, and history of performing in nightclubs. ("In the 60's, every club I played had the word "downstairs" in it. Downstairs at the Duplex. Downstairs at the Upstairs. I'm so proud to be at Birdland...street level at last!") Of course, Linda's longtime musical director Billy Stritch certainly added to the party atmosphere, as did bassist Steve Doyle, guitarist TKTKTK and drummer/husband Steve Bakunas! Special guest violinist Aaron Weinstein brought his jazzy sound and wry sense of humor to the proceedings. It was perfect party, to be sure!

Check out a look back at Lavin's concert at Birdland, featuring appearances by Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, BroadwayWorld's own Richard Ridge, and more, below!

Photos by Kevin Alvey