Ute Lemper, The Skivvies & More Set for 54 Below this Week

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. 54 Below also launched its series of late night events. Joining Tuesday nights' popular "Backstage" with Susie Mosher is 15:54, and more:

TALES OF JONI, August 12 at 7PM:
54 Below is delighted to tip our hat to the brilliance of eight-time Grammy winner Joni Mitchell. Whether it's "Both Sides Now," "Chelsea Morning," "The Circle Game," "Big Yellow Taxi," or "A Case of You," the work of Mitchell, one of the world's most embraced, lauded, and prolific singer-songwriters, continues to inspire and delight generations of listeners. At 54 Below, look for a cast of Broadway and cabaret luminaries singing the praises of all things Mitchell, including: Lisa Asher (MAC, Bistro & Nightlife Award winner), Annie Golden (Broadway's Hair, Leader of the Pack, On the Town, The Full Monty, Xanadu), Heather MacRae (Broadway's Hair, Falsettos, A Catered Affair), Julie Reyburn (MAC, Bistro, Nightlife Award winner), Nicholas Rodriguez (Broadway's Tarzan, Helen Hayes Award winner), and Gabrielle Stravelli (celebrated NYC jazz vocalist). Upon presenting her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002, the Grammys called Joni's music "a powerful influence on all artists who embrace diversity, imagination, and integrity." For four special performances only at 54 Below, come see why! Cover charge $25-35. $25 food & beverage minimum.

Melanie Field, August 12 at 9:30PM:
Direct from the Broadway stages of Evita, Wicked and Phantom of the Opera, Melanie bids a fond farewell (for now) to the Great White Way as she departs on her next big adventure - student at the Yale School of Drama! It's the perfect evening of story, song and special guests (Corey Mach, Annie Funke), along with Musical Director Caleb Hoyer. Cover charge $15-25. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: THE CALLBACK: PRELIMINARIES, August 12 at 11:30PM:
The Callback is back! This season, with Emily McNamara leading the way as host. Every Monday, contestants at The Callback will perform for a chance to win their own cabaret show at 54 Below. Contestants are chosen by video audition, their performances recorded and uploaded to 54 Below's Facebook and Youtube page, and each week, a winner is determined by audience vote to progress to the next round. "The Callback" contestants may also have the chance to sing in front of industry executives and Broadway celebrity guest judges as they move forward in the competition. For more information on "The Callback" rules or how to submit an audition video, please visitwww.54Below.com. No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

WBGO JAZZ SERIES: Christian McBride TRIO, August 13 at 9PM:
Bassist/composer/producer/educator Christian McBride is one of the very few young superstars of modern jazz. At 54 Below, Christian McBride celebrates an exciting new release on Mack Avenue Records with his fiery trio, featuring two of his pre-eminent musical protégés: the swinging Christian Sands and the most in-demand young jazz drummer in the world, Ulysses Owens. This evening, we will also be toasting the 67th Birthday of WBGO Jazz Series producer and host, Todd Barkan. Cover charge $25-35. $15 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: BACKSTAGE, August 13 at 10:30PM:
Each week, Broadway cast members and audiences alike gather to mix and mingle at 54 Below, Broadway's most intimate haunt, located in the heart of the theatre district. Musical Director Brad Simmons keeps the house jumping from the piano, while host Susie Mosher (the love child of Joanne Worley & Paul Lynde) guides the crowd through an evening of music, mayhem and full throttle belting, with special guests from Broadway and beyond dropping in to perform. NPR had this to say: "The best thing happening right now might just be the weekly Backstage. Hosted by the ridiculously funny Susie Mosher and pianist Brad Simmons who clearly is the man, it's two feel-good hours among New York's theater people, who seem like they're having a really fine time. Can't recommend it highly enough!" At this week's Backstage is The Skivvies (Nick Cearley and Lauren Molina), Melissa van Der Schyff (Bonnie and Clyde), Brandon Bieber (Follies, Mary Poppins), Gretchen Bieber (Hairspray), Victor Hernandez (Bonnie and Clyde), and Gabrielle Reid(upcoming Beautiful). No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

Ute Lemper, August 14, 15 at 7PM & August 16 & 17 at 8PM:
54 Below welcomes renowned international chanteuse and star of Broadway's ChicagoUte Lemper for a special late summer engagement. The journey starts in Berlin with Ute's repertoire of Brecht and Weill and classic cabaret songs and travels to the poetic universe of Jacques Brel & Edith Piaf. Then, join Ute's voyage as she continues to Argentina and Tango Nuevo and walks the backstreets of Paris, Berlin, Buenos Aires and New York, where she's made her home for fifteen years now. Discover musical ghosts who have their own tales of loss, love, passion, survival, rebellion & opposition to tell. Cover charge $40-50 for 7pm shows & $50-60 for 8pm shows. $25 food & beverage minimum.

BROADWAY SWINGS, August 14 at 9:30PM & August 18 at 7PM:
Broadway Swings features some of Broadway's most delectable tunes, arranged in a way that will leave your toes tapping long after the house lights come up. Expect melodies from Broadway hits such as Porgy & Bess, The Wiz, Pippin, Hello, Dolly, South Pacific, The King & I and more! Featured in the cast are some of New York's most celebrated vocalists, including multiple award-winning jazz singers Natalie Douglas, Terese Genecco & Scott Coulter. Accompanied by the acclaimed jazz band, The Barry Levitt Trio, Broadway Swings is directed and hosted by 54 Below's own Director of Programming, Phil Geoffrey Bond. Cover charge $25-35. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: THE STUDIO: WRITER'S BLOCK, August 14 at 11:30PM:
It's that time again.... WRITER'S BLOCK at 54 Below! This month, featuring original work by some of New York's most talented up-and-coming songwriters. Enjoy a drink (or four) off our new late night happy hour menu, or even sign up to perform your own original work on our stage. WRITER'S BLOCK is the new home for New York City's next generation of songwriters. Hosted by Joe Iconis. Want to perform your own original work at 54 Below? Need to try out new songs to get through your own writer's block? Join us on Wednesday for the chance to sign up for one of the open-mic slots! No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

A TRIBUTE TO WOODSTOCK, August 15 at 9:30PM:
On August 15, 1969, the world erupted in a musical explosion when Woodstock kicked off for an unprecedented four day extravaganza in Bethel, NY. Now, 44 years later (to the day), relive highlights of that incredible weekend in the history of music when leading voices from Broadway, cabaret and jazz converge upon 54 Below for a night of peace, love & understanding. Also starring: The Audiobodies, Rex Benincasa, Carol J. Bufford, Norbert Leo Butz, Peter Calo, Scott Coulter, Natalie Douglas, Adam Fisher, Lauren Fox, Ritt Henn, Heather MacRae, Marissa Mulder, T. Oliver Reid, Ted Stafford, Chris Sullivan, KT Sullivan, Stacy Sullivan & Jon Weber. Cover charge $35- 45. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: 15:54, August 15 at 11PM:
"In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes." 15:54 unlocks the doors on a weekly Thursday Party at 54 Below featuring the best of New York City's cutting edge nightlife. Reinventing the magic of Studio 54, resident artists, performers, and DJ's will serve you 15 minute sets at 54 Below. This week, Lance Horne and Errickson Wilcox, present Haus of Mimosa and surprise guests. $15 cover includes your first drink (well, wine, or beer).

THE SKIVVIES, August 16 at 11PM:
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! This wit-rock, comedy-pop duo don't just strip down their musical arrangements, they literally strip down to their underwear to perform their distinctive mashups and eccentric originals for cello and ukulele, with touches of glockenspiel, melodica, and a surprising array of under-used instruments. Award-winning singer-actors Lauren Molina (Marry Me a Little, Sweeney Todd, Rock of Ages) and Nick Cearley (All Shook Up) became YouTube sensations as The Skivvies, with living room videos that displayed their powerful harmonies as well as their powerful abs. Those clips led to live shows that The Wall Street Journal called "smart, sophisticated...ingenious," and a music video directed by Augusten Burroughs, bestselling author of Running With Scissors. Joined by special guest stars (including Will Swenson, Michael Urie, Julia Murney & Asmeret Ghebremichael!) who will strip down and rock out, expect a hilarious evening of genre-hopping pop perfection. Cover charge $20-30. $25 food & beverage minimum.

TORI SCOTT, August 17 at 11PM:
Belter and bad decision expert Tori Scott, makes her solo show debut at 54 Below with a special 70 minute late-night salute to all things gay, lesbian (if there's time) and sodomite. Now that she's at the absolute peak of her career (having opened for a stripper who went through all six Village People outfits in two minutes), she is giving back to the gay community with this musical celebration of personal shame, brunch confessions and belt notes only Beyoncé can hear! With Band: Jesse Kissel, Mat Fieldes and Mike Lunoe, the concert promises an eclectic set of material including songs by Ke$ha, Bette Midler, Alanis Morrissette, Whitney Houston, Judy Garland, Michael Jackson, and more. Cover charge $20 with a 2 drink minimum.

Mairi Dorman-PHANEUF, August 18 at 9:30PM:
Join Broadway cellist Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf (Evita, Jekyll & Hyde, A Little Night Music,etc.) for a thrilling musical evening when she features special guest vocalists Jessica Molaskey and Mary Beth Peil! For this special night, Broadway artists such as Jason Robert Brown, Michael Starobin and Jonathan Tunick have all contributed unique arrangements of some of your favorite tunes from the Great White Way and beyond - expect pieces ranging from Joni Mitchell to Johannes Brahms, from Pizzarelli to Piazzolla, from Billy Joel to Adam Guettel. Cover charge $25-35. $25 food & beverage minimum.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (866) 468-7619.

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