Auditorium Theatre's Summer Cabaret Series to Kick Off with Music of Kander & Ebb, 7/20

"Come hear the music play..." this summer at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 E Congress Pkwy) and the Katten/Landau studio (425 S Wabash, 4th Floor) when both spaces are transformed into an intimate cabaret hosting some of the city's most talented performers. The series kicks off in the Katten/Landau Studio on Saturday, July 20 with "Life is a Cabaret - The Music and Words of Kander and Ebb" featuring Scott Gryder, Nick Sula and Phil Martin and continues on Saturday, August 10 with "The Greg Spero Trio," as Spero treats the audience to both original songs from his new album as well as everyone's favorite jazz tunes. The series culminates on Saturday, August 24 when the audience sits on the Auditorium's world-famous landmark stage to hear "Chicago Music Legends" featuring Frank D'Rone, Judy Roberts and Denise Tomasello. Tickets ($25-$35 in the studio and $50-$75 on the mainstage) are on sale to the public June 11 at 10am and available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787) or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy). Discounted tables of 6 or more are available by phone at (312) 341-2357.

"The Auditorium strives to present a diverse array of artists, especially ones from our great city of Chicago," said Auditorium Theatre Executive Director Brett Batterson. "The summer cabaret series showcases versatile Chicago performers that audiences are able to connect with due to the intimate cabaret setting and their close proximity to the musicians. This unique atmosphere creates a magical evening of entertainment at the Auditorium and I look forward to sharing that experience with our audience."

"LIFE IS A CABARET - THE WORDS AND MUSIC OF KANDER AND EBB"
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of legendary songwriting duo John Kander and Frank Ebb, singer Scott Gryder, pianist Nick Sula and drummer Phil Martin, delight audiences with an all-encompassing musical tribute to one of the most talented musical teams in history. The Auditorium's Katten/Landau Studio will envelop guests into an intimate setting allowing them to enjoy Kander and Ebb's most notable tunes including songs from "Chicago," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," and the one and only "Cabaret."

THE GREG SPERO TRIO
Greg Spero, winner of the 2013 Chicago Music Awards for "Best Jazz Entertainer," unites Jazz lovers of all ages when he takes the Katten/Landau stage this summer with "The Greg Spero Trio." Playing original songs from his newest CD, "Acoustic," Spero also pays homage vocally to several great musicians including James Taylor with "Fire and Rain" and Ben Folds with "The Luckiest." The trio will also be playing a diverse lineup of standards culminating with a compelling version of "Autumn Leaves." Spero is accompanied by Junius Paul on bass and Makaya McCraven on drums. Together, they invite their audience into a truly intimate and unique atmosphere that creates a lasting relationship between the performers and their guests.

"ON STAGE WITH...CHICAGO MUSIC LEGENDS"
A sweetheart of the Chicago music scene with multiple Grammy nominations & CD releases, pianist/vocalist Judy Roberts, "Chicago's Favorite Jazz Woman," ("Chicago Tribune"), kicks off the evening with a fabulous set of songs including her Grammy nominated, number one hit, Horace Silver's "Señor Blues" as well as Paul Desmond's "Take Five." Judy will be accompanied by her celebrated husband, tenor saxophonist, Greg Fishman ("Two For Brazil"). Joining Judy and Greg on stage, Internationally-renowned guitarist/vocalist, Frank D'Rone ("A Seasoned Singer For All Seasons" ("Chicago Tribune") continues the show. Praised by such music royalty as Frank Sinatra & Tony Bennett, D'Rone was named "Chicagoan of the Year" in 2012 by the "Chicago Tribune." He will perform many of his hits including Jule Stynes' "Make Someone Happy" and Kern and Hammerstein's "The Song is You." Rounding out the evening is showstopper Denise Tomasello, hailed as "Chicago's Cabaret Queen" by both the "Chicago Tribune" and "Chicago Sun-Times," accompanied by her versatile pianist Beckie Menzie, bassist Bill Harrison, and Leo Murphy on drums. Taking a trip to Broadway, Tomasello casts a love affair with her audience singing signature numbers including Jule Styne and Bob Merrill's "I am the Greatest Star" from "Funny Girl" and Stephen Sondheim's "I'm Still Here" from "Follies." These three Chicago Legends promise an unforgettable evening of sensational music and entertainment.

For more information on each performer, click here.

"The Greg Spero Trio" and" Chicago Music Legends" produced by Barb Bailey Entertainment.

Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
"Life is a Cabaret - The Music and Words of Kander and Ebb"
Saturday, July 20 at 8 pm
Katten/Landau Studio | 425 S Wabash, 4th Floor
Tickets are $25, $35 for VIP (front tables)

"The Greg Spero Trio"
Saturday, August 10 at 8 pm
Katten/Landau Studio | 425 S Wabash, 4th Floor
Tickets are $25, $35 for VIP (front tables)

"On Stage With...Chicago Music Legends"
Saturday, August 24 at 8 pm
Auditorium Theatre's Sollitt Stage | 50 E Congress Pkwy
Tickets are $50, $75 for VIP (front tables)

Tickets are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787), or in-person at The Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy). Discounted tables of 6 or more are available by phone at (312) 341-2357.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E Congress Pkwy, is an Illinois, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community and educational programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. The Auditorium Theatre is generously supported by the Illinois Arts Council, CityArts and the Palmer House Hilton. For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theater tours, call (312) 341-2310 or visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.

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