Joey Arias to Return to Feinstein's at the Nikko, 10/10

Following a sold-out engagement last October, Joey Arias returns to Feinstein's at the Nikko for one performance only with an intimate show for piano and voice featuring his music director and pianist Matt Ray on Friday, October 10 at 8 p.m. Ray has served as music director for Arias' sold out residencies at Joe's Pub and resumes this role on Arias' forthcoming Billie Holiday Centennial Concerts in the Spring of 2015. The piano and voice format allows for a high degree of improvisation, allowing these peerless musicians an opportunity to explore the depths of their musical communion. The repertoire includes original songs, unexpected covers and, of course, Arias' signature 'channeling' of Billie Holiday. Tickets for Joey Arias range in price from $25-$40 and are available now by calling 866.663.1063 or visiting www.ticketweb.com.

Located within Hotel Nikko (222 Mason Street, San Francisco), Feinstein's at the Nikko presents a wide range of entertainers from stage and screen all within an intimate 140-seat cabaret setting. There is a $20 food and beverage minimum per person inside the showroom which guests can use towards cocktails as well as a variety of small plates crafted exclusively for Feinstein's at the Nikko by Executive Chef Philippe Striffeler, through Restaurant Anzu. Cheese and dessert platters will also be available in the showroom.

Joey Arias originated the role of the Mistress of Seduction in Cirque du Soleil's "Zumanity," performing for 6 years in the Las Vegas spectacle and co-writing 2 of the show's songs. Long a muse to Manfred (Thierry) Mugler, Arias recently starred in the Mugler-directed short film, "Z Chromosome" which opened the Cheri Cheri Film Festival in Paris. Mugler also served as creative director for the acclaimed "Arias With A Twist" starring Arias and directed by master puppeteer Basil Twist. The show played a critically acclaimed, extended 6-month run at HERE Arts Center in New York before playing Paris, Stockholm, Los Angeles and a second, successful New York run off-Broadway at Abrons Arts Center.

>From outrageous performances at seminal New York nightclubs Jackie 60 and Squeezebox to the now-legendary nights at Bar d'O where he held court with Raven-O and Sherry Vine, Arias has long been a fixture of New York's downtown fashion and performance worlds. (He famously appeared with David Bowie on Saturday Night Live where he and his close friend Klaus Nomi appeared as Bowie's back up singers.) Arias regularly plays Joe's Pub at The Public Theater and recently headlined Town Hall and Central Park SummerStage. He has toured internationally to Europe, Japan, Australia and Mexico and appeared in numerous films including "Big Top Pee Wee," "To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar," and the "Wigstock" documentary.

Matt Ray is a multi-genre musician based in Brooklyn, NY. He can be seen in some of New York's best venues where he performs nightly either fronting his own band, or accompanying some of the city's most dynamic performers. Recent work includes leading a nine-piece band at Lincoln Center with Taylor Mac, performing at Carnegie Hall with Kat Edmonson, music directing The Billie Holiday Project at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, string and piano arrangements for the fifth season finale of Showtime's Nurse Jackie, performances at Joe's Pub with Joey Arias, performing in Paris with Mx. Justin Vivian Bond, and monthly gigs at Joe's Pub with Bridget Everett and the Tender Moments. Other recent work includes playing the Montreal Jazz Festival with reggae legend Burning Spear, performing at the Edinburgh Fringe with Lady Rizo, and touring the world with Taylor Mac's show A 20th Century History of Popular Music. In addition, Matt music directed and played piano in Taylor Mac's Obie award winning play The Lily's Revenge at the HERE Arts Center in New York. Matt has released two jazz albums as a leader: We Got It! (2001) and Lost In New York (2006); and one album of original pop/folk material called Songs For the Anonymous (2013).

All seating at Feinstein's at the Nikko is cabaret style and available on a first-come, first-served basis within the section purchased. Guests who purchase the prix-fixe dinner at Restaurant Anzu will receive a complimentary section upgrade (subject to availability) and get to choose their exact seat locations within the upgraded section.

Guests of Feinstein's at the Nikko can enjoy a variety of food and beverage options before performances. Kanpai Lounge, located in Hotel Nikko's lobby, offers light cuisine, a full bar and specialty cocktails. Restaurant Anzu, Hotel Nikko's intimate restaurant located on the second floor, serves sustainable California cuisine enhanced with Asian flavors. Restaurant Anzu will also offer Feinstein's at the Nikko guests a special three-course prix-fixe dinner ($45 per person) prior to all performances. Reservations can be made by calling (415) 394-1100.

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