'Late Nite with Niko' Debuts at The Zipper Factory Nov.13

"Late Nite with Niko and Friends," an evening of original songs by the ridiculously talented singer-songwriter Nikos Tsakalakos, will make its NYC debut at The Zipper Factory ( 336 West 37th Street , between 8th & 9th Aves) on Tuesday, November 13, at 8PM.  Tickets are $20.

Hailed as a 'fresh and distinctive new voice on the scene', "Late Nite with Niko and Friends" inaugurated Barrington Stage Company's Musical Theatre Lab's Late Nite series in August of this year.  Dubbed 'the Greek Neil Diamond' by mentor William Finn, "Late Nite with Niko and Friends" features original songs by Nikos Tsakalakos inspired by Finn, his own life and songs he co-wrote with others.

"Late Nite with Niko and Friends" features Nikos Tsakalakos, with special guests Heath Calvert, Demond Green, Christy McIntosh, and Alysha Umphress.  Jamming onstage with Niko are Brian Usifer (piano), Jeff Roberts (drums), Eric Day (bass), and Sean Mahoney (guitar).

Nikos Tsakalakos is a singer-songwriter from New Brunswick , NJ , currently completing his MFA at NYU's Musical Theatre Writing Program as a composer/lyricist.  He received his BA in English Literature from Rutgers University , with an emphasis on creative writing/poetry.  As drummer and lead vocalist, his band, Saint Friday, has played the Los Angeles circuit, including venues such as the Viper Room, the Roxy and the Troubadour.  He spent two years in Los Angeles at the Academy for New Musical Theatre.  Nikos is a two-time recipient of UCLA's Barry Manilow and Concord RecordsWriting Lyrics that Succeed and Endure Scholarship.

Tickets for "Late Nite with Niko and Friends" are $20 and are now available by calling Ovation Tix at 212-352-3101, or online at www.thezipperfactory.com.

Photo of Nikos Tsakalakos by Luke Redmond