Andy Razaf News

Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook returns in January for its eleventh season celebrating the diversity of American popular song. For 17 nights of pop, folk, cabaret, R&B, country, rock, show tunes, bluegrass and multimedia, the series will explore the best of the golden age of musical standards through to today's most dynamic contemporary songwriting. The 2009 season - January 14 through March 6 - will bring to the stage some of today's most gifted interpreters of song, including top vocalist Kurt Elling and country's winning Patty Loveless. It will feature the rare opportunity to hear Paulo Szot, star of Broadway's South Pacific, and film and stage star Alan Cumming, in intimate concert settings.

The second week of Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook brings to the Allen Room stage a jazz great, a new singer/songwriter, a country music classic and Broadway's newest heartthrob, all celebrating the diversity of American popular song. Singer Kurt Elling will re-create the standout recording that singer Johnny Hartman made in 1963 of the music of John Coltrane. Saxophonist Ernie Watts, The Laurence Hobgood Trio and the string quartet ETHEL will join Elling for this show, entitled Dedicated to You.

The York Theater Company presents the Developmental Reading Series GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK BOOK BY MELBA THOMAS, MUSIC BY DAVID FRIEDMAN, LYRICS BY MURIEL ROBINSON Based on the wonderful short story by Grace Paley, set on Manhattan's lower east side during the era of the Yiddish theatre, Goodbye and Good Luck tells the story of Rosie Lieber, whose life is upended and set on a new track when she loses her job in a sweatshop because she wants to sit by a window. Her search for her 'window' leads to a job as cashier at a famous Second Avenue theatre and a livelong involvement with its charismatic and considerably older star. This is the story of an 'ordinary' girl who makes 'extraordinary' choices that lead to a life full of surprises, twists and turns.

A track listing has been released for a new album ALONE TOGETHER from Broadway's Jill O'Hara. Famed for being the original Fran Kubelik in Promises, Promises, O'Hara has been seen much recently in New York City concert appearances, beginning with BroadwayWorld.com's Standing Ovations IV.

Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook returns in January for its eleventh season celebrating the diversity of American popular song. For 17 nights of pop, folk, cabaret, R&B, country, rock, show tunes, bluegrass and multimedia, the series will explore the best of the golden age of musical standards through to today's most dynamic contemporary songwriting. The 2009 season - January 14 through March 6 - will bring to the stage some of today's most gifted interpreters of song, including top vocalist Kurt Elling and country's winning Patty Loveless. It will feature the rare opportunity to hear Paulo Szot, star of Broadway's South Pacific, and film and stage star Alan Cumming, in intimate concert settings.

Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy prepares to close season three with plenty of heat and lots of rhythm. The award-winning musical revue, Ain't Misbehavin', takes the Kennedy Theatre stage with a lively cast, crew and ensemble of musicians that is sure to share the infectious energy known as Harlem Renaissance era

Sheldon Epps' Blues in the Night began its exclusive San Francisco engagement at Post Street Theatre (450 Post Street) on August 7; ready for its Opening Night on August 15.

Sheldon Epps' Blues in the Night will return for an all-star San Francisco production.

For two and a half glorious hours your only care in the world should be deciding which of the magnificent songs you'll be humming on your way out of the theatre.

Playgoers looking for a perfect nightcap to an evening on Broadway and late-nighters wanting to start their fun with a blast of energy are well-advised to head for Danny's Skylight Room the next two Saturday nights, where Mary Bond Davis delivers the kind of big, beautiful performance that'll send you into Sunday morning with a smile on your face

American Songbook, the critically acclaimed Lincoln Center series devoted to the rich history and variety that is American popular song, returns for its eighth season.

Marin Mazzie and Jason Daniely's CD of duets, Opposite You, is now available for pre-order on PS Classics' website

Brian Tom O'Connor and Debra Vogel explore male/female relationships through showtunes

The New York Festival of Song (NYFOS) will continue its season with a program titled At Harlem's Height on Wednesday, February 23 at 8:00pm as part of Lincoln Center's American Songbook in the Rose Theatre at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The featured soloists will be soprano Dana Hanchard, tenor Darius de Haas, and baritone James Martin, with Steven Blier at the piano.