Anita Baker News

The GRAMMY? Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra announced the first round of performers today that are scheduled for the 2009 Delta Classic Chastain summer concert series at the legendary Chastain Park Amphitheater. The season opens on Friday, June 5, 2009.

Herbie Hancock calls her 'a wonderful song stylist,' Melba Moore says that 'She's a reincarnation of Ella Fitzgerald,' and Aretha Franklin proclaims 'If you're looking for good entertainment and very hip music, be sure to check out Nnenna Freelon.' Following up on its sold-out January concert by Tony winner Christine Ebersole and its wildly popular first-time collaboration with City Arts and Lectures in December when Barbara Cook appeared in concert and in conversation with Steve Winn, Bay Area Cabaret continues its 5th season on Sunday, March 8 at 5pm with Nnenna Freelon and her jazz quartet at the Marines Memorial Club Crystal Ballroom (609 Sutter Street@ Mason). Individual tickets to this show, and to a May 17th show by multi-platinum jazz singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway, are available at www.bayareacabaret.org or City Box Office (415) 392-4400.

Herbie Hancock calls her 'a wonderful song stylist,' Melba Moore says that 'She's a reincarnation of Ella Fitzgerald,' and Aretha Franklin proclaims 'If you're looking for good entertainment and very hip music, be sure to check out Nnenna Freelon.' Following up on its sold-out January concert by Tony winner Christine Ebersole and its wildly popular first-time collaboration with City Arts and Lectures in December when Barbara Cook appeared in concert and in conversation with Steve Winn, Bay Area Cabaret continues its 5th season on Sunday, March 8 at 5pm with Nnenna Freelon and her jazz quartet at the Marines Memorial Club Crystal Ballroom (609 Sutter Street@ Mason). Individual tickets to this show, and to a May 17th show by multi-platinum jazz singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway, are available at www.bayareacabaret.org or City Box Office (415) 392-4400.

Week three of Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook brings to The Allen Room a soulful tribute to black music, a bluegrass legend, a genre-busting singer and the concert debut of a gifted actor, all celebrating the diversity of American popular song. On February 4th Soul Deep, an ensemble of some of the top black singers from Broadway and beyond will perform music - black music - that is the basis for most of the popular music heard today. The next night, bluegrass reigns with The Del McCoury Band (top right), who started out in the 1960s and remain so on top of their game that their latest CD is nominated for a 2009 Grammy. A new voice on the scene, and one that is electrifying all within range, is Lizz Wright (bottom left), who performs two shows on February 6th. She will perform songs from The Orchard, her third CD, as well as other pieces that shine with her expressive treatment. Next up on February 7th is the concert debut of the always surprising actor Alan Cumming (bottom right). Equally at ease in film and on the stage, this classically-trained star has never sung a concert before, and he has selected Dolly Parton and Cindi Lauper tunes, among others, to celebrate this new dimension in his career. American Songbook is presented in the spectacular Allen Room of Frederick P. Rose Hall. The Allen Room possesses one of New York's greatest settings - a stunning vista of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline provides an evocative backdrop for the performers.

The BET Honors took place at the Warner Theater in Washington DC on January 17th. Samuel L. Jackson was among the many stars that showed up to pay tribute to the lives and accomplishments of 'African American luminaries'. The event hosted by Gabrielle Union honored the likes of Mary J. Blige, Tyler Perry and Magic Johnson. Anita Baker performed thrilling versions of 'One' and 'Caught Up In The Rapture' while Monica sang 'Not Gon Cry' during a tribute to Mary J. Blige.

The BET Honors took place at the Warner Theater in Washington DC on January 17th. The star of the big version of CHICAGO and HAIRSPRAY Queen Latifah was among the many stars that showed up to pay tribute to the lives and accomplishments of 'African American luminaries'. The event hosted by Gabrielle Union honored the likes of Mary J. Blige, Tyler Perry and Magic Johnson. Anita Baker performed thrilling versions of 'One' and 'Caught Up In The Rapture' while Monica sang 'Not Gon Cry' during a tribute to Mary J. Blige.

Week three of Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook brings to The Allen Room a soulful tribute to black music, a bluegrass legend, a genre-busting singer and the concert debut of a gifted actor, all celebrating the diversity of American popular song. On February 4th Soul Deep, an ensemble of some of the top black singers from Broadway and beyond will perform music - black music - that is the basis for most of the popular music heard today. The next night, bluegrass reigns with The Del McCoury Band (top right), who started out in the 1960s and remain so on top of their game that their latest CD is nominated for a 2009 Grammy. A new voice on the scene, and one that is electrifying all within range, is Lizz Wright (bottom left), who performs two shows on February 6th. She will perform songs from The Orchard, her third CD, as well as other pieces that shine with her expressive treatment. Next up on February 7th is the concert debut of the always surprising actor Alan Cumming (bottom right). Equally at ease in film and on the stage, this classically-trained star has never sung a concert before, and he has selected Dolly Parton and Cindi Lauper tunes, among others, to celebrate this new dimension in his career. American Songbook is presented in the spectacular Allen Room of Frederick P. Rose Hall. The Allen Room possesses one of New York's greatest settings - a stunning vista of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline provides an evocative backdrop for the performers.

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.

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.

Starting on October 3rd, Sylvia Brooks will make her debut performance at the M Bar for a much anticipated series of late night performances.

By special request, on Wednesday, July 16th, Sylvia Brooks will be returning to Catalina Bar & Grill for a much anticipated encore performance.

By special request, on Wednesday, July 16th, Sylvia Brooks will be returning to Catalina Bar & Grill for a much anticipated encore performance.

Village Theatre announces the cast for AIDA, the exhilarating pop-rock powerhouse by Elton John and Tim Rice, on stage May 14 - July 6, 2008 in Issaquah and July 11 - 27, 2008 in Everett.

After several sold out engagements at the Jazz Bakery and Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's, Sylvia Brooks will be making her Catalina Bar & Grill debut on April 13, with musical direction and arrangements by Tom Garvin and six musicians...

Anita Baker presents an inaugural concert of the newly formed relationship between SHN and Pacific Arts Presents at the Golden Gate Theatre on November 2 at 8PM.

The cast of Avenue Q will be featured on the December 18th edition of A&E's 'Breakfast with the Arts'