Bettye Lavette News

On December 9, 2013 92Y celebrates songwriting legend Mike Stoller on the occasion of his 80th year with An 80th Birthday Celebration, a one-night-only Lyrics & Lyricists Special Event hosted by Paul Shaffer and directed and written by Randy Johnson (director/writer of A Night with Janis Joplin). Confirmed artists performing expected and unexpected interpretations from Stoller's genre-spanning career in blues, R&B, rock 'n' roll and jazz include legendary vocal group The Coasters, along with artists Karen Akers, Mary Bridget Davies, Corky Hale, Maria Elena Infantino, Sally Kellerman, Bettye LaVette, Melissa Manchester, Billy Stritch, Tommy Tune and Steve Tyrell. Backed by Tyrell's band, the artists perform some of the greatest songs written by Stoller with his longtime lyricist partner Jerry Leiber and others. Leiber will be the subject of a special tribute during the evening. Stoller is planning to be in attendance for the celebration.

Connecticut's Ridgefield Playhouse has announced its upcoming schedule for November 2013 and beyond!

With a voice as powerful as Etta James' and a tale as gripping as Tina Turner's, the 2013 Blues Music Award Nominee for Best Contemporary Blues Female Artist Bettye LaVette will be in concert with a new album Thankful and Thoughtful at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Thursday, November 7, at 8 p.m. Bettye is a Grammy-nominee and veteran jazz artist whom The New York Times raves "now rivals Aretha Franklin as her generation's most vital soul singer." With fifty years in show business, Bettye LaVette is celebrating her eclectic soul, blues, rock 'n' roll, gospel, funk and country music legacy. Bettye's band includes bass, guitar, drums and keyboard in a stunning performance of her velvet-rich voice and gospel-based blues. To start the evening of jazz, wine and art in style, there will be a wine and cheese tasting by No. 109 Cheese & Wine at 7:15 p.m. and art exhibit in the lobby. Piccolo's Pizza & Jazzeria (Prospect St., Ridgefield) is offering a free glass of wine with dinner the night of the show when tickets are presented. This event is underwritten by Acousticmusic.org and is part of the Xfinity Rock Series with support from the Connecticut Blues Society with media sponsor WSHU.

Parmigiani Fleurier presents the 22nd annual JAZZ LOFT PARTY to benefit The Jazz Foundation of America. A Tribute to Claude Nobs, the celebration will include music, food and drink tonight, October 19, 2013, from 7 p.m. to midnight in NYC.

Brooklyn-based trio The Lone Bellow brings its unique blend of American folk, country, and Southern gospel musical traditions to Zankel Hall tonight, October 18 at 10:00 p.m., kicking off the ninth annual WFUV Live at Zankel series. The group, featuring Zach Williams (vocals), Brian Elmquist (guitar and vocals), and Kanene Pipkin (mandolin and vocals), performs songs from their self-titled debut album released by Descendant Records / Sony Music this past January.

The Ridgefield Playhouse has announced its remaining events for its 2013-14 season, including new additions Phil Vassar and psychic Syliva Browne. Check out the full listings below!

Folk-rock singer and songwriter Brett Dennen brings his honest lyrics, sweet melodies, and pure vocals to Zankel Hall on Saturday, November 2 at 10:00 p.m. as part of the ninth annual WFUV Live at Zankel series, performing songs from his fifth record, Smoke and Mirrors, which will be released on October 22.

Parmigiani Fleurier presents the 22nd annual JAZZ LOFT PARTY to benefit The Jazz Foundation of America. A Tribute to Claude Nobs, the celebration will include music, food and drink on Saturday, October 19, 2013, from 7 p.m. to midnight in NYC.

Brooklyn-based trio The Lone Bellow brings its unique blend of American folk, country, and Southern gospel musical traditions to Zankel Hall on Friday, October 18 at 10:00 p.m., kicking off the ninth annual WFUV Live at Zankel series. The group, featuring Zach Williams (vocals), Brian Elmquist (guitar and vocals), and Kanene Pipkin (mandolin and vocals), performs songs from their self-titled debut album released by Descendant Records / Sony Music this past January.

Fifty years in show business deserves celebration! With a voice as powerful as Etta James' and a story as compelling as Tina Turner's, Grammy-nominee and veteran jazz artist Bettye LaVette is finally gaining the superstar status that has eluded her since the 1960s. Her eclectic musical style combines elements of soul, blues, rock 'n' roll, gospel, funk and country music. Accompanied by bass, guitar, drums and keyboard, this Grammy Award nominee has earned superstar accolades for her new album, Thankful and Thoughtful. This soul sensation and 2012 Blues Music Award winner has The New York Times raving that LaVette "now rivals Aretha Franklin as her generation's most vital soul singer," and her velvet-rich voice and gospel-based blues have earned the admiration of everyone from Paul McCartney to Bonnie Raitt and Elvis Costello. On Thursday, November 7, at 8 p.m., this accomplished artist will entertain at The Ridgefield Playhouse. To enhance this evening of jazz, a wine and cheese tasting by No. 109 Cheese & Wine starts at 7:15 p.m. with an art exhibit and artist's reception.

Stax Records, a division of Concord Music Group, has partnered with ABC Studios to release Songs from Scandal: Music for Gladiators on September 3rd, 2013.

The final show of Live @ Benaroya Hall's successful inaugural season is quickly approaching (tickets to The Monkees on August 17 at 8pm, are still available) and Benaroya Hall preps for a stellar sophomore season. Tickets for Chris Cornell and Makana will go on sale at 10am on Friday August 16. All other concert tickets are on sale now. In addition to the seven concerts listed above, more will be added as the season continues on through June of 2014. Information on additional shows will be released as it becomes available.

The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF) takes pride in announcing the2013-14 Arts and Ideas Season: an exciting line-up of today's acclaimed writers, renowned scientists and thinkers, and fascinating entertainers. Theatrical and musical highlights include popular actor John Goodman talking about his career, the world premiere of Brenda Wong Aoki's MU, soprano Patricia Racette with her program Diva on Detour,and Isabella Rosellini live on stage with Green Porn.

Now in its 15th season, Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook celebrates the best in American singing and songwriting with a new chapter in the Songbook story: 'American Songbook in the Penthouse,' a series of weekend-only performances by performers and composers presented in the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse, an intimate yet elegant venue that brings artists closer to the audience in a cabaret-style setting. The second weekend of Kaplan Penthouse performances, the sixth week of American Songbook 2013, runs April 5-6, 2013. April 5th belongs to Cristin Milioti, who was nominated for a Tony Award in 2012 for her lead role in the musical Once.

Drew Nelson plays a concert in celebration of his new release Tilt-A-Whirl, the Red House Records debut of Michigan songwriter Drew Nelson. An artist with an international reputation and several critically acclaimed albums under his belt, the folk/Americana artist writes as a witness to the lives and journeys of those he has met along the way. Mixing Springsteen's roots-rock sounds with the folk storytelling sensibility of Nanci Griffith, Drew introduces us to an eclectic cast of everyday characters that includes out of work war vets, forsaken lovers, migrant workers and other directionless lost souls.

Now in its 15th season, Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook celebrates the best in American singing and songwriting with a new chapter in the Songbook story: 'American Songbook in the Penthouse,' a series of weekend-only performances by performers and composers presented in the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse, an intimate yet elegant venue that brings artists closer to the audience in a cabaret-style setting. 'American Songbook in the Penthouse' embraces adventuresome performers and celebrates composers and lyricists, both newer and veteran. With a seating capacity of just 225, the Kaplan Penthouse allows acoustic performers to be heard the way they intend - near to the audience and without elaborate amplification. The size of the space also allows performers to interact with their audience to make them an integral part of their performance, something difficult to do in a larger, more formal venue.

In collaboration with BNY Mellon, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will commemorate National Jazz Appreciation Month with Grammy Award winners, renowned musicians and iconic jazz masters this April 2013. Janis Burley-Wilson, Vice President of Education and Community Engagement/Jazz Programs is extremely excited about bringing these acts to Pittsburgh. "All of the artists that are featured this year dig down deep into their musical souls to create their own inimitable sound." She added, "We are proud to have these artists take the Cabaret Theater stage this April."

Now in its 15th season, Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook celebrates the best in American singing and songwriting with a new chapter in the Songbook story: 'American Songbook in the Penthouse,' a series of weekend-only performances by performers and composers presented in the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse, an intimate yet elegant venue that brings artists closer to the audience in a cabaret-style setting. The second weekend of Kaplan Penthouse performances, the sixth week of American Songbook 2013, runs April 5-6, 2013. April 5th belongs to Cristin Milioti, who was nominated for a Tony Award in 2012 for her lead role in the musical Once.

Now in its 15th season, Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook celebrates the best in American singing and songwriting with a new chapter in the Songbook story: 'American Songbook in the Penthouse,' a series of weekend-only performances by performers and composers presented in the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse, an intimate yet elegant venue that brings artists closer to the audience in a cabaret-style setting. 'American Songbook in the Penthouse' embraces adventuresome performers and celebrates composers and lyricists, both newer and veteran. With a seating capacity of just 225, the Kaplan Penthouse allows acoustic performers to be heard the way they intend - near to the audience and without elaborate amplification. The size of the space also allows performers to interact with their audience to make them an integral part of their performance, something difficult to do in a larger, more formal venue.

Featured this week, January 7 through the 13th, at Joe's Pub at The Public are Noche Flamenca, Drew Gasparini, Bridget Everett & The Tender Moments, The Hot Sardines, Folk Wandering in Convert, Ethan Lipton & His Orchestra, Samita Sinha, Cherry Poppin Daddies, Thomas Dolby, Bettye Lavette, Nomadic Massive, Lea Delaria & Janette Mason, Globalfest 2013, JVP, del aria, Hoffman & NJJ and Marcia Ball.