Freda Payne News

There's something for everyone on stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. From daytime programs especially for young children to family friendly evening performances of music, dance, theatre and more, this is Houston's best entertainment value.

As iconic in 2014 for her timeless beauty and sex appeal as she is her artistic versatility as an all around entertainer, Ms. Freda Payne remains among music's and show business' brightest shining star survivors. When she is singing her heartbeat music -- jazz -- love, awe and yearning only grow stronger. Her new album, Come Back To Me Love (her first for Artistry Music) marks not only a return to the big band and strings-laden classics from her mid-`60s beginnings with Impulse!, but also marks a return to her hometown of Detroit. That makes this 14-song album featuring Grammy Award-winner Bill Cunliffe's musical arrangements a beautiful homecoming.

In June and July, a colourful line-up of international and local jazz, cabaret and Broadway stars perform musical standards, sparkling cabaret numbers, soulful jazz songs and touching torch songs from the Golden Age of American song as part of Melbourne Recital Centre's 2014 American Songbook Festival.

"I'm in heaven," said Sean McNabb (bassist with House of Lords, Great White, and more), in reference to watching and meeting David Crosby. His sentiments seemed to be shared by the patrons of the 7th annual sold out "The Songs Of Our Lives" concert, benefiting The Fulfillment Fund, that paid tribute to two legendary songwriters: LAMONT DOZIER & DAVID CROSBY. Scroll down for photos from the concert!

The Fulfillment Fund is proud to announce the 7th Annual 'The Songs of Our Lives' concert, which will pay special tribute to the songs of internationally acclaimed Songwriter's Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, songwriter Lamont Dozier and the legendary Songwriter's Hall of Famer, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, singer-songwriter, David Crosby. 'The Songs of Our Lives' is a benefit concert showcasing award-winning songwriters performing the hit songs they have written over the course of their career. The Songs of Our Lives provides a unique opportunity to experience these pieces as the songwriter envisioned them. The intimate setting of this event gives guests the chance to be up close and personal with these artists. Award-winning songwriter Charles Fox, a longtime Fulfillment Fund board member along with his wife Joan Fox, created 'The Songs of Our Lives' as an opportunity to combine entertainment and philanthropy in a meaningful way to support the Fulfillment Fund's important work in the community. Songwriters who have participated in The Songs of Our Lives include Academy and Grammy Award winning songwriters such as Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Hal David, Mac Davis, Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, David Foster, Steve Karmen, Jerry Leiber, Kenny Loggins, Barry Mann, Alan Rich, Mike Stoller, Cynthia Weil, Paul Williams, Bill Withers, and many others. Freda Payne as well as Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence (Formerly of The Supremes) have been added to the program as well.

In June and July, a colourful line-up of international and local jazz, cabaret and Broadway stars perform musical standards, sparkling cabaret numbers, soulful jazz songs and touching torch songs from the Golden Age of American song as part of Melbourne Recital Centre's 2014 American Songbook Festival.

The Fulfillment Fund is proud to announce the 7th Annual "The Songs of Our Lives" concert, which will pay special tribute to the songs of internationally acclaimed Songwriter's Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, songwriter Lamont Dozier and the legendary Songwriter's Hall of Famer, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, singer-songwriter, David Crosby. "The Songs of Our Lives" is a benefit concert showcasing award-winning songwriters performing the hit songs they have written over the course of their career. The Songs of Our Lives provides a unique opportunity to experience these pieces as the songwriter envisioned them. The intimate setting of this event gives guests the chance to be up close and personal with these artists. Award-winning songwriter Charles Fox, a longtime Fulfillment Fund board member along with his wife Joan Fox, created "The Songs of Our Lives" as an opportunity to combine entertainment and philanthropy in a meaningful way to support the Fulfillment Fund's important work in the community. Songwriters who have participated in The Songs of Our Lives include Academy and Grammy Award winning songwriters such as Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Hal David, Mac Davis, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, David Foster, Steve Karmen, Jerry Leiber, Kenny Loggins, Barry Mann, Alan Rich, Mike Stoller, Cynthia Weil, Paul Williams, Bill Withers, and many others. Freda Payne as well as Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence (Formerly of The Supremes) have been added to the program as well.

In June and July, a colourful line-up of international and local jazz, cabaret and Broadway stars perform musical standards, sparkling cabaret numbers, soulful jazz songs and touching torch songs from the Golden Age of American song as part of Melbourne Recital Centre's 2014 American Songbook Festival.

The Tony Award-winning musical 'The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess' made its triumphant debut at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre, opening last night, April 23 at 8 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre. Performances continue through June 1, 2014. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening night festivities below!

Atlantic Theater Company and Atlantic for Kids is tuning up to present the New York premiere of Mr. Chickee's Funny Money, an all-new, rhythm and blues family musical, featuring music and lyrics that groove to an original score by Motown legend Lamont Dozier (hits include Stop in the Name of Love, Sugar Pie Honey Bun, How Sweet it Is, more;) and his son, Paris Dozier, with a book by David Ingber (Major League Baseball Fan Cave), directed by Jade King Carroll (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Portland Stage), and musical supervision by Brian Usifer (Kinky Boots, Book of Mormon).

MetroStage's current production of 'Ella: First Lady of Song' is full of wonderful music; however, as a show, it proves to be a rocky walk down memory lane.

Chicago Children's Theatre has announced casting for its world premiere of Mr. Chickee's Funny Money, an all-new, rhythm and blues family musical playing tonight, January 18 - March 2, 2014 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Press opening is Friday, January 24 at 7 p.m.

Carolyn Griffin has announced that MetroStage will be presenting the musical Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song, conceived and directed by Maurice Hines, with book by Lee Summers, Jan. 23-Mar. 16, 2014. Ella Fitzgerald, her cousin and traveling companion Georgiana, and her manager and jazz impresario Norman Granz tell her story both backstage and onstage. From a homeless street dancer to winning amateur night at the Apollo Theatre at the age of 15, from headlining with Chick Webb and his Orchestra at the Savoy Ballroom to performing Live at the Cote D'Azur, from discovering she could "scat" to mastering a new art form called "bebop," this musical tells the fascinating journey of this legendary artist. Maurice Hines is the director. Mel Johnson Jr. is the associate director, and William Knowles is the music director, arranger, and orchestrator.

Singer and actress Freda Payne, best known for her 1970 smash 'Band Of Gold,' will return to The Iridium for a special holiday run this weekend, December 27-29, 2013.

ON KENTUCKY AVENUE, a musical revue based loosely on fact and mostly fiction about the people and performers who took the stage and filled the tables at the majestic Club Harlem 'on Kentucky Avenue' in the north section of Atlantic City from the 1930s until the late 1980s, will make its NYC commercial stage debut at STAGE72/THE TRIAD, 158 West 72nd Street, on Sunday, February 2, with performances at 3pm and 7pm and Monday, February 3 at 7pm in honor of Black History Month.

Chicago Children's Theatre has announced casting for its world premiere of Mr. Chickee's Funny Money, an all-new, rhythm and blues family musical playing January 18 - March 2, 2014 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Press opening is Friday, January 24 at 7 p.m.

Megaload Chocolate is turning charitable events into an even sweeter occasion as it continues to support and provide its delectable chocolates with assorted toppings, such as its "Original", "Caramel Crunch", and "Sweet & Salty" bars, throughout the U.S. Famous in France and the United Kingdom for making exciting chocolate treats, Megaload Chocolate has expanded into U.S. markets and is currently providing charities with generous donations of its chocolates to support events that raise money for a good cause.

Rrazz Entertainment presents A Holiday Celebration of Rock, Rhythm & Soul at the Tarrytown Music Hall located at 13 Main Street in Tarrytown New York... See Bobby Rydell, , Charlie Thomas' Difters, Freda Payne, The Soul Survivors, Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny-tickets are available now at www.TarrytownMusicHall.org or by calling 877.840.0457

Chicago Children's Theatre is tuning up to present the world premiere of Mr. Chickee's Funny Money, an all-new, rhythm and blues family musical based on the book by Christopher Paul Curtis, featuring music and lyrics by Motown legend Lamont Dozier and his son, co-music writer/lyricist Paris Dozier, book by David Ingber, directed by Derrick Sanders, musical supervision by Brian Usifer.

n what promises to be a truly magical, multi-faceted night of Las Vegas-styled entertainment, 16-year-old pop dynamo Alana Lee is set to headline the 'CPC Annual Theatrical Concert 4A Cause', a benefit for children with cancer from Miller's Children's Hospital, Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 333 Live, Los Angeles' largest mega-club/concert venue.