Gianni Valenti News

LET'S CHRISTMAS crowd turns out for Daniel Reichard, as COVID complications surge in New York City.

Beautiful music was made on Monday, December 6, when hostess/producer Jamie deRoy brought her multi-MAC Award-winning Variety Show, Jamie deRoy & friends, back to Birdland.

Last night an audience of friends gathered in Birdland to enjoy an evening with everyones favorite friend… Jamie deRoy.  Jamie presented a group of her Broadway celebrity friends to schmooze and perform at what always turns out to be an exciting evening of world class entertainment. 

On Monday, November 29, Robbie Rozelle made his Birdland debut with “The Next One,” a carefully curated evening of chaos celebrating his 45th birthday. “The Next One” was created for every person who has ever told the comedian “I can’t make it, but I’ll be at the next one.” Musical direction and arrangements by Yasuhiko Fukuoka, with Wes Bourland on bass, Mike Lunroe on drums, Johnny Wise on violin, Samuel Quiggins on cello, and David Ashton on reeds. 

On November 15, singer Natalie Douglas resumed her smash monthly residency as part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series with a new edition of her hit series entitled “Tributes.”  In this particular concert, Ms. Douglas celebrated the work of singer/songwriter James Taylor. 

Sometimes advertising and catch phrases become outdated and are not reflective of the current environment.  Not so with “The Jazz Corner Of The World”.  Birdland is still the rightful possessor of that Charlie Parker quote, and one need have only been in the audience Saturday night to hear Jazz great Alan Broadbent and his trio to understand the legitimacy of that nickname. 

Linda Purl brings 'In The Mood: Songs For Jumping Back Into Life' to Birdland Theater Nightclub in NYC.

On Monday, November 8, three world-class tappers joined three brilliant jazz instrumentalists on the Birdland stage to create 'A Little Old, A Little New.'

Peter Cincotti owned the piano in Birdland last night and it wasn’t because his name was temporarily affixed to the legendary 7 foot Yamaha for his engagement.   Imagine Billy Joel, Harry Connick Jr., Lang Lang, Manilow, and Jerry Lee Lewis on the same piano bench and it will give you an idea of the kind of exciting music at a Cincotti performance. 

Spencer Howard and Kate Rockwell have a new company to promote and that led to a wonderful evening of musical entertainment at Birdland this week.

With one of the most chemistry-laden bands in town, Marissa Licata couldn't go wrong.

Historically, Monday night has been known as a dark night on the show biz scene, but Cast Party changed all that eighteen years ago.  That’s when host Jim Caruso decided to shine a bright spotlight on Broadway, jazz and cabaret stars, all the while thrilling the people who love those folks!

After fifteen months of unwanted hiatus, host/producer Jim Caruso brought his notorious 'Cast Party' back to it's home on the Birdland stage. July 5 marked the return of the wildly popular weekly open mic/variety show that has been bringing Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the historic music room every Monday since 2004.

Fifteen months off of the stage certainly hasn't diminished their light, their talent, or their on stage instincts. Ms. Mosher and Mr. Caruso are back, they're in fine form, and they are rarin' to go.

Gianni Valenti sure knows how to throw a re-opening, as Birdland audiences last week learned... or re-learned, as it were.

Fourteen months after her new show was to premiere in New York City, Dawn Derow is ready to go - live and virtually - and nothing is going to stop her, even if it means moving the back to the city where it was set to originate, at the last minute.

NY State Senator Brad Hoylman, who is currently running to be the next Manhattan Borough President, has a long history supporting the performing arts and cultural institutions in New York City. André De Shields, Judy Kuhn, Liz Calloway, Ryann Redmond, Telly Lueng, Seth Rudetsky, and more have come together signing a letter of endorsement.

Broadway might be dark, but that doesn't mean that theatre isn't happening everywhere! Below, check out where you can get your daily fix of Broadway this weekend, February 27-28, 2020.

The livelihoods of touring musicians, club owners, technicians, and venue staffers have been thwarted by the pandemic and Vocal Gumbo strives to keep the music happening, keep the bills paid, and keep the hope alive that one day we'll be venturing out to a clubs and experiencing the magic of live music together once again.

Notables from President Bill Clinton and Whoopi Goldberg to musicians Wynton Marsalis and Sting joined together on Sunday, Jan 24th to “Save Birdland”.  During the fundraising concert the Broadway community was treated to “All That Jazz” starring the original Velmas of Chicago, Chita Rivera and Bebe Neuwirth.