Steve Wilson News

How do you spell winner? A-K-E-E-L-A-H because that’s what The Coterie Theatre has in their production of AKEELAH AND THE BEE, now playing at the theater located in Crown Center. AKEELAH AND THE BEE written by Cheryl West is based on the award-winning film starring Laurence Fishburne with a screenplay by Doug Atchison.

One of New York City's premier live music venues, Smoke Jazz Club, presents a stellar line-up of both legendary jazz performers and emerging voices during the month of October. Acclaimed for its essential music programming and inspired setting, Smoke Jazz Club recently reopened to much fanfare after being closed to indoor performances and dining for over two years.

Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts kicks off its 2022-23 Jazz series with Luciana Souza & Vince Mendoza, Storytellers with All-Star Big Band.

Ray Brown (1926-2002), a proud native son of Pittsburgh, was one of the founding fathers of modern jazz bass. So it's only fitting that the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF) presents Ron Carter Foursight, Buster Williams & Something More, and Stanley Clarke N 4Ever – three lords of the lower frequencies.

Nick Padgett, Producing Artistic Director of Padgett Productions presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, through August 21 at the Warwick Theatre in the Westport Entertainment District. This production is one of the best to hit the stage in Kansas City this year. I know when I left the theater I could still hear the songs in my head, and it continued for several joyous days.

 One of New York City's premier live music venues, Smoke Jazz Club, presents a stellar line-up of both legendary jazz performers and emerging voices for the fall season.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS opens on August 5th and runs through August 21st at the Warwick Theatre in the Westport Entertainment District. With book by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, the musical comedy is loosely based on the 1960 film of the same name. What did our critic think of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Warwick Theatre?

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater are open this August with a full slate of nightly performances!  At Birdland Jazz Club, catch John Pizzarelli Trio, Sam Gravitte, Alexa Tarantino Quartet, Karen Mason, Artemis, John Yao Orchestra Plays Bird, Bobby Conte, and more.

The heavens are filled with bright, shiny stars and so is the stage at the Musical Theater Heritage theater located in Crown Center. The hilarious world premiere of PREJUDICE AND PRIDE runs through July 24th and then goes to Edinburgh, Scotland in August. Sam Writes and Nicholas Collett Production brings this gender-swapping American folk music to life with a comedy style befitting of a larger audience. What did our critic think of PREJUDICE AND PRIDE OPENS IN KANSAS CITY at Musical Theater Heritage?

The Coterie Theatres' world premiere of a new family musical, ALICE’S WONDERLAND runs at The Coterie Theatre at Crown Center through August 7. Adapted from the Lewis Carroll classic story the musical features an original score with book, music, and lyrics by J. Quinton Johnson and Julia Riew. Brianna Woods directs, with musical direction by Delano Mendoza, and choreography by Marc Wayne.

The Warwick Theatre, in the Westport Entertainment District, plays host to Padgett Productions' opening of SWEENEY TODD, THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET through June 26. The Stephen Sondheim musical is one of the most elaborate productions I have ever seen Nick Padgett undertake, and he brings it to life with unmatched brilliance. The only regret anyone should have about this magnificent show is if you miss seeing it at The Warwick.

Below, you'll find details on all jazz programming at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater running June 6 through June 19. Artists appearing at Birdland Jazz Club include Yellowjackets, Terraza Big Band, Frank Catalano Quartet, Danilo Perez & His Global Messengers and New London Big Band. 

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater are proudly open this June with a full slate of nightly performances! At Birdland Jazz Club, catch the Liebman, Brecker, Copland Quintet, Greg Ruvolo Big Band, Yellowjackets, Terraza Big Band, Anita Gillette and Lee Roy Reams, Frank Catalano Quartet, Danilo Perez & His Global Messengers, New London Big Band, Stacey Kent, Ron Aprea Big Band, Linda Lavin and Tuck & Patti.

Stephen Sondheim’s wickedly funny musical masterpiece, SWEENEY TODD, THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, opens June 10th at the Warwick Theatre in Kansas City. The theatre is located on the eastern side of the Westport Entertainment District at 3927 Main Street. Find out how to get tickets and learn all about the production.

Jazz composer-pianist Vijay Iyer will perform May 21 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. 

EXPO CHICAGO, the international exposition of contemporary and modern art, concluded its ninth edition on Sunday, April 10, with strong attendance of international collectors and curators alongside 30,000 visitors, exceptional presentations from exhibiting galleries and strong sales, in what was its most global edition to date.

Artists appearing at Birdland Jazz Club include Mingus Big Band, Jin Joo Trio, Cyrille Aimée, and Ashley Pezzotti with the Birdland Big Band! Downstairs at Birdland Theater, you'll find Steve Wilson Analog Band, Donald Vega Trio and Wycliffe Gordon and His International All-Stars.

Jazz programming has been announced at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater from April 4 - April 17.

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater are open this April with a full slate of nightly performances! 

Jazz at Lincoln Center will honor the music and legacy of late jazz icon Chick Corea in Rose Theater on January 13–14 at 8:00 p.m. with Celebrating Chick Corea.