Photo Flash: Birdland Opens Birdland Theater

Over the past two weeks, the brand new Birdland Theater has been the place for some very special #friendsandfamily concerts, to prepare for the upcoming opening week starring Lucie Arnaz. The space has a new stage, new sound and lights, new kitchen, new menu and a few new staffers, but the nine unadvertised shows went without a hitch.

Seth Walters was there to photograph performers Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch on July 13, when they jammed the place with friends and fans. Check out the photos below!

Performers and best friends Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch have been beloved regulars on the Birdland stage every week for the past seventeen years. After performing extensively on their own, host/crooner Jim Caruso and ace pianist/saloon singer Billy Stritch gained national exposure with Cast Party, their wildly popular open mic variety show, which celebrates talent every Monday at Birdland, and tours nationally. Their six-year ongoing residency at Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel was called "the happiest little show in town" by Rex Reed of the New York Observer, and their Jazz at Lincoln Center debut was called "all-singing, all-dancing show business heaven."

Photos by Seth Walters