Interview: Seth Sikes Brings a Night of Timeless Classics to 54 Below

On Tuesday, May 26 at 7 pm, catch award-winning vocalist Seth Sikes in his return to 54 Below. Sikes is teaming up with legendary pianist and vocalist Billy Stritch for the new evening of timeless standards, “Sing a Song With Me.” From swinging showstoppers to intimate ballads, the program will feature songs by Gershwin, Strouse, Bernstein, Sondheim, and more, delivered with signature style, wit, and warmth. They’ll also be joined by special guest Michelle Johnson, the acclaimed Las Vegas-based vocalist.

Sikes has become a 54 Below favorite, with past engagements celebrating the music of the 1920s and iconic artists including Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Bernadette Peters, and Barbra Streisand. His Garland tributes have earned two BroadwayWorld Awards and multiple MAC Award nominations. The New York Times praised his work, noting, “His show was a hit with critics and audiences alike.” Sikes has also recently toured nationwide with Nicolas King in their acclaimed duo act, The New Belters.

Read a conversation with Sikes about the new show.

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How did you put together the setlist for this show?

I have done so many theme shows and tribute shows, which of course is rather limiting, so for this one I wanted to just sing whatever I feel like. I had assumed that having the amazing Billy Stritch with me that I would lean heavily towards jazzy standards, but to my surprise we’ve ended up throwing in some more contemporary songs! There will be plenty of jazzy standards, though, of course! I keep a list of songs that I like on my iPhone as I go through the years, and I often pull from that list. I have learned that people really like hearing songs that they know, and I try to lean into that.

Is there anything you’re particularly excited about for it? 

I’m excited about a few parodies I’ve been working out, some medley duets with Billy, and three-part harmonies with my wonderful guest star, Michelle Johnson. 

Who would you like to see come out to this?

Everyone! Or anyone who especially likes the Great American Songbook or who wants just a fun night out!

What’s it like working with Billy Stritch on arrangements for numbers? Do you have any favorite tunes you’ve done with him over the years?

Although we’ve done some private events together and he’s played for some of my duo shows with Nicolas King (“The New Belters”), this is the first time we’ve really collaborated on any arrangements for just me/us. But my favorite he thing did for The New Belters was a jazz waltz “mashup” of “Something’s Coming” and “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This.” Thrilling! Billy always throws in surprising and exciting chords and his tender voicings and sensitivity on ballads is especially wonderful to sing with.

Aside from this show, do you have any other upcoming projects or shows you’d like to tell us about? 

On June 10th we’ll be celebrating Judy Garland’s 104th Birthday, also at 54 Below, with several of my friends as guests. We’ve got a “little big band” (seven pieces) and it’s gonna be so fun – like it has been the last several years I’ve done it on the same day! 

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Photo credit: Conor Weiss

Visit the artist online at www.sethsikes.net

Seth Sikes will perform “Sing a Song With Me” at 54 Below (254 West 54th Street) on Tuesday, May 26 at 7 pm. The cover charge starts at $30.50 for obstructed view seating up to $118 for premium seating, including fees. There is a $25 food and beverage minimum for all seats.