PHANTOM & BRIGHT STAR Casts and More Set for Birdland's April Lineup
By: BWW News Desk Mar. 16, 2016
Birdland Jazz Club has announced its April 2016 schedule, featuring: Pharoah Sanders Quartet, Yellowjackets, Showbiz After Hours with Frank DiLella, The Birdland Big Band, Karrin Allyson, The Matt & Brian Show, Arturo O'Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more. Scroll down for details!
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
April 1-2 (Friday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Once Alicia Olatuja moved to New York her reputation as a supreme jazz vocalist began to take shape. The New York media lauded her performances with her husband, bassist Michael Olatuja, as well as her performance at the 2013 presidential inauguration. On her debut album, Timeless, Olatuja was joined by a brilliant ensemble of players including Christian McBride, Jon Cowherd, Christian Sands, Ulysses Owens Jr. and Michael Olatuja, which speaks volumes to her versatile vocal style. When not performing, she is a voice educator at Brooklyn Arts Council. She was featured at the 2015 Festival with Billy Childs and the Laura Nyro project. Featuring Jon Cowherd (piano), David Rosenthal (guitar), Michael Olatuja (bass) and Otis Brown III (drums).
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
April 3 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Show Biz After Hours with Frank DiLella
With Special Guests Orfeh, Andy Karl, Mario Cantone and Telly Leung
"Show Biz After Hours With Frank DiLella" is a regular theater-based live talk show featuring Broadway movers-and-shakers, impromptu musical performances, audience interaction, and a cocktail or two! Musical director for the show is performer and composer, Randy Redd. The event is taped in front of a live audience and airs on Time Warner Cable's Video On Demand System. Very special guest stars include Orfeh, Andy Karl, Mario Cantone and Telly Leung. Frank's past guests have included Jonathan Groff, Laura Osnes and Cory Cott.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
April 4 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Nick Adams Hosts Broadway For Africa!
With Special Guest Stars Will Swenson, Tony Sheldon, Alison Luff, Julia Murney, Eliseo Roman and The Skivvies
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Nick Adams will host Broadway For Africa, a star-studded benefit, on Monday, April 4 at 7pm. Broadway star, Nick Adams, will host a benefit concert to support The International Theatre and Literacy Project's youth programs in Rwanda and South Africa. He will be joined onstage with performances by special guests Will Swenson and Tony Sheldon (his co-stars in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), Alison Luff (Matilda), Julia Murney (Wicked), Elisio Roman (On Your Feet) and The Skivvies. Musical director for the evening will be Tedd Firth and his trio.
All tickets $50-75, $10 food/drink minimum
April 5-9 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM and 11PM
Pharoah Sanders Quartet
William Henderson (piano) Nat Reeves (bass) Greg Bandy (drums)
Pharoah Sanders possesses one of the most distinctive tenor saxophone sounds in jazz, harmonically rich and heavy with overtones. Highly regarded to the point of reverence by many jazz fans, Pharoah made a name for himself playing expressionistic, nearly anarchic free jazz in John Coltrane's exploratory ensembles of the 1960s. He also had notable collaborations with Sun Ra, Don Cherry, and John Hicks. In the decades after those late-Coltrane recordings, Pharoah developed the ability to play convincingly in a variety of different contexts, from free to mainstream. As a mature artist he has discovered a hard-edged lyricism that has only furthered his iconic status in jazz history. Pharaoh recently celebrated his 75th birthday. On April 4th, 2016, he will be given the National Endowment for the Arts' Jazz Master Award at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
April 7 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Joe Alterman Trio
Celebrated jazz pianist, Joe Alterman, make his Birdland debut on April 7 for one-night only.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
April 10 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
The Cast of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera Sings the Music of Frank Wildhorn
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that the cast of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera will collaborate and sing the music of Frank Wildhorn on Sunday, April 10 at 6pm. The one-night-only event will be a benefit concert for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Scheduled to perform are James Barbour (Phantom), Julie Udine (Christine), Jeremy Hays (Raoul), Michelle McConnell, Laird Macintosh and Jeremy Stolle. (Cast subject to change.)
All tickets $25-35, $10 food/drink minimum
April 11 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Gabrielle Stravelli in "On the Road Again"
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to present jazz singer Gabrielle Stravelli in "On The Road Again" on Monday, April 11 at 7pm.
"On the Road Again" will feature songs Stravelli has collected and composed in travels as varied as a US State Department-sponsored international tour, headlining the Eleuthera Jazz Festival in the Bahamas and a nine-month European tour of HAIR. The show will showcase Stravelli's signature mix of eclectic influences including international folk songs, jazz standards, fresh arrangements of pop and musical theater, original compositions from her forthcoming CD release and a preview of her new Willie Nelson tribute "City Girl, Country Boy."
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
April 12-16 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30pm and 11PM
Karrin Allyson
After a jam-packed career with Concord Jazz (thirteen albums and four Grammy nominations) and a recent self-produced holiday album, "Yuletide Hideaway," that won four stars from Downbeat, vocalist and pianist Karrin Allyson released "Many a New Day, Karrin Allyson Sings Rodgers & Hammerstein." Featuring Karrin Allyson (piano and vocals), Miro Sprague (piano and rhodes), Rod Fleeman (guitar), Ed Howard (bass) and Adam Cruz (drums).
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
April 17 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Jamie deRoy and Friends
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is pleased to announce that hostess/producer Jamie deRoy will be bringing her multi-MAC Award-winning Variety Show, Jamie deRoy & friends, to Birdland on Sunday, April 17 at 6pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit The Actors Fund: Jamie deRoy & friends Cabaret Initiative.
All tickets $35-60, $10 food/drink minimum
April 18 (Monday) at 7PM
Bright Star Sings Jeff Blumenkrantz
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that Tony-nominated composer Jeff Blumenkrantz, currently appearing as "Daryl" in the new Steve Martin/Edie Brickell Broadway musical Bright Star, will be joined by cast mates Carmen Cusack (Carrie, South Pacific), Dee Hoty (Gigi, Footloose, City of Angels, Will Rogers Follies), Emily Padgett (Side Show, Rock of Ages), and more for an evening of his songs. In addition to contributing songs to Urban Cowboy, the musical, Jeff is the recipient of the2011 Fred Ebb Award, as well as commissions from Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Guggenheim. His songs have been recorded by Audra McDonald, Sutton Foster, Rebecca Luker, Victoria Clark, and Alysha Umphress, among others. Bright Star is currently playing at Broadway's Cort Theatre.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
April 19-23 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM and 11PM
Yellowjackets
Celebrating 30 years together, the quintessential electric jazz group Yellowjackets released their 21st recording and Mack Avenue Records label debut "TIMELINE" to critical acclaim and two Grammy nominations for "Best Jazz Instrumental Album" and "Best Instrumental Composition" for the Russell Ferrante penned title track. Led by founding member, keyboardist and primary composer Russell Ferrante, Yellowjackets continue to practice their signature brand of high energy rhythm and improvisational group chemistry. Also featuring drummer (since 1986) William Kennedy, saxophonist (since 1991) Bob Mintzer and recent addition, bassist Felix Pastorius (son of the late electric bass pioneer Jaco Pastorius) who is filling in for founding member Jimmy Haslip during a touring hiatus.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
April 21 (Thursday) at 6PM
Tom Tallitsch
Tom Tallitsch is a critically acclaimed tenor saxophonist, composer and recording ?a?rtist.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
April 24 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
The Matt & Brian Show
Featuring Matt Cusson & Brian Gallagher
With Special Guests Megan Hilty, Celisse Henderson & Carly Hughes
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that The Matt & Brian Show, starring singer/songwriters Matt Cusson and Brian Gallagher, will appear on the historic stage on Sunday, April 24 at 6pm. Very special musical guests will include Megan Hilty, Celisse Henderson and Carly Hughes. Critically acclaimed singer/songwriters, Matt Cusson and Brian Gallagher, will bring their popular downtown show to Birdland. Backed by an incredible band, the duo will take turns performing their most popular songs, in addition to songs written by artists they both consider "way way way way way more talented" than they. They'll also feature several special guests, all of whom they consider "way way way way way more talented" than they. Expect a night of laughter and incredible music!
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
April 25 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Jonathan Brielle in "I Saw Broadway"
With Matt Bogart, Veanne Cox & Rose Hemingway
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to present songwriter Jonathan Brielle in "I Saw Broadway," a concert celebrating his original songs, on Monday, April 25 at 7pm. Jonathan Brielle's "I Saw Broadway" features songs and stars from three of his new musicals including Himself and Nora, 40 Naked Women, a Monkey & Me," and Nightmare Alley. Songs will be performed by a dazzling group of Broadway's brightest stars including Matt Bogart, Veanne Cox and Rose Hemingway, solidly backed by Brielle and his hard swinging group of musicians who have scores of Broadway show credits and hit records among them. The Musical Director/Pianist for the evening will be Jeff Klitz.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
April 26-30 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Benny Green Trio
With Dezron Douglas & Rodney Green
Benny Green possesses the history of jazz at his fingertips. Combine mastery of keyboard technique with decades of real world experience playing with no one less than the most celebrated artists of the last half century, and it's no wonder Green has been hailed as perhaps the most exciting hard-swinging, hard-bop pianist to ever emerge from Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
April 28 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Bacha Mdzinarashvili
Bacha has performed many international jazz festivals and had the opportunity to collaborate and work closely with some of the leading musicians in the jazz world. After relocating to New York City he recorded his debut album, entitled "The Smile", features an exciting/incredible lineup with Grammy Award winning trumpet player Darren Barrett, saxophonist Myron Walden, Drummer Corey Fonville and Bassist Shin Sakaino. His album includes some original modern compositions, inclusive, unique sound and strong melodies. Presently, Bacha continues studying and performing throughout the USA and is planning numerous performances worldwide.
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
April 4, 11, 18, 25 (Mondays) at 9:30PM
Jim Caruso's Cast Party
Jim Caruso's Cast Party is a wildly popular weekly soiree that brings a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night. It's a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars, backed by Steve Doyle on bass, Billy Stritch on piano and Daniel Glass on drums, hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
April 6, 13, 20, 27 (Wednesdays) at 5:30PM
David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band
Inspired by the noble jazz pioneers Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton and their colleagues, David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band breathes life and passion into America's own great art form. Now in its 14th year of residency at Birdland, the weekly post-workday engagement is the city's best musical bargain! Tuba player David Ostwald leads a rotating lineup that features talents such as clarinetist Anat Cohen, trombonist/vocalist Wycliffe Gordon, pianist Ehud Asherie, drummer Marion Felder and more!
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (Fridays) at 5:15PM
The Birdland Big Band
With Guest Conductor Rob Middleton
Founded by drummer and musical director Tommy Igoe, the Birdland Big Band features the finest musicians in New York! The BBB roars into action every Friday, playing the finest Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music from the world's best arrangers. After work or before a show, drinks or a great dinner, come hear one of the world's best drummers driving the hardest swinging band in New York. Experience why the BBB is the must-see weekly jazz event in New York and kick off your weekend with what critics are calling "the best live music bargain in all of NYC!"
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (Saturdays) at 6:00PM
Barbara is an elegant jazz pianist, composer and vocalist, long recognized as one of the premier players of swinging jazz piano and expressive vocals.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
April 3, 10, 17, 24 (Sundays) at 9PM & 11PM
Arturo O'Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Grammy Award winning pianist, composer and educator Arturo O'Farrill -- leader of the "first family of Afro-Cuban Jazz" (NY Times) -- was born in Mexico and grew up in New York City. Son of the late, great composer Chico O'Farrill, Arturo was Educated at Manhattan School of Music, Brooklyn College Conservatory and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He played piano in Carla Bley's Big Band from 1979 through 1983 and earned a reputation as a soloist in groups led by Dizzy Gillespie, Steve Turre, Freddy Cole, Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis and Harry Belafonte.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum
Purchase tickets at: www.BirdlandJazz.com, or for more information and reservations call 212-581-3080. Ticket prices will vary by performer. At the tables, there is a $10 food/drink minimum per person in addition to the music charge. At the bar, the music charge will include one complimentary drink with no additional minimum.
Named for alto saxophonist and jazz pioneer Charlie "Bird" Parker who dubbed it "The Jazz Corner of the World," Birdland opened on December 15th 1949. For 60 years it has been home to jazz legends, from Parker, John Coltrane Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, Diana Krall and everyone in between. The original 52nd street location was a cultural barometer and meeting place, inspiring the songs "Birdland" and "Lullaby of Birdland," and serving as a regular haunt for celebrities and cultural figures. The modern incarnation is a state of the art nightclub featuring award winning Southern and Cajun cuisine, first rate sound and lighting and a who's who of contemporary musical artists, 7 nights a week.
Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues), New York, NY 10036. Students (with current ID) & Broadway Theatre-Goers (with Broadway ticket stub from same day of performance): 50% off music charge at 11PM shows only. Birdland serves American Fare with a Cajun Flair nightly from 5PM until Midnight and until 1AM on Friday and Saturdays. Parking is available across the street at 332 West 44th Street. Concert Grand Piano By: Yamaha
For more information, visit www.BirdlandJazz.com or follow BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB on Twitter: @birdlandjazz, Facebook, Instagram, and on Pinterest.
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