Photo Flash: Jim Caruso Presents William Blake In Concert

Jim Caruso was delighted to present William Blake in concert as part of the Broadway at Birdland series on Monday, September 6. Joining William for his sold-out Labor Day show was musical director Michael Thomas Murray (Fender Rhodes), Jeff Ganz (bass), Doug Mikula (guitar), and Jakubu Griffin (drums). The set will featured classic R&B and soul songs, including Solomon Burke's 1962 hit "Cry to Me" and Sly and the Family Stone's 1969 funk standard "I Want to Take You Higher." In the house were theatrical insiders Michael Winther and Annie Golden, among others.

William Blake, a native of Dallas, Texas, made the move to New York City in early 2007. After performing in clubs since the age of 19, he made his Carnegie Hall debut in March of this year as a guest vocalist in "Standard Time With Michael Feinstein." He has also appeared in the city at Don't Tell Mama, Uncle Charlie's and the Metropolitan Room. In 2005, he released his first studio album, "Day Dreamer." He also appeared on the fourth season of "American Idol," where he competed in Hollywood. As an actor, his regional theatre credits include The Who's Tommy (Cousin Kevin), Chicago (Mary Sunshine), The Rocky Horror Show (Riff Raff) and Pageant: The Musical (Bible Belt).