Judy Carmichael & Steve Ross Open Cabaret Series PERFECT PAIRS AT THE PALACE Tonight

"Count" Basie, one of the pre-eminent jazz pianists in the country, nicknamed Grammy nominated pianist Judy Carmichael "Stride," acknowledging the command with which she plays this technically and physically demanding jazz piano style. Stephen Holden of the New York Times called Steve Ross the "Crown Prince of New York Cabaret." Tonight, September 7th at 8p.m. for one night only, this "royal" duo of jazz and cabaret come together on the HARMAN Stage to kick off the Courtyard by Marriott Stamford Broadway/Cabaret/Jazz Series "Perfect Pairs at The Palace." This series is also sponsored by Norman Drubner.

Ms. Carmichael is one of a handful of musicians who approach jazz from a perspective of its entire history. Choosing to study jazz piano from its early roots on, she explores the music deeply, infusing it with a "fresh, dynamic interpretation of her own" (Washington Post). Her new album, Come and Get It, features her singing debut on everything from Peggy Lee inspired standards, to humorous takes on Fats Waller tunes.

Mr. Ross rose to fame as a cabaret entertainer during his lengthy sojourns at New York's fabled Algonquin Hotel and Ted Hook's Backstage in the late 1970's. He has spent the ensuing decades singing and playing in smart clubs and swank parties all over the world, including London, Paris, and Tokyo. He is reuniting with Ms. Carmichael for the first time since they performed together in the Hollywood on the Hudson series with a set called Cole Porter Meets Fats Waller.

The series, which will be hosted by Darien resident and Palace Theatre Board Member Lynn DiMenna, continues on October 18th with Christine Pedi & Johnny Rodgers, November 13th with Hilary Kole & Freddy Cole, and finishes out in 2014 with cabaret legend Marilyn Maye and jazz saxophonist Houston Person on January 22nd.

Subscriptions, which feature discounted tickets, for the Broadway/Cabaret/Jazz Series may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 203-325-4466. Single tickets can be purchased online at www.SCAlive.org or charged by phone with major credit cards by calling the Palace Box Office at 203-325-4466. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Palace Theatre box office in downtown Stamford, CT. The box office is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 2013-2014 season is made possible by Palace Theatre's Season Sponsors Seaboard Properties, Inc. and the Whittingham Family.

Photo by: Michael Brian