Gianni Valenti

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Gianni Valenti had a vision of recreating the musical magic with an update Birdland in 1986. Since then, the room has been host to some of the best jazz on earth (some might argue THE best), welcome to its' legendary room musicians like Oscar Peterson, Pat Metheny, Diana Krall, Michel Legrand, Dave Brubeck, John Pizzarelli, Kurt Elling, Jon Hendricks, and George Shearing, as well as the most successful big bands in the business. For the past 18 years, Birdland has been also been home to the "Broadway at Birdland" concert series, shining a spotlight on superstars, creators, and the most prominent up-and-comers from the theatrical and cabaret scenes. Among the entertainers who have graced the stages of Birdland under Mr. Valenti's regime are Liza Minnelli, Chita Rivera, Jason Robert Brown, Stephanie J. Block, Santino Fontana, Gavin Creel, Barbara Cook, Pasek & Paul, Laura Osnes, and Cheyenne Jackson, and that's before one even stops to consider all of the performers that have passed across the stage during the 17-year tenure of "Jim Caruso's Cast Party," a weekly open mic night where can be found jaw-dropping talent, some who have gone on to become big stars, like Erich Bergen, and those who are emerging as the stars of tomorrow, like The Drinkwater Brothers and Joseph C. Townsend. Not content to rest on their laurels, Valenti & co. constantly seek new ways to make Birdland a greater cultural center of Manhattan, leading to the creation of The Birdland Theater, beneath the main room of Birdland, where one can find the popular weekly series "The Lineup with Susie Mosher," as well as venerated nightclub stars like Linda Lavin and Marilyn Maye, or new talents like Hannah Jane Peterson and Ari Axelrod.

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The Quintin Harris Quintet to Debut at Birdland Jazz in December

The Quintin Harris Quintet, led by 23-year-old vocalist and pianist Quintin Harris, will be making its Birdland Jazz debut on December 3rd. Formed at William Paterson University, the group has built a deep connection with Birdland and its owner Gianni Valenti.

Photos: JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS Returns To the Birdland Stage

Once again, hostess/producer Jamie deRoy brought her multi-MAC Award-winning Variety Show, Jamie deRoy & friends, back to Birdland on Monday, October 23.  See photos of the evening.

Review: Jen Brett Makes NYC Solo Show Debut At Birdland With MOSAIC

Singing actress Jen Brett brought her band, her husband, and her MOSAIC to the New York club stage.

Interview: Jen Brett of MOSAIC at Birdland on October 8th

Some months ago Jen Brett got up at Jim Caruso’s Cast Party and astonished the audience. Now she's ready to astonish once more in a night that is all her own.

Photos: Singer/Songwriter Amanda McBroom Returns To Birdland Jazz

On Monday, September 18, singer/songwriter Amanda McBroom returned to the Birdland stage with her musical director/songwriting partner Michele Brourman and special guest Sally Mayes in a show titled “Such Good Friends.” See photos from the show.

Photos: Wendy Moten Makes Triumphant Return to Birdland

Birdland presented the return of singer/songwriter and “The Voice” performer Wendy Moten on August 21. Joining Wendy was her amazing band, made up of Mike Ricchiuti, Dave Riekenberg, Paul Livant, Brian Delaney, and David Santos. Check out photos from the evening here!

Photos: Jim Caruso's Cast Party Celebrates Twenty Years With Proclamations and Thrilling Talent!

On Monday, July 24, Birdland Jazz Club celebrated the landmark 20th Anniversary of its wildly popular weekly open mic night/variety show “Jim Caruso’s Cast Party.” The evening featured regular favorites, as well as special surprise guests. As usual, music director Billy Stritch held court at the ivories, along with Steve Doyle on bass and Daniel Glass on drums. Check out photos here!

Review: Whereas JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary With Elegance at Birdland

It is a true wondrous achievement to have a show every week lasting 20 years, with over 1040 shows and 1840 performers.

Photos: Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks 'The Future is In Our Past' at Birdland

You don’t have to knock on the door and identify yourself to the bouncer looking through the peephole by saying “Joe sent me” the way revelers did during prohibition.  That was how to gain entry to the nightclubs of the day serving alcohol and jazz music during the 1920’s.

Photos: WICKED Star Brittney Johnson Debuts Her Nightclub Act At Birdland Jazz

On May 1, Birdland welcomed former Wicked star Brittney Johnson to their stage with her debut nightclub act, titled 'Ripple Effect”. See photos from inside the show!

Photos: John Pizzarelli Debuts New Album 'Stage & Screen' at Birdland

Acclaimed guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his debut album with a collection of classic songs from Broadway and Hollywood, Stage & Screen, with a new album via Palmetto Records. It features songs spanning nearly a century, given new life by Pizzarelli, bassist Mike Karn and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson.  Pizzarelli is celebrating with performances at Birdland this week.

Photos: JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY Continues To Bring Razzle Dazzle To Birdland

Jim Caruso’s Cast Party, which is about to celebrate two decades at the iconic Birdland in NYC, seems to be entering a Golden Age of entertainment! Over the past few months the room has been packed with audiences eager to cheer the impromptu open mic/variety show made up of Broadway performers, cabaret divas, jazzers, and a few acts impossible-to-describe!

Jazz Pianist-Vocalist Champian Fulton's New Live Record MEET ME AT BIRDLAND Out Now

New York-based jazz vocalist and pianist Champian Fulton's sixteenth album as a leader, Meet Me at Birdland, is out now!

Photos: Katrina Lenk and George Abud Return To Birdland

George Abud and Katrina Lenk thrilled a sold-out Birdland audience with a return engagement of their sold-out 2019 debut show, featuring a new selection of sizzling songs from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Betty Carter, Jacques Brel, Marlene Dietrich, Umm Kulthum, and many more. Check out photos here

Esteemed Jazz Pianist-Vocalist Champian Fulton To Release New Album 'Meet Me At Birdland' This April

Swing pulses through New York-based jazz vocalist and pianist Champian Fulton's veins. Since her arrival on the scene in 2003, Fulton has been lauded for her poise and allure. A live Champian Fulton performance ensures a radiant ambiance pronounced by the multi-talent's clarion vocals and lush keys.

Review: CAST PARTY Celebrates Creator Jim Caruso's Birthday At Birdland

As the Four Seasons once said, 'Oh, What a Night!'

Photos: FUNNY GIRL Star Julie Benko Marches Her Mardi Gras Band Out At Birdland!

On Monday, February 6, Broadway’s Funny Girl Julie Benko marched her band out at Birdland in celebration of Mardi Gras!

Photos: Marilyn Maye 'Birdland Theater New Year's Eve'

Marilyn Maye rang in the 2023 New Year's with a weekend of Holiday shows in the Birdland Theater just down the street from Times Square. As the ball dropped, the toasts went up and the songs poured out. With 4 nights of shows, from Dec 29th to Jan 1st (7 shows in all), she provided a proper musical CHEERS to the NYC audience. Amazing Maye!

Photos: Susan Mack 'Yesterdays' at Birdland Jazz Club

Susan Mack debuted her new show at Birdland Jazz Club. Susan brought her jazz vocals to American Songbook and Popular songs from the 1930's to the 1990's. Directed by Lina Koutrakos and backed by Susan's trio of musicians including Tedd Firth (Piano), David Finck (Bass), Eric Halvorson (Drums), with guest appearance by Trumpeter Benny Benack III.

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