Chaka Khan News

Flashback of some of Allee Willis' Broadway memories from her illustrious career with a collection of vintage photos from our archives. 

City Winery Chicago has released its schedule (1200 W. Randolph St) for the month. All City Winery Chicago events are open to all ages and start at 8:00 p.m., unless noted.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 312-733-WINE (9463) or by visiting www.citywinery.com/chicago.

The powerhouse singer that she is, Ledisi takes on the songs of legendary Nina Simone, honors them and makes them uniquely her own in LEDISI: THE LEGEND OF LITTLE GIRL BLUE (A MUSICAL JOURNEY INTO THE LIVES OF NINA SIMONE AND LEDISI), opening at The Wallis December 13, 2019. Transcending a wide range of musical genres, Ledisi will take you on her own path of musical discoveries, while describing the influence Ms. Nina Simone has made on her. Ledisi ever so graciously blocked open some time to answer a few of my tuneful queries.

Black Ensemble Theater's Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces its 44th Season: The 2020 Season of Change. The 2020 Season includes tributes to legendary heroes from throughout history, popular songs that were the B-sides of the record, the life and music of Chaka Khan, and one of the greatest bands of all time a?" Earth, Wind & Fire. All performances will be held at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. 

He penned 80's anthems, she kissed Hugh Jackman, he co-wrote the musical, Pretty Woman, she sang with Brian May. He has written favorites such as 'Summer of '69,' 'Heaven,' and 'What About Love' and she is going to sing the heck out of them. Every song has a story. Singer/Songwriter Catherine Porter (Brian May Band, Sunset Boulevard, Next to Normal) and Songwriter Jim Vallance (Bryan Adams, Aerosmith, Heart) come together for one night only. With Musical Director, Brad Simmons and special guests.

DIVAS Simply Singing!, the longest consecutive running musical AIDS benefit in the United States, hosts its 29th annual fundraiser for The D.I.V.A. Foundation at the Taglyan Cultural Center in Hollywood, California on World AIDS Day, Sunday, December 1. Created and produced by Tony Award-Winning Sheryl Lee Ralph and benefitting Project Angel Food, this evening of song and entertainment spotlights the talents of D.I.V.A. (acronym for Divinely Inspired, Victoriously Aware) individuals from all walks of show business. The foundation stems from Sheryl's deep concern for the lack of attention given to AIDS in the early years of its discovery and its potential to become a health risk not only for men but women and children.

Be sure to come early to the Chaka Khan and Emmaline concert to see young musicians from The Elisabeth Morrow School's Stage Band and Rock Band perform a Free Prelude Concert at New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Prudential Hall Lobby prior to the concert on Thursday, November 14 from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph Street, announces two-time Grammy-winning jazz saxophonist Ernie Watts with Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues, Chicago's own Miki Howard, and more. The following shows go on sale to the public on Friday, November 8 at noon. Tickets will be available at citywinery.com/chicago.

Today, Broadway Records /1650 Records /LOML Records released 'The Right of Way' from Tony-nominated singer Mary Bridget Davies. This is the first track from Stay With Me:  The Reimagined Songs of Jerry Ragovoy, to be released in January 2020. Written by the renowned songwriter, this is the first time the track has been recorded and released. 'The Right of Way' showcases Davies' powerful vocals, honed over many years as Janis Joplin in Love Janis and A Night With Janis Joplin.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents Chaka Khan on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 8:00 p.m.

Theatre and live music will jumpstart the holiday season at the New Vibe Lounge in Rockville Centre Long Island, beginning on the weekend of November 15 through 17.

Valerie Simpson, who co-wrote hit songs for Whitney Houston and Ray Charles, performed a packed house with guitarist Felicia Collins at the Hackensack Performing Arts's PAC the House series on September 28.

With global sales totaling more than 75 million, Grammy and American Music Award winner Kenny G is the biggest-selling instrumental musician of all time. To add to his accolades, he has both the best-selling instrumental album of all time with Breathless, and the best-selling Christmas album of all time with Miracles. Never one to rest idle, Kenny G continues to tour, performing for adoring fans around the world.

Felicia Collins of CBS Orchestra, Vernon Reid and Corey Glover from Living Color, Mark Rivera from The Billy Joel Band/Ringo Starr Band, Lee Finkelstein of The Blues Brothers Band, Shannon Conley, Danny Keane, Militia Vox, Queen V, Sophia Ramos, Jann Klose, Frank Gilchrest, Alec Shantzis, Bruce Edwards, Frank Gravis, Scott Yahaney and WHO KNOWS WHO ELSE WILL STOP BY...

The Mama Foundation for the Arts announces open auditions for all roles in the upcoming performances of Mama, I Want to Sing, the classic gospel musical created by Vy Higginsen and Ken Wydro.  Auditions will take place on Saturday, September 28th (for those who sign up between 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm) at The Mama Foundation for the Arts, located at 149 West 126th Street (between 7th and Lenox Avenue). All roles are open; the leads are African American women in their ages 18 - 60; African American men ages 20s a?" 60; and ensemble soloists and chorus members of all ages and ethnicities.

Brenda Braxton, Javier Colon, Adam Kantor, Cassandra Kubinski, Beth Leavel, Bonnie Milligan, Christine Pedi and Paige Price will join Andy Karl and Orfeh in Best in Shows, a star-studded cabaret evening benefiting the Humane Society of New York, on Monday, October 14 , 2019 at 7 pm at Feinstein's/ 54 Below. The evening will honor Karl and Orfeh, who will be awarded the Humane Society of New York's Sandy Fund Award in recognition of their deep concern and support of the needs of rescued animals. The Award will be presented by Richard Blake, who co-starred with Orfeh and Karl in Legally Blonde, The Musical.

h Club (Formerly The Hospital Club) are proud to announce the winners of this year's h100 Awards. The awards, now in their eleventh year, recognise and celebrate the UK's creative talent across ten different categories: Advertising, Marketing & PR; Architecture & Design, Arts & Crafts; Fashion; Film; Games; Music; Publishing & Writing; Television Broadcast and Theatre & Performance.

Today, BroadwayWorld remembers Chris March by taking a look back into our photos archives.

Drama Desk Award-nominated costume designer and television personality, Chris March, has passed away. He was 56 years old.

Lou Volpe's show is full of good rhythm feel with guitar virtuosity and a unique sound is the backdrop for spirited and soulful versions of songs from the Sinatra era to Clapton & Santana, to Sting & Michael Jackson, with a salute to jazz greats and pop stars (many of whom Lou has played with) along the way. Some exciting originals are also part of Lou's personable & inspiring show, including a sampling of his new music from his soon to be released CD, BEFORE AND AFTER (Jazz Guitar Records), BEFORE AND AFTER will release October/November.