Fred Hersch News

This past year's most outstanding performances in cabaret, comedy, and jazz have been chosen by more than two-dozen critics and experts who concluded their voting over the holidays (see below).

Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook returns in January for its eleventh season celebrating the diversity of American popular song. For 17 nights of pop, folk, cabaret, R&B, country, rock, show tunes, bluegrass and multimedia, the series will explore the best of the golden age of musical standards through to today's most dynamic contemporary songwriting. The 2009 season - January 14 through March 6 - will bring to the stage some of today's most gifted interpreters of song, including top vocalist Kurt Elling and country's winning Patty Loveless. It will feature the rare opportunity to hear Paulo Szot, star of Broadway's South Pacific, and film and stage star Alan Cumming, in intimate concert settings.

The New York Pops will open its 26th season at Carnegie Hall on Friday, October 17 at 8:00PM.

The New York Pops led by Vincent Falcone and Eric Stern, celebrates its hometown on Friday, November 7, 2008 at 8 p.m. at Carnegie Hall in a program entitled 'A Love Letter to New York' featuring classic songs about New York City and the world premieres of original songs about the city by composer Kenneth Laub. Clint Holmes headlines the concert with special guests Ashley Brown, Laura Bell Bundy and Linda Hart. The program also includes songs by Stephen Sondheim and Cole Porter. Ms. Bundy, Ms. Hart, and Mr. Holmes will make their Carnegie Hall debuts.

The New York Pops will open its 26th season at Carnegie Hall on Friday, October 17 at 8:00PM.

Michael Winther and Kimberly Grigsby present 'New Love Songs' on Monday, June 30th at 9:30pm at The Metropolitan Room.

Michael Winther and Kimberly Grigsby, piano present 'New Love Songs' on Wednesday, June 18th, 7:30pm, Monday, June 23rd, 9:30pm (with special guest, SALLY WILFERT), Wednesday, June 25th, 7:30pm, and Monday, June 30th, 9:30pm (with special guest, SALLY WILFERT) at The Metropolitan Room.

Michael Winther and Kimberly Grigsby, piano present 'New Love Songs' on Wednesday, June 18th, 7:30pm, Monday, June 23rd, 9:30pm (with special guest, SALLY WILFERT), Wednesday, June 25th, 7:30pm, and Monday, June 30th, 9:30pm (with special guest, SALLY WILFERT) at The Metropolitan Room.

This month you can join Broadway actor-singer, Michael Winther (Mamma Mia, 1776, Songs From An Unmade Bed) and one of Broadway's top musical directors, Kimberly Grigsby (Grease, Spring Awakening, Light In The Piazza) with special guest, Sally Wilfert (William Finn's Make Me A Song) for a unique, romantic evening of new love songs by some of our best contemporary theater composers and lyricists. Among the songwriters represented will be Deborah Abramson, Jeff Blumenkrantz, Jason Robert Brown, Mark Campbell, William Finn, Jenny Giering, Ricky Ian Gordan, Adam Guettel, Fred Hersch, Steve Marzullo, Chris Miller, Joe Thalken and more. The songs were selected especially for Valentine's week.

The Fresh Fruit Festival present 'Can't Prove It On Me: Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Jazz Greats' on Monday, July 9 at 9:30PM at Joe's Pub.

Broadway's Michael Winther and emerging jazz pianist, Dan Tepfer are performing at the Metropolitan Room from November 19th through 27th

Broadway's Michael Winther and emerging jazz pianist, Dan Tepfer will perform at the Metropolitan Room from November 19th through 27th.

A starry line-up--including Audra McDonald and Betty Buckley--has been announced for the 2006-2007 Lincoln Center 'American Songbook' series

Four-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald's fourth solo CD will be released by Nonesuck Records on September 26th

The 2006 MAC Award winners have been announced, with Karen Mason, Julie Gold and more taking home awards

With the addition of two new categories--Best Male and Female Stand-Up Comic--the nominations list for the 2006 MAC Awards is now complete

The 2006 MAC AWARDS will be presented on MONDAY, APRIL 17 AT 7:30 PM at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center at BMCC, 199 Chambers Street. Hosted by Lee Roy Reams, the 20th annual MAC Awards will include appearances by Phoebe Snow, Ben Taylor, Karen Mason, Carol Hall and Rocky Carroll among others.

Playwright/actor Charles Busch will emcee True Colors: A Celebration of Music and Dance at Lincoln Center at the Rose Theatre on June 23rd