Les Davis News

Frank Catalano makes his Savoy label debut with 'Bang!' Bang! debuted at #12 on the Billboard Jazz Charts. Frank's previous CD, 'Mighty Burner' was on the Billboard Charts for 20 straight weeks. Catalano is the only known saxman to have performed with Miles Davis, Randy Brecker, Charles Earland, Elvin Jones, Stan Getz, Betty Carter, Von Freeman, Tito Puente, Tony Bennett, Les Claypool and Louis Bellson while still in high school!

City Parks Foundation proudly announces the 21st edition of the beloved late summer jazz favorite, the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. In the world of modern music, few figures loom as large or cast as long a shadow as saxophonist Charlie Parker, best known as "Bird" (short for "Yardbird") to generations of musicians. He was born in 1920, and almost sixty years since his death in 1955, he is universally celebrated for single-handedly inventing bebop and bringing jazz into the modern era.

Frank Catalano makes his Savoy label debut with "Bang!" Bang! debuted at #12 on the Billboard Jazz Charts. Frank's previous CD, "Mighty Burner" was on the Billboard Charts for 20 straight weeks. Catalano is the only known saxman to have performed with Miles Davis, Randy Brecker, Charles Earland, Elvin Jones, Stan Getz, Betty Carter, Von Freeman, Tito Puente, Tony Bennett, Les Claypool and Louis Bellson while still in high school!

Legendary Bass Guitarist Michael Henderson lands his Starship in New York City at The Cutting Room Friday August 16th. 'In Concert From Motown To Miles' takes the audience on a musical journey of Michael's career. From his beginnings playing with Stevie Wonder and other Motown and Stax artists through his years with Miles Davis and his own hit making solo career. You'll hear all the hits like 'You Are My Starship', 'Wide Receiver', 'Valentine Love', 'At The Concert', 'Take Me, I'm Yours', and 'Be My Girl' plus many more. Don't miss this one night only show!

On Wednesday, August 21 at 7pm at The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street), the first NYC Mayoral Democratic Primary Debate will take placemoderated by Errol Louis of NY1. A limited number of tickets to the debate are available free to the public and can be reserved by sending an email to debates@citizensunion.org or calling 212-227-0342, ext. 39. Reserved tickets can then be picked up on 8/21 beginning at 12pm and through 6:30pm at The Town Hall Box Office. Any available unreserved tickets will also be available the day of at the box office.

Birdland Jazz Club is pleased to announce their line-up of talent for August 19 - August 25, 2013.

Birdland Jazz Club has just announced their rousing line-up of unrivaled talent for August 12 - August 18, 2013. Birdland will kick-off their captivating week of programming with the following acts:

Birdland Jazz Club has announced its August 2013 schedule, featuring: Pablo Ziegler's 'Tango Conexion,' Billy Hart Quartet, Trio 3, Joey DeFrancesco with the City Rhythm Orchestra, Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration, Luiz Simas Quartet, Tamm E. Hunt, Steve Kazee, Pedro Giraudo Expansions Big Band, Julie Halston, Roni Ben-Hur 'Wes Montgomery Tribute,' Tex Allen Sextet, Martin Piecuch Trio 'Jazzical Fusion,' Tim Hagans Quartet, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, Jay Leonhart Duo, and MANY MORE!

Lakeshore Records will release THE SPECTACULAR NOW - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack digitally today, July 30, 2013. The album features original music by Rob Simonsen (THE WAY, WAY BACK, SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD) along with the song 'Baby (feat. Dam-Funk)' by Ariel Pink and 'Wakin' On a Pretty Day' by Kurt Vile and 'Song for Zula' by Phosphorescent.

Lakeshore Records will release THE SPECTACULAR NOW - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack digitally on July 30, 2013.

Two of the most original theatre artists in America, the long-form improvisers TJ & Dave, will be presented at The Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street, for the first time on Friday October 11 at 8pm. The unique theatrical event, presented by Barrow Street Productions and The Town Hall, will also incorporate the talents of special musical guest Ike Reilly, the Chicago-based songwriter and solo performer. Tickets for this exclusive one-night engagement, which are $42 (includes $2 facility fee), are now on sale through Ticketmaster. To order in advance call 800/982-2787, or visit www.ticketmaster.com (Tickets will also be available at The Town Hall's box office as of September 19.)

Birdland Jazz Club has announced their exciting line-up of unmatched talent for this week, July 22 - July 28, 2013.

The 20th Season of Broadway Onstage Live Theatre and the 33rd, and final, season of Dennis Wickline Productions opens tonight, July 19 with the Alan Ball Comedy FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS. The production will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Select Sundays at 2pm through Saturday, August 17.

Symphony Space, New York's home for innovative and diverse cultural programming on the Upper West Side, celebrates its 35th season of Music programs in 2013-14 with a stellar array of artists in imaginative, thought-provoking presentations. Curated by Artistic Director Laura Kaminsky, the offerings range from marathon celebrations to intimate recitals, encompassing a rich variety of musical styles. Highlights include a visit from Krzysztof Penderecki, October 25; the fifth THE MUSIC OF NOW MARATHON, with the dream-inspired theme of 'REM: Rapid Ear Movement,' February 1; and appearances by Dar Williams, Tom Paxton, Christine Lavin, and other icons of folk/acoustic music. Capping the season is SLEEPING AROUND, a multidisciplinary festival celebrating the culture, history, art, scene, and scandal of New York's most famous hotels, highlighted by WALL TO WALL SLEEPING AROUND on May 3.

The future of the Great White Way was featured in one unforgettable night with the brightest talent selected from some of the nation's finest theatrical institutions: AMDA, University of Cincinnati, Circle in the Square, Marymount, The New School, NYU's Cap 21, Steinhardt, and Tisch, and Pace University. The event was directed by Nightlife Award winning vocalist Scott Coulter. BroadwayWorld brings you complete photo coverage below!

Birdland Jazz Club has announced its August 2013 schedule, featuring: Pablo Ziegler's 'Tango Conexion,' Billy Hart Quartet, Trio 3, Joey DeFrancesco with the City Rhythm Orchestra, Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration, Luiz Simas Quartet, Tamm E. Hunt, Steve Kazee, Pedro Giraudo Expansions Big Band, Julie Halston, Roni Ben-Hur 'Wes Montgomery Tribute,' Tex Allen Sextet, Martin Piecuch Trio 'Jazzical Fusion,' Tim Hagans Quartet, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, Jay Leonhart Duo, and MANY MORE!

Birdland Jazz Club has announced their exciting line-up of unmatched talent for July 22 - July 28, 2013.

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. 54 Below also launched its series of late night events. Joining Tuesday nights' popular 'Backstage' with Susie Mosheris the '54 Piano Bar,' a new vocal competition - 'The Callback,' and more:

Lincoln Center Festival, which runs from today, July 6 through 28, 2013 will unfold in six venues on and off the Lincoln Center campus. Music figures prominently in the 2013 Festival with international productions by an eclectic range of renowned composers, singers, musicians and directors. In addition to performances, a panel discussion on Lera Auerbach's opera, The Blind, is scheduled. A chronological listing follows.

Stageit, a web-based platform that enables artiststo easily create paid live shows directly from their laptops, has partnered with The Roxy Theatre to offer one lucky act the opportunity to expand their fan base even more - with an opening slot at the world famous Roxy, located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, CA.