Patti LaBelle News

The Village Playwrights meet the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Studio 353, 353 W. 48th St., NYC in Studio 4.  Everyone is welcome. $5 suggested donation.

Deborah Grace Winer continues her monthly love affair with New York when her acclaimed musical revue 'NEW YORK: BIG CITY SONGBOOK' returns to Birdland Theatre on Sunday, April 14 at 7:30 pm featuring Klea Blackhurst, LaTanya Hall and Nick Ziobro with Joe Davidian on piano and Jay Leonhart on bass and vocals. Mark Waldrop directs with musical arrangements by John Oddo.

The month of May at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is an ode to the genius of some of the greatest composers of all time, and some of today's most brilliant pianists. An all-Mozart program features revered American pianist Jeremy Denk, and celebrated Canadian piano virtuoso Louis Lortie joins the TSO for two different programs. Not-to-be-missed concerts include Beethoven Symphony 5, Mahler Symphony 7, and Pines of Rome.

Zeiders American Dream Theater (The Z) brings Cocktail Hour: The Show, by New York City-based company Ballets with a Twist, to its Main Stage on Saturday, May 18, at 8:00pm, and Sunday, May 19, at 2:00pm. Throughout the evening, beer, wine, and a special selection of cocktails and mocktails from the program will be available in the lobby.

Producer/Executive Producer, Elynn Diamond, is proud to present a DOUBLE HEADER with two of the music industry's most acclaimed R & B, Blues, Soul, Funk, Pop and Jazz Artists, DANNY KEAN / VALERIE GHENT In Concert, the second concert in her year-long '2019 In Concert Series' being held at the Iconic WOODSTOCK PLAYHOUSE.

In his life, he won eight GRAMMY awards, sold over 35 million records worldwide, and filled arenas around the world. On Sunday, April 7, The American Pops Orchestra will bring the music and style of the legendary Luther Vandross back to the nation's capital.

Jazz pianist Matt Baker returned to a capacity crowd at Birdland (315 West 44th Street NYC) with the world premier of his NEW project: A Rhapsody of Gershwin on Monday, March 18 to huge standing ovations! This brilliant show presented a whole new spin on the music one of America's most celebrated composers, with an all-star lineup from the heart of New York's jazz scene. Joining Matt Baker - Piano; were Endea Owens - double bass; Curtis Nowosad - drums; Alex Goodman - guitar; and special guests: Nico Sarbanes- trumpet & voice; and Grammy nominated vocalist Nicole Zuraitis.

BRIC is pleased to announce that iconic GRAMMY Award-winning entertainer Patti LaBelle will open BRIC's 41st season with a free concert on June 4 to open their annual BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival at the Prospect Park Bandshell. Preceding the concert, BRIC will relaunch its beloved annual opening night fundraiser with the first ever REVEL, an immersive artist driven experience from day to dusk to dark. This event will welcome and feature fashion partner Nanette Lepore and honor BRIC's outgoing Board Chair Hilary Ackermann.

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents SUSAN EDWARDS MARTIN in "THE ORIGINAL LADY BLUES OF TORCH SONG TRILOGY IS BACK IN TOWN!", on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 9:30pm.

One of the world's most distinctive singing voices, Michael McDonald is often imitated but never duplicated. He's had enough humility over the years to blend his voice with others, whether as a member of Steely Dan, a Doobie Brother, and as a highly successful solo artist and songwriter. More recently, his collaborations have included being a member of the supergroup the Dukes of September, as well as reaching the Coachella generation as a celebrated co-star on Thundercat's indie hit "Show You the Way."

Jazz pianist Matt Baker returns to the Birdland stage (315 West 44th Street NYC 10036) with the world premier of a BRAND NEW project: A Rhapsody of Gershwin on Monday, March 18th at 7:00 pm. This show presents a whole new spin on the music one of America's most celebrated composers, with an all-star lineup from the heart of New York's jazz scene. Joining Matt Baker - Piano; are Endea Owens - double bass; Curtis Nowosad - drums; Alex Goodman - guitar; and special guests: Benny Benack III - trumpet & voice; and Grammy nominated vocalist Nicole Zuraitis. This is Gershwin, like you've never heard it. Comprising music from Crazy for You, Porgy and Bess and An American in Paris, plus other exciting gems from the classical and popular worlds of George Gershwin, including the haunting Concerto in F! The cover for the show is only $30 with a $10 food / drink minimum. The doors will open at 5:00 pm.

Singer/Songwriter/Producer Joseph Lorenzo has recorded a new version of 'Mr. Melody', the 1976 hit by Natalie Cole.

Following his sold out show this summer at the Triad Theater in NYC, Robert Bannon brings his new one man concert event, 'Unfinished Business: The Sequel' to NJ this March. He will be accompanied by John Urban on piano. The event will take place over two days, March 2nd and 3rd, at Peak PAC in Ridgefield NJ.

The 17th Annual Garden State Film Festival welcomes back renowned Casting Director/Producer Donna McKenna, who will be hosting an 'OPEN TALENT CASTING CALL' on Saturday March 30th, from 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Jersey Shore Arts Center, 66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, Forties Room - 2nd Floor.

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents SUSAN EDWARDS MARTIN in 'THE ORIGINAL LADY BLUES OF TORCH SONG TRILOGY IS BACK IN TOWN!', on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 9:30pm. An unpredictable musical evening with the song stylings and comedy of Broadway's Susan Edwards Martin, featuring music from the American Songbook, Broadway and her own original Broadway bound show, UNLIMITED! YOU'LL HAVE THE TIME OF HER LIFE! with a virtual appearance by Harvey Fierstein! This multi-talented and captivating performer is someone you do NOT want to miss!

The La Jolla Music Society continued its eclectic 50th anniversary season with 'Jazz in the Key of Ellison,' a multimedia concert at the Balboa Theatre featuring music made popular by author Ralph Ellison's favorite artists including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Thelonious Monk. Ellison loved jazz. He often wrote about it, and it plays an important role in Invisible Man, his best known work. Jazz influenced his approach to life. He said, 'The real secret of the game is to make life swing.'

Somebody Loves You, Baby!' What a perfect backdrop to a lovely 'pre-Valentine's' evening. Ms. Patti LaBelle (a.k.a. 'Lady Marmalade') made a royalty entrance onto the stage of the Queen City's Belk Theater, as her silky voice filled the atmosphere, as anxious fans stood and cheered, waiting for her to emerge. It was incredible.

'We are proud to announce that Arturo Sandoval has been added to the 19th annual Newport Beach Jazz Party lineup in 2019,' begins the event co-producer Paul Lowden.

Back by popular demand, KINGS AND QUEENS OF SOUL: A TRIBUTE CONCERT TO THE PIONEERS OF SOUL MUSIC will be performed exclusively April 7th at 3:00pm. Powerhouse vocalists will include Jacqueline B. Arnold (Moulin Rouge, An Evening With Phyllis Hyman), Anthony Wayne (Tootsie, Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical, City Center's A Chorus Line), Durrell Wells, Recording Artist Annette Taylor, model and singer Ryan Love (A Soulful Christmas), Burgandy Williams (X Factor UK, 2018), Lady Pepper (A Soulful Christmas), Milah Jae, Vincent Hale (A Soulful Christmas), Kareema Khouri (Queens of Soul) and many more surprise guests as well.

A "first-rate singer of unusual refinement" with "a voice that traverses genres" (New York Times), Michael Winther, making his Birdland Theater solo debut, joins forces with award-winning jazz pianist, Matt Baker for a unique mix of classic, romantic standards and contemporary love songs as well as some discoveries from the contemporary musical theater - just in time for Valentine's Day!