Will Friedwald News

ScoBar Entertainment and Iridium NYC last night presented a one-night-only Tribute to Ervin Drake. The evening celebrated the life and music of legendary 94-year-old American songwriter whose works include Great American Songbook standards such as 'It Was A Very Good Year,' which was popularized by Frank Sinatra. Drake, who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983 also wrote the songs 'I Believe,' 'Good Morning Heartache,' 'Tico-Tico,' 'Perdido,' 'Now I Have Everything,' 'A Room without Windows,' 'AL DI LA,' & 'Quando Quando.' He is also the composer and lyricist of the 1964 Broadway show, What Makes Sammy Run.

In 1962, Ray Charles made history when he brought soul music and country music together in the same album: Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music. Now, more than 50 years later, just in time for the late legend's 84th birthday, Joe's Pub and the Album of the Month Club expand the palette by adding jazz, cabaret, Broadway, folk music, and bluegrass into Brother Ray's classic mix. On Monday, September 23 at 9:30 pm, Joe's Pub will present the first in a ongoing series of shows celebrating great pop and jazz albums, during which classic songs will be explored and re-examined by a rotating cast of singers and musicians in styles covering jazz, pop, Broadway, cabaret, and blues.

For four magical nights in October, the Mabel Mercer Foundation will present a sparkling array of America's leading cabaret stars. Among the 60 outstanding artists who will take the stage at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center from October 7th through 10th are multiple Grammy Award winner Jack Jones, Marilyn Maye, Steve Ross, Karen Akers, Nellie McKay, and Barbara Carroll.

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 Mosher is 15:54, and more:

Continuing August 29 at 7PM, August 30 & 31 at 8PM & August 30 at 11PM at 54 Below is Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway in SIBLING RIVERLRY. The show is a loosely-based musical autobiography outlining their lives from their childhood in Chicago, to their move to New York City, to the ever-continuing adventures of their luminous careers.

Keith Lockhart led the Boston Pops in an evening concert in the Shed on August 16, with celebrated pianist, vocalist, and archivist of the great American Songbook, Michael Feinstein. The evening featured some of the most beloved tunes in the American songbook repertoire. Special guests included Broadway and television star Cheyenne Jackson and actress and singer Faith Prince. Check out photos from the concert below!

The Django Reinhardt NY Festival returns with The Young Lions of Gypsy Jazz headed by the very talented guitarist Samson Schmitt, son of legendary gypsy guitarist/violinist Dorado Schmitt. 'The greatest jazz show in town' says Will Friedwald of The Wall Street Journal.

The Django Reinhardt NY Festival returns with The Young Lions of Gypsy Jazz headed by the very talented guitarist Samson Schmitt, son of legendary gypsy guitarist/violinist Dorado Schmitt. "The greatest jazz show in town" says Will Friedwald of The Wall Street Journal.

Songs referenced by F. Scott Fitzgerald in his novels and stories, and directly associated with his life make up the soundtrack of an inventive new theatrical revue conceived and co-created by the jazz writer Will Friedwald, co-created and directed by Sarna Lapine, with music direction by Jon Weber. 'Tales from the Jazz Age: An F. Scott Fitzgerald Songbook' receives its world premiere in four nights from June 13 to 21 at the renowned Cafe Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, as part of its new Second Act Late-Night Series. Check out photos from the concert below!

Songs referenced by F. Scott Fitzgerald in his novels and stories, and directly associated with his life make up the soundtrack of an inventive new theatrical revue conceived and co-created by the jazz writer Will Friedwald, co-created and directed by Sarna Lapine, with music direction by Jon Weber. 'Tales from the Jazz Age: An F. Scott Fitzgerald Songbook' receives its world premiere in four nights from tonight, June 13 to 21 at the renowned Cafe Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, as part of its new Second Act Late-Night Series.

Medicine Show Theatre Ensemble, one of New York's longest-running experimental theatres, will stage Henry Fielding's 1730 classic Tom Thumb, which is officially known as The Tragedy of Tragedies; or the Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great. The production opens today, June 7, 2013 and closes Sunday, June 30, 2013. Performances are scheduled for Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 8 p.m. There are no performances on Saturdays. The theatre is located at 549 W. 52nd Street, 3rd Floor, near 11th Ave., New York, NY 10019, subway C/E 50th St.

Yoshi's San Francisco announces updated calendar for club and restaurant through July 7, 2013.

Songs referenced by F. Scott Fitzgerald in his novels and stories, and directly associated with his life make up the soundtrack of an inventive new theatrical revue conceived and co-created by the jazz writer Will Friedwald, co-created and directed by Sarna Lapine, with music direction by Jon Weber. "Tales from the Jazz Age: An F. Scott Fitzgerald Songbook" receives its world premiere in four nights from June 13 to 21 at the renowned Cafe Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, as part of its new Second Act Late-Night Series.

Medicine Show Theatre Ensemble, one of New York's longest-running experimental theatres, will stage Henry Fielding's 1730 classic Tom Thumb, officially known as The Tragedy of Tragedies; or the Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great. A preview is set for Thursday, June 6, 2013. The production opens Friday, June 7, 2013 and closes Sunday, June 30, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Medicine Show Theatre Ensemble, one of New York's longest-running experimental theatres, will stage Henry Fielding's 1730 classic Tom Thumb, which is officially known as The Tragedy of Tragedies; or the Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great. A preview is set for Thursday, June 6, 2013. The production opens Friday, June 7, 2013 and closes Sunday, June 30, 2013. Performances are scheduled for Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 8 p.m. There are no performances on Saturdays. The theatre is located at 549 W. 52nd Street, 3rd Floor, near 11th Ave., New York, NY 10019, subway C/E 50th St.

Jazz at Lincoln Center payed tribute to cabaret icon Bobby Short, with host James Naughton on May 15, and Michael Feinstein on May 16. Music Director Tedd Firth exhibits Short's signature songs alongside some of today's brightest stars of cabaret and Broadway, including guest vocalists Paula West, T. Oliver Reid, and Barbara Carroll. Chek out photos from the concert below!

Cabaret warhorse Ricky Ritzel pays homage to Broadway legend Elaine Stritch in a hilarious and poignant evening of nonstop fun. From Angel in the Wings to A Little Night Music, Elaine Stitch has introduced and covered some of the greatest songs of the 20th Century. Now, Mr. Ritzel puts his unique spin on them in this loving tribute to one of Broadway's greatest treasures.

Cabaret warhorse Ricky Ritzel pays homage to Broadway legend Elaine Stritch in a hilarious and poignant evening of nonstop fun. From Angel in the Wings to A Little Night Music, Elaine Stitch has introduced and covered some of the greatest songs of the 20th Century. Now, Mr. Ritzel puts his unique spin on them in this loving tribute to one of Broadway's greatest treasures.

92YTribeca presents 'FEVER,' THE BLUES AND THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK today, Apr 4, 12-1 pm. Tickets from $21.

92YTribeca presents 'FEVER,' THE BLUES AND THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK on Thu, Apr 4, 12-1 pm. Tickets from $21.