Will Friedwald News

On Monday, September 19, pianist/singer Billy Stritch and award-winning jazz vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli combined their considerable talents for an evening of great music celebrating the legendary Mel Tormé and Ella Fitzgerald.

Celia Berk, the multi-award winning vocalist, has just released her much anticipated third studio album, Now That I Have Everything. Music Director/Pianist Tedd Firth revives the classic format of the Nat King Cole trio with bassists David Finck and Jay Leonhart and guitarist Matt Munisteri, along with percussionist Rex Benincasa on several tracks.

Birdland Jazz Club will present a special evening with renowned pianist and singer Billy Stritch and award-winning jazz vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli on Monday, September 19 at 7:00 PM.

Fresh on the heels of smash-hit cabaret show Celia Berk will release a new album on the Grammercy Nightengale Music label.

Monumental Theatre Company will present Liam Forde in Concert on July 22, 2022. Monumental patrons are encouraged to attend Liam Forde in Concert and stick around for a late night showing of the mainstage production, tick, tick… BOOM! at 10pm. 

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts has announced the return of Music Mondays; the hit summer cabaret series that invites renowned artists and Tony Award-winners to perform for audiences and share stories of their time on and off the stage.

The annual Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival will be held on the Green on Saturday, September 17, from noon until 10:00 p.m. An initiative by Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty, the Festival enters its 12th year.

The majesty and magic of Ella Fitzgerald performing live is brought to vivid life in the new animated video for the incredible, one-of-a-kind performance of her beloved tune, “Cheek To Cheek,” recorded live at the Hollywood Bowl on August 16, 1958 with a full orchestra, conducted and arranged by Paul Weston.

On Wednesday, June 15 at 7:00 p.m., Nicola and Beatrice Bulgari and the Carnegie Hall Notables—a membership program for music enthusiasts in their 20s and 30s—will host the 16th Annual Notable Occasion. This private performance in Zankel Hall for Carnegie Hall Notables and special guests will feature acclaimed jazz vocalist Samara Joy.

BIRDLAND THEATER will present pop/jazz vocalist and songwriter Liam Forde – celebrating the release of his first album Great to Be Here – on Monday, June 13 at 8:30 PM.

 KT Sullivan, Artistic Director of the Mabel Mercer Foundation hosted the finals of The 5th Adela & Larry Elow American Songbook High School Competition yesterday in the Laurie Beechman Theater at The West Bank Cafe. The competition prize money was endowed by Board Members Adela and Larry Elow to encourage teenagers to learn and perform The Great American Songbook, which was composed between the years 1900-1970.

Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Irving Berlin Songbook, The First Lady Of Song performed selections from that album live at the Hollywood Bowl. Conducted and arranged by Paul Weston, who also arranged and conducted the studio sessions, this concert marked the only time that Ella performed these iconic arrangements live with a full orchestra.

Below, you'll find details on all jazz programming at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater running May 2 - May 15. Artists appearing at Birdland Jazz Club include Bill Charlap Trio and Solo, Andy Farber and his Orchestra, and NYC All-City Latin Ensemble and the Fat Cats. Downstairs at Birdland Theater, you'll find Anaïs Reno Quartet, Lauren Henderson Quartet, Steve Slagle Band, Mafalda Minnozzi, Kristen Lee Sergeant and The Royal Bopsters with special guest Sheila Jordan. Regular events include David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band, Frank Vignola's Guitar Night, Birdland Big Band and Arturo O'Farrill & The Latin Jazz Ensemble.

Artists appearing at Birdland Jazz Club include Jane Monheit, Meg Okura Pan Asian Jazz Ensemble, Bill Charlap Trio and Solo and Andy Farber Big Band. 

Michael Feinstein recently played Carnegie Hall and Andrew Poretz joined Broadway World Cabaret (on loan from Sandi Durell's Theater Pizzazz) to report on the elegant evening.

BALLYHOO MUSIC has announced that the second single from pop/jazz vocalist and songwriter LIAM FORDE, “Geraniums,” is available today, Friday, February 25. This will continue the rollout of Great to Be Here, his debut album of original pop/jazz songs due on Friday, March 25.

BALLYHOO MUSIC has announced the debut single from pop/jazz vocalist and songwriter LIAM FORDE, “When My World’s in Tune,” today, Friday, January 21. This will help launch Great to Be Here, his debut album of original pop/jazz songs due on Friday, March 25.

BIRDLAND THEATER will present the living legend Marilyn Maye for a special holiday engagement from Wednesday, December 29 through Sunday, January 2, including the “New Year’s Eve Extravaganza!” on Friday, December 31. 

BIRDLAND THEATER will present award-winning vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli and Grammy Award-nominated saxophonist Tim Armacost for four shows on Sunday, November 21 and Sunday, November 28 at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM.

Marilyn Maye kicks off the fall holiday season with live shows at Feinstein's 54 Below in NYC