LEWIS NASH QUINTET, HILARY KOLE CD RELEASE w/ special guest John Pizzarelli, BOBBY CALDWELL AND HIS BIG BAND, GARY PEACOCK TRIO w/Marc Copland & Bill Stewart, THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON w/ David Berger & The Sultans of Swing, CHICO OFARRILLS AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA, CAST PARTY, & MORE!
Birdland (315 West 44th Street between 8th & 9th Aves.) is pleased to announce an exciting line-up of extraordinary entertainment for the month of February. A detailed schedule follows:
Who's Worse Than People? And Other Songs of the Season The Heartwarming Lyrics of Amanda Green
Come ring in Groundhog Day with the hilarious songs of award-winning Broadway songwriter and performer Amanda Green who will be joined by some of Broadway's finest. Amanda delivers her “murderously witty songs with the comic zing and self-lacerating rue of a young Carol Burnett, says the Wall Street Journal. Joining Amanda will be Norm Lewis (The Little Mermaid), Jenn Colella (High Fidelity, Urban Cowboy), David Pittu (What's That Smell?, Is He Dead?, Lovemusik) and Jenifer Foote (A Chorus Line, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), composers Larry Grossman (Minnie's Boys, Grind, Goodtime Charley) and Tom Kitt (High Fidelity, Next To Normal) plus a surprise guest or two! Musical Director is Matt Gallagher (9 to 5, Legally Blonde, High Fidelity). Amanda wrote the lyrics for High Fidelity on Broadway and is currently writing a musical with Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Doug Wright. She's also written for the TV show “The Wonder Pets" for Nick, Jr. She is the winner of MAC Awards, Bistro Awards, Jonathan Larson Award and Songwriter's Hall of Fame Award for Excellence in Songwriting. Monday, February 2 @ 7pm ($30 General Admission, $50 Orchestra)
Lewis Nash Quintet
“Perhaps the most talented drummer of his generation, equally effective in small group or big band," (Ira Gitler, The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz) Lewis Nash has been the drummer of choice for an incredible array of artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt, Oscar Peterson, Betty Carter, Sonny Rollins, Ray Brown, Gerald Wilson, Horace Silver, Ron Carter, Hank Jones, Benny Carter, Milt Jackson, Art Farmer, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, Clark Terry, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Kenny Burrell, Jimmy Heath, John Lewis, and many others. Nash can be heard on over 300 recordings, interjecting his own unique voice and energy into straightforward jazz with a jackrabbit-like technique. Along with Lewis Nash on drums, the quintet features Renee Rosnes (piano), Peter Washington (bass), Jimmy Greene (saxophone), and Jeremy Pelt (trumpet). “In Lewis Nash's drum patterns there was such acute attention to timbre and melodic grace that at times he sounded more as if he were playing composed lines on a vibraphone..." wrote Ben Ratliff of the New York Times. Wednesday- Saturday, February 4-7 @ 8:30 & 11pm ($30 General Admission, $40 Orchestra)
The Marcy & Zina Show
The team voted Best Knocking on Broadway's Door Songwriting Team" in the Village Voice, comprised of Award-winning songwriters Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, will once again bring the intimate The Marcy & Zina Show to Birdland! Goldrich and Heisler are currently working on the musical adaptation of Ever After, (the Drew Barrymore Cinderella movie produced by 20th Century Fox) which is slated for a Spring 2009 Broadway opening. The Marcy & Zina Show features the duo's best-loved songs written for theater and cabaret, and also introduces new songs from upcoming productions of Ever After and Love Has Strings. Monday, February 9 @ 7pm ($30)
Hilary Kole CD Release with special guest John Pizzarelli
Vocalist Hilary Kole began her professional career at the legendary Rainbow Room as the youngest singer ever to grace the stage. From there, Hilary co-wrote and starred in the long running Off Broadway hit, “Our Sinatra," as well as headlined at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, as well as international venues such as the Umbria Jazz Festival and the Nairn Jazz Festival. Hilary has also performed and recorded with the late Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, and Michel LeGrand, to name but a few. Rex Reed calls her “hip and lovely, a musical marvel," and Time Out New York notes that “Kole presents her own distinctive style. She is the best at selling a song." Join Hilary and the band for the official CD release of “Haunted Heart," which is due out in stores on February 10th. With special guest guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli, this show is the perfect event to add to your Valentines Day week festivities! Tuesday-Saturday, February 10-14 @ 8:30 & 11pm ($30 General Admission, $40 Orchestra)
Katie Thompson
Join Singer/Songwriter/Actress Katie Thompson in her Birdland debut as she is joined by some of today's brightest Broadway stars singing her songs - and her praises! Katie recently returned from Los Angeles and a sold-out run of her first musical R.R.R.E.D., which was Pick of the Week in Backstage Magazine, LA Weekly, Stage Scene LA, and Burbank Leader. Thompson and a bevy of Broadway stars will perform songs from the debut CD, 'What I've Done Right, as well as songs from KT: Live and R.R.R.E.D. Backstage West said Thompson has “knockout vocal calisthenics, and segues from Merman to Buckley to Tori Amos with beautifully constructed songs. The Glendale News called Thompson gloriously beautiful and indisputably talented. Monday, February 16 @ 7pm ($25)
Bobby Caldwell and his Big Band
Tracing a thirty-year history from acclaimed soul stylist to in-demand pop and R&B songwriter, Bobby Caldwell is one of the most revered vocalists and songwriters in contemporary music today. As a singer, he has a successful career with numerous solo releases, which have earned accolades far and wide. His songwriting skills have earned hits not only for himself, but also for well-known artists like Chicago, Boz Scaggs, Peter Cetera and Amy Grant, Neil Diamond and Al Jarreau. Bobby's timeless classic, “What You Won't Do For Love" (1978) has recorded and sampled by more than 100 artists. With a worldwide reputation of being a truly electrifying live performer, you wont want to miss Bobby in this intimate setting backed by his 16-piece band! Wednesday-Saturday, February 18-21 @ 8:30 & 11pm ($35 General Admission, $45 Orchestra)
Jason Danieley: LOVE, IN THE KEY OF ECLECTIC AMERICANA
(Celebrated Broadway Leading Man Tackles Blues, Country, Folk, Showtunes & Standards - All With a Backporch Sound) Broadway star (Curtains, Full Monty, Candide) and lauded concert performer, Jason Danieley, returns to his familial roots by fusing ragtime, blues, country, folk, gospel and Broadway standards in an eclectic back-porch Americana sound that owes much to his St. Louis upbringing, and that fully showcases his dynamic vocal versatility. Celebrating the release of their self-titled debut album, Jason Danieley & The Frontier Heroes (Dan Lipton, Christian Hebel, Damien Bassman, Mark Vanderpoel, Michael Aarons and Theresa McCarthy), JD & TFH will help you forget your Depression Era blues by putting a tap in your foot and a smile on your lips. Whenever he sings, the heart seems to beat a little faster an emotional strength that envelops the listener and melts the heart! - Variety. Monday, February 23 @ 7pm ($25 General Admission, $40 Orchestra)
Gary Peacock Trio with Marc Copland and Bill Stewart
The kaleidoscopic double bassist Gary Peacock is known as a one the great calibrators of bass playing, beginning in the 1960s. Having cut his chops with the likes of Ornette Coleman, Jimmy Guiffre and Don Ellis on the West Coast, Peacock emerged as the true chameleon musician that he is. Peacock will be joined on stage by Marc Copland (piano) & Bill Stewart (drums). Steve Greenlee of the Boston Globe calls the trio Transcendent...makes one realize how ordinary, how formulaic, so much of the rest of today's music has become.... these guys don't need a leader. An evening of jazz the way it was meant to be improvised. Wednesday-Saturday, February 25-28 @ 8:30 & 11pm ($30 General Admisison, $40 Orchestra)
REGULAR MONTHLY ENGAGEMENTS
CHICO OFARRILLS AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA (directed by Arturo OFarrill, Jr.)
Arranger-bandleader Arturo Chico O Farrill, Sr. began introducing Afro-Cuban rhythms into jazz in the 1940s. The band bearing Chicos name (directed by his son Arturo) continues to showcase the most seamless blend of clav rhythm and bebop harmony anywhere. (Time Out) Sundays, February 1, 8, 15, 22 @ 9&11pm ($25)
JIM CARUSOS CAST PARTY
No one can be called a true New Yorker until theyve been to the Cast Party, (2007 Nightlife Award Winner) which is to Broadway what the Conde-Nast cafeteria is to publishing. Divas and dapper-dans insouciantly sip cocktails while watching each other sing and perform at the open-mic event during Broadways dark night, says Next Magazine. Broadway impresario Jim Caruso hosts a combination open-mic, networking event and party in which the biggest stars on Broadway relax on their night off by performing their favorite songs in an informal setting. Mondays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 @ 9:3opm ($10 cover/$10 minimum)
THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON w/David Berger & The Sultans of Swing
This Tuesday night residency has David Berger -- acclaimed bandleader, composer/arranger, and historical expert on all things Ellington leading his 16 piece Sultans of Swing Big Band in a program of authentic, swinging arrangements by Ellington, Basie and other big band icons. Tuesdays, February 3, 17, 24 @ 8:30pm & 11pm ($25)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION, PLEASE NOTE:
PRE-THEATRE SPECIALS
EVERY WEDNESDAY, 5:30-7:30PM DAVID OSTWALDS LOUIS ARMSTRONG CENTENNIAL BAND
$10 music charge
EVERY FRIDAY, 5:157:00PM THE BIRDLAND BIG BAND W/ TOMMY IGOE
$20 music charge/$10 minimum
DISCOUNT ADMISSION SPECIALS (subject to availability)
STUDENTS (with current ID): 50% off music charge, 11PM shows only.
50% off music charge for all 11PM shows with Broadway ticket stub (day of performance) when presented at door.
CONCERT GRAND PIANO BY: BOSENDORFER NEW YORK
Birdland (315 West 44th Street between 8th & 9th Aves.) is pleased to announce an exciting line-up of extraordinary entertainment for the month of February. A detailed schedule follows:
Who's Worse Than People? And Other Songs of the Season The Heartwarming Lyrics of Amanda Green
Come ring in Groundhog Day with the hilarious songs of award-winning Broadway songwriter and performer Amanda Green who will be joined by some of Broadway's finest. Amanda delivers her “murderously witty songs with the comic zing and self-lacerating rue of a young Carol Burnett, says the Wall Street Journal. Joining Amanda will be Norm Lewis (The Little Mermaid), Jenn Colella (High Fidelity, Urban Cowboy), David Pittu (What's That Smell?, Is He Dead?, Lovemusik) and Jenifer Foote (A Chorus Line, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), composers Larry Grossman (Minnie's Boys, Grind, Goodtime Charley) and Tom Kitt (High Fidelity, Next To Normal) plus a surprise guest or two! Musical Director is Matt Gallagher (9 to 5, Legally Blonde, High Fidelity). Amanda wrote the lyrics for High Fidelity on Broadway and is currently writing a musical with Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Doug Wright. She's also written for the TV show “The Wonder Pets" for Nick, Jr. She is the winner of MAC Awards, Bistro Awards, Jonathan Larson Award and Songwriter's Hall of Fame Award for Excellence in Songwriting. Monday, February 2 @ 7pm ($30 General Admission, $50 Orchestra)
Lewis Nash Quintet
“Perhaps the most talented drummer of his generation, equally effective in small group or big band," (Ira Gitler, The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz) Lewis Nash has been the drummer of choice for an incredible array of artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt, Oscar Peterson, Betty Carter, Sonny Rollins, Ray Brown, Gerald Wilson, Horace Silver, Ron Carter, Hank Jones, Benny Carter, Milt Jackson, Art Farmer, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, Clark Terry, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Kenny Burrell, Jimmy Heath, John Lewis, and many others. Nash can be heard on over 300 recordings, interjecting his own unique voice and energy into straightforward jazz with a jackrabbit-like technique. Along with Lewis Nash on drums, the quintet features Renee Rosnes (piano), Peter Washington (bass), Jimmy Greene (saxophone), and Jeremy Pelt (trumpet). “In Lewis Nash's drum patterns there was such acute attention to timbre and melodic grace that at times he sounded more as if he were playing composed lines on a vibraphone..." wrote Ben Ratliff of the New York Times. Wednesday- Saturday, February 4-7 @ 8:30 & 11pm ($30 General Admission, $40 Orchestra)
The Marcy & Zina Show
The team voted Best Knocking on Broadway's Door Songwriting Team" in the Village Voice, comprised of Award-winning songwriters Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, will once again bring the intimate The Marcy & Zina Show to Birdland! Goldrich and Heisler are currently working on the musical adaptation of Ever After, (the Drew Barrymore Cinderella movie produced by 20th Century Fox) which is slated for a Spring 2009 Broadway opening. The Marcy & Zina Show features the duo's best-loved songs written for theater and cabaret, and also introduces new songs from upcoming productions of Ever After and Love Has Strings. Monday, February 9 @ 7pm ($30)
Hilary Kole CD Release with special guest John Pizzarelli
Vocalist Hilary Kole began her professional career at the legendary Rainbow Room as the youngest singer ever to grace the stage. From there, Hilary co-wrote and starred in the long running Off Broadway hit, “Our Sinatra," as well as headlined at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, as well as international venues such as the Umbria Jazz Festival and the Nairn Jazz Festival. Hilary has also performed and recorded with the late Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, and Michel LeGrand, to name but a few. Rex Reed calls her “hip and lovely, a musical marvel," and Time Out New York notes that “Kole presents her own distinctive style. She is the best at selling a song." Join Hilary and the band for the official CD release of “Haunted Heart," which is due out in stores on February 10th. With special guest guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli, this show is the perfect event to add to your Valentines Day week festivities! Tuesday-Saturday, February 10-14 @ 8:30 & 11pm ($30 General Admission, $40 Orchestra)
Katie Thompson
Join Singer/Songwriter/Actress Katie Thompson in her Birdland debut as she is joined by some of today's brightest Broadway stars singing her songs - and her praises! Katie recently returned from Los Angeles and a sold-out run of her first musical R.R.R.E.D., which was Pick of the Week in Backstage Magazine, LA Weekly, Stage Scene LA, and Burbank Leader. Thompson and a bevy of Broadway stars will perform songs from the debut CD, 'What I've Done Right, as well as songs from KT: Live and R.R.R.E.D. Backstage West said Thompson has “knockout vocal calisthenics, and segues from Merman to Buckley to Tori Amos with beautifully constructed songs. The Glendale News called Thompson gloriously beautiful and indisputably talented. Monday, February 16 @ 7pm ($25)
Bobby Caldwell and his Big Band
Tracing a thirty-year history from acclaimed soul stylist to in-demand pop and R&B songwriter, Bobby Caldwell is one of the most revered vocalists and songwriters in contemporary music today. As a singer, he has a successful career with numerous solo releases, which have earned accolades far and wide. His songwriting skills have earned hits not only for himself, but also for well-known artists like Chicago, Boz Scaggs, Peter Cetera and Amy Grant, Neil Diamond and Al Jarreau. Bobby's timeless classic, “What You Won't Do For Love" (1978) has recorded and sampled by more than 100 artists. With a worldwide reputation of being a truly electrifying live performer, you wont want to miss Bobby in this intimate setting backed by his 16-piece band! Wednesday-Saturday, February 18-21 @ 8:30 & 11pm ($35 General Admission, $45 Orchestra)
Jason Danieley: LOVE, IN THE KEY OF ECLECTIC AMERICANA
(Celebrated Broadway Leading Man Tackles Blues, Country, Folk, Showtunes & Standards - All With a Backporch Sound) Broadway star (Curtains, Full Monty, Candide) and lauded concert performer, Jason Danieley, returns to his familial roots by fusing ragtime, blues, country, folk, gospel and Broadway standards in an eclectic back-porch Americana sound that owes much to his St. Louis upbringing, and that fully showcases his dynamic vocal versatility. Celebrating the release of their self-titled debut album, Jason Danieley & The Frontier Heroes (Dan Lipton, Christian Hebel, Damien Bassman, Mark Vanderpoel, Michael Aarons and Theresa McCarthy), JD & TFH will help you forget your Depression Era blues by putting a tap in your foot and a smile on your lips. Whenever he sings, the heart seems to beat a little faster an emotional strength that envelops the listener and melts the heart! - Variety. Monday, February 23 @ 7pm ($25 General Admission, $40 Orchestra)
Gary Peacock Trio with Marc Copland and Bill Stewart
The kaleidoscopic double bassist Gary Peacock is known as a one the great calibrators of bass playing, beginning in the 1960s. Having cut his chops with the likes of Ornette Coleman, Jimmy Guiffre and Don Ellis on the West Coast, Peacock emerged as the true chameleon musician that he is. Peacock will be joined on stage by Marc Copland (piano) & Bill Stewart (drums). Steve Greenlee of the Boston Globe calls the trio Transcendent...makes one realize how ordinary, how formulaic, so much of the rest of today's music has become.... these guys don't need a leader. An evening of jazz the way it was meant to be improvised. Wednesday-Saturday, February 25-28 @ 8:30 & 11pm ($30 General Admisison, $40 Orchestra)
REGULAR MONTHLY ENGAGEMENTS
CHICO OFARRILLS AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA (directed by Arturo OFarrill, Jr.)
Arranger-bandleader Arturo Chico O Farrill, Sr. began introducing Afro-Cuban rhythms into jazz in the 1940s. The band bearing Chicos name (directed by his son Arturo) continues to showcase the most seamless blend of clav rhythm and bebop harmony anywhere. (Time Out) Sundays, February 1, 8, 15, 22 @ 9&11pm ($25)
JIM CARUSOS CAST PARTY
No one can be called a true New Yorker until theyve been to the Cast Party, (2007 Nightlife Award Winner) which is to Broadway what the Conde-Nast cafeteria is to publishing. Divas and dapper-dans insouciantly sip cocktails while watching each other sing and perform at the open-mic event during Broadways dark night, says Next Magazine. Broadway impresario Jim Caruso hosts a combination open-mic, networking event and party in which the biggest stars on Broadway relax on their night off by performing their favorite songs in an informal setting. Mondays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 @ 9:3opm ($10 cover/$10 minimum)
THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON w/David Berger & The Sultans of Swing
This Tuesday night residency has David Berger -- acclaimed bandleader, composer/arranger, and historical expert on all things Ellington leading his 16 piece Sultans of Swing Big Band in a program of authentic, swinging arrangements by Ellington, Basie and other big band icons. Tuesdays, February 3, 17, 24 @ 8:30pm & 11pm ($25)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION, PLEASE NOTE:
- Music charges vary by performer
- At the tables, there is a $10 food/drink minimum per person in addition to the music charge.
- At the bar, the music charge includes one complimentary drink, no additional minimum.
- American Fare w/ a Cajun Accent served nightly from 5PMMid. & until 1am Fri. & Sat.
- Discount parking garage across the street at 332 West 44th Street.
- For further information and reservations call (212) 581-3080
PRE-THEATRE SPECIALS
EVERY WEDNESDAY, 5:30-7:30PM DAVID OSTWALDS LOUIS ARMSTRONG CENTENNIAL BAND
$10 music charge
EVERY FRIDAY, 5:157:00PM THE BIRDLAND BIG BAND W/ TOMMY IGOE
$20 music charge/$10 minimum
DISCOUNT ADMISSION SPECIALS (subject to availability)
STUDENTS (with current ID): 50% off music charge, 11PM shows only.
50% off music charge for all 11PM shows with Broadway ticket stub (day of performance) when presented at door.
CONCERT GRAND PIANO BY: BOSENDORFER NEW YORK
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