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54 Below Presents George Young In Singin' And Swingin' on June 19th

54 Below Presents George Young In Singin' And Swingin' on June 19th
The pulse of George’s singing and the trio swinging makes you feel good and allows you to forget your problems.
—William C. Rhoden
54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club, presents George Young in Singin’ and Swingin’ on June 19th at 7:00pm. Mr. Young, an accomplished entertainer, brings his musicianship and vocal dexterity in celebration of Juneteenth and all that this day represents. Through a well curated repertoire of songs George Young will pay his respect to the Harlem Renaissance, to the Apollo, to Baltimore’s Royal Theater (under whose shadow, he grew up), to Broadway, to the songs born out of the never-ending struggles of Black Americans, and will pay special tribute to Nat King Cole, before closing with his take on Lou Rawls’, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine."

Vocal stylist, educator, George Young grew up listening to the sounds emanating from the clubs and performance venues that lined his neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as a healthy dose of Gospel music from the many churches that co-existed in his community. His interest in music has always been a front-facing part of his identity as he has continued the development of his craft, performing regularly at local clubs and famed after-hour spaces all around New York City. For this appearance, he has enlisted the musical support of four exceptional musicians including musical director Tedd Firth, a noted pianist and arranger who has worked with some of the greats, including Bernadette Peters, Michael Feinstein, Maureen McGovern, Leslie Uggams, Elaine Paige and many others. Joining George at 54 Below is renowned New York based, bassist Tom Hubbard whose long list of performances include playing with Kenny Barron, accompanying singers Joe Williams, Sheila Jordan, Liza Minnelli and Marilyn Maye, to name a few. Adding his incredible talent to the evening is saxophone virtuoso Eugene Ghee who has collaborated with legends, Art Blakey and Stevie Wonder and whose legacy in the jazz world is well established. Rounding out this extraordinary quartet is Toronto born, New York based drummer Mark McLean, one of the most versatile musicians on the scene, he has played with the likes of Andrea Bocelli, George Michael and many others.

George Young in Singin’ and Swingin’ plays 54 Below (254 West 54th Street) on Thursday, June 19th at 7:00pm. Cover charges are $51.50 (includes $6.50 in fees)—$62.50 (includes $7.50 in fees). Premiums are $101 (includes $11 in fees). There is a $25 food and beverage minimum. Tickets and information are available at 54Below.org. Tickets on the day of performance after 4:00pm are only available by calling (646) 476-355.

About George Young

George Young was born and raised in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland’s inner city, a culturally rich environment that he says was a wonderful place to come of age. His was a working-class neighborhood, where Black folks owned businesses and homes, worked, and raised their families. George lived off The Avenue, as Pennsylvania Avenue is famously known — a thoroughfare much like Harlem’s famed 125th Street. It was the beating heart of the community, packed with an assortment of stores, restaurants, and nightclubs. It was home to the Royal Theater which was part of the chitlin circuit, and a large representation of historic Black Churches that lined The Avenue and surrounding area.

He grew up listening to a rich combination of music emanating from the clubs where the great contemporary singers and musicians of the day performed, and the rousing sounds of gospel spirituals found in church worship. George developed a serious interest in music and an affinity for the piano at an early age. His love of music only grew when he entered Frederick Douglass High School with its rich academic and music programs—the alma mater of Thurgood Marshall, Cab Callaway, and soprano Anne Brown who originated the role of Bess in the first production of George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess. He went on to attend Morgan State University on a full scholarship and received his undergraduate degree in music education. He continued his education at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor for his graduate degree in music education with an emphasis on classical piano.

George Young is the father of two children, Angela and Robert Young; he is a retired principal, but still actively engaged as a Delegate Board Member to the Retirement Chapter of the New York City Council of School Supervisors & Administrators (CSA), a collective bargaining unit for Principals, Assistant Principals, Supervisors, and Education Administrators, and is the President of the almost 70-year-old Young Audiences New York (YANY) arts organization.

About 54 Below

54 Below, a recipient of the 2022 TONY AWARDS Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve the music of Broadway and expand the art of the cabaret while growing opportunities for diverse communities of emerging and established artists and providing unparalleled audience experiences.

It was founded as a place for the Broadway community to celebrate Broadway performers, both established and new, who sing not only the music of Broadway and the Great American Songbook, but also new material intended for Broadway and off-Broadway stages. One of the most in demand venues in the city presenting over 700 shows per year, the club features fine dining and superb scenic, lighting, and sound designs entirely imagined by Broadway designers. For performers, writers, musicians, and more, 54 Below gives opportunities to advance their craft, expand their repertoires, and develop their voices in a way that is more personal, making them stronger as artists. It gives Broadway fans an opportunity to see their favorite artists in a different way, deepening their relationship and understanding of their talent.

54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work. It is also a place for innovation in musical songwriting and performance. Collaborations born at 54 Below give rise to and help develop new theatrical projects and new musicals. In addition, its popular streaming video activities and audio recordings support these activities, helping to build a new Broadway audience worldwide, both in age and geography.

Located at 254 West 54th Street, the club presents live shows at 7pm and 9:30pm. Tickets and information at 54below.org.

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