Start 2007 with American Songbook Concert Series at Lincoln Center

After the holidays and New Year pass by and the chills of winter begin to be felt, you can warm up to an eclectic concert series at New York’s Lincoln Center. The American Songbook is an annual celebration to American songs and the singers who make them live. The 2007 series features bluegrass, contemporary country, reflective rock, classic jazz, and the best of cabaret and Broadway. Experience tunes from rap and hip-hop performer Mos Def and songs from sultry chanteuse Jane Monheit. Check out the new with indie-folk rocker Josh Ritter. Stomp your feet with the Grammy-nominated bluegrass family The Cherryholmes. John Pizzarelli salutes the tunes made famous by Frank Sinatra and the incomparable Betty Buckley in her only New York appearance of the season. The nearly 6-week long series is a great way to spend winter nights as you await the Spring thaw.

Most of the concerts appear at the intimate (yet grand) Allen Room at Lincoln Center’s new Jazz Hall at the Time Warner Building at Columbus Circle. The rear of the stage is a clear, glass wall displaying the streets and lights of the area near Central Park South.

Mos Def’s Big Band starts the series on January 17 with a tribute to Miles Davis and Gil Scott-Heron. Check out Mos Def’s new True Magic CD and Miles Davis Great Sessions

Newcomers Cherryholmes appear on February 7 with their mix of country and bluegrass music. Nominated for the 2006 Grammy Award for best new Bluegrass Album, the Cherryholmes are a traditional, family band of dad, mom, and 4 kids. Roving the country since 2002, this up-and-coming band has been receiving lots of raves and acclaim for their down-home, inspirational music.

Incomparable lounge singer, John Pizzarelli takes on the tunes and styles of legendary Frank Sinatra on February 3rd.

Contemporary jazz chanteuse Jane Monheit makes her appearance as the last performer of the American Songbook series on February 24. Since her 2004 debut album, Taking A Chance On Love, Monheit has taken her stylized jazz singing across the world to major applause. Her recent 2005 released Holiday-themed album, The Season has been a hot seller. Warm up with Jane as she interprets American standards in her inimitable way.

Indie folk singer Josh Ritter does a solo acoustic performance on the 31st of January. One of Stephen King’s Top-10 music picks of 2006, 26-year old has been touring the country. We’re lucky he’s stopping by to give us a croon at the American Songbook series.

With over a dozen performers, the American Songbook 2007 series surely has one or more performers that you’ll love listening. It’s a nice hot toddy to help you brush off the winter blues.

This entry was posted by Dr. Iz on Friday, December 29th, 2006 at 9:05 am