Kevin Alvey News

Now in it's triumphant 20th year, 'Jim Caruso's Cast Party' continues to be a wildly popular Open Mic Night/Variety Show bringing Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night. See photos from the show!

Birdland presented pianist/singer Steve Ross in “Cole Porter & Beyond” on Monday, July 18.  Steve’s special guest was David Maiocco, who has been touring internationally with his show, “Hey, Look Me Over: David Maiocco as Liberace.” Check out photos here!

Photographer Matt Baker returns to Birdland Theater after two weeks of traveling, and just in the nick of time: it looks like Susie Mosher's show was in rare form.

The traditional gift for those celebrating a 19th Anniversary is bronze. Not surprisingly, no bronze was given during Jim Caruso’s Cast Party anniversary celebration, but the packed house was certainly entertained by performers with hearts of gold. Check out photos from the night here!

The Broadway at Birdland concert series was pleased to present another performance of the  multi-MAC Award-winning Variety Show, Jamie deRoy & friends on Monday, July 11. Proceeds from the evening benefitted The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly named The Actors Fund).

Joshua Stackhouse brought a cadre of his talented friends to sing his original songs in celebration of CANADA DAY at Feinstein's/54 Below in NYC.

On Monday, June 27, Tony Award-winner Linda Lavin returned to her musical home, Birdland, with a concert celebrating her most recent solo album, “Love Notes” (Club44 Records).

Singer/tapper Luke Hawkins brought an extraordinary evening of singing, dancing and laughter to the Birdland Theater on Monday, June 20.  The show was a love letter to these art forms, as Luke paid homage to the history of tap dance greats. Check out photos here!

On June 20, thirteen-time MAC Award, two-time Backstage Bistro Award and Nightlife Award Winner Natalie Douglas returned to the Broadway at Birdland spotlight with a new version of her hit show, “Freedom Songs: Juneteenth Jubilee.'

For the past 18 years, Jim Caruso’s Cast Party has been the place to cheer Broadway, jazz and cabaret entertainers serving impromptu performances with the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra (Billy Stritch on piano, Steve Doyle on bass and Daniel Glass on drums). 

Two legendary Broadway stars stormed the Birdland stage on Monday night, and photographer Kevin Alvey was there to catch the fun.  The famed music room was thrilled to present leading lady Anita Gillette in concert with iconic song-and-dance man Lee Roy Reams on Monday, June 13. Check out photos from the night!

After several months away from the spotlight, Birdland favorite and family member Natalie Douglas is back on the Birdland Stage.

Every single Monday for the past eighteen years, host Caruso, along with the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra led by Billy Stritch (Daniel Glass on drums and Steve Doyle on bass) hosts Jim Caruso’s Cast Party shining a spotlight on an awe-inspiring variety of talent.

Thirteen-time MAC Award, two-time Backstage Bistro Award and Nightlife Award Winner Natalie Douglas returned to the Broadway at Birdland spotlight with a new evening of her favorite songs, “I Just Might,” on Monday, May 23.

On Monday, May 23, Birdland Theater presenting dancer/singer/choreographer John Manzari in “The First Set,” a high-energy show highlighting the influence of tap dance on African American music through songs by Ahmad Jamal, Gregory Porter, Bill Evans, and others.

New Hampshire magician BJ Hickman will be opening this summer's guest series of performers Thursday night, June 30 at veteran TV host, movie actor, and recording artist John Davidson's New Hampshire performance venue, “Club Sandwich”, in Sandwich, NH.

On Monday, May 9, Tony Award-winner Debbie Gravitte stormed the Birdland stage with another episode of her series “Plus 1,” with very special guest, songwriter Marc Shaiman. 

Birdland presented singer/songwriter Amanda McBroom in “Crimes of the Heart” on Monday, May 2. Ms. McBroom is perhaps best known for her song, “The Rose,” which was famously recorded by Bette Midler for the film of the same name.  But until this concert, McBroom and Midler hadn’t met, even though the extraordinary composition helped change both careers.

Birdland presented singer/actress Karen Akers, who premiered a brand new, very personal concert on Monday, April 25.  The show, titled “Water Under The Bridge,” was musical directed by Alex Rybeck, with Tom Hubbard on bass.

'Marilyn Maye: 94, Of Course There's More!' at Feinstein's/54 Below in NYC. Marilyn Maye celebrated her 94th birthday with a run of 10 shows in the NYC Nightclub. Featuring songs from the Great American Songbook and from the Broadway stage, Marilyn brought her special brand of energetic positivity to the Manhattan crowd and shows no signs of slowing down!