On Sept. 16 at 1 PM Lavin joins her husband, Steve Bakunas, a fine artist (he paints), stage director and musician, at Birdland, at 315 W. 44th St., for a unique new series called Portrait of an Artist. In the series, Bakunas interviews "music and theatre icons about their lives and careers while painting his subjects' portraits in front of the live audience." Lavin's appearance is the series' inaugural event. Expect subjects to "share their successes, failures and lessons learned in this intimate, one-on-one setting."

She'll also sing 7 PM Sept. 17 and 3 PM Sept. 23 at 54 Below (254 W. 54 St.) with musical director Billy Stritch and a five-piece combo. The show is called Linda Lavin…Now. Expect what Lavin describes as "Brazilian songs and American standards that swing," including selections from her first CD "Possibilities," released last year by Ghostlight Records.

The gig will feature Steve Doyle on bass, Steve Bakunas on drums, John Hart on guitar and violinist Aaron Weinstein. Among the song titles are "There's a Small Hotel, "You've Got Possibilities," "It Might as Well Be Spring," "So Many Stars," "No More Blues," "My Foolish Heart" and others.

Lavin won the Obie Award and was nominated for a Tony Award last season for her celebrated performance in the Broadway comedy The Lyons by Nicky Silver. She won the Tony Award for Best Actress for Broadway Bound. Known as the star of TV's "Alice," she appeared on Broadway in Other Desert Cities, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife (Tony nomination), Gypsy, The Diary of Anne Frank (Tony nomination), Collected Stories (Tony nomination), The Last of the Red Hot Lovers and It's a Bird…It's a Plane…It's Superman (from which "You've Got Possibilities" comes).

54 Below tickets are $30-$40 plus a $25 minimum. For reservations call (866) 468-7619 or visit 54below.com. Tickets for Portrait of an Artist are $25 cover (with coffee and dessert available). For reservations call (212) 581-3080 or visit birdlandjazz.com.