A talent-laden press preview for the ASCAP/Firebird Cafe Songwriter Series will be held Jan. 9 at 7 PM at the Firebird Cafe. The Firebird is located at 365 West 46th St. in New York City.
The songwriter licensing society and the popular restaurant will present leading songwriters from Broadway and Cabaret doing new works, as well as fresh faces on the music circuit. ASCAP director of musical theatre Michael A. Kerker produces the program.
Hosted by Academy Award-winning songwriter Stephen Schwartz, the ASCAP/Firebird series will feature several songwriters including the Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown (Parade) and Tony nominated Craig Carnelia (The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas).
Also featured will be the award-winning writer Christine Lavin in her cabaret debut, and popular, award-winning cabaret tunesmith Francesca Blumenthal with guests Marilyn Volpe, John Bucchino, David Friedman, Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, and Steven Lutvak. "Caroline in the City" star Malcolm Gets will sing Peter Mills' "Way Ahead of My Time," and Jason Danieley will present a number by writers Scott Burkell and Paul Lessel. Surprise guests are also expected.
The current schedule for the songwriter series follows: Jan. 16, 23 -- Steven Lutvak
Jan. 30, Feb. 6 -- Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich
Feb. 13, March 5 -- Carol Hall
Feb. 20, 27 -- Francesca Blumenthal
March 12, 19 -- Marilyn Volpe (her show, Saluting Contemporary New York Songwriters will feature Craig Carnelia)
April guests -- TBA
May 7, 21 -- Christine Lavin
Reservations for the ASCAP/Firebird Cafe Songwriter Series Jan. 9 should be made at (212) 586-0244.
-- By Murdoch McBride
