The 7 PM concert will feature the talents of Karen Ziemba, Carrie Manolakos, Mark Linn-Baker, Christa Justus, Richard Maltby, Jr., Pamela Bob, Cassie Wooley and Victoria Huston-Elem.

"A waitress dreams of attending an Antebelum ball and leaving the diner behind," according to press notes. "A recording superstar confronts the loneliness of the spotlight. A girl finds the courage to be herself on a reality TV show. A man from a poor neighborhood remembers the public library that fueled his dreams and changed his life. Lovers separated by oceans, war, or just neighboring apartments reach out to connect, while happy families disintegrate with the best of intentions. Twenty-first century takes on aspiration and inspiration, struggle and triumph create a musical revue that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and reminds us to never look down."

Composer-lyricist Gerle is a recipient of the Jonathan Larson Award, three Richard Rodgers Awards, and was the first composer selected to receive the Burton Lane Composer’s Fellowship from the Theater Hall of Fame. His show Meet John Doe (with lyricist Eddie Sugarman) received seven Helen Hayes nominations and will receive its Chicago premiere this season.

Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street. There is a $25 cover charge and a $10 food/drink minimum; for reservations call (212) 581-3080 or visit www.BirdlandJazz.com.