Tommy Tune and the Manhattan Rhythm Kings are just a part of the entertainment offered at "New York Serenade," the 92nd Street Y's Annual Spring Gala Benefit.
The organization's 16th annual benefit, which raises funds to support the hundreds of cultural and community programs it offers each year, is set for Monday, May 20. Emmy Award-winning WNBC anchor Jane Hanson will host the evening, which will pay tribute to the boroughs, buses and bodegas of N.Y.C. Created by Claudia Koal of k2 Productions, the annual event will include performances by the aforementioned Tune and the Manhattan Rhythm Kings as well as those by Kathie Lee Gifford, Mary Wilson and "Sopranos" star Dominic Chianese.
In a statement, the Y's executive director, Sol Adler, explains, "Now more than ever, New York needs to embrace the joy of music and the sense of community that it brings. We are thrilled to have some of the biggest names in show business lending their talents in support of not only this unique organization, but New York itself."
Backed by the Manhattan Rhythm Kings — Hal Shane, Brian Nalepka and Mark Kessler — nine-time Tony Award winner Tune will perform pop nostalgia from the twenties, thirties and forties, including works by the Gershwins, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. Tune, who choreographed and directed Nine, The Will Rogers Follies and Grand Hotel, will also offer a new version of "Everything Old Is New Again" created especially for the 92nd Street Y. The Bronx-born, Emmy-nominated star of "The Sopranos," Dominic Chianese, will perform his original composition, "A Typical New Yorker," and former TV host Kathie Lee Gifford — who most recently starred in Rupert Holmes' Thumbs — will offer a few tunes as well. The "Supreme" Mary Wilson will also belt out a few of her signature songs.
Ticket prices for the Gala begin at $500 (with tax receipt for $425) and can be purchased by calling (212) 415-5488. Cocktails and dinner are set for 6 PM, and the entertainment is scheduled for 8 PM. The 92nd Street Y is located at 92nd Street and Lexington Avenue in New York City. —By Andrew Gans
