The Birdland Jazz Club, named after Charlie “Yardbird” Parker, which originally opened its doors in 1949, has recently been in danger of closing as a result of the COVID-10 pandemic. But thanks to Tom D’Angora and his husband, Michael, as well as Tim Guinee, who successfully stepped in to prevent closure of The West Bank Cafe, a GoFundMe was set up, which collected more than $200,000 within a week. The funding effort will culminate with a streaming concert—Save Birdland: A Celebration of Music, History and Community—on Sunday, January 24 at 7 PM ET. The stream will be available on the Save Birdland website.
The impressive lineup for the event includes former President Bill Clinton, Clive Davis, Elvis Costello, Jeff Daniels and Leslie Odom Jr., as well as Matthew Broderick, Ken Burns, Peter Cincotti, Giancarlo Esposito, Diana Krall, Melissa Leo, Norm Lewis, Manhattan Transfer, Wynton Marsalis, Bebe Neuwirth, Mandy Patinkin, John Pizzarelli, Martha Plimpton, Chita Rivera, Randy Rainbow, Mercedes Ruehl, Catherine Russell, Billy Stritch and Veronica Swift.
Save Birdland: A Celebration of Music, History and Community is free to view, but donations are encouraged and welcome.
For more information and to donate to Birdland, click here.
Leave a Reply