Multi-award-winning vocalist Kurt Elling will present the ASCAP Bob Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award to Jon Hendricks at the 31st annual Bistro Awards on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 at Gotham Comedy Club.
Elling, who is also performing, has stated, “Jon is undoubtedly the greatest jazz singer alive and an internationally.
His recorded scat solos stand up to those of the most accomplished
improvisers of his generation; his lyrics are on a par with the masters
of any genre of writing. He is living history, and his is the standard to which any jazz singer must aspire.”
Mr.
Hendricks co-founded the pioneering vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks &
Ross in the '50s. Together with Dave Lambert and Annie Ross, he
mastered the art of vocalese — that of adding lyrics to instrumental
compositions and instrumental solos, as well as complex vocal treatments
for the Big Band arrangements of the likes of Duke Ellington and Count
Basie. Their work influenced countless well-known singers, including Van
Morrison, Al Jarreau, and Bobby McFerrin. As a solo vocalist, he has
recorded several albums, made frequent television appearances, and
toured extensively internationally, and he has served multiple times on
the Kennedy Center Honors committee.
Being honored with a Bistro Award for her Outstanding Contributions to the World of Jazz, Annie Ross was
part of the famed Lambert, Hendricks & Ross trio for six years.
After leaving the group, she ran a jazz club in London and has enjoyed a
long career in film and theatre. She has been a celebrated solo jazz
vocalist for many years. Janis Siegel has been a member
of Manhattan Transfer since 1973 and is also an acclaimed solo jazz
vocalist; she is being recognized for Sustained Excellence in Jazz
Performance and Recording, And being honored with a Bistro Award for
Ongoing Artistry in Cabaret and Concert Performance is Christine Andreas, who has maintained an international career in theatre, television, concert halls, and clubs.
This year's other recipients and their categories are:
Jarrod Spector & Kelli Barrett / Major Engagement
“Another Hundred People” (KT Sullivan, Jeff Harnar, Sondra Lee, Jon Weber) / Musical Revue
Sharon McNight / Commanding Cabaret Artistry
Matt Baker / Ira Eaker Special Achievement Award
Molly Pope / Creative Cabaret Artist
Ann Dawson / Vocalist
Dawn Derow / Vocalist
Rob Sutton / Vocalist
Charlie Johnson / Entertainer
Aaron Morishita / Recording ("Singing Sondheim")
Urban Stages’ “Winter Rhythms” (Frances Hill, Peter Napolitano) / Series
Hosting the 31st annual show is Jason Graae,
whose varied career spans Broadway, Off Broadway, opera, television,
and film. He is a four-time Bistro Award recipient for his various
one-man shows which have toured all over the country and for his special
musical material. This will be the fourth year in a row that the Bistro
Awards show will be under the directorial helm of Shellen Lubin.
A director, songwriter, performer, and vocal and acting coach, she has
been in the forefront of attaining parity for women in the arts.
The gala event will be held on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 pm
at Gotham Comedy Club. 208 W. 23rd Street. As is the Bistro Awards
tradition, the evening will feature performances by nearly all of the
winners. Sherry Eaker, the former longtime Editor-in Chief of Back Stage
and the producer of the event since its inception, heads up the Awards
Committee that includes BistroAwards.com critics Gerry Geddes, Roy
Sander, Robert Windeler, and Mark Dundas Wood. Sander is also the award
show’s associate producer.
The
Bistro Awards is sponsored by ASCAP. Premium Tickets are $120.00;
General Admission tickets are $70.00. Ticket-buyers in both categories
are invited to the “After-Bistros” party as guests of the Bistros.
For details about the various ticket categories and to purchase tickets, visit www.BistroAwards.com.
Press contact: Sherry Eaker
