The Joint Is Jumpin’! Celebrating Marilyn Maye

Genevieve Rafter Keddy

September 21, 2018

Marilyn Maye

The American Songbook Association just presented its first Annual Gala, The Joint Is Jumpin’!, a joyous celebration of contributions to the American Songbook by Black songwriters and notable singers. The ASA also presented its first annual Lifetime Achievement Award to singer Marilyn Maye

Marilyn Maye

presented by her longtime friend, fashion designer, Bob Mackie.

Bob Mackie, Marilyn Maye

Bob Mackie

Starring in The Joint Is Jumpin’! – Celebrating America’s Black Songwriters and Singers are a host of Broadway and Cabaret stars, including

Aaron Lee Battle

Natalie Douglas

Cady Huffman

N’Kenge

K'Nenge

N'Kenge

Nicholas Kaye

Joel A. Martin

Ken Page

Vivian Reed

Kissy Simmons

Stacy Sullivan

and

Jon Weber

* ASA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Marilyn Maye, will also perform a special tribute, with her Music Director Tedd Firth at the piano. Additionally, a Gala reception will be held after the concert in the sumptuous lobby of The Pershing Square Signature Center. Patrons can indulge in dessert fare with beverages from the cash bar.

Todd Murray

Host of The Joint Is Jumpin’! – Celebrating America’s Black Songwriters and Singers was with Music Director Eugene Gwozdz on piano

Mark McLean

and Mark McClean on drums,

Danny Bacher

with soprano saxophone contributions by Danny Bacher. Featured will be the music and songs of Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Fats Waller, Eubie Blake, W.C. Handy and more. Represented will be iconic singers such as Ella Fitgerald, Nat King Cole, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Bobby Short and others. The Gala Honorary Committee is chaired by The Honorable David N. Dinkins, former Mayor of the City of New York, and co-chaired by Evelyn Jones Rich, prominent educator and civil rights activist.

Todd Murray, Natalie Douglas, Aaron Lee Battle, Marilyn Maye, Stacy Sullivan, Nicolas King, Joel A. Martin, Marilyn Lester

Todd Murray, Natalie Douglas, Aaron Lee Battle, Marilyn Maye, Stacy Sullivan, Nicolas King, Joel A. Martin and Marilyn Lester

Ken Page, Natalie Douglas, Aaron Lee Battle, Todd Murray, Marilyn Maye, Stacy Sullivan, Nicolas King, Joel A. Martin, K'Nenge

Ken Page, Natalie Douglas, Aaron Lee Battle, Todd Murray, Marilyn Maye, Stacy Sullivan, Nicolas King, Joel A. Martin and K’Nenge

The American Songbook Association Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in New York State, which seeks to preserve, promote and advance the legacy of American popular music, the Great American Songbook (classic and new), and the unique art form of cabaret. The ASA publishes the long- established Cabaret Scenes magazine, conducts educational programs in New York City public schools, and creates performances serving its audience of seniors, students and others. We strive to inspire, transform, empower and create torchbearers for future generations so they may understand, appreciate and embrace the historical and cultural importance of America’s rich musical heritage. Learn more at www.americansongbookassociation.org