Lincoln Center Announces 2020 Season of American Songbook, January 22 – February 29

Highlights lauded singer-songwriters, groundbreaking storytellers, artists pushing the boundaries of the human voice, and creative talents of the screen and stage, including:

• Singer-songwriter and composer Rufus Wainwright in new show Songs That Built Me; Natalie Merchant crafts intimate, acoustic career retrospective
• Tony Award winning veteran André De Shields and leading man Brandon Victor Dixon in brand new stage shows; Tony Award winner and trailblazer Ali Stroker; and breakout composer-lyricist Joe Iconis premieres new musical numbers
• Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe performs as drag alter ego, tenor Blythely Oratonio; Experimental choral group Roomful of Teeth
• Classically trained lyricist, composer, pioneering television writer, and trans activist, Our Lady J debuts new music
• Legendary Cowboy Junkies play their unique brand of folk-rock off new album All That Reckoning
• Grammy-winning, multi-talented Puerto Rican–born songwriter iLe
• Rare East Coast appearance by Hawaiian singer-songwriter Kalani Pe’a
• Dynamic, bluesy-folk artist Martin Sexton

Lincoln Center’s acclaimed American Songbook series returns for its 21st year, celebrating the expansive scope and intricacy of the popular music canon from January 22 – February 29, 2020. This year’s concert series includes lauded singer-songwriters, groundbreaking composers, storytellers speaking truth to power, experimental vocalists, and multitalented performers whose artistic breadth reflects the far-reaching perspectives and experiences of the essential American Songbook.

Since its launch in 1998, American Songbook has been dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary achievements of the popular American songwriter from the turn of the 20th century to the present day. Spanning all styles and genres from Tin Pan Alley and Broadway to the eclecticism of today’s songwriters working in pop, cabaret, rock, folk, and country, American Songbook traces the history and charts the course of the American song from its past and current forms to its future direction.

“Our American Songbook series brings together a superb group of award-winning musicians, composers, and interpreters of song whose artistry speaks to the broad, ever-expanding facets of American song,” said Jane Moss, Ehrenkranz Artistic Director of Lincoln Center. “Each concert offers an intimate experience with some of the most celebrated and up-and-coming performers in genres from Broadway to Bolero to experimental choral work. We invite audiences to join us for artists they may have loved for decades, and to discover new voices that speak to a range of contemporary experience.”

Opening the season, vocalist, songwriter, and composer Rufus Wainwright performs a new show, Songs That Built Me – a concert experience created especially for his American Songbook debut. Delving into his celebrated catalogue, Wainwright performs the songs that have shaped his identity as an artist and previews selections from his forthcoming Spring 2020 album. Natalie Merchant, former lead singer of the folk-rock outfit 10,000 Maniacs, digs through her immense 7-album discography of solo work for a show that highlights the poetic songwriting, socially conscious songs, and outspoken political activism that has influenced a generation of up-and-coming performers. This intimate performance is entirely acoustic and accompanied by her longtime guitarist Erik Della Penna.

Broadway stars ascend onto the Appel Room stage, starting with 2019 Tony Award winner André De Shields (Hadestown) with a new original show, Old Dawg; New Tricks; On Valentine’s day, Brandon Victor Dixon (The Color Purple, Hamilton, Showtime’s Power), performs his very first solo concert with his brand of essential, powerful stagecraft; Unstoppable performer Ali Stroker (Oklahoma!, Spring Awakening) performs with the unbridled spirit and powerhouse pop soprano that made her the first actress to be nominated and win a Tony award (2019) while using a wheelchair for mobility; And the prodigiously talented writer and performer Joe Iconis, whose musical Be More Chill took Broadway by storm, brings his trademark mash-up of show-tune cabaret and rock ‘n’ roll for a set of classic tunes and brand new numbers.

The limits of the human voice are tested through the experimental, cutting-edge, and Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Roomful of Teeth. One of the most critically acclaimed mezzo-sopranos of her time, Stephanie Blythe asks what it means to transition to a new role, art form, and voice with her show “Blythely Ever After” a display of her outrageous drag alter ego, tenor Blythely Oratonio. Her bearded persona brings audiences on a unique musical journey through opera classics and rock and pop arias. Hawaiian folk-music has its American Songbook debut with the classically trained tenor Kalani Pe’a in a rare East Coast appearance. Pe’a’s versatile voice tours a range of traditional chants, Hawaiian classics, R&B tracks, and original compositions.

After a pioneering career of music composition in the classical and pop world (Sia, American Ballet Theatre) and becoming the first out trans woman to be hired in a TV writers’ room (Pose, Transparent), Emmy-nominated Our Lady J returns to NYC to debut a new catalogue of electro-pop and gospel infused music that she wrote with her collaborator Justin Tranter, one of the most successful songwriters in pop music today. Performing on the heels of her sophomore album Almadura, the rapidly rising singer-songwriter iLe makes her Lincoln Center debut. Her music simultaneously an ode to Puerto Rico and call for political action, iLe brings a tapestry of songs to the stage that include timeless boleros, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and protest anthems.

Martin Sexton‘s unpredictable voice and soulful melodies, which seamlessly mix folk, rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock, brought him from his beginnings as a street performer in Boston to prestigious stages all over the world with his musical heroes – Art Garfunkel, Jackson Browne, John Hiatt and more. The famed singer-songwriter’s honest lyrics and vocal prowess find the perfect home in The Appel Room’s intimate setting. The alternative country legends Cowboy Junkies earned a ravenous following for the quiet honesty and vulnerability of their second album The Trinity Sessions. Thirty years later, the band plays an intimate folk-rock set with their new album, All That Reckoning, a deeply personal record that speaks to contemporary society, good and bad.

“We are proud to sponsor the 2020 American Songbook series and help bring this incredible array of talent and musical genres to Lincoln Center’s stage,” said Orlando Ashford, president, Holland America Line. “Supporting these performances is a perfect fit for us as we are similarly committed to bringing our cruise guests the most diverse collection of live music experiences at sea, including the exclusive Lincoln Center Stage chamber music performances. We hope that American Songbook inspires everyone who attends, as music – like travel – opens one’s mind in such a meaningful way.“

The 21st American Songbook series is one of many programs offered by Lincoln Center that annually activates the campus’s indoor and outdoor spaces across a wide range of the performing arts. Additional presentations include the White Light Festival, Great Performers, Mostly Mozart Festival, Midsummer Night Swing, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, ongoing free performances at the David Rubenstein Atrium, and Live From Lincoln Center broadcasts that reach beyond the iconic campus. Lincoln Center also presents a myriad of education programs and presentations for families throughout the year.

This year’s American Songbook concerts are based in two venues at Lincoln Center. The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Columbus Circle, hosts cabaret-style performances that include table seating, close proximity to the performers, and an incomparable view of the Manhattan skyline. In addition, the series returns to the warm wood-veneered stage of Alice Tully Hall.

American Songbook 2020 Schedule

Rufus Wainwright: Songs That Built Me, Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at 7:30 pm, Alice Tully Hall, Starr Theater, Adrienne Arsht Stage

With his emotionally candid melodies and “genuine originality” (New York Times), Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great vocalists, composers, and songwriters of his generation. As a pop vocalist and songwriter, he has collaborated with musical giants, including Elton John, David Byrne, and Joni Mitchell. His musical output has been wondrously varied and prolific, including a historic re-creation of Judy Garland’s 1961 comeback concert that was performed to sold-out, adoring crowds in New York, Paris, Toronto, Los Angeles and London. His last album was a setting of nine Shakespeare sonnets. For this highly anticipated show in Alice Tully Hall, Wainwright delves into his catalogue, including songs that have shaped him as an artist and may preview tracks from his forthcoming pop album, to be released in Spring of 2020. Through a set list created specially for his American Songbook debut, Rufus will build a singular viewpoint of American song through his unique, unmistakable lens.

Movado Gears Up For A Dynamic Fall 2015 Season

Introducing New Brand Ambassador Alexandra Daddario And A Re-Launch Of Movado.com

The Movado Group, Inc. (Movado) officially announced today that it has launched a newly designed state-of-the art website, and has named American actress Alexandra Daddario as the newest face of the Swiss watch brand. Miss Daddario joins Movado’s storied team of brand ambassadors – actress Kerry Washington and jazz legend Wynton Marsalis.

Movado Fall 2015 Ad Campaign featuring Alexandra Daddario (PRNewsFoto/Movado Group, Inc.)

“We are excited to announce the launch of a new website and introduce our newest brand ambassador, Alexandra Daddario,” said Mary Leach, Chief Marketing Officer, Movado Group. “The new website showcases Movado through a fresh new lens, while Alexandra will enrich and energize our marketing campaign with her multi-faceted talents.”

Movado’s newest brand ambassador, Alexandra Daddario will be seen in Movado’s advertising campaign shot by fashion and celebrity photographer Yu Tsai. A rising talent, Daddario’s breakout role on the 2014-Emmy nominated HBO series True Detective drew massive critical and viral media attention and established her as a sought-after actress to cast. She most recently starred in this summer’s epic blockbuster San Andreas – the physically demanding role affirmed Alexandra’s star quality and acting versatility. Upcoming films include The Layover and The Choice.

Gearing up for a dynamic second half of 2015, Movado recently relaunched its digital flagship website Movado.com on Demandware‘s Commerce Cloud solution. With a thoroughly new modern look and feel, the new Movado.com offers a content rich and responsive site with stunning visuals that explore the world of the legendary watch brand from a fresh new perspective. Updated navigation tools and the new ‘Watch Advisor‘ help to smoothly guide customers through a seamless shopping experience. The redesigned site provides a superior solution for robust story-telling, including an exploration of Movado’s rich history and celebrated heritage. Closely aligned with Movado’s strategic vision for growth and expansion over the next decade and beyond, the new website will not only help to elevate the brand, but will also provide an improved and essential part of the consumer journey that is worthy of brand’s tag line ‘Modern Ahead of its Time.’ 

The website relaunch was done in partnership with LiveArea, The PFSWeb Agency, a Demandware LINK Premier Solution Partner.

A brand long identified with Modernism and closely associated with the performing arts, Movado has achieved a proud 134-year history of design excellence and innovation. Movado has been a major supporter of New York City Ballet, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Additionally, Movado has supported the Miami International Film Festival, Miami City Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Pacifica, and the Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum.

Movado Group, Inc. designs, manufactures, and distributes Movado, EBEL, Concord, Coach, HUGO BOSS, Lacoste, Juicy Couture, Tommy Hilfiger, and Scuderia Ferrari brand watches worldwide.

Movado Sponsors Variety’s 5th Annual Power of Women Luncheon and Celebrates Hollywood’s Most Philanthropic and Inspiring Women

Movado was proud to serve as a premier sponsor of Variety’s 5th annual Power of Women Luncheon held at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on October 4, 2013. Presented by Lifetime, the exclusive event hosted 450 guests, a list comprised of Hollywood insiders who came to celebrate, support and pay tribute to Hollywood’s seven most philanthropic women.

Amy Poehler. (PRNewsFoto/Movado Group, Inc.)

Since its founding in 1881, Movado has built a proud Swiss heritage of design excellence and innovation. A brand long identified with Modernism and closely associated with the performing arts, Movado has been a major supporter of New York City Ballet, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In addition, Movado has supported the Miami International Film Festival, Miami City Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Pacifica, and the Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum.

Jennifer Hudson. (PRNewsFoto/Movado Group, Inc.)

This year’s honorees included long-time Movado global ambassador and Emmy Award nominee Kerry Washington (President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities), Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Amy Poehler (Worldwide Orphans Foundation), and Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures, Amy Pascal (Teen Line). A special Go Red For Women Award was given to actress Elizabeth Banks by the American heart Association’s Go Red For Women and the Samsung Galaxy Impact Award was given to Academy-Award winner Jennifer Hudson for her work with the Julian D. King Gift Foundation.

Fashion Show Review: Dennis Basso 2013 Fall/Winter Collection

by Phillip D. Johnson

Runway Images provided by HL Group

The Dennis Basso 2013 Fall/Winter Collection shown at Lincoln Center this February marked the beginning of his celebrating 30 years in the fashion business– and what a glorious celebration it was. While he named style icons such as Babe Paley, Gloria Guinness, Millicent Rogers and CZ Guest— “All women who were not afraid of putting their personal signature on what they wore“– this was not an occasion of a designer looking back. This collection, with a multitude of favored (and present) clients and well-wishers looking on, was all about looking to the future and the greatness yet to come. The color palette, featuring shades of evergreen, French grey, tones of blue, sheer black, ivory and hints of chartreuse, was sophisticated and classy. There were metallic plaid on tweed, plaid sequins on chiffon, and plaid combined with embroidery in ivory and black on tulle. Lace, duchess satin, organza and washed velvets made up the bulk of the collection in deep box pleats and knee grazing skirts with fitted bodices. The touch of alligator leather (in form-fitting blazers) was edgy and fashion-forward.

Dennis Basso 2013 Fall-Winter Collection – Images Provided by HL Group

Mr. Basso is known for his magnificent work with animal skins and this celebratory collection was chuck full of sumptuous jackets, capes and coats: sable coats, chinchilla sporty anorak coats, vented micro-sheared mink and broadtail with alligator detailing. Nothing here was over-the-top or less than perfect. The collection was a seamless mix of glamour and tailored sophistication that today’s modern women are looking for; and the best is yet come.

Dennis Basso 2013 Fall-Winter Collection – Images Provided by HL Group

Dennis Basso 2013 Fall-Winter Collection – Images Provided by HL Group

Dennis Basso 2013 Fall-Winter Collection – Images Provided by HL Group

Dennis Basso 2013 Fall-Winter Collection – Images Provided by HL Group

Fall/Winter 2013 New York Fashion Week Review: Ralph Rucci

Written by Phillip D. Johnson

Runway Images provided by Rosina Rucci

Everyone already knows that Ralph Rucci is the king of obsessing over the smallest details within his designs. With each new collection, he strives to be as close to perfection as he can get and he often achieves it. It’s often said that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks but –with no offense to Mr. Rucci– he’s an “old dog” that not only demonstrates new tricks each season, he also guides others to new levels of sophistication in their own designs. Truth be told, he’s forgotten (and improved upon) more design tricks than the average New York-based designer even has in his or her arsenal– and he’s only just begun.

Ralph Rucci 2013 Fall-Winter Collection (Provided by Rosina rucci of Ralph Rucci)

(In fact, while it would be foolish to say that he owns the patent on any one design concept,  I found clear examples of the Rucci Style in several other collections at Lincoln Center, where the cut of a jacket or the fit of a pant took my mind right back to the master himself. )

Ralph Rucci 2013 Fall-Winter Collection (Provided by Rosina rucci of Ralph Rucci)

Ralph Rucci 2013 Fall-Winter Collection (Provided by Rosina rucci of Ralph Rucci)

There has been a lot of changes in the Ralph Rucci world recently: The studio/showroom/office moved to a new location, a new CEO came onboard, improved backroom operations, a new furniture collection with Holly Hunt (https://fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/holly-hunt-launches-ralph-rucci-collection-for-holly-hunt/), new outside investment in the brand and talk of a Ralph Rucci fragrance (about time!). But the surest signs that there’s sustained growth (especially on the design front) is the way in which he has managed to growth as a designer without losing sight of the brand’s DNA or its core customer base). Within the last three years, he has set his sights on attracting a younger client base and his 2013 Fall/Winter collection was where it all came together in its most glorious bloom.

PURINA ONE® TEAMS UP WITH TRACY REESE TO SHOWCASE THE TRUE NATURE™ OF CATS AT 2013 FALL/WINTER NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

Purina ONE launches True Nature of Cats with a leash-trained cat at New York Fashion Week at the 2013 Fall/Winter Fashion Show. (PRNewsFoto/Purina ONE)

Purina ONE® showed the world how to really work the runway, turning heads at the 2013 FALL/WINTER NEW YORK FASHION WEEK at New York City’s LINCOLN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS with cats on leashes during the 2013 FALL/WINTER TRACY REESE Collection Show this past Sunday.

As part of the PURINA ONE brand cat food’s TRUE NATURE™ OF CATS MOVEMENT and the launch of PURINA ONE® SMARTBLEND® HEALTHY METABOLISM™ WET AND DRY FORMULAS, Purina ONE joined forces with cat (and animal) lover, TRACY REESE, in challenging misconceptions about cats, beginning with the idea they can’t be leash-trained.

Purina ONE and designer Tracy Reese, left, showcase the True Nature of cats during the Tracy Reese Fall 2013 show at Fashion Week as part of their Healthy Metabolism launch, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. (Jason DeCrow/Invision for Purina ONE/AP Images)

AMERICAN AIRLINES PARTNERS WITH KAUFMANFRANCO TO BRING NEW, MODERN UNIFORMS TO THE SKIES

UNIFORMS FOR FLIGHT ATTENDANTS, CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENTS, PREMIUM SERVICE TEAM MEMBERS AND PILOTS TO BE DESIGNED TO REFLECT AMERICAN’S NEW LOOK

Los Angeles-based fashion designers KEN KAUFMAN and ISAAC FRANCO of KAUFMANFRANCO

AMERICAN AIRLINES has tapped Los Angeles-based fashion designers KEN KAUFMAN and ISAAC FRANCO of KAUFMANFRANCO to design new, more modern uniforms for its people. This update is another step forward in the transition to American’s new look, revealed last week, refreshing the travel experience for its people and customers.

KEN KAUFMAN and ISAAC FRANCO established KAUFMANFRANCO in the fall of 2004. Their women’s fashion collections mix sophistication and edge, luxury and function, handcrafted and high-tech mix of pieces, with the highest standards of global craftsmanship.

FASHION SHOW REVIEW: MICHAEL KORS SPRING/SUMMER 2013 COLLECTION (revised)

A COLLECTION WITH BRIGHT OPTIMISM FOR DARK TIMES

Text by PHILLIP D. JOHNSON/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Runway Images photographed by SHELDON BALDIE and Cheryl Gorski/www.fashionmaniac.com 

Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2013 Collection (Photographed by Cheryl Gorski/www.fashionmaniac.com)

MICHAEL KORS has always been a designer (and an under-appreciated clothing retailer) with his feet firmly planted on the ground. His head is always thinking of the reality of the here and now. From the very beginning of his career, Mr. Kors has always been one—with the exception of a few unforgettable collections, “Palm Bitch”, anyone—to keep his flights of fancy clearly in check. He’s inspired, through meeting his devoted customers at his very successful trunks shows around the country, to design for the “real” customers he has, not for imaginary women who exists only in the clouds. So, as his career has progressed, he has become one of the top go-to designers for women who desires creativity, smart design and a sense of comfort (and sense of self) all rolled in one when they dress to face the world, either on the job, at lunch with friends and/or on the charity ball circuit.

Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2013 Collection (Photographed by Cheryl Gorski/www.fashionmaniac.com)

Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2013 Collection (@Sheldon Baldie/www.fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com)

FASHION REVIEW: NAUTICA 2013 SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION

Text & Images by Phillip D. Johnson

Some designers like to change things up each season. In such situations, they are either very talented with an endless fount of genius and inspiration (like Karl Lagerfeld) or they are full out of ideas and they are just throwing pasta against the wall to see what sticks (let’s not name names here). And then there are those who has a certain aesthetic, a signature look, who never strays too far off course—not that they are stagnant, of course. They are always moving forward, always shoring up the base while tweaking under the hood. This is the number one reason I look forward to the NAUTICA MEN’S COLLECTION PRESENTATION each season during New York Fashion Week. The creative team at NAUTICA is never going to mess with the signature formula that has been so integral to their continued success but that doesn’t mean that the clothes in the collection are boring or less than stellar.

Nautica 2013 Spring/Summer Collection @Phillip D. Johnson/www.fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com

Nautica Spring/Summer 2013 Collection @Phillip D. Johnson/www.fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com