By Cris Franco
Is it Hispanic Heritage Month already? But I just took down my Cinco de Mayo decorations. Dios, mio — I’ve been caught culturally unprepared! Luckily 54 BELOW, NYC’s toniest supper nightclub, has prepared a month-long fiesta filled with Broadway’s best Latinx talent and a specially designed dinner menu with dishes from México, Peru, El Salvador, Puerto Rico and more. Both the entertainment and food are sure to satisfy even the most discriminating Hispanic pallet. Here’s what’s coming!
Patrick Page & Perla Batalla: Looking for Leonard – SEPTEMBER 21 @ 7PM
Inspired by the work of Federico Garcia Lorca, poet/songwriter Leonard Cohen became globally recognized for his hits: Hallelujah, Bird on a Wire, I’m Your Man, Suzanne and So Long, Marianne. His work will be honored by the captivating duo of Patrick Page (Hadestown) and Grammy-nominated powerhouse Perla Batalla as they ignite the stage with an electrifying celebration of Leonard Cohen’s enduring legacy. In a stirring evening of music, poetry, and personal anecdotes, they honor the profound impact of Cohen’s genius on their lives and careers. Perla Batalla, once a cherished member of Cohen’s inner circle, enchants audiences with her velvety vocals and intimate reflections. Born the daughter of a Mexican mariachi, Perla has seven albums to her name, all infused with social relevance, soul and sabor. While Broadway veteran, Patrick Page – whose rich basso profundo voice is similar to that of Leonard Cohen — will add his magic to this evening of rock, ballads and reflection.
NOTE: This very special event will be live-streamed EST.
Jaime Lozano & Florencia Cuenca’s Broadway en Spanglish Album Release Celebration, Featuring Mariachi Real & More – September 22 @ 7PM
Lin-Manuel Miranda said, “Florencia Cuenca’s soaring Spanglish cover of Burn (Hamilton) is one of my favorite renditions of the song. She has that lagrima in her voice, and it is perfect for conveying Eliza’s heartbreak.” While Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winner Tom Kitt said, “It is the greatest gift when extraordinary artists take a song that you’ve written and bring their own gorgeous artistry to it. Listening to Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca’s beautiful new interpretation of “I Miss the Mountains,” (Next to Normal) I am moved by all the rich tonalities they have captured on this beautiful recording. It is a recording that I will always cherish, and it is an honor that it will live on this exquisite collection of songs.”
Yes, husband and wife duo Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca are back at 54 Below with their acclaimed project Broadway en Spanglish to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the upcoming release of their anticipated album by Concord Theatricals Recordings. Featuring live accompaniment by the renowned Mariachi Real de Mexico de Ramon Ponce, the show includes some of musical theater’s most iconic contemporary tunes with a Mexican twist. You’ll hear songs from Hamilton, Waitress, Disney’s Frozen, and others, along with exciting new arrangements by Lozano. Featuring special guest performer, Mayelah Barrera!
Juan Pablo de Pace October 4 & 5 @ 7PM
Join Argentine-born performer, Juan Pablo de Pace in a musically-filled evening where he traces his artistic trajectory – from Buenos Aires to London via Madrid and Los Angeles. Performing Broadway classics by Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, Kander & Ebb y mucho más, Juan Pablo will guide you through his true-life theatrical journey. So, sit back, relax, and dive into a teenage immigrant’s dream of becoming an artist.
With credits that read like a travelogue, Di Pace has moved seamlessly across continents and entertainment mediums since 2002. As an actor, he played Fernando on Netflix’s #1 sitcom Fuller House (People’s Choice Awards), starred as Jesus Christ on NBC’s A.D. The Bible Continues (Best Actor Grace Award), appeared in Mamma Mia! (2008) and starred in Paramount’s film Dashing In December (GLAAD Award). On the global stage, he has appeared in the musicals Chicago (West End), starred as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (Spain) and Danny Zucco in Grease (Trieste). He was a semi-finalist on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars and has starred with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, headlining The Music Of George Michael. Possessing a sultry and spirited voice, Juan Pablo has released Te Senti, Fall On Me, Be Ready, Just A Feeling, available on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube.
His performance will be accompanied by Michael Orlando who for 16 seasons has served as pianist, arranger, vocal coach, and associate musical director on American Idol. A classic Renaissance man, Juan Pablo will amaze and delight all with his many gifts and abundant charm.
On Your Feet! Starring The National Tour Cast – October 7 @ 9:30PM
Actors will attest that nothing forges a theatrical family like going on tour with a big show. Especially one as successful as the national tour of the mega-bio-musical: On Your Feet! Well, 54 Below will be hosting this ensemble’s long awaited reunion as they recreate the stirring score of On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. This gathering will be an extraordinary celebration of the hits that led Gloria Estefan to her Grammy Award-winning career. On Your Feet! takes you on Gloria’s musical life journey including the chart-toppers 1-2-3, Conga, Mi Tierra, and Cuba Libre and more! The night will feature On Your Feet! cast members: Facundo Agustín, Gaby Albo, Camila Aldet, Berny Balbuena, Max Cervantes, Jake Dylan, Miguel Flores, Samuel Garnica, Marielisa Gutierrez, Emma Heistand, Madelin Marchant, Brian Marquez, Katie McCollum, Sara McGuire, María Moreras, Ralphie Rivera, Khi’Shawn Robinson, Adela Romero, Angelliz Rosado, Rodolfo Santamarina, Cami Taleisnik, Kristen Tarragó, Glendaliris Torres-Greaux, and Sophia Yacap.
Fans of On Your Feet! will relish being in the room where it happens as cast members reunite for a tremendous night of great songs delivered by great singers. Get on your feet and go see this show because the rhythm is gonna get you!
Brooklyn Bossa Nova: Celebrating Brazilian Music With JChris and Carla Ardito – October 10 @ 9:30PM
JChris and Carla Ardito are proud to present Brooklyn Bossa Nova, a celebration of the classic and contemporary sounds of Bossa Nova. Featuring the music of Antônio Carlos Jobim, Marisa Monte, Brazil 66, and more, Brooklyn Bossa Nova also performs American pop hits that complement the Bossa Nova groove from such greats as Stevie Wonder and Burt Bacharach. Mas Que Nada, Desafinado, and Summer Samba, as well as hits by Aretha Franklin, and more make for a fun-filled, sexy, and joyful night on the town. Brooklyn Bossa Nova was founded in 2022 and made its debut at Superfine in Dumbo. Featuring special guest Anna Paloma.
Carla Melucci Ardito graduated from NYU and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Her credits include the soap opera Another World, Broadway Salutes Lincoln Center at Avery Fisher Hall, Give My Regards To Broadway at Playhouse 91, touring for a year with Opera Northeast, Light Opera Of Manhattan, Broadway Review at Brooklyn Barge Music, Burt Bacharach Review (music directed by Mat Eisenstein.) Carla performed with Bernadette Peters and Bea Arthur in the Broadway salute at Lincoln Center.
JChris is an urban Latin singer-songwriter known for a smooth voice and high energy performances. His music transcends boundaries, infusing Latin pop nostalgia, his Brazilian and Peruvian heritage, and exploring themes of queer culture. JChris has worked with many great artists including Carlos Vives, Omar Apollo, Kristin Chenoweth, and Tito Puente, Jr., to name a few. JChris has performed at Carnegie Hall, The White House, and will tour the world through the U.S. Department of State’s American Music Abroad program in the 24-25 season.
The Francisco Lelo de Larrea 5Uintent – October 15 @ 9:30PM
The uniquely American artform, jazz, has taken root worldwide. And when in the gifted hands of master guitarist/composer, Francisco Lelo de Larrea, a whole new vibe is born. Accompanied by The Francisco Lelo de Larrea 5uintet, this conjunto is aimed at bringing a new sound to both the movement of Mexican jazz, as well as the international music scene.
Founded by the guitarist/composer, Francisco Lelo de Larrea 5uintet project seeks to blaze a new trail and set trends within the art of jazz. Hear arrangements and original compositions inspired by an array of styles, ranging from traditional and contemporary jazz, swing, hard bop, to experiments with various tints of rock and soul. The quintet has performed in the most prominent jazz festivals in Latin America and their album Francisco Lelo de Larrea 5uinteto is regarded as one of the modern era’s most outstanding jazz compositions.
In 2022, they released their second album titled Ataraxia which was recorded in NYC, composed and arranged by Francisco Lelo de Larrea (guitar), with the collaboration of internationally renowned musicians such as David Binney (alto saxophone), Elliot Mason (trombone), Scott Colley (bass), and four-time Grammy award winner Antonio Sánchez (drums).
It’s difficult to describe the moody brilliance of this jazz sensation, except to say that this is his 54 Below debut and it’s is not to be missed!
I Like It Like That: the 30th Anniversary Concert – OCTOBER 18 @ 9:30PM
54 Below welcomes you to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of a Latino cult classic, I Like it Like That, with some of the original cast of the film. The audience will be teleported to a bustling, rowdy, yet somewhat charming neighborhood in the Bronx during 1994, where la cultura latina and family dynamics are explored through the music humming beneath it all. From Marc Anthony to The Barrio Boyzz to Jerry Rivera, the audience will be immersed in orgullo puertoriqueño and spirit that many from the Bronx still carry to this day, a pride that lives on through those who never forget where they came from. With Hispanic Heritage Month coming to a close, we want to celebrate a moment in history that is sometimes forgotten, excited for the audience to get up on their feet and sing along to the iconic music of the film, including the legendary title track, I Like it Like That.
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