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Just Announced! American Songbook: A Place You Belong
April 1–21, 2023 | Tickets now on sale
Co-conceived by George C. Wolfe, this year’s American Songbook series explores themes of belonging and discovery, embodying the spirit of iconic New York City venues which paved the way for now legendary artists, broke new sounds and genres, and shaped modern music and culture across the country. Explore calendar »

Upcoming events

View all American Songbook events »

April 01 at 7:30pm

In-person

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

A Little Touch of Rateliff

Nathaniel Rateliff Sings the Songs of Harry Nilsson and the Great American Songbook

April 01 at 7:30pm

David Geffen Hall

Americana original Nathaniel Rateliff performs a tribute to Harry Nilsson and the Golden Age of American music, backed by a full orchestra.

Add to Calendar 04/01/2023 7:30 pm 04/01/2023 8:30 pm America/New_York A Little Touch of Rateliff Americana original Nathaniel Rateliff performs a tribute to Harry Nilsson and the Golden Age of American music, backed by a full orchestra. lincolncenterathome.org Lincoln Center at Home false MM/DD/YYYY aho3e0k00zv7rk56sm4e178

MUSIC

April 05 at 8:30pm

In-person

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

Cabaret at the Café Society

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Rizo and Ikechukwu Ufomadu

April 05 at 8:30pm

The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center

An evening of comedy and music featuring the Matt Ray Trio, bombshell cabaret chanteuse Rizo, and the waggishly absurd stand-up of Ikechukwu Ufomadu.

Add to Calendar 04/05/2023 8:30 pm 04/05/2023 9:30 pm America/New_York Cabaret at the Café Society An evening of comedy and music featuring the Matt Ray Trio, bombshell cabaret chanteuse Rizo, and the waggishly absurd stand-up of Ikechukwu Ufomadu. lincolncenterathome.org Lincoln Center at Home false MM/DD/YYYY aho3e0k00zv7rk56sm4e178

MUSIC

COMEDY

April 06 at 8:30pm

In-person

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

Cabaret at the Café Society

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Mykal Kilgore and Aminah Imani

April 06 at 8:30pm

The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Join the Matt Ray Trio for a celebration of the classic club Café Society with singer and Broadway star Mykal Kilgore and comedian Aminah Imani.

Add to Calendar 04/06/2023 8:30 pm 04/06/2023 9:30 pm America/New_York Cabaret at the Café Society Join the Matt Ray Trio for a celebration of the classic club Café Society with singer and Broadway star Mykal Kilgore and comedian Aminah Imani. lincolncenterathome.org Lincoln Center at Home false MM/DD/YYYY aho3e0k00zv7rk56sm4e178

MUSIC

COMEDY

April 07 at 8:30pm

In-person

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

Cabaret at the Café Society

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Raye Zaragoza and Jordan Carlos

April 07 at 8:30pm

The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Experience an evening of smart, edgy music and comedy—honoring the historically important Café Society nightclub.

Add to Calendar 04/07/2023 8:30 pm 04/07/2023 9:30 pm America/New_York Cabaret at the Café Society Experience an evening of smart, edgy music and comedy—honoring the historically important Café Society nightclub. lincolncenterathome.org Lincoln Center at Home false MM/DD/YYYY aho3e0k00zv7rk56sm4e178

MUSIC

COMEDY

Here is a place you belong

Experience the Songbook from today's leading voices

Your new David Geffen Hall sets the stage for this year's headlining concerts. On April 1, Nathaniel Rateliff sings the American Songbook and the songs of Harry Nilsson, breathing new life into contemporary folk rock—welcoming soul, country, gospel, and Broadway. Soon after, on April 8, Oscar winner Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) premieres Authenticity, a new Broadway and pop musical revue packed with mashups, medleys, and candid storytelling.

NYC's revolutionary cabaret, Café Society, comes back to life

Join us on April 5–7 for three evenings of music and comedy conceived by multiple Tony Award-winning director George C. Wolfe. Each night, audiences in the stunning Appel Room will be taken back in time to Café Society—one of the first integrated nightclubs in the country and birth place of Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit”—for a unique cabaret starring: the Matt Ray Trio, Rizo and Ikechukwu Ufomadu, Mykal Kilgore and Aminah Imani, and Raye Zaragoza and Jordan Carlos.

The spirit of legendary dance clubs and ballrooms awakens

Also conceived by George C. Wolfe, this April, the David Rubenstein Atrium is transformed into the hottest, most influential dance clubs and ballrooms that New York City ever encountered. Be transported to a 1970s disco at the famed gay underground scene of Paradise Garage; swing up to Harlem's Savoy Ballroom for a hot jazz big band; and dance the mambo with Tito Rodríguez, Jr., playing Palladium Ballroom-era classics with a contemporary twist. All at the Atrium. All for FREE!

Explore more

Thanks to Our Supporters

Lead Support for American Songbook is made possible by Holland America Line, celebrating their 150th Anniversary
Holland America Line logo

Additional support is provided by The Rita J. & Stanley H. Kaplan Family Foundation

Major support for Lincoln Center Presents is provided by the Mellon Foundation and the Shubert Foundation

Additional support is provided by the DuBose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund

Lincoln Center’s artistic excellence is made possible by the dedication and generosity of our board members

Operation of Lincoln Center’s public plazas is supported in part with public funds provided by the City of New York

Programs are made possible, in part, with public funds provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Empire State Development, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor, Mayor of the City of New York, the New York State Legislature and the New York City Council

NewYork-Presbyterian is the Official Hospital of Lincoln Center

United Airlines is the Official Airline of Lincoln Center

Steinway is Lincoln Center’s Preferred Piano Partner

Upcoming American Songbook Events

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Saturday April 01, 2023

Wednesday April 05, 2023

Thursday April 06, 2023

Friday April 07, 2023

Saturday April 08, 2023

Friday April 14, 2023

Thursday April 20, 2023

Friday April 21, 2023

April 2023

Saturday April 01, 2023

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

A Little Touch of Rateliff

Nathaniel Rateliff Sings the Songs of Harry Nilsson and the Great American Songbook

Saturday, April 1, 7:30pm

David Geffen Hall

Americana original Nathaniel Rateliff performs a tribute to Harry Nilsson and the Golden Age of American music, backed by a full orchestra.

Add to Calendar04/01/2023 7:30 pm04/01/2023 8:30 pmAmerica/New_YorkA Little Touch of Rateliff

In 1973, singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson released an album of standards from the Great American Songbook, an adventurous and unprecedented move for someone at the height of their p…lincolncenterathome.orgLincoln Center at HomefalseMM/DD/YYYYaho3e0k00zv7rk56sm4e178

MUSIC

Wednesday April 05, 2023

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

Cabaret at the Café Society

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Rizo and Ikechukwu Ufomadu

Wednesday, April 5, 8:30pm

The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center

An evening of comedy and music featuring the Matt Ray Trio, bombshell cabaret chanteuse Rizo, and the waggishly absurd stand-up of Ikechukwu Ufomadu.

Add to Calendar04/05/2023 8:30 pm04/05/2023 9:30 pmAmerica/New_YorkCabaret at the Café Society

From 1938 to 1948, the hottest spot for hip intellectuals to see and be seen was downtown New York's Café Society, one of the first racially integrated nightclub in Nort…lincolncenterathome.orgLincoln Center at HomefalseMM/DD/YYYYaho3e0k00zv7rk56sm4e178

MUSIC

COMEDY

Thursday April 06, 2023

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

Cabaret at the Café Society

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Mykal Kilgore and Aminah Imani

Thursday, April 6, 8:30pm

The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Join the Matt Ray Trio for a celebration of the classic club Café Society with singer and Broadway star Mykal Kilgore and comedian Aminah Imani.

Add to Calendar04/06/2023 8:30 pm04/06/2023 9:30 pmAmerica/New_YorkCabaret at the Café Society

MUSIC

COMEDY

Friday April 07, 2023

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

Cabaret at the Café Society

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Raye Zaragoza and Jordan Carlos

Friday, April 7, 8:30pm

The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Experience an evening of smart, edgy music and comedy—honoring the historically important Café Society nightclub.

Add to Calendar04/07/2023 8:30 pm04/07/2023 9:30 pmAmerica/New_YorkCabaret at the Café Society

MUSIC

COMEDY

Saturday April 08, 2023

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

Ariana DeBose: Authenticity

Saturday, April 8, 7:30pm

David Geffen Hall

Oscar Award winner Ariana DeBose premieres Authenticity, a new Broadway and pop musical revue packed with mashups, medleys, and candid storytelling.

Add to Calendar04/08/2023 7:30 pm04/08/2023 8:30 pmAmerica/New_YorkAriana DeBose: Authenticity

Triple-threat actor, singer and dancer Ariana DeBose is a Tony Award nominee for her lead performance in the Broadway hit Summer: The Donna Summer Musical and a recent Os…lincolncenterathome.orgLincoln Center at HomefalseMM/DD/YYYYaho3e0k00zv7rk56sm4e178

MUSIC

Friday April 14, 2023

Thursday April 20, 2023

Friday April 21, 2023

American Songbook: A Place You Belong

April 1–21, 2023

New York City has never been only one place. It is five boroughs, hundreds of neighborhoods, and thousands of distinctive communities with their own unique culture centers. It is in these dance clubs and music halls where we have always met to learn the truest things about each other, where we sing, laugh, and dream the future into life together. For American Songbook: A Place You Belong, with the guidance of the writer, filmmaker, producer, and multiple Tony Award-winning director George C. Wolfe, four of NYC's influential but long-lost performance spaces and dance clubs will be resurrected on the Lincoln Center campus. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn back the clock and experience the thrill of a visit to Midtown's Latin jazz mecca, the Palladium Ballroom; SoHo's pioneering disco, Paradise Garage; Harlem's home of the Lindy Hop, the Savoy Ballroom; and the West Village's historically significant cabaret, Café Society, with shows spotlighting modern performers honoring the traditions of these iconic venues.

Thanks to Our Supporters

Lead Support for American Songbook is made possible by Holland America Line, celebrating their 150th Anniversary
Holland America Line logo

Additional support is provided by The Rita J. & Stanley H. Kaplan Family Foundation

Major support for Lincoln Center Presents is provided by the Mellon Foundation and the Shubert Foundation

Additional support is provided by the DuBose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund

Lincoln Center’s artistic excellence is made possible by the dedication and generosity of our board members

Operation of Lincoln Center’s public plazas is supported in part with public funds provided by the City of New York

NewYork-Presbyterian is the Official Hospital of Lincoln Center

United Airlines is the Official Airline of Lincoln Center

Steinway is Lincoln Center’s Preferred Piano Partner

Plan Your Visit

This year’s American Songbook events and performances will be presented in one of three venues across the Lincoln Center campus: David Geffen Hall, David Rubenstein Atrium, or The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Please check the event page carefully to determine the correct venue for that event.

Contact us

For tickets and box office information, please contact CenterCharge at 212-721-6500 on Monday–Saturday 10:00 am–8:00 pm and Sunday noon–6:00 pm.

For general inquiries about this year's American Songbook, contact Guest Experience at 212-875-5456 or [email protected].

Learn more about the venues

David Geffen Hall

10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023 / View map
Welcome to your new David Geffen Hall, the new cultural home for New York. The Wu Tsai Theater at David Geffen Hall is designed with optimized sightlines in mind, resulting in a more unified and intimate relationship between audience and performer. Learn more »

American Songbook events at David Geffen Hall: A Little Touch of Rateliff and Ariana DeBose: Authenticity

David Rubenstein Atrium

61 West 62nd Street, New York, NY 10023 / View map
The David Rubenstein Atrium is where arts and democracy converge—committed to the values of radical welcoming, artistic innovation, open exchange of ideas, audience and artist intimacy, and community partnership. Learn more »

American Songbook events at the Atrium: A Tribute to the Paradise Garage: As Reimagined by C'mon Everybody, The Spirit of the Savoy Ballroom, and ¡VAYA! Dance Night at the Palladium

The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center

10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019 / View map
Based on the design of a Greek amphitheater, The Appel Room has one of New York City’s most dramatic and breathtaking backdrops: a 50’ by 83’ wall of glass overlooking Central Park, Columbus Circle, and the Manhattan skyline. Learn more »

American Songbook events at The Appel Room: Cabaret at the Café Society on April 5, April 6, and April 7

Parking

To reserve parking near David Geffen Hall or the David Rubenstein Atrium, call 212-721-6500 or visit the Parking Reservations website. For parking near The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center, call 212-490-3460.

Accessibility

Lincoln Center’s approach to accessibility mirrors our commitment to transform performing arts spaces to be more inclusive of our audiences’ identities and access needs by design, not as an afterthought or add-on.

Learn more about the accommodations at this year's venues:
David Geffen Hall
David Rubenstein Atrium
The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center

Health & Safety

Face masks are encouraged, but not required for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook events. If you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, a high quality, well-fitting face covering is required at all times. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required; however, we encourage everyone to complete their primary vaccination series and get boosted if eligible before attending.

Click here for more information.

Ikechukwu Ufomadu, Matt Ray, and Rizo

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

Cabaret at the Café Society

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Rizo and Ikechukwu Ufomadu

The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Wednesday, April 05, 2023 at 8:30pm

Add to Calendar 04/05/2023 8:30 pm 04/05/2023 9:30 pm America/New_York Cabaret at the Café Society

From 1938 to 1948, the hottest spot for hip intellectuals to see and be seen was downtown New York's Café Society, one of the first racially integrated nightclub in Nort… lincolncenterathome.org Lincoln Center at Home false MM/DD/YYYY aho3e0k00zv7rk56sm4e178

Book Tickets

To make the arts more accessible, tickets are available on a Choose-What-You-Pay basis. There is a suggested ticket price of $35.00, as well as options to pay more or less.

From 1938 to 1948, the hottest spot for hip intellectuals to see and be seen was downtown New York's Café Society, one of the first racially integrated nightclub in North America. A pivotal stage for the best-known names in jazz, cabaret, gospel and comedy, Café Society was a regular haunt for Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, Zero Mostel, Josh White, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Billie Holiday, who often ended her sets with the devastating protest song "Strange Fruit." Versatile pianist Matt Ray leads his Trio as the house band for this three-night tribute to the Café's enduring legacy. Tonight's featured guests are two artists who draw inspiration from the avant-garde of yesteryear: the bawdy bombshell chanteuse Rizo and the waggishly absurd master of the non sequitur, Ikechukwu Ufomado.

Conceived by writer, filmmaker, producer, and multiple Tony Award-winning director George C. Wolfe

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Guest Experience at 212-875-5456 or [email protected].

Support Our Artistic Community

Lincoln Center is committed to the power of the arts and the important role it plays in our lives. Give today to join our mission and help champion the future of Lincoln Center.

Donate

A contribution of any size makes a big impact!

April 06 at 8:30pm

In-person

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

Cabaret at the Café Society

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Mykal Kilgore and Aminah Imani

April 06 at 8:30pm

The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Join the Matt Ray Trio for a celebration of the classic club Café Society with singer and Broadway star Mykal Kilgore and comedian Aminah Imani.

MUSIC

COMEDY

April 07 at 8:30pm

In-person

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

Cabaret at the Café Society

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Raye Zaragoza and Jordan Carlos

April 07 at 8:30pm

The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Experience an evening of smart, edgy music and comedy—honoring the historically important Café Society nightclub.

MUSIC

COMEDY

April 14 at 7:30pm

In-person

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

A Tribute to the Paradise Garage: As Reimagined by C'mon Everybody

Featuring The Dragon Sisters, DJ Samuella, and The Illustrious Blacks

April 14 at 7:30pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

Return to the heart of 1970s-1980s NYC gay culture at this disco dance party, inspired by The Paradise Garage and curated by C'mon Everybody.

Add to Calendar 04/14/2023 7:30 pm 04/14/2023 8:30 pm America/New_York A Tribute to the Paradise Garage: As Reimagined by C'mon Everybody Return to the heart of 1970s-1980s NYC gay culture at this disco dance party, inspired by The Paradise Garage and curated by C'mon Everybody. lincolncenterathome.org Lincoln Center at Home false MM/DD/YYYY aho3e0k00zv7rk56sm4e178

MUSIC

SOCIAL DANCE

Wednesday, April 05, 2023 at 8:30pm

Add to Calendar 04/05/2023 8:30 pm 04/05/2023 9:30 pm America/New_York Cabaret at the Café Society

From 1938 to 1948, the hottest spot for hip intellectuals to see and be seen was downtown New York's Café Society, one of the first racially integrated nightclub in Nort… lincolncenterathome.org Lincoln Center at Home false MM/DD/YYYY aho3e0k00zv7rk56sm4e178

Book Tickets

To make the arts more accessible, tickets are available on a Choose-What-You-Pay basis. There is a suggested ticket price of $35.00, as well as options to pay more or less.

Support Our Artistic Community

Lincoln Center is committed to the power of the arts and the important role it plays in our lives. Give today to join our mission and help champion the future of Lincoln Center.

Donate

A contribution of any size makes a big impact!

April 06 at 8:30pm

In-person

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

Cabaret at the Café Society

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Mykal Kilgore and Aminah Imani

April 06 at 8:30pm

The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Join the Matt Ray Trio for a celebration of the classic club Café Society with singer and Broadway star Mykal Kilgore and comedian Aminah Imani.

MUSIC

COMEDY

April 07 at 8:30pm

In-person

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

Cabaret at the Café Society

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Raye Zaragoza and Jordan Carlos

April 07 at 8:30pm

The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Experience an evening of smart, edgy music and comedy—honoring the historically important Café Society nightclub.

MUSIC

COMEDY

April 14 at 7:30pm

In-person

Lincoln Center Presents
American Songbook

A Tribute to the Paradise Garage: As Reimagined by C'mon Everybody

Featuring The Dragon Sisters, DJ Samuella, and The Illustrious Blacks

April 14 at 7:30pm

David Rubenstein Atrium

Return to the heart of 1970s-1980s NYC gay culture at this disco dance party, inspired by The Paradise Garage and curated by C'mon Everybody.

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Upcoming events

April 01 at 7:30pm

Nathaniel Rateliff Sings the Songs of Harry Nilsson and the Great American Songbook

April 01 at 7:30pm

MUSIC

April 05 at 8:30pm

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Rizo and Ikechukwu Ufomadu

April 05 at 8:30pm

MUSIC

COMEDY

April 06 at 8:30pm

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Mykal Kilgore and Aminah Imani

April 06 at 8:30pm

MUSIC

COMEDY

April 07 at 8:30pm

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Raye Zaragoza and Jordan Carlos

April 07 at 8:30pm

MUSIC

COMEDY

Here is a place you belong

Experience the Songbook from today's leading voices

NYC's revolutionary cabaret, Café Society, comes back to life

The spirit of legendary dance clubs and ballrooms awakens

Be the first to know!

Thank you

Explore more

About the series

Plan your visit

Upcoming events

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi

Upcoming American Songbook Events

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Saturday April 01, 2023

Wednesday April 05, 2023

Thursday April 06, 2023

Friday April 07, 2023

Saturday April 08, 2023

Friday April 14, 2023

Thursday April 20, 2023

Friday April 21, 2023

Filtered by:

April 2023

Apr 2023

Saturday April 01, 2023

Nathaniel Rateliff Sings the Songs of Harry Nilsson and the Great American Songbook

MUSIC

Wednesday April 05, 2023

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Rizo and Ikechukwu Ufomadu

MUSIC

COMEDY

Thursday April 06, 2023

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Mykal Kilgore and Aminah Imani

MUSIC

COMEDY

Friday April 07, 2023

With the Matt Ray Trio and featuring Raye Zaragoza and Jordan Carlos

MUSIC

COMEDY

Saturday April 08, 2023

MUSIC

Friday April 14, 2023

Featuring The Dragon Sisters, DJ Samuella, and The Illustrious Blacks

MUSIC

SOCIAL DANCE

Thursday April 20, 2023

Featuring Charles Turner & Uptown Swing, The Eyal Vilner Swing Band, and dancers from SW!NG OUT

MUSIC

SOCIAL DANCE

Friday April 21, 2023

Featuring Tito Rodríguez, Jr.