Mel Tormé at 100: A Celebration with Billy Stritch and Nicolas King
March 3 & 4, 2026
Encore by popular demand! Billy Stritch and Nicolas King join forces to celebrate the iconic Mel Tormé during his 100th birthday year. Both have honored “the Velvet Fog” throughout their careers, and now, for the first time, these two renowned figures in the jazz and cabaret world come together to pay tribute to one of their musical inspirations. Catch this special centennial celebration at 54 Below for two nights only!
Mel Tormé (1925–1999), known as “The Velvet Fog,” was a celebrated American jazz singer, songwriter, and arranger. Famous for his smooth voice, he co-wrote the timeless classic “The Christmas Song” and recorded hits like “Blue Moon” and “Comin’ Home Baby.” Tormé worked with legends such as Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, Count Basie, and Judy Garland, leaving a lasting impact on jazz and popular music. A versatile talent, he was celebrated for his improvisational skills and his ability to bring a unique warmth to every performance.
Pianist and singer Billy Stritch has been a fixture on the New York and national nightclub scene for nearly four decades. He is perhaps best known for his 25-year tenure as musical director and pianist for Liza Minnelli, and he has also toured with Tony Bennett, Christine Ebersole, Linda Eder, Melissa Manchester, Linda Lavin, and other notable artists. His composition “Does He Love You” won a Grammy Award in 1993 and was later recorded by Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton, earning another Grammy nomination in 2023. Recently, Billy was named Outstanding Musical Director by BroadwayWorld readers for an unprecedented sixth time.
Nicolas King is a Broadway performer with credits including Disney’s Beauty & The Beast, A Thousand Clowns with Tom Selleck, and Carol Burnett’s Hollywood Arms, directed by Hal Prince. He has also appeared in Follies and The Wizard of Oz. On TV, King has been featured on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The View,” “Today,” and twice on “The Tonight Show.” King’s accolades include the 1995 and 1996 Talent America Award, the 2010 Julie Wilson Award, 2015 AMG Artist of the Year, the 2012 Bistro Award for Outstanding Performer, and the 2020 BroadwayWorld Award for Best Swing Act.
Please note that all artists and acts are subject to change at any time.
Pricing
- $62.50 (includes $7.50 in fees) – $73.50 (includes $8.50 in fees)
- VIP Seating: $95.50 (includes $11.50 in fees)
- Premiums: $117.50 (includes $12.50 in fees)
- Prices shown are only valid for online purchases. Additional $6 in fees for all seating sections if purchased at the box office.
- $25 Food & Beverage Minimum