Nicolas King: No Bad Chords - Album Release Concert
54 Below254 W 54th St, New York 10019
Nicolas King marks the release of No Bad Chords with a concert built around the music, memory, and arrangements of pianist and musical director Mike Renzi. The solo vocalist is backed by a trio: Tedd Firth on piano and musical direction, Alan Bernstein on bass, and Mark McLean on drums. The evening honors King and Renzi’s 14-year friendship and collaboration, with the album’s live recording made with this same group.
King is a vocalist and stage performer whose Broadway credits include the longest-running Chip in Beauty and the Beast, A Thousand Clowns with Tom Selleck, and Hollywood Arms, directed by Hal Prince. His collaborators have included Neil Simon, Tony Danza, Linda Lavin, Jane Monheit, Norm Lewis, Debby Boone, Billy Paul, and Jennifer Holliday; he also spent more than a decade touring as Liza Minnelli’s opening act. His honors include the 2025 MAC Award for Best Major Male Vocalist, the 2012 Bistro Award for Outstanding Performer of the Year, and the 2020 BroadwayWorld Award for Best Swing Act. NiteLife Exchange called one of his 54 Below appearances “A Triumphant Performance” and described him as “uber-dynamic.”
A nonprofit cabaret venue dedicated to live music, 54 Below is a listening room where audiences gather to experience legendary artists performing in a dedicated space. The atmosphere is elegant and intimate, with a focus on the music and the performers. The room is designed for seated audiences, offering close proximity to the stage, and the experience is centered around the show rather than conversation or drinking. Shows are ticketed and require advance purchase, with a nonprofit mission that supports the arts. The venue has a strong reputation for excellence in theatre, as recognized by a 2022 Tony Award nomination.