Carole J. Bufford
Birdland315 West 44th Street, New York 10036
Carole J. Bufford returns to Birdland with her trio for a holiday-season cabaret set. The program promises winter standards and holiday classics recast in her own style, alongside possible newer songs for the season. Expect a repertoire that moves through winter wonderlands, firesides, holidays and New Year celebrations, with what the listing calls healthy helpings of both naughty and nice.
Bufford is a touring performer on the American vintage-pop and cabaret scenes, also appearing in London with her solo shows and regularly performing with symphony orchestras through Spot-On Entertainment. Her work has drawn praise from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Times of London. Will Friedwald called her “The last of the Red Hot Mamas!”, while Stephen Holden wrote, “The real thing: you know it when you see it!” Time Out New York described a distinctive, bluesy voice and theatrical flair; Clive Davis of The Times praised a voice “bright yet sensual” and her exuberance and humour.
Birdland offers a refined jazz experience in a room where the audience sits at tables close to the stage, allowing every note to reach you clearly. The venue features a full menu with dishes like New Orleans-style gumbo alongside a well-stocked bar, making it easy to enjoy a meal or drinks while listening. Each show is ticketed per set, encouraging focused listening as the music unfolds in roughly 45-minute segments. The club’s walls echo decades of jazz history, having hosted legends and continuing to attract top contemporary artists. Located in Manhattan’s Theater District, the space balances a serious music environment with the energy of a night out, where attentive audiences savor the performances without distraction. Booking ahead is essential, as the club fills quickly for its celebrated lineup.