Jim Caruso's Cast Party with Billy Stritch
Birdland315 West 44th Street, New York 10036
Jim Caruso hosts Cast Party at Birdland with Billy Stritch on piano, Steve Doyle on bass and Daniel Glass on drums. Running at Birdland every Monday since 1993, the weekly show is an impromptu variety night: established show-business performers and newcomers take turns with the trio, and audience members can take a turn at the grand piano. Expect songs, surprises and Caruso guiding the proceedings rather than a conventional single-artist set.
Cast Party is a New York institution that Caruso and Stritch have also brought to London, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Chicago. The format pairs Caruso, described by The New York Times as “a polished, amusing host and all-around entertainer,” with Stritch, whom the paper called “the formidably talented pop-jazz pianist and singer.” Its reputation comes from the mix of open-mic spontaneity and seasoned performers: The New York Times called it “show business heaven,” The Wall Street Journal named it “the gold standard of open mic nights,” and the Los Angeles Times called it “Show biz mecca.”
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.