Jason Yeager and Julie Benko. Photo Credit: Sub/Urban Photography
Broadway performer Julie Benko chatted about being a part of the West Bank Cafe benefit GALA, the importance of the Laurie Beechman Theatre, and her upcoming show at Birdland Jazz Club.
GALA to benefit West Bank Cafe
Most recently, Benko was a part of a one night-only, star-studded GALA, held on October 8th, which celebrated and raised funds for the West Bank Cafe in New York City.
This event was produced by Tony-nominated Broadway producers Tom D’Angora and Michael D’Angora (“Suffs”), Tony-nominated composer Joe Iconis (“Be More Chill”), actor Tim Guinee (“Homeland”), alongside owner Steve Olsen.
“It feels great. It is great to be here today,” Benko exclaimed.
While she couldn’t reveal her song list, she shared, “It’s a surprise. You have to wait and see.”
Benko on the Laurie Beechman Theatre
Benko also spoke about the significance of the Laurie Beechman Theatre and what it has meant to her.
“The Laurie Beechman Theatre is such an iconic place,” she admitted. “It was one of the first places I came when I was a young student here in New York City.”
“It is great to be on the other side now, as a member of the Broadway community, and getting to throw my support behind it now,” he added.
Birdland Jazz Club show
Benko is also looking forward to being at Birdland Jazz Club this Monday, October 14th, as part of her husband, pianist and composer Jason Yeager’s show for his album release concert.
They will be joined by Jason Anick on the violin, and it will feature Billy Buss on trumpet and flugelhorn, Greg Loughman on bass, and Mike Connors on drums. Julie Benko will serve as a special guest vocalist.
“I will be there on October 14th at 7 p.m., so I hope the fans can stop by and see us there,” she said.
Yeager’s new album ‘Sanctuary’
Anick and Yeager’s new album, “Sanctuary” will be released on October 11 via Sunnyside Records, and it builds on the foundation set by the pair’s previous outing, “United.”
That album marked the culmination of a nearly lifelong friendship and collaboration; Anick and Yeager met for the first time at a local jam session as teens in the Boston area.
Since then, both have continued to collaborate while establishing flourishing careers as composers, performers, and educators, with both serving on the faculty at Berklee College of Music.
To learn more about Julie Benko, check out her official website, and follow her on Instagram.