Vocalist

Guitarist John Pizzarelli is one of our most celebrated interpreters of the Great American Songbook. GRAMMY®-winning jazz vocalist Catherine Russell has “a voice that wails like a horn and whispers like a snake in the garden of Eden” (NPR). These two masterful talents — and The John Pizzarelli Trio — pay homage to Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday. You’ll hear the music of Lady Day and Ol’ Blue Eyes like never before, with familiar favorites and surprising hidden gems.

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john pizzarelli & catherine russell: billie & blue eyes

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

In honor of Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday, the POPS celebrates the explosion of music in 1920s New York that gave birth to the Jazz Age, Swing Era and beyond. Hear favorites from Gershwin and Ellington to Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald and more.

Harlem Nights

Los Angeles County Arboretum

Best known for her stunning vocal approach in blues and jazz, Grammy-winning singer Catherine Russell has toured the world, performing and recording with the likes of David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, and Wynton Marsalis. Her repertoire features a selection of gems from the 1920s through the present, with vital interpretations bursting with soul and humor. Featuring an eclectic song selection, sparkling acoustic swing, and incredible vocals, Catherine Russell has joined the ranks of the greatest interpreters and performers of American Popular Songs.

Catherine Russell

Wharton Center for Performing Arts

Usher in Valentine’s Day as the world-renowned Marcus Roberts Trio and Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Catherine Russell (“a voice that wails like a horn and whispers like a snake in the Garden of Eden”—NPR) join the Houston Symphony for virtuoso jazz and classic Gershwin songs, including a love song for your sweetheart. Plus, the Houston Symphony performs a new take on Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue alongside jazz piano sensation Marcus Roberts, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of its premiere.

Jazz, Love & Gershwin: a Century of Rhapsody in Blue

Jones Hall

Warren Manzi's Perfect Crime is a sexy, funny and fast-paced thriller that makes for a great night of whodunit. The longest-running play in NYC history takes place in the home of a wealthy psychiatrist, Margaret Brent, who is accused of murdering her husband. The handsome detective thinks he has it all figured out, but her husband's murder is only the beginning in what may just be the perfect crime.

Perfect Crime

The Theater Center

Grammy Award winning producer, guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” Well-known to Musicfest audiences for his exceptional musicianship and witty banter, for this special holiday concert, John is joined by his frequent collaborator, acclaimed Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Catherine Russell. Enjoy special jazz renditions of beloved Christmas tunes, as well as other favorites.

John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell

Highlands Church

Hear us Roar! From Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone to Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Tina Turner and beyond – the POPS celebrates powerful black women who shaped the American Songbook with timeless hits Natural Woman, This Will Be, I Put a Spell on You, Proud Mary, I’m Every Woman and many more.

Divas Through The Decades

LA County Arboretum

John Pizzarelli has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years, singing classic standards and late-night ballads, and by playing inventive guitar. With sparkling swing and a stunning vocal approach, Catherine Russell is among the greatest interpreters of American popular song.   Together, they pay homage to Nat King Cole and the legendary singers who appeared on his popular TV show. The concert includes Cole’s most memorable hits such as “Route 66,” “Straighten Up and Fly Right” and “Paper Moon,” along with the timeless works from Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee—the iconic Ladies of Song.

John Pizzarelli and Catherine Russell: Nat King Cole & The Ladies of Song

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Billie & Blue Eyes is a heartfelt tribute to two iconic voices of American music - Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra - brought to life by award-winning jazz talents Catherine Russell and John Pizzarelli. With Catherine’s radiant vocals and John’s smooth guitar and easygoing charm, they’ll take you on a journey through timeless classics from two unforgettable catalogs. It’s an afternoon of pure jazz bliss, served up with style and soul.

Vocalist

Catherine Russell

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 24, 2026

John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell Present Billie & Blue Eyes · The Lyric Theatre

Past events

Nov 22, 2024

john pizzarelli & catherine russell: billie & blue eyes · New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Jun 29, 2024

Harlem Nights · Pasadena Symphony and POPS

About

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