Lincoln Center Sets American Songbook Schedule for 2013

Tina Turnbow Kristin Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth, Valerie Simpson, Mavis Staples and Tom Morello are among the musicians who will participate in the 2013 season of Lincoln Center's annual American Songbook series, which will expand to use the performing arts center's Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse in addition to the Allen Room, the traditional home of this series.

Lincoln Center said on Thursday that the 2013 season of American Songbook will open on Jan. 30 with Lea Salonga, the “Miss Saigon” and “Flower Drum Song” star. Artists to follow include Valerie Simpson, the soul and R&B singer and songwriter (Jan. 31); the cabaret singer Karen Akers (Feb. 1); Bonnie “Prince” Billy, one of the alter egos of the indie-rock musician Will Oldman (Feb. 7); Ms. Staples, the pioneering gospel singer (Feb. 14); Ms. Chenoweth, the indefatigable stage and screen star (Feb. 15); and Mr. Morello, the front man of Rage Against the Machine, performing in his protest-song incarnation, the Nightwatchman (Feb. 16). Special events include include a Feb. 6 tribute to the songs of Kander and Ebb, performed by Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley, with special guests Chita Rivera and Joel Grey and conducted by Rob Fisher. Additionally, Alice Ripley, Brian d'Arcy James and Idina Menzel will perform songs by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey on March 1. These shows will all take place at the Allen Room in Frederick P. Rose Hall.

Programming at the Kaplan Penthouse will begin on March 29 with Lindsay Mendez (of the recent Broadway revivals of “Godspell” and “Grease”) and the pianist Marco Paguia. Other planned concerts there will feature the cabaret artist Meow Meow (March 30); the “Once” star Crist in Milioti (April 5) and the composer Ricky Ian Gordon (April 6).

Tickets for American Songbook events will go on sale Nov. 13 and can be purchased online at americansongbook.com.