New York-based singing sensation Hilary Kole appeared,among a stellar lineup of performers during July and August 2012, for a very successful week’s run, at a new performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife, 54 BELOW(254 West 54th St NYC). Hilary’s run was Tuesday through Saturday, August 14th through 18th at 8:30 pm with a late show on Friday, August 17th at 11:00 pm. This Behind the scenes video was recorded at 54 BELOW, the then new performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54
Check out her performance of Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach’s “God Give Me Strength”
Stephen Holden of the N.Y. Times wrote of this tune …“She found her mojo in a devastating performance of the Burt Bacharach -Elvis Costello ballad “God Give Me Strength,” introduced in the 1996 movie “Grace of My Heart.” It is a song that can only register if invested with an operatic intensity, and Ms. Kole rose to the occasion with an anguished performance …”
And “Hold Me Close” an Original song written by Hilary Kole
The band: Piano/Arranger-Misha Piatigorsky, Guitar-John Hart, Bass-Paul Gill, Cello Rubin Kodeheli, Drums- Chris Wabach
Listen to this audio podcast
About 54 Below- It’s was a tough year for cabaret lovers, since The Algonquin Hotel shuttered its famed Oak Room, where top-tier entertainers performed. Filling the void is 54 Below, a new supper club with a louche, speak-easy feel and appropriately tawdry location beneath what used to be the infamous nightclub Studio 54.
54 BELOW provides an unforgettable New York nightlife experience, combining performances by Broadway’s best with world class dining in an elegant setting. 54 BELOW is becoming
Broadway’s living room; a home away from home for Broadway professionals and audiences combining grace and style in an intimate environment.
Designed by multiple Tony Award winners John Lee Beatty (restaurant design) and Ken Billington (lighting), sound designer Peter Hylenski and architect Richard Lewis, 54 BELOW’s creative team includes Tony Award winner Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Smash) as Creative
Consultant, MAC Award winner Phil Geoffrey Bond as Director of Programming and Union Square Events, the events services arm of Union Square Hospitality Group, New York’s
premiere restaurateurs, as consultants for food, beverage and restaurant operations.
54 BELOW features up to three shows nightly as well as a late night lounge. Accommodating 144 people in the main dining room, with all tables no more than 24 feet from the stage, the facilities include the capability to broadcast and record audio and video.