Audra McDonald, Betty Buckley Among Headliners in American Songbook Series

Four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald will kick off Lincoln Center's ninth American Songbook series with concerts on October 11 and 12. Titled "Audra McDonald & Friends: Build a Bridge," the evening will feature works from McDonald's new album performed by the singer and guests Nellie McKay and Patti LuPone. Works by artists such as Neil Young, Elvis Costello, McKay, Rufus Wainwright and Adam Guettel are on tap, as well as standards from the American songbook. Both performances are sold out, but the October 12 concert will be broadcast on PBS's Live From Lincoln Center.

The new season of American Songbook, which runs for 18 nights from October 11 to February 24, continues the tradition of presenting some of today's most innovative singer-songwriters, from a variety of genres, who are expanding the American songbook in their own unique ways. Among the offerings of interest to theater fans:

On January 19, Broadway favorite Judy Kuhn Les Miserables, She Loves Me explores the works of Laura Nyro and the songwriters who were influential to her or influenced by her. On February 9, Tony-winning composer Jason Robert Brown Parade, The Last Five Years performs an evening of his compositions. On February 10, Tony winner Betty Buckley offers her new jazz-influenced show, accompanied by musical director Kenny Werner and the band Quintessence. On February 21, cabaret star Ute Lemper Chicago performs original works as well as songs by Kurt Weill, Tom Waits and Van Morrison.

This year's "Composer Series" includes an evening with Howard Fishman devoted to Bob Dylan's basement tapes February 1 and a 50th anniversary celebration of pop songwriting team Alan and Marilyn Bergman, with special guests Jessica Molaskey and Melissa Errico February 2. The "American Popular Song" series includes rapper Mos Def taking on the role of bandleader and crooner, performing traditional songs in "Mos Def's Big Band" January 17 and John Pizzarelli's new show "Dear Mr. Sinatra," inspired by his album of the same name two shows on February 3.

All performances are held in the Allen Room of Frederick P. Rose Hall at Broadway and 60th Street. McDonald's performances are sold out; for information on other shows and a complete schedule, go to www.lincolncenter.org.