Celebrating Bobby Short at Café Carlyle
This fall, Café Carlyle marks what would have been Bobby Short’s 100th birthday with a season devoted to the elegance and swing he made synonymous with the room. For more than three decades, Short charmed audiences here with polished takes on classics from the American songbook. The celebration brings together a roster of standout performers saluting his influence, alongside culinary nods to the dishes and drinks he loved—small, personal details that make the tribute feel close.
A Room Shaped by Legends
Since opening in 1955, Café Carlyle has been a home for singular voices—Eartha Kitt, Elaine Stritch, and, indelibly, Bobby Short. Short began his run in 1968 and performed here through 2004. Those years didn’t just fill calendars; they defined the club’s tone: intimate, urbane, and impossibly close to the music. The supper club’s character today still carries that imprint, inviting listeners into a room built for connection and craft.
The Music Lives On
This season’s concerts honor Short’s unmatched contributions to American music. His repertoire ranged widely, drawing on the wit of Cole Porter and the breadth of Duke Ellington, among many others. The artists taking the stage follow that thread—songs that tell stories, arrangements that let lyrics breathe, and performances shaped for a room where every seat feels near the piano.
Season Lineup of Performers
Expect a set of evenings as varied as Short’s songbook—nights that croon, swing, surprise, and, above all, feel personal. The season features:
- Tony Danza
- Maria Friedman
- Julio Iglesias, Jr.
- Rita Wilson
- Rufus Wainwright
- John Pizarelli & Jessica Molaskey
- Elizabeth Gillies
- The Garfunkels
- M. Ward
- Isaac Mizrahi
- Adrienne Warren
- Peter Cincotti
A Tribute to Bobby Short’s Flavors
The homage extends to the menu. Guests can raise a glass with “Bobby’s Manhattan” and settle into comfort with “Bobby’s Chicken Hash,” favorites linked to the man himself. Paired with the music, these touches turn an evening out into a quiet piece of remembrance—a taste and a tune, both unmistakably his.
Tickets and Reservations
Tickets for the season are available online, with pricing that varies by performer. The room’s intimate scale heightens the experience and makes planning ahead a smart move. However you schedule it, the setting is built for an unforgettable night.
About Café Carlyle
Tucked behind a Madison Avenue entrance, Café Carlyle offers a classic cabaret setting where great songs meet New York polish. From its beginnings in 1955 to today, the venue has welcomed artists across eras, from stalwart interpreters to contemporary voices. With seating for 90, the space holds you close to the stage and to the murals by Marcel Vertès that frame the room—art surrounding art, in the heart of the Upper East Side.
About The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
At Madison Avenue and 76th Street, The Carlyle has been a New York fixture since 1930. Recent updates introduced newly designed guest rooms and suites, plus the signature restaurant, Dowling’s at The Carlyle, all while preserving the hotel’s Art Deco grace. The hotel invites guests to step into an earlier era’s glamour and to linger in the present-day allure of Café Carlyle just steps away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Café Carlyle celebrating Bobby Short this fall?
The season marks what would have been Bobby Short’s 100th birthday and honors his legacy at the club through performances inspired by his style and menu tributes tied to his favorites.
Who is performing in the tribute season?
The lineup includes Tony Danza, Maria Friedman, Julio Iglesias, Jr., Rita Wilson, Rufus Wainwright, John Pizarelli & Jessica Molaskey, Elizabeth Gillies, The Garfunkels, M. Ward, Isaac Mizrahi, Adrienne Warren, and Peter Cincotti.
What kind of music can I expect?
Artists will draw from the American songbook that Bobby Short championed, including work by composers such as Cole Porter and Duke Ellington, performed in an intimate cabaret setting.
Are there special food and drink offerings for the tribute?
Yes. The club is serving “Bobby’s Manhattan” and “Bobby’s Chicken Hash,” dishes and drinks associated with Bobby Short that add a personal note to the evening.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets are available online, and prices vary by performer. With seating for 90, the room is intimate, so booking early is a good idea.
