About this Event
The Kittens & Crooners series -- presented by Foguth Financial Group -- features intimate shows with a speakeasy vibe in the lower level of Ciao Amici's, and April 20 highlights the return of Ben Sharkey.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., two-set concert will be 6-7:30 p.m. (with a short break). There will be a "cash-only" (no cards) bar to enjoy a beverage during the two-set concert. Feel free to go upstairs for a fabulous dinner and drinks before the show, if you like). Tickets are priced at $25 and limited to just 100. Rather go to the LATE SHOW? Get tickets HERE.
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NOTE: Please, only call Ciao Amici's to make dinner reservations. If you need further information on the shows, call 2 Stones Events at 586-484-8797 (Whitney) or 810-599-0491 (Cal).
We follow CDC COVID guidelines. In Livingston County, Michigan community level is Low. People may choose to mask at any time. In addition, please do not attend if you have symptoms or have been exposed.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
One of Detroit’s premiere live entertainers over the past ten years plus, Ben Sharkey infuses his live performances with a hip and sultry fire, bringing his artful swagger to the stage with a colorful fusion of old school cool, contemporary jazz, soul and pop.
Since the charismatic vocalist posted his first raw home videos of himself singing Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra classics to YouTube in 2007, he has amassed over 5 million views worldwide for over 70 clips. By increasingly popular demand, the Michigan native has amassed hundreds of performances at jazz hotspots like Cliff Bell’s and a five-year and counting residency at the Axis Lounge at the MGM Grand Detroit.
He’s been compared to everyone from Frank and Buble to Dean Martin, Mel Torme and Harry Connick, Jr. – yet he’s evolved from being a stellar vocal interpreter to master storyteller and songwriter. Collaborating with his pianist Chris Codish, Ben has written clever, crafty tunes expressing every aspect of love, deep heartfelt connections and the sheer joy of living life to the fullest in the sexiest, naughtiest, most sensual and playful way possible. Stylistically, he lets his muse lead the way to booming percussion driven landscapes infused with jazz, pop, swing, R&B, Latin and crisp, edgy house-dance beats that make him the ultimate contemporary hipster as well as a masterful throwback artist.
ABOUT THIS SERIES
Eight years ago, we (Cal & Whitney Stone - 2 Stones Events) came up with a new live music series – Kittens & Crooners – to celebrate the music and style of our country’s classic jazz singers like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, and Rosemary Clooney. The four shows we held in 2016 at the Tipping Point Theater in Northville went over so well that we continued presenting live jazz at that venue until the pandemic put a halt to indoor concerts.
In early 2022, we revived Kittens & Crooners in another intimate venue that’s perfect for this type of performance -- the lower level of Ciao Amici's restaurant in downtown Brighton. We've added shows to make this a full concert series with room to grow!
You can also choose from any of these fabulous upcoming Kittens & Crooners shows:
Ryan DeHues - November 18: One of today’s new breed of great singers who give the old music new style, Ryan is the epitome of suave yet exciting new artists that are giving new meaning to The Great American Songbook and classic songs of yesterday. He will also be singing some holiday favorites with a few special guests.
6 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/641452540817
8:30 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/641456422427
Jill Jack & The American Songbook Band – January 27: Jill Jack’s magical connection to her audience is the result of her generous artistry. In her hometown of Detroit, Jill needs no further explanation. She’s been lauded with 40+ Detroit Music Awards in every conceivable category that applies to a singer-songwriter. Touring the world to share the music she has written (10 award-winning CDs under her belt) Jill Jack has decided to venture where her heart has been calling: the jazz world. With the help of her very talented bandmates, Jill will be swimming in a pool of music that her parents introduced her to at a young age – The American Songbook.
6 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/740863973087?aff=oddtdtcreator
8:30 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/740908716917?aff=oddtdtcreator
Dave Bennett - February 17: Equally conversant with the music of Benny Goodman (the “King of Swing”) and Roy Orbison (“The Soul of Rock and Roll”), Bennett fuses serious jazz improvisation with a host of modern pop influences. Dave has been a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops (2013) and has been featured with 35 orchestras.
6 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/641462380247
8:30 p.m.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/641468468457
Beth Stalker - March 23: Beth won six Detroit Music Awards for her original album, Here With You. And a year later, she recorded her first jazz album, Hallelujah I Love Him So. Stalker knows how to make every classic song her own. Her unique and soulful voice conveys emotion and style like no other, proving a joyous experience to all who listen.
6 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/641472279857
8:30 p.m.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/641474135407
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Ciao Amici's, 217 West Main Street, Brighton, United States
USD 25.00