Week One of Lincoln Center's American Songbook Kicks Off 1/30 With Lea Salonga

Now in its 15th season, Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook will celebrate the best in American singing and songwriting starting January 30, 2013. Opening night belongs to Lea Solanga, who captivated Broadway audiences with her debut in Miss Saigon many years ago and has since become the voice of Disney movie princesses as well as starring in other major musicals.

Next up is songwriter and performer Valerie Simpson, who, with her late husband and lyricist Nickolas Ashford, created era-defining rhythm & blues for Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Ray Charles, and Whitney Houston, as well as for their own stage shows. On February 1st the stirring chanteuse Karen Akers will dazzle with music from Broadway as well as standards from both established and newer composers from the world of musical theater. Wrapping up a week of dynamic female vocalists in the stunning Allen Room will be Cécile McLorin Salvant, the newest supernova in the jazz world.

TICKETS can be purchased online at Lincoln Center's website www.AmericanSongbook.org, via CenterCharge at 212-721-6500, at the Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall Box Office, or at the Frederick P. Rose Hall Box Office.

Premium packages-including wine, dinner, and the best seats in the house-are available for $250. More information at AmericanSongbook.org.