This Tuesday, March 20, marks the first day of spring and, with the change of season, comes a number of special holidays and dates. Next week, the worlds of music and faith will come together at a few different New York spaces.

On March 19, the night before the spring equinox, The Actors’ Temple Board will host their annual gala at New York’s storied Friar’s Club at 6:30pm. The evening will feature an eclectic mix of entertainment, including the actor/singer/impressionist Tony Babino doing the life and times of Al Jolson, comedian/impressionist George Bettinger and Sir Frank London and Friends. The Actor’s Temple will be honoring their very own Aimee and Daniel Miller as well as Corey Johnson, Speaker of the New York City Council, who will be receiving the Community Service Award.  The performances will be filmed for inclusion on the temple’s website in the near future. 

“Our historic Actors’ Temple is proudly celebrating its 101st year. Much has been done to modernize our beautiful building with tender, loving care,” Carol Ostrow, President of the Temple, said in a statement. “In honoring the memory of Al Jolson, the “most famous entertainer of the 20th Century”, we pay homage to all the unforgettable comedians and actors who were his friends–loyal members of the Temple, who attended services, raised money and did all they could to keep the Spirit of the Temple alive with their friends and families. They were also loyal and active Friars. We are so excited to also honor our V.P. Dan Miller and his wife Aimee as well as Corey Johnson, the new Speaker of the City Council. If you are a fan of Jolie’s you must join us……all are welcome. You ain’t heard nothin’ yet!”

A few days later, New York’s City Vineyard will host the Spring Spiritual Revival on Friday, March 23. The evening will feature a special cross-genre performance bringing together rapper Sir the Baptist and The Fraternal Order of the Society Blues with The Sway Machinery’s Jeremiah Lockwood. The night will feature a Friday night ritual and discussion led by Because Jewish Rabbi Dan Ain on the relevant themes of the season (rebirth, hope, liberation) as well as a conversation focusing on music and the holidays. Earlier this week Lockwood’s Book of J project opened for his longtime collaborators Antibalas at San Francisco’s The Chapel.