The Drop: The Manhattan Transfer

The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome collectively ten-time GRAMMY Award-winning vocal group The Manhattan Transfer to celebrate its 50th anniversary and the release of a new studio album, aptly titled Fifty. The evening will consist of an in-depth interview moderated by Variety’s Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic, Chris Willman about the group’s impressive 50-year career and the making of their new album, followed by a performance from the group.

 Known for their trademark, jazz-infused harmonies, their dynamic performances and their stylistic range, The Manhattan Transfer has achieved an incomparable career of hits across the pop, jazz and dance charts. The group was the brainchild of singer Tim Hauser (1941–2014), who, as a New York City taxi driver in the late ’60s, aspired to form a vocal harmony quartet that could authentically embrace a variety of musical styles. In a uniquely New York moment, Hauser met singers Laurel Massé and Janis Siegel in his taxi. Rounding out the group was Alan Paul, who, at the time, was a cast member of Grease on Broadway. On October 1, 1972, the four vocalists became The Manhattan Transfer. The quartet soon became the premier live attraction in Manhattan, releasing their self-titled, major-label debut in 1975 and scoring their first US Top 40 hit with a cover of the gospel classic “Operator.” Two years later, they topped the UK pop charts with “Chanson D’Amour,” off 1976’s Coming Out, and continued to grow their fanbase with a string of charting albums (including 1978’s Pastiche) and a trove of hit songs in the US, UK, Australia and beyond, including “On a Little Street in Singapore,” In 1979, Cheryl Bentyne replaced Massé, and the group evolved a vocal fusion embracing electronics with newly energized vocal arrangements. The group’s next album, Extensions (1980), produced the dance hit “Twilight Zone / Twilight Tone” and “Birdland,” which earned the group their first two GRAMMYS and became one of their signature tunes. 

In 1985, the Transfer released their most acclaimed recording, Vocalese. The recording received 12 GRAMMY nominations, making it, to date, second only to Michael Jackson’s Thriller as the most nominated individual album. Vocalese ultimately won three GRAMMYs for “Best Jazz Vocal Performance”, “Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices”, and “Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male”.

In 2013, Trist Curless began subbing on the road for the late band founder Tim Hauser, officially joining after Hauser’s passing in 2014.

Janis Siegel, Alan Paul, Cheryl Bentyne and Trist Curless are currently on their final global tour celebrating their 50th Anniversary. 

The Manhattan Transfer is one of only four artists in history to have won seven consecutive GRAMMY awards for seven consecutive studio albums.

Member Check – In: 6:30pm

Nonmember Check – In / Doors: 7:00pm

Show Time: 7:30pm

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets from Thu 9/29 10:30AM through Sat 10/1 11AM.   

TICKET POLICY

The holder of this ticket is granted admission to the indicated facility for the purpose of viewing the specified event. This ticket is for use by the holder only and the holder is bound by this policy. This ticket is not transferable and may not be sold, otherwise conveyed or used for any other purpose, including promotion or commercial, without the prior written consent of The Recording Academy. If this ticket is sold, otherwise conveyed or used in violation of this policy, it will be deemed revoked and void, and its holder deemed a trespasser at all Recording Academy events. This ticket is a revocable license and admission may be refused by refunding the face amount of the ticket or ejection may occur for failure to comply with any facility rule. The holder agrees not to transmit or aid in transmitting any description, picture, recording or reproduction of the event. The holder acknowledges that the event may be captured and recorded by audio, audiovisual, and/or photographic means, and hereby grants permission to utilize the holder’s image and/or voice in any and all media now known or hereafter devised to further the interests and mission of the Recording Academy. It is unlawful to reproduce this ticket in any form. The Holder assumes all risks incidental to the event, whether occurring prior to, during or after the event, and releases the facility, management, all participants and each of their affiliates, employees, officers, directors, members, partners, owners, managers, sponsors, contractors and agents from any loss, damage or expense resulting from any such risk. The Recording Academy reserves all legal rights and remedies. Save money on ticketing fees next time by becoming a GRAMMY Museum member! More info at grammymuseum.org.

ALL TICKETS ARE WILL-CALL ONLY AND VALID I.D IS NECESSARY FOR PICK UP.

COVID-19 POLICYFor the health, safety and well-being of our patrons, staff and artists, GRAMMY Museum’s current COVID-19 policy for Public Program guests is as follows:

• Masks are currently required for all guests.
• NOTE: This policy is subject to change at any time. Please check back for our current policy before your scheduled performance date.

ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO EXCHANGES.

EVENT TIME & DATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE