Titled I ❤ The Carpenters, performances at the intimate venue are scheduled for June 1 at 7 PM, June 8 at 9:30 PM and June 15 at 7 PM. Morton will be backed by the newly formed Downey CA Collective, performing songs penned by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Paul Williams, Roger Nichols, Leon Russell, John Bettis and Richard Carpenter himself. Among Carpenters hits were "We've Only Just Begun," "Close To You," "Rainy Days and Mondays" and "Top of the World."
"My youth was scored with the music of the world-famous, brother and sister duo the Carpenters," stated Morton. "With my ear pressed to a speaker, I’d listen to the velvet beauty of Karen's voice coupled with the genius of Richard's arrangements and compositions. That lonely boy discovered a kindred spirit – and learned how to sing – through that music. This series of concerts at 54 Below is the realization of a long-time dream of performing an evening of Carpenters songs. It's a project which aims to introduce this timeless music into our lives using a fresh, modern outlook which will prove that Richard and Karen’s musical legacy is as important and vibrant today as it was nearly fifty years ago. It couldn't be closer to my heart."
54 Below is located at 254 West 54th Street. Tickets are $45 with a $25 food/beverage minimum. Tickets will be available online at www.54Below.com.