Johnny Mercer Power of the American Popular Song Festival

The Johnny Mercer Power of the American Popular Song Festival returns for its second year. This weeklong program will feature some of America’s most prominent songwriters and singers working in the tradition of the legendary Johnny Mercer.

Three Conversations and Cabarets, hosted by Michael Kerker, director of musical theatre for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), will feature the following guest artists:

8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, An Evening with Craig Carnelia (composer of Working and Tony-nominated for Sweet Smell of Success)

8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, An Evening with Amanda McBroom (noted composer and cabaret performer Grammy-nominated for "The Rose," recorded by Bette Midler)

8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, An Evening with Andrew Lippa (composer/lyricist of The Wild Party and the American Music Theatre Project’s musical Asphalt Beach)

8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, a Songwriter’s Showcase will feature 12 of America’s most promising young new songwriters

8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, "Mercer Melodies," a gala concert hosted by guest artist and Northwestern alumnus Brian d’Arcy James, a Tony Award-nominated actor and singer (Sweet Smell of Success, The Wild Party, Titanic) who has been cast in the title role in the workshop of Mel Brooks’ upcoming new musical Young Frankenstein.