Wainwright has spent five decades writing songs that are funny until they are devastating, most of them about the family that is now assembling on stage to sing them back at him — Rufus, Martha and Lucy Wainwright Roche all on one bill is rare enough on its own. Around them sits a bench of collaborators from a different corner of his life: Christopher Guest and Michael McKean from the comedy world, Joe Henry, John Scofield and Van Dyke Parks from the studio, with Judd Apatow steering the night.
What to expect
A seated theater show at Town Hall running as a revue of guests trading songs and stories rather than a straight solo set, with surprise appearances built into the billing. Expect a warm, joke-heavy room and a set list drawn across Wainwright's whole catalog.
Good to know
- One night only — this is a birthday tribute, not a tour stop.
- The Town Hall is at 123 West 43rd Street, steps from Times Square.
- Nearest trains: the 1/2/3/7/N/Q/R/W/S to Times Sq–42nd St and the B/D/F/M to 42nd St–Bryant Park.
- It's a seated, all-ages theater with strong sightlines throughout the orchestra and balcony.
- The guest list includes surprise performers, so the running order will not be published in advance.
- Good for longtime folk listeners and for anyone who came to the family through Rufus or Martha.
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Common questions
Who is performing besides Loudon Wainwright III?
Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright and Lucy Wainwright Roche, along with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Joe Henry, John Scofield and Van Dyke Parks, plus surprise guests. Judd Apatow emcees.
Where is it and when does it start?
The Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street in Midtown Manhattan, at 7pm on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Is this part of a tour?
No. It is a single celebration built around his 80th birthday, with a guest lineup assembled for this night only.
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