JIM CARUSO’S L.A. CAST PARTY | starring Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch (on piano) with Special Guests!

The “extreme open mic” that has been a Manhattan mainstay for over two decades is heading West. Jim Caruso’s L.A. Cast Party returns to the Catalina Jazz Club for one night only on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, bringing a heavy dose of Broadway glitz and impromptu variety to the Sunset Strip.

The event features showman Jim Caruso as the host and musical director Billy Stritch—famed collaborator of Liza Minnelli and Tony Bennett—at the piano. Together, they lead a fast-paced, “urbane variety show” where the stage is open to a mix of established stars and rising local talent.

The Ultimate Impromptu Variety Show

Originally launched at New York’s Birdland Jazz Club, Cast Party is far from a standard open mic. It is a high-energy “soiree” where the unexpected is the only guarantee. Over the years, the show has seen surprise appearances by legends like Liza Minnelli and Melissa Manchester, making it a “who’s who” of entertainers.

The evening is known for its “bubbly” atmosphere, guided by Caruso’s sharp wit and Stritch’s musical genius. The format invites performers to participate, creating a unique, interactive experience where the audience might witness anything from a Broadway showstopper to a jazz improvisation or a comedic set.