Fred Talks to... Cheryl Bentyne of The Manhattan Transfer

Step inside the conversation.

“Fred Talks To…” is a monthly live interview series hosted by legendary music journalist Fred Bronson, bringing audiences face-to-face with the icons, storytellers, and cultural voices who’ve shaped the entertainment world. Set in the elegant, Old Hollywood ambiance of The Velvet Martini Lounge at Vitello’s in Studio City, each event offers a rare, up-close experience you simply won’t find anywhere else.

With a career spanning five decades, Fred Bronson has interviewed some of the biggest names in music and entertainment—Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, ABBA, Smokey Robinson, Carole King, and countless others—through his work with Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Rolling Stone, and the Los Angeles Times. He’s also written for major television events including the American Music Awards and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, and is the author of multiple bestselling books, including The Billboard Book of Number One Hits.

Now, he brings that same depth, warmth, and insider perspective to the stage—live and unscripted.

And on Oct 3 at 1 PM:

Multiple Grammy winner Cheryl Bentyne has performed in the upstairs showroom at Vitello’s a number of times, and she returns to The Velvet Martini Lounge on Saturday, Oct. 3, but she won’t be singing. It’s Cheryl’s turn to be interviewed by Billboard’s Fred Bronson as the latest celebrity in the series of fascinating Fred Talks.

Cheryl first gained fame when she joined Manhattan Transfer in 1979, making her first appearance with the group on their Extensions album, which was the quartet’s first Grammy win. Between 1979 and 2022, she recorded 21 albums with the famed vocal outfit. She toured the world, gaining international fame, and in 1992 she released her first solo album, Something Cool.

She has been releasing solo albums ever since, with her jazz vocals gracing the songs of Cole Porter, George Gershwin and the Great American Songbook, while also covering popular songs like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “Come Softly To Me.”

Following the interview, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a live audience Q&A—because sometimes the best questions come from the room.

Pair it all with a relaxed brunch setting, craft cocktails, and the signature atmosphere of The Velvet Martini Lounge, and you’ve got an afternoon that feels equal parts salon, storytelling session, and backstage pass.

Seats are limited. Conversations like this don’t come around often.

PLEASE NOTE: The Velvet Martini Lounge has a $35 per person food and beverage minimum daily, including during this event.