Stella Cole recently returned to The Birchmere for what she happily told the audience was her fifth appearance at the legendary Alexandria venue. Her love affair with The Birchmere clearly continues, and the feeling seems to be mutual. Cole is currently touring across the United States, with dates scheduled through September, and although she joked that she had recently enjoyed two weeks at home, she admitted she was happy to be back on the road.
Any opportunity to hear Stella Cole perform is one worth taking. Among a new generation of vocalists interpreting the Great American Songbook, few possess a voice as rich, warm, and effortlessly elegant as hers. She remains one of today’s finest ambassadors for these timeless standards, and her performance at The Birchmere was another reminder of why audiences continue to embrace her.
At The Birchmere on June 25, the evening also served as something of an early album release celebration. Cole announced that her new live album, *Live at Café Carlyle*, would officially be released the following day, but she had brought a limited number of advance copies to sell at the merchandise table. The announcement immediately sent a handful of fans toward the lobby in hopes of securing one before they disappeared. Laughing, Cole remarked that she would always remember The Birchmere as the place where she “leaked” her new album a day early.
Backed by an outstanding three-piece band, Cole opened the 90-minute performance with “Love Walked In,” a perfect showcase for the clarity and beauty of her voice. Throughout the evening, she moved effortlessly through beloved standards, bringing fresh life to songs that have remained classics for generations.
One highlight came with “Singin’ in the Rain,” forever associated with Gene Kelly’s iconic performance in the 1952 film. Cole’s interpretation was both joyful and graceful, leading seamlessly into “It’s Magic,” where the piano work particularly stood out and helped establish the warm, intimate mood that defined the evening. Her band proved to be more than accompanists, providing tasteful, understated performances that allowed every song to breathe.
About midway through the set came a beautiful rendition of “Moon River,” perhaps the evening’s finest vocal performance. While almost any number in Cole’s repertoire could make a case for that distinction, her interpretation of Henry Mancini’s classic demonstrated both remarkable control and genuine emotional warmth.
Watch Stella Cole perform “Moon River” by Henry Mancini on YouTube:
Cole’s personality was every bit as engaging as her singing. Between songs she shared stories with the audience, including her lifelong admiration for Judy Garland. She laughed while describing herself as an “obsessed two-year-old,” recalling that she had expected the Wicked Witch of the West to appear on her birthday cake but instead found Dorothy waiting for her. The charming story served as the perfect introduction to Garland’s “Get Happy.”
The second half of the show continued with one classic after another, including “As Time Goes By,” “Anything Goes,” and “When the Sun Comes Out.” Cole closed the evening with what has become one of her signature performances, “Over the Rainbow.” The song showcased the extraordinary range, warmth, and emotional depth that have made her one of the most compelling young interpreters of the Great American Songbook. It was a fitting conclusion to an evening that left The Birchmere audience thoroughly captivated.
Setlist
1. Love Walked In (George & Ira Gershwin cover)
2. Pure Imagination (Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley cover) — from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
3. Singin’ in the Rain (Nacio Herb Brown & Arthur Freed cover)
4. It’s Magic (Jule Styne & Sammy Cahn cover)
5. Old Devil Moon (Burton Lane & E.Y. Harburg cover)
6. Moon River (Henry Mancini & Johnny Mercer cover)
7. Get Happy (Harold Arlen & Ted Koehler cover)
8. The Very Thought of You / Cry Me a River (Ray Noble / Arthur Hamilton covers)
9. Till There Was You (Meredith Willson cover)
10. Just One of Those Things (Cole Porter cover)
11. I Could Have Danced All Night (Frederick Loewe & Alan Jay Lerner cover)
12. As Time Goes By (Herman Hupfeld cover)
13. Anything Goes (Cole Porter cover)
14. When the Sun Comes Out (Harold Arlen & Ted Koehler cover)
15. Over the Rainbow (Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg cover)
Here are some photos of Stella Cole performing live at The Birchmere on June 25, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
