AJ Rafael Makes Dazzling 54 Below Debut

Stepping Onto The 54 Below Stage

AJ Rafael, the Filipino-American singer-songwriter known for his YouTube covers and soulful originals, finally checked off a major bucket-list item this week: a debut performance at New York’s acclaimed cabaret venue 54 Below. In an Instagram post on May 16, Rafael wrote, “My @54below debut!!! So grateful to @mightbsmart for the opportunity to check off a bucket list venue to perform at. And so honored to share the stage with some of the most talented people.”

A Night Of Theater Magic

Located just steps from Broadway theaters, 54 Below has become the go-to spot for intimate shows by stars and rising talents alike. For Rafael—whose catalog spans heartfelt fan favorites like “When I Look at You” and his 2019 album RED—this performance represented a return to live theatrical storytelling. He shared the stage with Broadway veterans handpicked by producer and director Smart Phan (@mightbsmart), delivering playful banter, lush arrangements, and a genuine sense of community.

During the evening, Rafael spotlighted songs from his latest releases and treated the audience to a few acoustic surprises. In his caption, he also thanked fellow performers Antonio Cipriano (@antoniocipriano_) and Justine Verheul (@justineverheul) “for getting me to come back to NY to refresh and feel that theatre magic again.”

Nyc Homecoming

The cabaret night capped off Rafael’s multi-day visit to New York. The day before, he posted from Astoria, Queens, thanking longtime friends Jasmine Rafael (@jasminejrafael) and Cass Hamilton (@casswhamilton) for hosting him in their beautiful apartment. In that May 15 post, he teased the show, writing: “Day 1 in NY 🤩 thank you @jasminejrafael @casswhamilton for letting me stay in your beautiful apartment in Astoria!!! See you tonight @54below @mightbsmart 🙏🏽.”

This warm welcome from friends set the tone for an evening that combined high-caliber performance with the easy camaraderie Rafael is known for. Fans packed the subterranean lounge, raising glasses of champagne and singing along as he moved effortlessly from original tunes to heartfelt covers.

About Aj Rafael

Born on March 12, 1989, in Moreno Valley, California, AJ Rafael rose to prominence through YouTube, posting covers that showcased his tender vocals and acoustic style. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he released his debut EP Waxing & Waning in 2009 and later albums such as Red Roses (2013). Along the way, he built a devoted following with viral hits and collaborations, earning praise for blending pop, R&B, and gentle folk influences.

He’s also no stranger to the spotlight: in 2011 he auditioned for American Idol’s tenth season, and over the years he’s toured internationally, performing at festivals, Carnegie Hall, and even cheering on his home-island teams in the Philippines. Yet 54 Below held a special allure—a crossroads of cabaret tradition and Broadway spirit that Rafael described as “theatre magic.”

Looking Ahead

With the success of his New York engagement, Rafael plans to expand his cabaret repertoire. He hinted on Instagram at future collaborations with fellow Broadway artists and more shows in major cities. For now, though, he’s basking in the glow of a night where every note hit home. As he summed up in his post, “Grateful to share the stage with some of the most talented people.”

AJ Rafael’s 54 Below debut not only celebrated a milestone in his career—it reminded fans why he remains one of the most engaging voices bridging the worlds of online music and live theatrical performance. This is one chapter in his journey that’s sure to resonate long after the final curtain.

Reporter

Pratibha

 

Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

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