What the World Needs Now — 10-piece Burt Bacharach tribute band performing live on stage in an elegant ballroom with chandeliers Photo: Chris Nova Productions

What the World Needs Now

Bacharach is Back!

Book the Show

“If you have the opportunity to see this show, RUN…DON'T WALK…to get tickets.”

— Arthur

“I was lucky enough to take a chance and attend this soldout show. Unbelievable talent…can't wait to see you again!”

— Donna

“I was in the front row and loved every minute of today's show!”

— Jean

The Show

A Vibrant, Nostalgic Concert Experience Celebrating the Timeless Music of Burt Bacharach

What the World Needs Now is a vibrant, nostalgic concert experience celebrating the extraordinary songbook of legendary composer Burt Bacharach — the only full band production performing the masterpieces of Burt Bacharach. Featuring unforgettable classics including "What the World Needs Now," "Walk On By," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," "Alfie," "The Look of Love," and many more, the production honors one of America's greatest songwriters with elegance, authenticity, and joy.

Created, produced, and starring New York vocalist Susan Marten, the show features a world-class, New York-based 10-piece ensemble with a tight rhythm section, a three-piece horn section, and four exceptional vocalists. Rich orchestration, soaring harmonies, and heartfelt performances recreate the iconic sound made famous by Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, Herb Alpert, Karen Carpenter, Jackie DeShannon, and many others — bringing fresh life to these timeless classics while preserving their unmistakable sophistication.

Throughout the performance, Susan shares stories behind the songs, giving audiences a deeper appreciation for Bacharach's remarkable career and the enduring music that continues to inspire generations.

What the World Needs Now is more than a tribute — it's an immersive concert experience celebrating one of popular music's greatest songbooks. It's an evening of timeless music, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable performances that stays with audiences long after the last note is played.

Burt Bacharach at the piano, 1972 publicity photo
Burt Bacharach
Dionne Warwick, 1969 CBS television special publicity photo
Dionne Warwick
Karen Carpenter, 1973 publicity photo
Karen Carpenter
Herb Alpert with his trumpet, 1966 publicity photo
Herb Alpert
Dusty Springfield performing at the Sanremo Music Festival, 1965
Dusty Springfield
The 5th Dimension group publicity photo, 1971
The 5th Dimension
Christopher Cross performing live on guitar
Christopher Cross
B.J. Thomas, 1972 publicity photo
B.J. Thomas

Meet the Artists

Susan Marten, bandleader and lead vocalist, performing live for What the World Needs Now
Susan Marten Bandleader & Vocals
Sarah Tracey performing live vocals for What the World Needs Now
Sarah Tracey Vocals
Janet Montalbo performing live vocals for What the World Needs Now
Janet Montalbo Vocals
Paul Block performing live on piano and vocals for What the World Needs Now
Paul Block Piano, Strings, Synth & Vocals
Jason Chapman performing live on trumpet and flugelhorn for What the World Needs Now
Jason Chapman Trumpet / Flugelhorn
Sanford Marten performing live on saxophone for What the World Needs Now
Sanford Marten Tenor & Alto Sax, Flute
Eric Miller performing live on trombone for What the World Needs Now
Eric Miller Trombone
Mike Ernst performing live on guitar for What the World Needs Now
Mike Ernst Guitar
Dave Lobenstein performing live on bass guitar for What the World Needs Now
Dave Lobenstein Bass Guitar
Kenneth Hassler performing live on drums for What the World Needs Now
Kenneth Hassler Drums

Audience Love & the Songbook

The hits as you remember them, reimagined for the stage — and the crowds who love them.

Audience Love

Kick butt, you people rock!

— Paul

My friends and I were thrilled by your performance. We loved your stage presence, attire and talent!

— Lyza

Loved the show! Can't wait to see it again!

— Margaret

It was terrific.

— Renee

It was a great show!

— Morton

We greatly enjoyed the show!

— John & Marcia

A Sample of the Songbook

Walk On By Dionne Warwick
I Say a Little Prayer Dionne Warwick
Close to You The Carpenters
Do You Know the Way to San Jose Dionne Warwick
Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head B.J. Thomas
This Guy's in Love With You Herb Alpert
Alfie Cilla Black
What the World Needs Now Is Love Jackie DeShannon
Promises, Promises Dionne Warwick
The Look of Love Dusty Springfield
I'll Never Fall in Love Again Dionne Warwick
Anyone Who Had a Heart Dionne Warwick
A House Is Not a Home Dionne Warwick
Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) Christopher Cross
Wives and Lovers Jack Jones
That's What Friends Are For Dionne Warwick & Friends

…and many more Bacharach classics, customized for your event

A production perfect for theaters, casinos, performing arts centers, festivals, and private events.

Ten world-class musicians bringing Bacharach's greatest hits to life. Full details, availability, and pricing are one email away.

For Press & Venues

What the World Needs Now is a vibrant, nostalgic concert experience celebrating the songbook of legendary composer Burt Bacharach — a 10-piece ensemble with a tight rhythm section, a three-piece horn section, and four exceptional vocalists. Created, produced, and starring New York vocalist Susan Marten. Full bio and photos in the About and Band sections above; promo video is in About too.

Request Tech Specs
Booking ContactSusan Marten
Ensemble10-Piece Full Production
Based InNew York
Send a Booking Inquiry

On Stage

Upcoming Shows

Aug30

Elmont Library Theater

Elmont, NY

Tickets
Feb6

The Palace – Kings Point

Tamarac, FL

Tickets

More dates being added regularly — join the mailing list to hear first.

Now booking — select 2026 & 2027 dates still available.

Check Availability

Recent Performances

May30
Vocalists performing live at Belfry Music Theater

Belfry Music Theater

Delavan, WI

May31
Full band performing live on stage at Belfry Music Theater

Belfry Music Theater

Delavan, WI

Jun13
Band members high-fiving on stage at My Father's Place

My Father's Place

Roslyn, NY