H-O-T-T-O-4-O: A Birthday Bash with Heart
Julianne B. Merrill and Friends celebrate her 40th Birthday
H-O-T-T-O-4-O: A Birthday Bash with Heart
For Julianne Merrill, turning 40 isn’t just about cake and candles—it’s about music, community, and giving back. On Wednesday, March 5th at 7 pm, Julianne is taking the stage at Green Room 42 for H-O-T-T-O-4-O Julianne B. Merrill and Friends, a Birthday Celebration—a night filled with performances, surprises, and heartfelt gratitude.
“I wanted to celebrate all the people who have lifted me up and inspired me throughout my life,” Julianne shares.
But this isn’t just a party—it’s also a benefit for the Indiana Youth Group (IYG), an LGBTQ+ youth center in her home state of Indiana.
“I want to make sure they know it’s okay to be their most authentic, sparkly unicorn selves.”
Julianne is a lifelong musician whose love for the stage is practically in her DNA. Her grandfather ran Merrill Stage Equipment in Indianapolis, crafting sets for theaters across the Midwest, while her grandmother sewed massive stage curtains that Julianne used to play in as a child. She started piano at age four, moved to New York City in 2008, and has spent her career working in musical theater. Now, her credits include Music City Off-Broadway, The Jonathan Larson Project, SMASH Broadway, Real Women Have Curves, The Last Bimbo of the Apocalypse, Drag: The Musical, and Some Like It Hot’s national tour—not to mention teaching at Berklee NYC and working on concerts throughout the year.
But H-O-T-T-O-4-O is something different—it’s her first time producing her own show. “I mostly work on other people’s shows, so this is totally new. So much harder! But I love pushing myself and trying new things.”
Luckily, Julianne isn’t doing it alone. “My very good friend Kristen Goodman came on to direct, which was such a lifesaver,” she says. “I was trying to do it all myself and drowning. But when I reached out, Kristen immediately said yes. And then one by one, my friends all said yes—Trent Jeffords and Sarah Smith are singing, Ashley Baier, James Rushin, and Will Shishmanian are playing in the band, my Music City castmates are joining in, and I even have a special arrangement from My Son’s a Queer in the works.”
One of the most special moments? Julianne and Trent Jeffords will debut a song they wrote together ten years ago—a full-circle moment of friendship, creativity, and collaboration.
At its heart, this night is about authenticity—something Julianne holds close to her heart.
“I’m proud to be as authentic as possible and to use my platform to shine a light for others, especially Queer youth. I hope they can learn to love themselves for who they truly are.”
So, if you’re looking for a night of music, joy, and giving back, this is the place to be. Join Julianne and friends on March 5th at Green Room 42—because 40 has never looked so good.
Follow Julianne on Instagram: @juliannemerrill and @patchmasternyc
Tickets & Info: Green Room 42
