Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
May 28, 2009
Jazz legend Jon Hendricks
MONDAY NIGHT'S CAST PARTY MIGHT HAVE RESEMBLED "BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN," minus the mountain, had I dragged myself there with my suddenly aching lumbar.  I have no idea what I did to injure myself so horrendously, but it sure happened, and it wasn't pretty.  The good news was that Scott Siegel was able to pinch hit for me at the last second.  Quickly donning his orange pants, he ran over to Birdland and did such a good job I'm never asking him back again.  I'm kidding. There are no jokes about what a great night it turned out to be, though.  It might have been the end of the Memorial Day Weekend but the folks came out en masse, including jazz legend Jon Hendricks (left, thanks to Todd Forman) and his daughter Aria, who were nothing short of sensational.  David M. Sanborn, the star of the Off-Broadway musical King David came in for the very first time and both he and Scott talked to each other doing Jimmy Stewart impressions.  Comedy was king all night with Ray Jessell singing his famous weiner song, and Christine Lavin knockin' em dead with her song about polite New Yorkers. 

The topper of the evening had to be a young lady (left, thanks to Stephen Sorokoff) from Turkey, Seran, who rocked the room with "Big Spender."
The topper of the evening had to be a young lady (left, thanks to Stephen Sorokoff) from Turkey, Seran, who rocked the room with "Big Spender."  Just goes to show you, you never know who's going to show up at Cast Party.  Who knows, even I might show up next week!  Of course, Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle will be at the piano and bass, respectively.  We sure hope to see YOU!- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
Jim Caruso's Cast Party is proud to announce the return of MALCOLM GETS to the Broadway at Birdland concert series.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF MALCOLM GETS to the Broadway at Birdland concert series. Gets will be celebrating the release of his new CD, “The Journey Home” (PS Classics) on Monday, June 1 at 7pm. Composer/pianist/Emmy winner JOHN McDANIEL will serve as Musical Director for the evening.

Malcolm Gets has often said that his career happened because of the record cabinet in his parents' living room…specifically, the cast albums of the 1950s and '60s that were stored there. Gets was studying to be a classical pianist, but instead of practicing, would end up playing selections by Rodgers & Hammerstein. Now, after forging an acclaimed career as a star of Broadway (Amour, A New Brain and The Story of My Life) and television (“Caroline in the City” and HBO's “Grey Gardens”), Gets retraces his musical roots in his debut solo album, “The Journey Home.” Rediscovering his diverse musical touchstones, Gets digs deep into beloved classics like “You Are Beautiful” and “Long Before I Knew You,” takes on anthems both raucous (“It's a Fine Life”) and romantic (“Look to the Rainbow”), and mines the passion and pathos in newer ballads like William Finn's “Anytime.”

Malcolm Gets recently starred opposite Will Chase in the Broadway musical The Story of My Life and was seen as George 'Gould' Strong in the HBO film “Grey Gardens.” He played opposite Kristin Chenoweth in the Encores! production of The Apple Tree, and starred in the Broadway musical Amour. His off-Broadway credits include Polish Joke, Boys and Girls, A New Brain, Hello Again, Merrily We Roll Along, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Finian's Rainbow and the Encores! The Boys From Syracuse. He is perhaps best known for his work on the television series “Caroline in the City.”
Conductor, composer, orchestrator, record producer, Grammy and two-time Emmy Award-winner John McDaniel has enjoyed a lively career on Broadway and on television.
Conductor, composer, orchestrator, record producer, Grammy and two-time Emmy Award-winner John McDaniel has enjoyed a lively career on Broadway and on television. His Broadway shows as arranger and musical director include Annie Get Your Gun, Brooklyn, Taboo and Grease. John is perhaps best known as the band leader on “The Rosie O'Donnell” Show. He has conducted symphony orchestras from coast to coast including the San Francisco Symphony, The Baltimore Symphony and his own hometown St. Louis Symphony. He has recorded three solo CD's, John McDaniel at the Piano: Broadway, John McDaniel at the Piano: Christmas, and John McDaniel at the Piano: Compositions. His most recent release is John McDaniel Live at Joe's Pub.


MALCOLM GETS: THE JOURNEY HOME WITH JOHN MCDANIEL
and Special Guest, MELISSA ERRICO


WHEN: Monday, June 1st at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
CHARGE: $25 General/$40 Premium,; plus $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com

THEN... June 8 - Natalie Douglas, June 15 - “The Divas Sing Scott Alan”, June 22 - Shoshana Bean, June 29 - Ron Abel
Our Sponsors
BARBARA COOK AND THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC -- ONE NIGHT ONLY:  Saturday, May 30 at 8:00 PM, 20% OFF ALL TICKETS!  Last season Barbara Cook celebrated her 80th birthday by giving a sold-out performance with the Philharmonic. Of that unforgettable concert The New York Times's Stephen Holden wrote:  "a transcendent American voice sharing the wisdom she has gained in 80 well-lived years with a tenderness and honesty that could break your heart and mend it all at once." This is the concert you won’t want to miss. Tickets: $35-$125, take 20% off when you mention promo code: cook-cp. Call 212-875-5656 or visit nyphil.org/cook-cp to reserve your seats today!
BARBARA COOK AND THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC -- ONE NIGHT ONLY: Saturday, May 30 at 8:00 PM, 20% OFF ALL TICKETS! (1)
"THE ART OF VOCAL TECHNIQUE": Julie Budd fully understands the demands of live performance, and the toll those rigors can take on the professional instrument. To protect, preserve and enhance the instrument of the serious vocal musician, she has developed a Master Class study course, and one-on-one private classes. Julie Budd works constantly in live performance, TV, film, and sings with symphonies all over the country. She knows that it is vital to learn to protect your instrument. That is what "The Art Of Vocal Technique” is all about. For more information regarding private vocal instruction, Ms. Budd can be reached at (917) 445-8799, or private messages can be left on her web site in the forum section, under "Private Message Section”. www.juliebudd.com
"THE ART OF VOCAL TECHNIQUE": Julie Budd fully understands the demands of live performance, and the toll those rigors can take on the professional instrument. (8)
IN 1987 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, A SMALL TOWN GIRL MET A BIG CITY ROCKER and in LA’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s.Coming to Broadway March 17, 2009 is ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on.
IN 1987 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, A SMALL TOWN GIRL MET A BIG CITY ROCKER and in LA’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s.Coming to Broadway March 17,2009 is ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on.
BILLY STRITCH'S WATERS OF MARCH: THE BRAZILIAN ALBUM: "...Stritch imaginatively captures the magic of the bossa nova rhythm on some terrific cuts, including three by Brazilian music icon Antonio Carlos Jobim. Of these, probably the most memorable is "Someone to Light Up My Life," which most Americans first heard on Sarah Vaughan's legendary Brazilian album. Here Stritch captures the simple sensitivity and all the yearning poignancy the composer had in mind when he first penned it. Sergio Mendez's "So Many Stars" takes you on an indolent, dreamy, and gentle journey...[Stritch's] phrasings and delicate nuances are so insightful that the album becomes a powerful musical statement with many subtle, yet potent, moments." -- John Hoglund, Backstage. The CD and all things Billy Stritch are at www.billystritch.com.
BILLY STRITCH'S WATERS OF MARCH: THE BRAZILIAN ALBUM: "...Stritch imaginatively captures the magic of the bossa nova rhythm on some terrific cuts, including three by Brazilian music icon Antonio Carlos Jobim.
TEDD FIRTH, OF THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, is a New York City based accompanist, jazz pianist and arranger. He has accompanied many renowned artists, including Lee Ann Womack, Faith Prince, Tom Wopat, Margaret Whiting, Maureen McGovern and Marilyn Maye. Among the jazz musicians he has worked with are John Pizzarelli, Houston Person, Benny Golson and Joe Morello. Mr. Firth's New York appearances include the Blue Note, Birdland, the Iridium, the Algonquin, the Rainbow Room, Carnegie Hall, and the Russian Tea Room. Tedd's arrangements have been performed by the Philadelphia Pops and the Ocean City Pops. Find him on MySpace Music at www.myspace.com/teddfirth.
TEDD FIRTH, OF THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, is a New York City based accompanist, jazz pianist, and arranger. He has accompanied many renowned artists, including Lee Ann Womack, Faith Prince, Tom Wopat, Margaret Whiting, Maureen McGovern and Marylin Maye.
STEVE DOYLE, THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BASS PLAYER, has been an active part of the jazz and cabaret scene in New York for the past 18 years, performing with many internationally renowned artists including Bucky Pizzarelli, Billy Stritch, Tony Desare, Rigmor Gustafssen, Klea Blackhurst, Hilary Kole, Dave Stryker, Steve Slagle, Christine Ebersole, Pekka Pylkannen, Stephanie Block, K.T. Sullivan, Emily Skinner, Freddie Bryant, Marilyn Maye, Lari White and many others. Get the full scoop and check out his 1997 CD, Presence, at www.stevedoyle.com.
STEVE DOYLE, THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BASS PLAYER, has been an active part of the jazz and cabaret scene in New York for the past 18 years performing with many internationally renowned artists
DAVID BUDWAY (CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA) IS ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE PIANISTS ON TODAY'S INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SCENE. He is deeply rooted in Classical, Jazz and Rock and Roll Music. In 1992, David made his classical debut as soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. His recording credits include Hubert Laws, Branford Marsalis, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Clark Terry, Michael Brecker, Christiane Noll and others. David has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Liza Minnelli, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Ravi Coltrane, Jimmy Heath, Mark Murphy, Joe Pass, Roger Humphries, Art Farmer, Regina Carter, Dave Liebman and The Mingus Big Band. David composed music to the motion pictures “Lift”, and “Giant Steps”, and won two prizes in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. Look for David's soon to be released Jazz CD “Strike Up the Bud”. Click: DavidBudway.com, or www.myspace.com/davidbudway.
DAVID BUDWAY (CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA) IS ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE PIANISTS ON TODAY'S INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SCENE.
JIM CARUSO…THE PARTY CONTINUES ON CD: Caruso: Live and In Person, with Billy Stritch on piano. "Jim is funny, facile and fabulous! He performs with charm, wit and style, and is vastly entertaining." -- Michael Feinstein. "A cabaret-lover's dream!" -- Chip Deffaa, New York Post. "An unbeatable act of jazz, pop, comedy and conversation that is different from anything else in town." -- Rex Reed, New York Observer. "This impish, twinkling-eyed performer exudes the buoyant spirits of a conetmporary vaudevillian…with an extremely tart lemon tucked firmly in his cheek." -- Stephen Holden, New York Times.

JIM CARUSO…THE PARTY CONTINUES ON CD: Caruso: Live and In Person, with Billy Stritch on piano.
KEN KLEIBER'S OFFERING VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICES. You have the talent, you booked the room and the crowds came. But what about that sought-after agent who was escorting his star client to a premiere? Or that family member who got stuck out-of-town due to inclement weather? Or that best friend who got the 24-hour flu? They can all re-live your shining performance through the magic of digital video. Videographer Ken Kleiber (host of TV, internet & radio’s "That’s Kentertainment!") not only interviews the stars, he films them too. With over 6 years of videotaping experience, Ken has filmed hundreds of hours of cabarets, concerts, live theatre, dance recitals, comedy sets, interviews, on-tape auditions, parties and more. For more information on Ken’s videotaping, copying and transferring services, please contact Ken at kentertain@yahoo.com. Don’t let that once-in-a-lifetime moment be…just once!
KEN KLEIBER'S OFFERING VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICES.
LIZA'S AT THE PALACE...THE 2-CD SET! Two years of touring with the incomparable Liza Minnelli resulted in a triumphant run of Liza's At The Palace at The Palace Theatre. Check out the website for beautiful video footage, photos, and the brand-new 2-CD set of this unforgettable show. The first act is pure Liza at the top of her form, and the second act celebrates the late, extremely great Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers' historic nightclub act that took the world by storm in the late 40's. Cortés Alexander, Johnny Rodgers, Tiger Martina and I worked hard to approximate the blend and unique sound that Bob, Dick, Don and Andy Williams brought to Kay's ingenius vocal arrangements. With old pal Billy Stritch at the piano, this project was an absolute dream come true! Hurry to: LizasAtThePalace.com for an exclusive preview of the 2-CD set available at The Palace Theater, online and in stores.
MINNELLI & CARUSO: TOGETHER AGAIN
SQUIGS DRAWS THE STARS. Justin 'Squigs' Robertson is quickly becoming known far and wide for capturing show biz folk in pen and ink. He loves sushi. His favorite song is 'It's Only A Paper Moon'. And he genuflects upon merely hearing the name of Al Hirschfeld. His whimsical illustration and design is aided and abetted by his parallel career onstage. Squigs is currently posting a fresh weekly sketch or two celebrating the American theatre on his Facebook page, 'Squigs Knows His Lines.' Drop by and become a fan. You can also visit Squigs' website for a look at his take on such talented friends of Cast Party as Jeff Blumenkrantz, Julia Murney, Christine Ebersole, Victoria Clark, Kelli O'Hara, Bob Martin and Liza Minnelli. www.squigsink.com. Vist Squigs on Facebook, too!

Squigs draws the showbiz! www.squigsink.com - this week's pic - L-R: Steve Doyle, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch - The Cast Party Symphony Orchestra!
The Cabaret Exchange
As always, many thanks to our corporate and private sponsors:
Gianni Valente & Hilary Kole, Randy Swartz & Stage Step, Jamie deRoy & friends, Michael Estwanik, Todd Forman, Steven Minichiello, Matthew Gilbert and Wild Oats Productions, as well as our Birdland sound guru Sean Corcoran and Brian Wilson at SoHa Media. We can't do it without you!

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About Us
Look at all the illustrious people!
When:
Every Monday at 9:30 PM!

Where:
BIRDLAND
315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th), NYC
212.581.3080

"...an extreme open mic!" -- ABC-TV

"Jim Caruso is uber-talented!" -- Entertainment Weekly

"Pianist Billy Stritch is thrilling...guaranteed to send you into orbit."
-- Rex Reed, New York Observer

"A vital pulse point of the musical-theater bloodstream: Every week a star or standard might be born." -- Time Out New York

"Bassist Steve Doyle gives firm support and swings solidly." -- Jazz Times

BEST OF NEW YORK Issue -- New York Magazine

"Starrier than the Hayden Planetarium... a hotspot where Broadway and Hollywood tip, twirl and hit the mic. It's become the place to cruise, schmooze, sing and be seen." -- Playbill

"The Broadway at Birdland series is a talk of the town carnival of talent, and is like no other happening in Manhattan It's evolved into an integral part of New York nightlife." -- John Hoglund, TheaterScene.net
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