Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
June 4, 2009
Malcolm Gets is one of my favorite guys to watch on the Broadway at Birdland stage.  First of all, his voice is so easy to listen to.  Don't get me wrong, everyone in the series sings great...but the easy-going timbre, clarity and ease with which he sings just makes me relax from the second he takes the stage.
MALCOLM GETS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE GUYS TO WATCH on the Broadway at Birdland stage. First of all, his voice is so easy to listen to. Don't get me wrong, everyone in the series sings great...but the beautiful timbre, clarity and intelligence with which he sings just makes me relax from the second he takes the stage. This past Monday was no exception to the rule. Malcom, his brilliant musical director John McDaniel and superb band brought us a wonderful show with swell material, fascinating stories and great warmth. He even surprised us with a special musical guest - his Broadway Amour Melissa Errico (left with another diva/fan Judy Kurn). Stay tuned for many, many more Malcolm sightings at Birdland!

The following Cast Party was such fun, as the music continued into the night!  Super jazz-violinist Aaron Weinstein (left, surrounded by Birdland Beauties) stopped the show with his Irving Berlin reading and dazzling playing.
The following Cast Party was such fun, as the music continued into the night! Super jazz-violinist Aaron Weinstein (left, surrounded by Birdland Beauties) stopped the show with his Irving Berlin reading and dazzling playing. Nate Lombardi mixed the Great American Songbook with Hip-Hop to great effect. Sue Bilich, our pal from the Austin Cast Party, killed with her “Vodka.” And what a true delight to see Claire Martin and Sir Richard Rodney Bennett take to the stage, and show us why they're breaking all records at the Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel. They are truly a musical Dynamic Duo, and we sure hope they make a return visit soon! Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle were our in-house musical team, and kept the music sublime into the wee small hours. We do it all again next Monday, and can't wait! Rumour has it that one of our favorite Cast Party-ers, YouTube superstar Miranda Sings, will be strutting her stuff for us. Yikes! Get ready!!

This Sunday, all of our fingers, toes and eyes are crossed that “Liza's At The Palace” takes home a Tony!
This Sunday, all of our fingers, toes and eyes are crossed that “Liza's At The Palace” takes home a Tony! In celebration of the nomination, I had a great chat with my favorite boss, which you can see on BroadwayWorld.com. And my talented friend Squigs, who is most-certainly the next Hirschfeld, sent me this fantastic artwork (left) celebrating all of the nominees in the “Special Event” category, which includes Liza May, Cortes, Tiger, Johnny and me! Thank you, as always, Squigs!
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
Conductor, composer, orchestrator, record producer, Grammy and two-time Emmy Award-winner John McDaniel has enjoyed a lively career on Broadway and on television.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF NATALIE DOUGLAS to the Broadway at Birdland series. Douglas will perform a new show called “The Heart of the Matter” on Monday, June 8 at 7pm.

Birdland favorite and seven-time MAC Award-winner Natalie Douglas makes her 11th visit to the Birdland stage with an all-new show, “The Heart of the Matter.” Joined by her longtime musical director, Avenue Q's Mark Hartman, and her band of Broadway All-Stars, this “sensational” (TimeOut NY) and “heartstopping” (Out Magazine) singer performs her favorite songs that have the power to connect us all. Breaking boundaries of genre and decade, “The Heart of the Matter” includes songs by Don Henley, Johnny Cash, Stevie Wonder and Billie Holiday.

Natalie Douglas has won seven MAC Awards, a Nightlife Award, and a Backstage Bistro Award. Her concert and theater appearances include regular sold-out performances at Birdland as part of the Broadway at Birdland series, The Kennedy Center, The London Cabaret Convention, Black2: Broadway - Divas, Children of Eden at Riverside Church for the York Theatre, Brooklyn to Hollywood at Town Hall, several editions of The Atrainplays at Neighborhood Playhouse, Playwrights Horizons and the New World Stages, Scott Nevins' Curtain Call at Splash, The Thalia Follies at Symphony Space and most recently, in the Off Broadway hit, The People vs. Mona, by Jim and Patricia Wann of Pumpboys & Dinettes fame. In addition, there is Natalie's annual New Year's Eve collaboration with Mark Hartman - a Greenwich Village tradition - which materializes each December 31st at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre. Natalie's critically acclaimed debut CD, “Not That Different,” was nominated for a 2000 MAC Award for Outstanding Recording and is currently in its third printing. Natalie's most recent CD, “To Nina...Live At Birdland” has been released to critical acclaim and selections from the CD continue to be featured on NPR, Sirius Rado and XM Radio.

NATALIE DOUGLAS: THE HEART OF THE MATTER


WHEN: Monday, June 8th at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
CHARGE: $25 Cover Charge; plus $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com

THEN... June 15 - “The Divas Sing Scott Alan”, June 22 - Shoshana Bean, June 29 - Ron Abel
Our Sponsors
MAC® AND BISTRO AWARD ® WINNING RECORDING ARTIST, LEE LESSACK will perform his critically-acclaimed concert, “Too Marvelous For Words: The Songs of Johnny Mercer” on Monday, June 8th and Sunday, June 14th at 9:30 P.M. at the Metropolitan Room, (34 West 22nd St., NYC). Billboard Magazine calls his singing, “Cabaret romanticism of a high order.” Lessack is touring in celebration of the Mercer Centennial, a performance which Rex Reed hailed as “Rare, Superb, and thoroughly enjoyable!” His fifth and most ambitious recording to date, “In Good Company”, was released in July of 2005. Intimate and impeccably co-produced by Johnny Rodgers, the album beams with outstanding performances featuring duets with music notables such as Michael Feinstein, Maureen McGovern, Ann Hampton Callaway and Stephen Schwartz. For reservations, call: (212) 206-0440. Click: www.leelessack.com
MAC® AND BISTRO AWARD ® WINNING RECORDING ARTIST, LEE LESSACK will perform his critically-acclaimed concert, “Too Marvelous For Words:  The Songs of Johnny Mercer” on Monday, June 8th and Sunday, June 14th at 9:30 P.M. at the Metropolitan Room, (34 West 22nd St., NYC). (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!

Click here to advertise with us. It costs less than the average banner ad, and you're guaranteed to be seen by tons of fabulous people (look, you're reading this right now, yes?).
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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