Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
June 18, 2009
Eden Espinosa & Will Chase
MONDAY NIGHT'S SCOTT ALAN CONCERT WAS A BIG, GIGANTIC SMASH HIT! I wasn't able to be there (see reason below), but everyone I spoke to was absolutely kvelling over the experience. Scott's songs, along with some of the best performers in the universe (including Eden Espinosa & Will Chase, left, by Linda Lenzi) made for an evening to remember - and the place was packed to the walls with family, friends and enthusiastic fans! Come back soon, Scott!

Liz Mikel took the stage (left, thanks to Cal Mackenzie). And when I say 'took,' I mean stormed! Another Dallas nightclub/theater mainstay, this gorgeous glamazon killed everyone with her “When You're Good To Mama…” from Chicago. Someone get that girl a Broadway show!
The following Cast Party was filled with regulars like Jenna & Fortune Esposito, Lodi Carr, Aaron Weinstein, Steve Sorokoff, Rob Langeder, Joan Crowe, Ray Jessell, and William Blake, among many others. We were thrilled to hear Tinuke Oyefule for the first time, and can't wait for her return visit! Poor Baby Bree, whom everyone in town has been raving about, finally made it in, and we're excited to see more of her antique waif persona! Marilyn Maye thrilled everyone with a slew of Johnny Mercer tunes, since it's his 100th birthday. I was also so happy to see my old Dallas pal Tony Hakim, a brilliant singer/guitarist, and he favored us all with a jazzy “All I Ever Need Is You,” clearly celebrating the Chastity/Chaz Bono news. Then…Liz Mikel took the stage (left, thanks to Cal Mackenzie). And when I say 'took,' I mean stormed! Another Dallas nightclub/theater mainstay, this gorgeous glamazon killed everyone with her “When You're Good To Mama…” from Chicago. Someone get that girl a Broadway show!

The night ended with us boys from the (drum roll) Tony-winning “Liza's At The Palace!”  It was fun to sing, once again, with my 'brothers' Cortés Alexander, Johnny Rodgers and Billy Stritch.  By the way, many thanks to all of you who wished us good luck at the Awards - it worked!  We are all thrilled that the show was honored, and that Liza May Minnelli proved once again that she is a force to be reckoned with!  We had a ball at the Tonys (this photo by Joe Marzullo) - and hope you watched and enjoyed!
I missed the first part of the Birdland evening, because I was downtown singing more Johnny Mercer songs with my friends Christine Ebersole, Klea Blackhurst, Billy Stritch (left) and Aaron Weinstein, all to benefit the Greenwich House Music School. The show, at the historic Cherry Lane Theatre, went over like gangbusters, and we just might try to do it for you, the viewing public, in the not-so-distant future

This coming Monday, I want you to join Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and me at Cast Party. First of all, it'll be a spectacular night of talent, as always. Secondly, we'll be celebrating the 80th birthday of someone I've known almost my whole life…my mother! Come sing for her!! She'll be nice to you and clap and cheer and everything. And something tells me there will be a cake. You like cake, I know.
- 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 APPEARANCE OF BROADWAY'S SHOSHANA BEAN in “FLIPPED!” on Monday, June 22 at 7pm. The evening is part of the award-winning Broadway at Birdland concert series.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE APPEARANCE OF BROADWAY'S SHOSHANA BEAN in “FLIPPED!” on Monday, June 22 at 7pm. The evening is part of the award-winning Broadway at Birdland concert series.

“Flipped” will celebrate Shoshana's musical influences, which include Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson. Their R&B classics will be rearranged and 'flipped' into a new acoustic jazz sensibility, befitting the historic Birdland site! James Sampliner will act as Musical Director and Billy Porter will make a special musical appearance!

Best known for her roles in the Broadway smash hits Wicked, Hairspray and a stellar performance alongside Brian McKnight on the “Soul Train: Lady Of Soul Awards,” Shoshana Bean recently released her debut solo album SUPERHERO. In it's first week of sales, SUPERHERO reached #5 on the itunes R&B charts, making it the only independent album in the top 100.

Raised in Portland, Oregon and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Shoshana made her Broadway debut in the original cast of the Tony Award-winning production of Hairspray and went on to be the first replacement for the famed green-skinned witch Elphaba in the Broadway sensation Wicked. During her time in Wicked, she made appearances on “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” “Martha Stewart,” “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” MTV's “Made,” and “The Soul Train Christmas Starfest.” She teamed up with Grammy Award nominee Brian McKnight to honor Aretha Franklin on the “Soul Train: Ladu of Soul Awards.” The duo performed Franklin's classic "Ain't No Way" on the nationally broadcast show, prompting a live audience to erupt into a standing ovation before the song was over. Shoshana has been a back-up singer for an endless list of superstars including Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Destiny's Child, Usher, N'Sync, Ray Charles, Britney Spears and Michael Jackson at KTU's “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration,” both at Madison Square Garden. Her work as a singer/songwriter has been featured on MTV's The Hills and her debut single, "Superhero," was used to promote NBC's Monday night line-up.

SHOSHANA BEAN: "FLIPPED!"

WHEN: Monday, June 22nd 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 29 - Ron Abel
Our Sponsors
JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS PRESENT: AN EVENING WITH LARRY GATLIN & THE GATLIN BROTHERS on Friday, June 26th (7:00PM) at the New York hotspot Metropolitan Room (34 West 22nd Street Between 5th & 6th Avenues). Steve Smith will accompany on guitar and Shannon Ford on drums. Renowned for their mastery and art of perfect family harmony that spawned some of country music’s most memorable hits, Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers rekindled their ole’ gospel music flame with the 2005 release of “Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers Sing Their Family Gospel Favorites,” and in so doing, lit the way towards their 9th Grammy nomination. Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers are still performing live across the US. Visit www.gatlinbrothers.com for more information.
2008 AND 2009 MAC AWARD NOMINEE JENNA ESPOSITO PRESENTS HER NEW SHOW, Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis, in an exclusive engagement at The Metropolitan Room.(5)
2008 AND 2009 MAC AWARD NOMINEE JENNA ESPOSITO PRESENTS HER NEW SHOW, Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis, in an exclusive engagement at The Metropolitan Room. Join Jenna as she celebrates the music of "America’s Sweetheart,” including such favorites as "Where The Boys Are," "Stupid Cupid," and "Who’s Sorry Now," as well as some lesser-known gems! Directed by Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Fortune Esposito. Performances are June 23rd, June 30th, July 7th and July 14th at The Metropolitan Room (34 W. 22nd Street, NYC). All shows at 7 p.m. $20 cover + 2 drink minimum; please call 212-206-0440 for reservations!
2008 AND 2009 MAC AWARD NOMINEE JENNA ESPOSITO PRESENTS HER NEW SHOW, Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis, in an exclusive engagement at The Metropolitan Room.(5)
"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. (12)
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.
CALIFORNIA NATIVE CORTÉS ALEXANDER HAS JUST RELEASED HIS DEBUT SOLO CD, SWELL. It's an eclectic mix of musical styles including pop, jazz, electronica and even a touch of country. Broadwayworld.com has called SWELL “...stunning, spectacular, new, and edgy. 5 out of 5 stars!” Cortés is the recipient of 2 MAC awards and a Backstage Bistro award for his work with the vocal group The Tonics. He spent the last two years touring the world singing and dancing with Liza Minnelli, culminating on Broadway in the Tony award winning extravaganza, “Liza's At the Palace.” SWELL is available on itunes & at CDbaby.com. For more, visit www.cortesalexander.com
CALIFORNIA NATIVE CORTÉS ALEXANDER HAS JUST RELEASED HIS DEBUT SOLO CD, SWELL. It's an eclectic mix of musical styles including pop, jazz, electronica and even a touch of country.  Broadwayworld.com has called SWELL “...stunning, spectacular, new, and edgy.  5 out of 5 stars!”
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. Visit 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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