Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
July 2, 2009
Ron Abel, once again, brought a rip-roarin' show, a full house and some fantastic guest stars to his Broadway at Birdland extravaganza.  Between his highly original songs, great band, and Lucie Arnaz(pictured)!
RON ABEL, ONCE AGAIN, BROUGHT A RIP-ROARIN' SHOW, a full house and some fantastic guest stars to his Broadway at Birdland extravaganza. Between his highly original songs, great band, Lucie Arnaz (left), Valarie Pettiford and Michael Amante, the crowd loved every second of the concert - and was left screaming for more. They'll get more, too, because Mr. Abel is part of the Birdland family, and we're always proud to have him on our stage! You can see lots more great photos by Stephen Sorokoff, if you click on Flickr. What would we do without Mr. Sorokoff's photographic artistry!?

We were so happy to see our old friend Kirsten Gray (pictured), who always has a new song to show off, along with the most gorgeous voice and spectacular guitar-playing.
And then Cast Party happened. It was characters aplenty at our weekly musical soiree, and the laughs and zippy tunes just kept a'comin' until the wee hours. We were so happy to see our old friend Kirsten Gray (left), who always has a new song to show off, along with the most gorgeous voice and spectacular guitar-playing. We were delighted to see and hear Perri Payne and Michael Rice showing off their swell musical stuff, too.

The whole evening was especially happy, thanks to the 80th birthday celebration of my mom, Pat Caruso (left, with Eda Sorokoff, thanks to Stephen Sorokoff).  Lots of her pals showed up with prezzies and fun, and she had a complete ball.  And she got a kiss from Martin Short.
Then there was the Cast Party debut of Joyce Aimée (left)! She strutted across the stage (avec boa) absolutely captivating everyone, which she's been doing since Josephine Baker dubbed her “La Chanteuse Dangereuse” during her six-year engagement at the Hotel Pierre here in NYC in the late 1940's. I sure hope that Ms. Aimée becomes a regular - she's our kinda gal, and that's the truth. On the other side of the spectrum, the extremely young Charlie Puth proved that age has no bearing on showbiz savvy! This 17 year-old jazz pianist dazzled us all with his chops, but also garnered the biggest laugh of the evening, when discussing his fan base. “Thirteen year-old girls…and…um…older men,” he quipped cautiously. Add the Cast Party crew to that mix! Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle, our house pianist and bass player, worked their fingers to the bone, helping everyone sound brilliant with their extraordinary playing. They're the (sometimes) unsung heros of the most extreme open-mic in the world, but I'm here to belt out their praises! You have to join us and see what all the fuss is about! Cast Party takes place, whether you want it to or not, every single Monday at 9:30pm. Come this next week - it'll be our 341st in a row! And they said it wouldn't last…!
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
CELEBRATING HIS RECENT RELEASE, "LOVERS, TALES AND DANCES," trumpeter Dominick Farinacci presents music from Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Jacques Brel, Astor Piazzolla, and others in concert at Birdland on Monday, July 6 at 7pm.
CELEBRATING HIS RECENT RELEASE, "LOVERS, TALES & DANCES," trumpeter Dominick Farinacci presents music from Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Jacques Brel, Astor Piazzolla, and others in concert at Birdland on Monday, July 6 at 7pm. Dominick continues to make waves with some of the most influential names in jazz. Released this February, the album is winning over insiders and media alike, prompting Gary Walker of WBGO to dub it “One of the most gorgeous, passionate and haunting recordings to cross my desk in some time,” and Metro Santa Cruz to say “Serious chops for serious jazz fans, this kid is making waves and he's barely out of the kiddie pool.” Produced by the legendary Russ Titelman (Eric Clapton, James Taylor, etc), "Lovers, Tales & Dances" features some of the greatest players in jazz, including Kenny Barron, James Genus, Marc Johnson, Lewis Nash, Jamey Haddad, Joe Lovano, and Joe Locke, with guest vocalist Hilary Kole, and string arrangements by Rich Derosa.

DOMINICK FARINACCI

WHEN: Monday, July 6th at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
CHARGE: $25 cover, $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com

THEN...July 13: Stephanie J. Block, July 20: "The Marcy & Zina Show"
Our Sponsors
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)
MARK RAPP: TOKEN TALES "You should put some time aside and listen to what Rapp is doing." -Jazz.com The Mark Rapp Group has played sold out shows at the Blue Note (NY), Yoshi's (San Fran) and such venues as the JVC Newport Jazz Festival, Dizzy's, Jazztime Festival (Croatia), Jazzland (Vienna) and more. Mark was named a "top emerging trumpeter" by Downbeat Magazine, featured on a Travel Channel documentary and has played with Branford Marsalis (see) to Hootie and the Blowfish. His debut record Token Tales is receiving critical acclaim and was #20 on the Jazz Week Jazz Charts. GO SEE THE MARK RAPPP GROUP at the Jazz Standard on Sunday, July 5th! Every CD sold at the shows on July 5th, 90% will go directly to Project Sunshine, a nonprofit benefiting children facing medical challenges. Reserve your place now!
MARK RAPP: TOKEN TALES "You should put some time aside and listen to what Rapp is doing." -Jazz.com The Mark Rapp Group has played sold out shows at the Blue Note (NY), Yoshi's (San Fran) and such venues as the JVC Newport Jazz Festival, Dizzy's, Jazztime Festival (Croatia), Jazzland (Vienna) and more. Mark was named a "top emerging trumpeter" by Downbeat Magazine, featured on a Travel Channel documentary and has played with Branford Marsalis (see) to Hootie and the Blowfish. His debut record Token Tales is receiving critical acclaim and was #20 on the Jazz Week Jazz Charts. (4)
HERE'S THE NEWEST, FRESHEST VERSION OF THE CAST PARTY T-SHIRT (modeled here by our friend Kyle Michael Kuhlman)! Kids, it's 100% cotton (yes!) in snowy white, with a Minnelli red ringer, and accompanying black and red logo announcing your love for a certain Monday night soiree!  We have them in S, M, and L!  Get 'em while they're HOT! $20
HERE'S THE NEWEST, FRESHEST VERSION OF THE CAST PARTY T-SHIRT (modeled here by our friend Kyle Michael Kuhlman)! Kids, it's 100% cotton (yes!) in snowy white, with a Minnelli red ringer, and accompanying black and red logo announcing your love for a certain Monday night soiree! We have them in S, M, and L! Get 'em while they're HOT! $20
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!

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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