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Last Week
September 3 , 2009
Klea Blackhurst dazzles everyone with her pocket-trumpet talents. (Photo: Stephen Sorokoff)
“I HEAR MUSIC. MIGHT FINE MUSIC.” That’s how I started Cast Party on Monday night, singing and swinging with the CP Symphony Orchestra, comprised of nimble pianist Tedd Firth and the swellest bass-man, Steve Doyle. And boy, it was a hint of things to come, since we had a plethora of fantastic singers and instrumentalists at Birdland to entertain us! Some folks even chose to sing AND play, as evidenced by Stephen Sorokoff’s great photo of Klea Blackhurst dazzling everyone with her pocket-trumpet talents. (If you’re in San Francisco, go see her starring in Call Me Madam at 42nd Street Moon Theatre, although we can’t guarantee a trumpet solo.) Back to Cast Party…our old pal Eric Garbus returned from Florida with yet another Neil Diamond tune, horrifying Jim but delighting everyone else. A singer named Morning made an auspicious debut, Deb Berman and Sean Harkness performed a very jazzy and hip vocal/guitar duet, and Christine Lavin killed with a tune only dogs could hear! The evening was watched over by one of our fave Broadway composers, Mr. John Bucchino, which forced everyone to be on their musical toes! It all happens again this coming Monday around 9:30! Won’t you come join us? It’s always the most fun when you’re there!
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
Damon Meader
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO PRESENT the jazz vocal group MONDAY OFF at Birdland on Sunday, September 6 at 6:30pm. This event is part of the continuing Broadway at Birdland concert series.

Returning to Birdland after a few years touring the concert halls, Monday Off (Amy Cervini, Melissa Dye, Richard Roland, Raymond Sage) is proud to introduce Melissa Dye, their newest member, to the New York audiences. Melissa's diverse credits include Rapunzel in the revival of Into the Woods, Sandy in Grease and Christine in Phantom of the Opera. Monday Off will be joined by some of the finest musicians in New York City: Michael Cabe on piano, Mark Lau on bass and Ernesto Cervini on drums. “This girl-boy-girl-boy harmony quartet is all about polish, which may explain why they sound like accomplished background singers from the '5 0's. Standards are their bread and butter, but they can throw curveballs: Ask for their version of "Blackbird." - Time Out NY

Monday Off is an exciting addition to the world of vocal jazz. The group's members - Amy Cervini, Melissa Dye, Richard Roland, Raymond Sage - successfully combine the sounds of the vocal groups of the big-band era with Broadway sensibilities and contemporary harmonies creating their own brand of Broadway Jazz. They explore everything from standards, not-so-standards, and vocalese, and adapt tunes from musical theatre to their harmonic styles. The group's members have strong backgrounds in musical theatre and have derived the name of the group from theatre's traditional night off: Monday. In fact, two of the members met and founded Monday Off while touring together in the Broadway musical Titanic. The combined theatrical experience of the group is vast, culminating in more than a dozen Broadway and off-Broadway productions, National Tours, original cast recordings, television commercials and soap operas. Monday Off has become a regular fixture on the New York City club sce ne. In addition, their performances in larger concert halls across the country include Carnegie Hall with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops, The Wheeling Symphony, The Erie Philharmonic & The San Angelo Symphony. Monday Off made their television debut on ABC World News Now performing Christmas songs from their debut album with Bucky Pizzarelli that was released in 2001. Their second CD, "Monday Off" was released in 2006 to critical acclaim. www.mondayoff.org

MONDAY OFF

WHEN: Sunday, September 6 at 6:30 pm
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $25 Cover, $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com
Brad Alexander
Jim Caruso’s Cast Party is proud to announce that The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) will be presenting a concert spotlighting songwriters who have participated past Festivals of New Musicals. The event will take place on Monday, September 7 at 7pm, as part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series.

This evening will feature the songs of David Kirshenbaum (Vanities, Summer of ’42), Dan Lipton & David Rossmer (JOE! The Musical, “Don’t Quit Your Night Job”), Brad Alexander (pictured at left) & Adam Mathias (See Rock City & Other Destinations), who will share past, present and future projects, and invite their Broadway pals to perform their songs. The cast will include Kate Baldwin (Finian's Rainbow), Jenn Colella (High Fidelity), Kerry O'Malley (Into the Woods), Charlie Pollock (9 to 5), Steve Rosen (SPAMalot), Sarah Stiles (Vanities, A New Musical), Wesley Taylor (Rock of Ages), & Josh Young.

NAMT’s Festival of New Musicals has showcased great shows like Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Drowsy Chaperone, HONK, Children of Eden, and many more. A portion of the proceeds from the concert will support NAMT, a not-for-profit organization, which includes a New Works program and the 21st Annual Festival of New Musicals, which takes place in October. www.namt.org

NAMT SONGWRITER SPOTLIGHT

WHEN: Monday, September 7at 7pm
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $25 Cover, $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com
Our Sponsors
SUE MATSUKI, CAST PARTY REGULAR, Multi-MAC Award Winner (one for Female Jazz Vocalist) & the 1st Julie Wilson Award recipient in her first solo show in over 2 years! Sue is going back to her musical roots, a jazzier vibe. Featuring: Gregory Toroian, piano; Steve Millhouse, bass & Ron Tierno, percussion. Directed by: Eric Michael Gillett. Saturday, September 12th & 26th at 8:00 pm & Sunday, September 13th & 27th at 7:00 pm. The Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Café - 407 W. 42nd Street (off of 9th Ave.) $20 Cover Charge ($15.00 MAC/Hotline) $15 Food/Drink Minimum. Reservations: 212-695-6909 (a must.) Click: www.suematsuki.com
Sue Matsuki, Cast Party regular, Multi-MAC Award Winner (one for Female Jazz Vocalist) & the 1st Julie Wilson Award recipient in her first solo show in over 2 years! Sue is going back to her musical roots, a jazzier vibe. Featuring: Gregory Toroian, piano; Steve Millhouse, bass & Ron Tierno, percussion. Directed by: Eric Michael Gillett. Saturday, September 12th & 26th at 8:00 pm & Sunday, September 13th & 27th at 7:00 pm. The Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Café - 407 W. 42nd Street (off of 9th Ave.) $20 Cover Charge ($15.00 MAC/Hotline) $15 Food/Drink Minimum. Reservations: 212-695-6909 (a must.) www.suematsuki.com (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
This newsletter brought to you each week by Jim Caruso and Traverse City Web Design.
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Copyright Jim Caruso's Cast Party®, All Rights Reserved, 2006-2008. Newsletter by: Traverse City Web Design

Click for more featured concerts! www.castpartynyc.com/Concerts.htm