JALALA = Janis Siegel, Laurel Masse and Lauren Kinhan…three gals who know from vocal groups. Janis has been with the Manhattan Transfer since the beginning. Laurel was part of the original Transfer. Lauren is one of the New York Voices. Happily, they have joined forces for this fabulous vocal klatch called JaLaLa. They sold-out Birdland on Monday night, showing off with their signature harmonies and gorgeous solo vocals, but a dazzling highlight came during the encore. The trio had planned a re-interpretation of the Lambert, Hendricks & Ross masterpiece, “It’s Sand, Man,” but Janis had spied the song’s creater and King of Vocalese, Mr. Jon Hendricks, sneak into the club to catch the act. They invited him onstage (left) to add some extra-special hip to the scene, making it one of the more historic moments we’ve witnessed! Thanks, Ja, La, and La for an amazing night!
June 10, 2010 |
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We have no idea why the following Cast Party had a line of about a hundred people waiting to join us for the first hour! It was very ‘behind the velvet ropes.’ But each person who came into Birdland was privy to one of the most unique and eccentric evenings we’ve been part of for a long, long time! We were so thrilled to celebrate Christine Lavin’s brand new book, Cold Pizza For Breakfast…A Mem-Wha?? She took to the stage to perform a reading from the in-depth chapter about Cast Party, then in true Christine fashion, surprised everyone in the room with their own copy of the book! It was one of the more Oprah-type moments in our history! A brigade of Cast Party regulars doled out stacks of books to the excited group, then Christine performed “It’s A Good Thing He Can’t Read My Mind” with the hilarious Don White. We were delighted to witness 92-year old composer Ervin Drake sing his mega-hit “It Was A Very Good Year,” with some updated lyrics. Tony-nominee (be watching this Sunday!) Linda Lavin treated us all to a swingin’ “Deed I Do,” and announced her upcoming October 11 Birdland concert with Billy Stritch. Then, a teen-aged Ai Kago, a Japanese pop superstar, showed up with a film crew and a few crazed groupies in tow, so that she could show off her new jazz chops at the Jazz Corner of the World!
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Then…Rudi Macaggi happened. This ‘one-man circus’ came to us via Milan, Italy. His mind-blowing handbalancing acrobatics (with gorgeous partner, Lea McGowan, left) and stand-up schtick is all the rage at The Slipper Room downtown, so we were thrilled he ventured uptown for a visit. It’s the first time Cirque de Soleil and Birdland have ever been mistaken for each other, and we couldn’t have been happier! Everyone was blown away, including one Betty Buckley, who was taking in the scene for the first time. By the way, she told us that in between performances in the Off-Broadway hit comedy, White’s Lies, she’s offering her celebrated “Song and Monologue Interpretation Workshop” to participants on June 29 – July 2 at The Jason Bennett Actor’s Workshop here in NYC. I can’t imagine a more spectacular teacher – and hope that you’ll call 212-777-7603 to sign up for these four sessions of her theatrical wisdom! Two great highlights to share with you this week. First, check out this amazing new Cabaret Blog all the way from Australia! MANY THANKS to Matthew Carey for including Cast Party! Please subscribe to this...he's doing amazing work! Then, watch our smashing new video reel - thanks to the prodigious skills of Jill Sapenoff!  |
