|
|||||||
|
January 6, 2011 (*scroll down to read all 2011 Newspapers!)![]() THE FIRST CAST PARTY OF THE NEW YEAR WAS A SMASHING SUCCESS, with many thanks to a packed house, lots of good cheer, and some very special musical guests! We were delighted that our favorite TV icon, Eve Plumb brought in the hilariously brilliant Kate Flannery (left), who we’ve come to love as the over-imbibing Meredith Palmer on TV’s “The Office.” She’s in town doing Love, Loss And What I Wore for one more week – so go see her and tell we said ‘hi!’ Ms. Plumb is currently knocking ‘em dead Off-Broadway in Miss Abigail’s Guide To Dating, Mating and Marriage! If you haven’t seen it…you gotta go! OK…back to Cast Party!
![]() It was great to meet a bevy of talented showfolk from Melbourne, Australia (left)! Kate Williams, Daniel Benge and James Cutler all wowed us with their clever material and theatrical know-how, and we sure hope they make a return schlep from Down Under soon! It’s always great to see and hear Broadway/TV star Paige Davis. And talk about cheer! She’s one of the most bouncin’ and behavin’ gals in town, and with good cause! Not only is she crazy-talented, fabulous and married to Patrick Page (currently the Green Goblin in Spiderman on Broadway), but “Trading Spaces,” the makeover show she hosted for years, has been picked up by Oprah’s new OWN network! That’s good news to start the year! We were so happy to see and hear regulars like Jenna Esposito, Nancy Harms, Charlie Puth,Martha Lorin, Hilary Kole, William Blake, Caitlin Westfall – and to meetPete R. (who KILLED!), Andrew Lange, Samantha Arden, and the wonderful Sara Canter-Lamb, who sang her grandma’s theme song! Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle have never been better accompanying the masses, and they’ll be with us next Monday, along with the brilliant Daniel Glass on drums! Join us, won’t you?
Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO PRESENT "AN EVENING WITH KLEA BLACKHURST," as part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series, spotlighting performers and writers from the Great White Way. The event will take place on Monday, January 10 at 7pm.
“An Evening with Klea Blackhurst!” will be a delightful evening, as Klea romps through her favorite selections from the great American songbook, Broadway, and contemporary pop. From her “Star Search” audition to her adoration of Donny Osmond, from “A Cockeyed Optimist” to “The Yodeling Muchacha,” this evening is certain to dispel those post-holiday doldrums and kick the New Year off with a skip in your step! KLEA BLACKHURST is best known for her award-winning solo shows: Everything The Traffic Will Allow, her acclaimed tribute to Ethel Merman; and, Autumn in New York: Vernon Duke's Broadway. She can currently be seen as pundit Shelby Cross on the IFC Comedy Series "The Onion News Network." Her most recent show teaming with Billy Stritch, Dreaming of a Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael, received a 2009 MAC Award. Klea’s concert appearances include the London Palladium, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, ten Mabel Mercer Foundation Cabaret Conventions, Carnegie Hall with Michael Feinstein, Oklahoma! at London’s Royal Albert Hall, and New York’s 92nd Street Y Lyrics & Lyricists (Leo Robin & Cole Porter). Klea’s theatre credits include: In New York - Bingo, By Jupiter, Radio Gals, Oil City Symphony; Regional - Chicago, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Red Hot and Blue, Anything Goes. TV and radio: “Law and Order: SVU,” “The Rosie O'Donnell Show,” “Sesame Street,” “A Prairie Home Companion.” AN EVENING WITH KLEA BLACKHURST! WHEN: Monday, January 10 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 or $35 Cover/$10 food and drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com January 13, 2011![]() ON MONDAY EVENING, KLEA BLACKHURST (left) RETURNED TO BIRDLAND, her musical home, with a slew of fresh stories and songs from the American Songbook and Broadway. A highlight of her show was a tragic saga detailing her childhood love and adoration of Donny Osmond. Who knew the young Donny would serve candy to kids staring at his house from a gutter…while wearing clogs?! Klea’s memorable musical moments included “A Cockeyed Optimist” and “The Yodeling Muchacha,” all of which sent the happy audience out into the cold New York weather with good cheer!
![]() The following Cast Party was one of our best - with impromptu performances by jazz superstar Jane Monheit (left), Telly Leung & Paolo Montalban sang from the upcoming musical Allegiance, Trevor McQueen Eaton, Andrew Gerle, Kevin Earley & Jessica Rush from the web series “Then We Got Help,” Erin Quill, Gabriel Lopez, Nate Lombardi, Nicolas King, Angela Bacari, Natalie Joy Johnson, Aaron Weinstein, Joan Crowe, Marie Pruitt, Natalie Douglas, Nolan Burke and Colleen McHugh, and so many more. Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle once again took their place behind the piano and bass, respectively, while demon drummer Daniel Glass sat in on drums all night. We do it all again this coming Monday – with Billy Stritch at the keys! (Thanks to Stephen Sorokoff for this week’s gorgeous photos!)
Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF SONGWRITER/PERFORMER CHRISTINE LAVIN to the Broadway at Birdland concert series. Lavin will present an evening of her highly original material on Monday, January 17 at 7pm.
In her second Birdland outing, CHRISTINE LAVIN will be singing her most popular and requested songs, and will be joined by actor JEFF DANIELS, cabaret funny gal COLLEEN MCHUGH, and Grammy-winning songwriter JULIE GOLD (“From A Distance”). Christine Lavin’s songs have been sung by Broadway dolls Sutton Foster and Betty Buckley. The Orlando Sentinel calls Lavin a "FolkZinger!" and the Washington Post says, "She keeps her audience thinking, laughing, and guessing all at the same time." Lavin just headlined the Jacob's Ladder Festival in Israel, and has written a book, "Cold Pizza For Breakfast," which has received rave reviews. She's recorded 20 solo albums. CHRISTINE LAVIN WHEN: Monday, January 17 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 Cover, $10 food and drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com January 20, 2011![]() TAKING THE STAGE AT THE MONDAY NIGHT BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND concert series was renowned folk singer/comedienne Christine Lavin (left, by Stephen Sorokoff). In her second Birdland outing, Lavin sang her most popular and requested songs, joined by actor/singer/songwriter Jeff Daniels, cabaret artiste Colleen McHugh, songwriter Ervin Drake ("Good Morning Heartache") and Grammy-winning songwriter Julie Gold ("From A Distance"). What a blast to have the ‘Pied Piper of Music’ and her light-up batons on our stage again!
![]() At the following Cast Party, we were treated to a very special surprise when Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura on "Star Trek") took to the stage (left, photo by Derek Storm). Nichols spoke of her friend and mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King, which was a special treat considering Monday would have been the leader's 82nd birthday. She then stunned the packed house with a performance of "Summertime," complete with a spot-on impression of Eartha Kitt! There were other outstanding performances by Cortes Alexander (Liza’s At The Palace), Adri Lyons, Clarke Thorell (Mamma Mia), Natalie Joy Johnson (Legally Blonde), Mark Aaron James, Nolan Burke, Ruby Rakoff (Billy Elliott), Sarah Rice, Sean Harkness andTanner Bollinger. Suzanne Sena and Klea Blackhurst, stars of the upcoming IFC-TV series, "The Onion News Network," were also on hand, celebrating their upcoming Friday premiere. There were lots of other newcomers, and loads of beloved regulars, too! Billy Stritch and Steve Doyle were a brilliant Cast Party Symphony Orchestra, just like they will be next week! Come see us!
By the way, we've been all over the press this week - click here for TV's "The Insider," or here for a little chat with Jim and Michael Musto in the Village Voice! Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS THRILLED AND MILDLY NERVOUS TO PRESENT return of YouTube sensation MIRANDA SINGS, along with magicianCHRIS BALLINGER, who will bring an extravaganza to the Birdland stage filled with ridiculous music, magic, and mayhem!
International superstar Miranda Sings has been performing her one-woman cabaret show to sold-out houses since last spring when herYouTube channel went viral. Her hilarious shows consist of hit songs, onstage voice lessons, fashion makeovers, and dramatic readings of hate mail. You will not want to miss seeing this lipstick-wearing, epileptic eye-browed, crooked-smiling beauty live and in person! Chris Ballinger is the face of MagicGeek.com and dutifully lives up to the name of the company. His unique combination of improvisational comedy and magic has made him a huge hit on YouTube, and as a street performer and corporate magician. MIRANDA SINGS & CHRIS BALLINGER WHEN: Monday, January 24 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25/$35 Cover, $10 food and drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com January 27, 2011![]() MIRANDA SINGS ABSOLUTELY OUTDID HERSELF, IF THAT'S POSSIBLE. Her Monday night concert was awash in talent, what with big-time movie star Christian Campbell (left, with the diva), Mary Poppins' very own Andrew Keenan Bolger, the extraordinary and constantly patient magician Christopher Ballinger, and noneother than composer Lance Horne at the piano! There were onstage voice lessons, production numbers and shocking displays of prestidigitation that kept the packed house entertained. We wish Miranda luck on her upcoming Canadian gig and look forward to her next New York visit!
![]() The following Cast Party couldn’t have been more fun, what with visits from TV stars like Linda Purl (now on “The Office”) and Eve Plumb, songwriters Chuck Steffan and Ron Able (all left), the very jazzy Nancy Harms, Mike Mejia, Kristen Hoffman, Nolan Burke, Annie Dinerman,Gabriel Lopez, Richard Prior, Jr. and regulars like David Goldman,William Blake, Aaron Weinstein, Cassandra Kubinsky and Colleen andChristopher Ballinger! Billy Stritch has never been better at the piano, and Steve Doyle bopped beautifully on bass…just like they’ll do next week, with the extra added addition of Daniel Glass on drums! You don’t wanna miss that, do you?
Many thanks to all of you for purchasing my new CD, "The Swing Set!" With regards to that, click here to check out a fun interview with my palStephanie J. Block, who joined me on "The Doodlin' Song." You can also read Michael Musto's interview about the insanity called my career HERE. THEN...feel free to check out the NBC blog! Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO PRESENT SONGWRITER ANDREW GERLE and his talented friends in Say We Flew – The Songs of Andrew Gerle. The concert will take place on Monday, January 31 at 7pm as part of the Broadway at Birdland series, which showcases performers and writers from the Great White Way. Singing Andrew’s songs will be Karen Ziemba, Carrie Manolakos, Mark Linn-Baker, Christa Justus, Richard Maltby, Jr., Pamela Bob, Cassie Wooley & Victoria Huston-Elem.
A waitress dreams of attending an Antebellum ball and leaving the diner behind. A recording superstar confronts the loneliness of the spotlight. A girl finds the courage to be herself on a reality TV show. A man from a poor neighborhood remembers the public library that fueled his dreams and changed his life. Lovers separated by oceans, war, or just neighboring apartments reach out to connect, while happy families disintegrate with the best of intentions. Twenty-first century takes on aspiration and inspiration, struggle and triumph create a musical revue that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and reminds us to never look down. Composer and lyricist Andrew Gerle is a recipient of the Jonathan Larson Award, three Richard Rodgers Awards, and was the first composer selected to receive the Burton Lane Composer’s Fellowship from the Theater Hall of Fame. His show Meet John Doe (with lyricist Eddie Sugarman) received seven Helen Hayes nominations and will receive its Chicago premiere this season. “Andrew Gerle is my kind of songwriter.” – Sheldon Harnick “One of the most talented of our new generation of musical theater composers, Andrew Gerle is the real deal – a natural melodist.” – Stephen Flaherty SAY WE FLEW - THE SONGS OF ANDREW GERLE WHEN: Monday, January 31 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 Cover, $10 food and drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com February 3, 2011![]() THERE'S A WHOLE LOTTA SHOWBIZ GOING, FOLKS, and I couldn’t be happier right in the middle of all of it! Monday night’s Andrew Gerleconcert was a thrilling way to start the week. I’m lucky enough to get to hear lots and lots of up-and-coming songwriters at Birdland – but Andrew’s work is certainly top-notch. We were lucky enough to hear his gorgeous, sweeping melodies, intelligent lyrics and beautiful, tasteful arrangements – to say nothing of the brilliant performers who came to sing his praises and work. Tony-winner Karen Ziemba (left, with Andrew) blew me away with a torchy piece that should quickly become a standard. One of my fave Broadway ditty-meisters, Richard Maltby, Jr., rarely seen onstage, killed with a very funny piece of special material. You really have to watch this space for Andrew’s next appearance with the Broadway at Birdlandconcert series. We can’t wait!
![]() And then Cast Party happened. The tres-fabuleux Liliane Montevecchi(left, by Stephen Sorokoff), whom we all loved in Nine, Grand Hotel andFollies, brought some continental chic to the proceedings with a dazzling impromptu performance of “La Vie en Rose.” Domenic Farinacci jazzed up the place with his hipster flugelhorn. Colleen McHugh made up a very funny song on the spot, thanks to some audience prompting. And Cedrick Neal, who has finally made the move from Texas to New York, closed the show (with our very own William Blake) with some vocal fireworks and pure showbiz! Of course, having the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra(Billy Stritch, Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass) providing the exemplary accompaniment didn’t hurt one little bit! It all happens again next week, with Tedd Firth and Mr. Doyle on piano and bass, respectively!
Check out the wonderful press we’ve been getting about the upcomingTown Hall Very Special Cast Party, happening on Thursday, February 17! Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO PRESENT DOUGLAS HODGE, star of the Broadway production of La Cage Aux Folles, in concert at Birdland on Monday, February 7 at 7pm. Musical Director Sonny Paladino will lead the four-piece band, and Morgan James and Terry Lavell will guest.
Douglas is a thrice Olivier-nominated classical actor living in Oxford, England. He is currently playing Albin in La Cage Aux Folles at the Longacre Theater, for which he won the Tony, the Olivier, the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle awards. Douglas has another life as a songwriter, writing an eclectic mix of jazz and folk inspired tunes. This will be an evening of songs from his two albums – NIGHTBUS, and COWLEY ROAD SONGS with a special preview of some of the music he has written for the new musical MEANTIME. This concert marks his Birdland debut! DOUGLAS HODGE AS A MAN WHEN: Monday, February 7 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25/$35 Cover, $10 food and drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com February 10, 2011![]() THERE WERE NO SEQUINS OR LASHES IN SIGHT! The usually mascaraed-out Douglas Hodge, who won the Tony for playing glamazon Zaza in the Broadway production La Cage Aux Folles, performed “As A Man” at Birdland on Monday night.. Beyond his critically-acclaimed theatrical work, Douglas has another life as a songwriter, writing an eclectic mix of jazz and folk inspired tunes, and the concert was a combination of songs from his cd's, NIGHTBUS, and COWLEY ROAD SONGS. He also gave a special preview of music he has written for the new musicalMeantime. Musical Director Sonny Paladino led the four-piece band, and singers Morgan James and Terry Lavell were special guests. Birdland was packed with friends and fans, including his Guys and Dolls (West End) co-star Jane Krakowski (left), La Cage director Terry Johnson and current co-stars Christine Andreas and Nicholas Cunningham. You can see more gorgeous Derek Storm photos if you click here.
![]() The following Cast Party was an extremely musical one, what with special performances by swells like Todd Murray, Alex Rybeck, Sean Harkness,The Dueling Fiddlers, David Goldman, Annie Dinerman, Adry Lyons,Ben Cassara, Melanie Marod, Hilary Kole, Jenna Esposito, and of course…Abby. Cheo Bourne made a dazzling Birdland debut, singing his head off and garnering much interest from a certain legendary casting director! (You just never know who’s in the house!) The evening ended with a few songs from students at Det Danske Musicalakademi, which is the Denmark Musical Academy to you and me. These musical theater kids (left) were so much fun, and so very talented. We are thrilled that they came all that way to visit and entertain us. Spoedig teruggekomen, guys! Many thanks to Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass for being the best Cast Party Symphony Orchestra in their price range! How lucky we are to have them!
February 17, 2011![]() I CAN'T THINK OF A BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY than to spend a beautiful evening being serenaded by Hilary Kole (left, byStephen Sorokoff). Her Monday night show was filled with some of the most gorgeous songs celebrating love…old love, new love, and even post-love. Hilary is making big waves on the jazz vocal scene, and if you don’t have some of her CDs in your record collection, you really ought to add some! Not only is she one of the most musical humans I know, but she’s pretty, smells good, and is…yes…hilarious!
![]() The following Cast Party boasted a sold-out house filled with friends, loved ones and tons of out-of-towners, which always makes us happy. There were dozens of folks from San Diego, some from Melbourne, and one or two from the Upper West Side. Actor Keith David (left, by Stephen Sorokoff), took time off from his new TV gig on “The Cape” to sing for us, and what a gorgoeus voice he has! Carly Ozard came all the way from San Francisco to sing a Queen ditty. Todd Almond slayed the audience with a Dolly Parton/JS Bach mashup, and I’m not kidding. Thea Alianaand Michael Julian made the schlep from Norway to dazzle us with a Beatles tune, with impromptu percussion by Joey Curatolo (who is starring as Paul McCartney on Broadway in Rain!). There were swinging performances by Elliott Roth, Harmony Keeney and Jeffrey ScottStevens. Therese Curatolo informed us as to “Where The Boys Are.” Nick King brought some rat-pack vibe to the proceedings, and Aaron Weinstein was his usual effervescent self before launching into a jazz violin extravaganza! There were lots of regulars, a few newcomers, and theCast Party Symphony Orchestra (Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Carmen Intorre), who gave everyone a musical background fit for royalty! We do it all again next week, so bring your upbeat tunes (you heard me…) and entertain the masses with us!
![]() If you don’t already have your tickets for tonight’s All-Star Cast Party at Town Hall, click HERE. You don’t want to miss our celebration benefittingBroadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS starring…um…Liza, Chita, Larry Gatlin, Lucie Arnaz, Hinton Battle, Marilyn Maye, Chris Sieber, Karen Ziemba, William Blake, Klea Blackhurst, Natalie Douglas, Countess Luann de Lesseps, Jenna Esposito, Andrew Gerle, Hilary Kole, Sally Mayes, Miranda Sings, Lisa Mordente, Mark Stuart, Aaron Weinstein, the Dueling Fiddlers, and MORE! I’m thrilled just to type those names! You’re gonna have a ball!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, IS THE RETURN OF ONE OF OUR ALL-TIME FAVES - Linda Lavin! We’re proud to present the Broadway and television star in “Possibilities,” a concert celebrating her new CD of the same name. Linda is currently starring in Other Desert Cities at Lincoln Center. Accompanying her will be Billy Stritch on piano, Bucky Pizzarellion guitar, John Brown on bass, Aaron Weinstein on violin and Steve Bakunas on drums.
“Possibilities” is the album of jazz standards Linda has always wanted to make. Accompanied by pianist/arranger/singer Billy Stritch and a combo, the recording finds Lavin singing and swinging tunes like “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars,” “Two For The Road,” “Hey, Look Me Over,” and her signature song from It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman, “You’ve Got Possibilities.” Linda Lavin first burst on the New York musical comedy scene with roles in Oh, Kay!, It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman and On a Clear Day, You Can See Forever. She also won kudos for her straight acting roles inLittle Murders and Last of the Red Hot Lovers. TV beckoned and she soon became a household name as the star of the sitcom "Alice.” During the nine seasons it was on the air, Linda nabbed two Golden Globe awards and an Emmy nomination. She even sang "There's a New Girl in Town" over the opening credits of the show. Following this success, she focused her attentions once again on the stage. She earned renewed respect, in addition to critic's awards, for her diversified Broadway work in Gypsy, The Sisters Rosensweig, Collected Stories, Broadway Bound (1987 Tony award), Death Defying Acts (Obie award), The Diary of Anne Frank (Tony nomination) and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife (Tony nomination). She also appeared in Carol Burnett's autobiographical play Hollywood Armsportraying Burnett's grandmother, and in Paul Rudnick’s The New Century. LINDA LAVIN IN: "POSSIBILITIES" WHEN: Monday, February 21 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $30/$40 Cover, $10 food and drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com February 24, 2011![]() WORDS CAN'T EXPRESS WHAT AT A THRILL IT WAS TO PRESENTCAST PARTY at Town Hall last Thursday! So many thanks to Scott Siegel for coming up with the idea, and producing! Rick Hinkson was a dream to work with – directing and organizing the thing into a frenzy. My pal Billy Stritch was at the piano, along with Steve Doyle on bass andDaniel Glass on drums. And then there was the cast (left, by Walter McBride). Any show that stars Liza Minnelli, Chita Rivera, Hinton Battle, Dave Koz, Larry Gatlin, Lucie Arnaz, Marilyn Maye, Chris Sieber, Karen Ziemba, William Blake, Natalie Douglas, LuAnn de Lesseps, Jenna Esposito, Andrew Gerle, Hilary Kole, Sally Mayes,Miranda Sings, Lisa Mordente, Mark Stuart, Vivian Nixon, Aaron Weinstein, and the Dueling Fiddlers is a show I’d shell out big bucks for, and about 1300 of you did just that. We made money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and had a ball doing it. There’s already talk about next year…how the hell do we top ourselves? (Go to our FLICKRsite to see hundreds of photos of the fun.)
![]() On Monday night, we were thrilled to present the return of Linda Lavin in “Possibilities,” a concert celebrating her brand new cd on the Sh-K-Boom label. And what a gorgeous concert it was! With a band that included Billy Stritch, Steve Doyle, Steve Bakunas (drums), Aaron Weinstein (violin) and the legendary Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), Linda was in fine form, and she sang her way through the American songbook. The star-studded audience was just as exciting, with folks like Andrea Martin, Stockard Channing, Stacey Keach, Phyllis Newman, Julie Halston, Charles Busch, Julie Wilson, Marilyn Maye, Elaine May and my fave film director of all time – Stanley Donen. Check out the pix to see proof that all those swells were in one room!
![]() The following Cast Party kept the mojo flowin’ – with performances by the outrageously divine Jane Monheit (left, by Stephen Sorokoff), Sharon McNight, Eric Jetner, Alan Harris, Marilyn Maye, Jamie deRoy and impromptu duets by Larry Gatlin & Hilary Kole and Terese Genecco &Billy Stritch! Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass made everyone happy as our Symphony Orchestra…including lots of regulars and a few newcomers. The place was packed, too, which is always more fun. Come join us this Monday…rumor has it that it’ll be equally spectacular!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() “FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE," A BENEFIT EVENING HONORING MICHAEL KUCHWARA will feature Kevin Chamberlin, Alison Fraser,Montego Glover, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, Ralph Howard, Leslie Kritzer,Marc Kudisch, Sally Mayes, Michael McCormick, Lindsay Mendez,Noah Racey, Sherie Rene Scott, Mary Testa, Betsy Wolfe and surprise guests. The benefit is directed by Carl Andress with musical direction byPatrick Vaccariello, musical preparation by Ed Windels. The show is written by D. Michael Dvorchak and Julie Halston.
Michael Kuchwara, the respected late theatre critic for the Associated Press, will be celebrated by Broadway showfolk that he wrote about in a benefit on Feb. 28, which would have been his 64th birthday. Julie Halston will host the 7 PM evening at Birdland Jazz Club. Proceeds will go to The Michael Kuchwara Fund benefiting Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF). Kuchwara — a theatre reporter and critic for more than 25 years — was respected and beloved for his even-tempered reviews and thorough reporting. In May 2010, following a brief illness, Kuchwara's untimely passing was linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). "In his honor and to increase awareness of this fatal disease, his friends are putting on a show just for him," according to the organizers. "Using his writings over the last 25 years, some of his favorite stars have been invited to perform songs from some of his favorite shows." Accompaniment is provided by Jim Laev (piano), William Sloat (bass) and Eric Poland (drums). Donations are tax deductible (minus the $25 per ticket estimated fair market value). Individual tickets do not include a $10 food/drink minimum. If you would like to make a donation to The Michael Kuchwara Fund (not including ticket to the event), contact www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org orclick here. “For The Love Of Mike” WHEN: Monday, February 28 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: Limited tickets ($100, $75, $50) are available. RESERVATIONS: E-mail [email protected] for more information and to purchase tickets. March 3, 2011![]() IT WAS JUST ANOTHER MANIC MONDAY AT BIRDLAND LAST WEEK! The showbiz started early and went on into the wee hours! At 7pm, we were proud to host “A Song For Mike,” which celebrated the excellent life of theater critic Michael Kuchwara, who passed away last year of pulmonary fibrosis. The star-studded show raised over $40,000, which will go to the Michael Kuchwara Fund benefiting the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. As you can see, our Liza (left) was a very special surprise guest, singing three tunes and thrilling the sold-out house. Also on the bill: Julie Halston, Kevin Chamberlin, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, Klea Blackhurst,Billy Stritch, Marc Kudisch, Mary Testa, Sherri Rene Scott, Lindsay Mendez, Michael McCormick, Montego Glover, Nancy Anderson, Noah Racey and Allison Fraser! Cleck out the gorgeous photos on our FLICKRsite, with so many thanks to Stephen Sorokoff.
![]() The following Cast Party kept the good vibes flowing at Birdland, what with a completely sassafras (thank you, Mr. Rudetsky) performance byJoi Danielle (left, by Stephen Sorokoff), Ryan Townsend, Scott Wasserman, Jonathan Russell, Suzanne Carrico, Chris Pinnella, Cora Rose, Jeff Pew, Jeff Stevens, Joan Crowe, Jenna Esposito, Voctor Leser, Nancy Hams, Ed Laub, Abby, Mike Toro, and Aaron Weinstein. And we were so international…they came from all over to entertain us, as evidenced by Allessandro Gruttadauria (Italy), Eric Jetner (France) andMiyoko Tashiro (Japan)! We do it all over again next Monday, with Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle on piano and bass!
Billy Stritch and I are heading to the West Coast for two more Cast Party nights at The Magic Castle, March 9 and 10! If you’re in Los Angeles, PLEASE join in the fun! Last time we were there, Carol Channing,Melissa Manchester and Sally Kellerman all came to serenade us! Don’t miss all the fun! For more information, call: 323.851.3313 x 303 or send an e-mail to:[email protected]. Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE RETURN OF BROADWAY STAR JAMES BARBOUR in “Love Songs” at Birdland on Sunday, March 6 at 6pm. This concert is part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series, featuring stars and composers from the Great White Way.
The “Love Songs” concert will include Broadway’s most beloved romantic songs from the past, present and future. Special guest stars will be announced at a later date. James Barbour was nominated for the Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Awards for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Sydney Carton in the Broadway production of A Tale of Two Cities, and won the Sarasota Magazine Best Actor Award for the Asolo Rep pre-Broadway production. He has starred on Broadway in such Tony-Award winning shows as Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as The Beast, Carousel as Billy Bigelow, Urinetown as Officer Lockstock and as Edward Rochester in Jane Eyre (Drama League Award nomination). He also appeared in the Broadway production of Cyrano and the national tour of The Secret Garden. JAMES BARBOUR in: “Love Songs” WHEN: Sunday, March 6 at 6pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $35/$45 cover, $10 food/drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com ![]() THEN...
Jim Caruso is proud to present the return of singer Luba Mason to the Broadway at Birdland concert series on Monday, March 7 at 7pm. Birdland is located at 315 West 44 Street in NYC. After living in Los Angeles for the past 12 years, Luba Mason has moved back to NYC, and will be celebrating the city of her birth by infusing a story of newly arranged standards in a "cool, Brazilian style" with original songs, and reprising selections from her last two critically-acclaimed albums “Krazy Love” and “Collage”. Material in this concert will also include "All Of Me,” "Love For Sale,” "Too Darn Hot,” "I Love the Sunrise" among others. There will be a special guest appearance by Luba’s husband, Grammy-winning musician, singer and songwriter Ruben Blades. Star of Chicago, Jekyll & Hyde, The Capeman and How to Succeed in Business.., classically trained singer & pianist Luba Mason was plucked straight out of The Circle in the Square Theater School and NYU's Tisch School of the Arts by Tommy Tune to perform in her first Broadway hit the Tony Award - winning The Will Rogers Follies. Eight more Broadway shows followed along with guest starring roles on LAW & ORDER, NYPD BLUE, RAINES (opposite Jeff Goldblum) and soaps ONE LIFE TO LIVE, ALL MY CHILDREN and ANOTHER WORLD. No stranger to the nightclub circuit, Luba completed her 2009 Krazy Love tour with sold out shows at LA's famed Catalina Bar & Grill, Yoshi's in Oakland, Blues Alley in DC, World Cafe in Philadelphia, Regatta Bar in Boston and was the opener for Wayne Shorter at the 2009 Panama Jazz Festival and Costa Rica's International Music Festival. Luba was guest vocalist on Ruben Blades' 2003 Grammy Award - winning CD “Mundo,” and has been hailed as "a celestial voice" by the Los Angeles Times. LUBA MASON WHEN: Monday, March 7 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 and $35 cover charge and $10 food/drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com March 10, 2011![]() WHAT A DELIGHT HAVING NOT JUST ONE – but two Broadway at Birdland concerts this past week! In Sunday’s James Barbour show, our fave Broadway baritone blissed-out the packed house with some of the most extraordinary love songs ever written. On Monday, Luba Mason(left, with friend), sang, swang and samba-ed her gorgeous self into the hearts of family, friends and fans. She was even joined by her Grammy-winning husband, Ruben Blades, on one of the steamiest duets we’ve ever seen on our stage! I feel so lucky to be able to present this series – and to bring such a wide-ranging collection of talent to you, our dear audience!
![]() Monday’s Cast Party had the perfect mix of reliable regulars, along with some shockingly talented newcomers! What a wonderful surprise to meet and hear Tonya Bern-Campbell (left, by Stephen Sorokoff), a statuesque Belgian whose mentor was noneother than Jacques Brel! HilariousColleen McHugh took suggestions from the audience, and composed a a timely ditty extolling the virtues of Charlie Sheen called – what else? – “Duh, Winning.” Bostonian diva Carol O’Shaughnessy finally joined us on the Birdland stage and sang her head off, and we sure hope it’s not the last time! Ex-Birdland Songbird Melissa Ward warbled with her ukelele,Klea Blackhurst dazzled, Nicolas King sang a blazing Mel Tormé arrangement, and Johnny Rodgers got the audience to swing along with him. There are some great video clips, thanks to our new friend Jane Marino, and you can see them here! Thanks to Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle for being the best Cast Party Symphony Orchestra money can buy! We do it all over again next week!
![]() I’m writing this from my glamorous hotel in Hollywood, where Billy Stritchare in the middle of our two-night Cast Party stint at The Magic Castle. Last night, we were privy to some amazing performances, including the sweetest version of “It’s Not That Easy Being Green” by Avenue Qsuperstar, John Tartaglia (left, by Brian Putnam). We’re expecting more fun and merriment tonight at 8pm – check with the Castle to see if there are seats left…you won’t believe the cast we’re assembling!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE RETURN OF THE MARCY & ZINA SHOW, featuring the dynamic theater songwriters, Marcy Heislerand Zina Goldrich, along with a cast of talented friends to sing their songs. The event will take place on Monday, March 14 at 7pm as part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series.
Fresh from their successful run of SNOW WHITE ROSE RED (and FRED) at the Kennedy Center, DEAR EDWINA at DR2...and their reading of SCREAMING LIKE A FOOL at DR2, Marcy and Zina’s musical guests will include Ann Harada, Carey Anderson, Jason F. Williams, Jill Abramovitz, Scott Coulter, and Nathan Klau. Collaborators since 1993, lyricist Marcy Heisler and composer Zina Goldrich are responsible for some of the New York concert scene’s most lovable character songs, including “Taylor, the Latte Boy,” made famous by Kristin Chenoweth, and “Alto’s Lament.” The pair earned a 2009 Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Music and Lyrics for their work on Dear Edwina. They were also recipients of ASCAP’s 2002 Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award and were nominated for the 2005 Lucille Lortel Award for their Off-Broadway musical Junie B. Jones. THE MARCY & ZINA SHOW WHEN: Monday, March 14 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $30 cover, $10 food/drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com March 17, 2011![]() HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD! Our two nights of Cast Party at The Magic Castle were nothing short of thrilling! Wow…the fabulous faces and talented tonsils that showed up to sing for us were mesmerising and inspiring! Our old pal, John Targaglia has never been more charming with his sweet performance of “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green.” Melissa Manchester thrilled me to the core with a very personal “Just You And I,” one of my fave songs she’s ever written. American Idol sensationKimberley Locke (left, thanks to Brian Putnam) and A.I. music manMichael Orland absolutely killed. Recent “Tonight Show” magician Joel Ward shocked us with birds of a different color. Broadway diva Julia Murney made us very happy by sitting in and singing out! And Adam DeGroff, one-half of the Dueling Fiddlers, gave us this stunning performance!
Can you see why we can’t wait to go back to Los Angeles? THANK YOU to The Magic Castle staff, once again! For pictures and more, check out BroadwayWorld. ![]() Monday’s Marcy & Zina extravaganza was a smash, too, with help from performers like Scott Coulter, Jill Abramovitz and Lindsay Mendez (left) singing the words and praises of our dynamic ditty-duo! They never fail to entertain the Broadway at Birdland audiences with their clever and musically savvy songs. You know they’ll be back, so watch for them in this very newsletter!
![]() The following Cast Party was slave to the rhythm of some pretty swell music! David Budway and Steve Doyle made up the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra – accompanying the likes of Gloria Reuben, Ruby Rakos, Aaron Weinstein, John Leone, Nicolas King, Kate Luckinbill,Jennifer Sheehan, Carrie Jackson, Aaron Crisler, Christine Lavin, Lodi Carr, Kristen Sergeant, and Matthew Schmitz, among many others! The de-lovely Colleen McHugh (left, by Todd Forman) brought down the house with another improv song. This time those bad Hollywood kids were the theme. How does she do that?! Anyway, we’ll be throwing the same soiree next week – same time (9:30pm), same place (Birdland)!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS PROUD TO PRESENT composer Sam Davis and friends on Monday, March 21 at 7pm. The event will be an on-stage celebration of Davis's debut album on PS Classics, “Love On A Summer Afternoon,” which has won rave reviews and a spot on several publications' Top Ten lists.
Singers to include Kate Baldwin, Danny Reichard, Andy Mientus,Michele Ragusa, Lauren Kennedy, Heidi Blickenstaff, Danny Burstein,Philip Chaffin, Will Chase, Edward Hibbert, David Hyde Pierce,Matthew Scott, Christopher Sieber, Jim Stanek, Bobby Steggert, andWill Swenson. (Cast list subject to change.) The concert will feature a 4-piece band led by Davis at the piano. Sam Davis is a composer, arranger, musical director, and pianist. His debut album, “Love On A Summer Afternoon,” was released last year by PS Classics and named one of the year's ten best by both Playbill.com and Talkin' Broadway.com. He also composed the title track for Rebecca Luker's album “Greenwich Time.” Original musicals include “The Scottish Musical” (lyrics by Mark Waldrop), “Dysfunctional Fables” (lyrics by Sean Hartley), and the upcoming “Bunnicula” (script by Charles Busch). Evenings of his work have been performed at Birdland, Joe's Pub, the Triad, and the Duplex, and he was a founding member of the New Voices Collective at Symphony Space. ![]() SAM DAVIS: LOVE ON A SUMMER AFTERNOON
WHEN: Monday, March 21 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25/35 cover, $10 food/drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com March 24, 2011![]() ONE OF MY FAVORITE PARTS OF THIS JOB IS SITTING DOWN WITH A pipin’ hot coffee every Thursday morning and creating this very newsletter! For the past eight years, neither rain, nor snow, nor travel, nor physical malfunction could keep me and web-diva Kate Botello from informing you about all the showbiz goings-on. The many brilliant photographers recording the fun have been invaluable to our quest, too! Take for example, this very issue! On Monday, March 21, the Broadway at Birdland concert series was pleased to present songwriter Sam Davisin concert, along with a stellar cast of singers, including comic geniusDavid Hyde Pierce (left, thanks to Krissie Fullerton/Playbill), Kate Baldwin, Andy Mientus, Michele Ragusa, Lauren Kennedy, Heidi Blickenstaff, Danny Burstein, Philip Chaffin, Edward Hibbert, Matthew Scott, Chris Sieber, Jim Stanek, Bobby Steggert, Will Swenson, and many more! Click on BroadwayWorld and Playbill - with so many thanks to Ms. Fullerton and our pal Derek Storm for the pix!
![]() That star-studded event was followed by another installment of Cast Party, which welcomed our favorite razzle-dazzler, Chita Rivera, who thought it only right to introduce us to one of her fave performers, Courtney Act (left, thanks to Derek Storm), visiting all the way from Sydney, Australia! Courtney is famous for auditioning for “Australian Idol” as her alter-ego,Shane – not being cast – then singing the next day as Courtney – and going all the way! Just the kind of showbiz lore we love! Aaron Weinstein, Chris Wade, Colleen Ballinger, Colleen McHugh, Cortes Alexander, Jenna Esposito, Mickey Conlon, Tom Postilio, mi madrePat Caruso, Rudy Martinez, and William Blake all scored high on Monday night, making it one of the most memorable Parties in recent history! Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass were our Symphony Orchestra, so you know the music was sublime.
Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE RETURN OF series favorite VICTORIA SHAW with another “Under the Covers” extravaganza on Monday, March 28 at 7pm. The concert is part of theBroadway at Birdland series.
VICTORIA SHAW has performed “Under the Covers,” her ongoing musical round table, numerous times at Birdland, celebrating the compositions of her fabulous hit songwriter friends and having them perform. This time, her special guests will be Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling pianist/composer Jim Brickman, Hall of Fame hit-maker Gary Burr and, in her New York musical debut, Robin Meade, host of “HLN's Morning Express With Robin Meade.” VICTORIA SHAW is a pop/country songwriter responsible for over 65 million cd sales! As a singer, she had the great opportunity to open for Garth Brooks in the historic 1997 Central Park concert. Victoria also wrote one of Garth's biggest hits of all-time, "The River." The two-time Emmy Award-winning composer also wrote "I Love The Way You Love Me" for John Michael Montgomery/Boyzone and "Nobody Wants To Be Lonely" for Ricky Martin and Christina Aguilera. Her songs have been recorded by Olivia Newton John, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntyre, Tricia Yearwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Michael McDonald. In addition to writing and performing, Victoria co-produced Lady Antebellum's debut CD for which she won a 2009 CMA award. Victoria is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on HLN's Robin Meade's debut CD. UNDER THE COVERS WITH VICTORIA SHAW WHEN: Monday, March 28 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 cover, $10 food/drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com (*click photos to enlarge) March 31, 2011![]() IN THE WORDS OF COUNTRY WEEKLY MAGAZINE, “she makes her living reporting the news, but on Monday night at New York City’s legendary Birdland, HLN anchor Robin Meade was the story.” The namesake of Morning Express with Robin Meade premiered songs from her upcoming album, co-written and produced by our very own Victoria Shawand Gary Burr, at our our ongoing “Under the Covers” series. One of the many highlights of the night happened when the gang was joined by Robin’s news pals, including HLN’s Jane Velez-Mitchell, The View’s Joy Behar, and Richard Lui (left, by Derek Storm), backing her up on her clever version of “Dirty Laundry!” So many thanks to Victoria for concocting yet another spectacular evening!
![]() The following Cast Party kept the mojo flowin’, with some of the “Under The Covers” crowd, including piano superstar Jim Brickman, New York Pops musical director/conductor Steven Reineke, and former NFL star/current crooner Ben Utecht (with me, left, by Mr. Storm). Also providing musical enjoyment were Natalie Douglas, Gloria Reuben,Jonathan Russell & Rocco Fiorentino, Ben Cassara, David Ippolito,Carol Bufferd, Tamara Tunie, Phoebe Kreutz, Pamela Rose, Kyle Kleiboeker and Amber Rees, among many others. Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle were, as always, a brilliant Cast Party Symphony Orchestra, just like they’ll be this coming Monday, when we hope YOU join us for yet another installment of the most extreme open mic on the planet, Cast Party!
April 7, 2011![]() WHAT A JOY TO CELEBRATE THE 92ND BIRTHDAY OF THE MAN who wrote such musical classics as “Good Morning, Heartache” and “It Was A Very Good Year!” Ervin Drake and a dozen or so friends (including another birthday guy, Bob Blume) swarmed Cast Party on Monday night, bringing good cheer, birthday reverie and a few spectacular performances. Mr. Drake himself (left, with KT Sullivan and wife Edith, thanks to Russ Weatherford) graced us with his two most famous songs, to the delight of everyone in the room. Many thanks to Christine Lavin for putting the party together! Of course, there were others in the house entertaining us, including Matt Kacergis, Isaac Elkiss, Therese Curatolo, songwriterJohn Forster, Ruby Rakos, Lynn Dimenna, Mark Aaron James, Sandi Durrell, Rob Paparozzi (who played a mean harmonica), Alison Albrecht, Courtney Graves, Linda Amiel Burns, William Blake, Trevor McQueen, Vicki Sander, Joseph Collari, Kent Drake, Janet Fanale,Abby, and Broadway legend Michael Winther. LOTS of newcomers, and a few beloved regulars, just like we love it! Tedd Firth and Steve Doylewere a brilliant Symphony Orchestra, as usual. This coming week, Billy Stritch will be at the piano, Mr. Doyle will be on bass, and I will be on hosting duties – as if you had to ask.
![]() Mr. Stritch and I will be in Chicago, co-hosting the very first Windy City Cast Party, this Sunday, April 10! We’re excited to finally bring all the fun to Mayne Stage (1328 West Morse Avenue) at 8:30pm. You can get all the details at www.maynestage.com or call 773-381-4554. I’m absolutely thrilled at the list of folks who say they’re dropping by to serenade us – truly some of the best musical talent Chicago has to offer from the theater, jazz and cabaret scenes! If you’re in the neighborhood, join us, won’t you?
Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO PRESENT LISA HOWARD, ONE OF THE STARS OF William Finn’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, at Birdland on Monday, April 11 at 7pm. This event will be part of theBroadway at Birdland concert series, which showcases performers and composers from the Great White Way.
The concert will be a celebration of the release of Howard’s new CD, “Songs of Innocence and Experience: The Music of William Finn,” on the Sh-K-Boom label. Lisa will pay tribute to the great artistry of the William Finn songbook with a full band led by musical director Vadim Feichtner, and perform Finn staples such as “Infinite Joy,” “Sailing,” “I Have Found” and many more! There will be special guests, to be announced shortly. “When she sings, she illuminates a song like a light bulb illuminating a maze. She makes the act of interpreting a song look ridiculously easy, even when it is ridiculously hard.” William Finn LISA HOWARD Songs of Innocence and Experience: The Music of William Finn WHEN: Monday, April 11 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 cover, $10 food/drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com April 14, 2011![]() GEE, HOW LUCKY CAN YOU GET? I get to schlep around celebrating some of the hottest talent on this or any other planet, making lots of new friends along the way! That’s what happened this past Sunday, when Billy Stritch and I hosted the very first Windy City Cast Party in Chicago! Missy Greenberg and MSG Productions treated us like absolute gold and the Mayne Stage made us feel very famous by putting our name in lights. It was quite an affair – with over 40 singers, including old pals Luba Mason, Lynne Jordan, Spider Saloff, Rob Lindley, Colleen McHugh,Henry Kopersky, and so many more. Looks like we’ll be coming back on a regular basis – stay tuned for details!
![]() The next night, it was back home to Birdland, where I was thrilled to present Lisa Howard in concert, singing from her brand new CD honoring the genius that is William Finn! Gorgeous singing, gorgeous band, wonderful arrangements of thrilling songs – and Lisa hosting the entire affair with her smooth-as-silk vocals! The place was crawling with showbiz glitterati, including the afore-mentioned Mr. Finn and David Hyde Pierce(left, thanks to Matt Blank at Playbill), who raved that he’s one of the biggest Lisa Howard fans ever.
![]() As if that weren’t enough, there was a rollicking Cast Party that followed. It was great to meet world-renowned artist Mark Kostabi, who became an instant fan of Marilyn Maye (left, thanks to Derek Storm). Both performed spectacularly – Mark at the piano and Marilyn with her swinging vocals. Also present and musically accounted for were Julie Garnyé – who sang aLarry O’Keefe tune with Mr. O at the piano, theater dude Matt Kacergis, old friend Jamie Beaman, Scott Coulter (promoting his “11 o’Clock Numbers” show at Feinstein’s), Brazilian bombshell Denise Rais with Avi Wisnia, and jazzy horn player Domenic Farinacci. There were lots of beloved regulars, and a few newbies – and everyone had a ball, especially me, Billy Stritch and Steve Doyle! We’ll be doing it all over again next Monday – with Tedd Firth at the piano and Mr. Doyle on bass. What are you gonna sing?! Start vocalizing!
April 21, 2011![]() SCOTT ALAN: THE GUY CAN WRITE A SONG AND PACK A ROOM! Monday night’s Broadway at Birdland concert was jammed to the max with family, friends and fans of Mr. Alan (left, by Kevin Thomas Garcia forBroadwayWorld.com) He was joined onstage by a full-fledged orchestra and some of the best singers working on the Broadway stage, includingChristopher Sieber, Christiane Noll, Darius de Haas, Kenita Miller,Marty Thomas, Alysha Umphress, Todrick Holl, Rachel Potter, Dee Roscioli, Matt Lutz, Laura Osness, Mandy Gonzalez, Crystal Monee Hall, James Ray, Mykal Kilgore (below left) and Cassie McIvor. If you want to see more absolutely gorgeous photos of the gorgeous cast, check out BroadwayWorld!
The following Cast Party was a veritable free-for-all of vocal prowess. I’m not kidding. Any open mic that boasts performances by Marilyn Maye,Clint Holmes, Larry Gatlin, Billy Porter, Matt Kacergis, Krystle Armstrong, Suede, Tanesha Ross, Carol Buffard, Trevor McQueen,Denis Lambert, Jamie DeRoy, Brandon Davidson, David Goldman, and so many more glorious singers is an open mic that I’d be proud to host. And there were sublime instrumental moments, thanks to Sean Harknessand Mike Herriott, the tap-dancing skills of Alex Gruttadauria and a fabulously wacky re-creation of Norma Desmond, thanks to Michael McQuarry. Regulars? We had ‘em. Newcomers? Yep. Tedd Firth andSteve Doyle have never been better accompanying those folks, and it was all too, too much fun. ![]() Speaking of fun, Billy Stritch and I just came home from our very first Pittsburgh Cast Party! WOW! It was great to celebrate the extraordinary talent in my hometown, and at Sewickley Academy, where I went to school! We'll have photos and stories about the adventure next week! Meanwhile, thanks to everyone involved!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 30 YEAR REUNION CELEBRATION of the Broadway Opening of Duke Ellington’sSOPHISTICATED LADIES, featuring original cast members and the Duke Ellington Big Band. This historic event will take place on Monday, April 25 at 7pm, as part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series.
This historic event will feature original cast members Adrian Bailey,Priscilla Baskerville, Hinton Battle, P.J. Benjamin, Mercedes Ellington, Ken Hanson, Bruce Heath, Terri Klausner, Michael Lichtefeld, Paula Lynn, Frank Owens, Valarie Pettiford, Wynonna Smith, Ty Stephens, Faruma Williams, and surprise guests! Sophisticated Ladies is a musical revue based on the music of Duke Ellington. After fifteen previews, the Broadway production, conceived by Donald McKayle, directed by Michael Smuin, and choreographed by McKayle, Smuin, Henry LeTang, Bruce Heath, and Mercedes Ellington, opened on March 1, 1981 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, where it ran for 767 performances. The original cast included Gregory Hines, Judith Jamison, Phyllis Hyman, Hinton Battle, Gregg Burge, and Mercer Ellington. Hines' older brother Maurice joined the cast later in the run. The show was nominated for eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and won for Best Actor (Battle) and Costume Design (Willa Kim). The score includes "Mood Indigo," "Take the "A" Train,” "I'm Beginning to See the Light,” "Hit Me With a Hot Note and Watch Me Bounce,” "Perdido,” "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing),” "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart,” "Old Man Blues,” "In a Sentimental Mood,” "Sophisticated Lady,” "Don't Get Around Much Anymore,” "Satin Doll,” and "I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good.” The 30 Year Reunion of Duke Ellington’s SOPHISTICATED LADIES WHEN: Monday, April 25 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: VIP/$50.00; General/ $40.00 plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com April 28, 2011![]() LIFE IS FUNNY. If you would have told the young, nubile 1982 me, who was obsessed with the Duke Ellington Broadway extravaganzaSophisticated Ladies, that I’d be able to present that amazing cast in concert thirty years later, I’d have thought you were ka-razy! But that’s exactly what happened this past Monday at Birdland. To celebrate the show, its gorgeous cast (PJ Benjamin, Terri Klausner, Adrian Bailey,Valarie Pettiford, Ty Stephens, Bruce Heath, & Mercedes Ellington,left, by Stephen Sorokoff) and the Duke Ellington Big Band for thirty years of swinging joy was a highlight of my life! And Birdland was jumping! We were literally pulling in tables and chairs from the office and dressing room to accommodate the throngs of fans, family and original producers. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and one I won’t ever forget! SO many thanks to Ms. Klausner for coming to me with the idea!
![]() With that much good musical energy in the room, it was impossible to have a mediocre Cast Party! And what a cast of characters we had to draw upon! Ryan O’Connor (left, by Stephen Sorokoff), one of the finalists in Oprah’s search for a new talk show host, dropped in to regale us with his very special brand of hilarity. Prince Havely made a wonderful Birdland debut singing his heart out, as did our fave blogger, Rachel Hirsh. The vocal group Bending Threads sounded wonderful. Broadway’s own Erin Quill killed, as always. There were devoted regulars and wonderful newcomers.
![]() I guess the most unique Cast Party contestant was R. James Woolsey(left, by Stephen Sorokoff), who sang a very funny song about a chicken. But that’s not what’s so unusual, believe it or not. You see, Jim was the Director of the CIA under President Clinton. I’m not kidding. We’ve had lots of very fancy folks on the Birdland stage, but not too many of them know state secrets. We were thrilled to meet him, and thank Michael Garin for bringing him into the fray, and accompanying him spectacularly! Of course, Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass were the most dazzling, high-falutin’ band an open mic could ever hope for. I guess I’m just a lucky so-and-so!
May 5, 2011![]() WILLIAM BLAKE (left, by Derek Storm) PULLED OUT ALL THE STOPS for his CD release celebration concert on Monday night! Our own Birdlandsongbird sang the blues, belted some pop and took us on a trip to funky town (did I just type that?) in one spectacular show, aided and abetted by musical director Michael Thomas Murray and an incredible band of musicians. If you missed the show, go buy the CD. It’s a real kick in the pants! Yay, William!
![]() The following Cast Party kept the good vibrations flowing freely, with a jam-packed house of crazily-talented folks and the people who love them. We were particularly thrilled to meet and hear Marie Zamora and her husband, Alain Boublil (left, with our gorgeous pal Jen Bender). Marie created the role of Cosette in the original French production of Les Misérables, and sang exquisitely from the show, which was co-written by Monsieur Boublil! That’s right, the guy who wrote Les Mis, Miss Saigonand so many other shows enjoyed an evening at Cast Party! I’m telling you, you just never know WHO might be lurking at our soirée! We were also happy to see and hear Morgan James (see below), California importsCaleb Shaw and Emily Van Gorder, Magic Castle superstar Ben Roman, and three Dallas divas who dazzled our denizens of the night: Liz Mikel,Cedric Neal and Cynthia Scott. Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass astonished the crowd with their musical accompaniment, like always. This coming Monday, Mr. Billy Stritch will be at the eighty-eights, so you know fun will be happening!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRLAND SERIES IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE that MORGAN JAMES, currently appearing on Broadway in Frank Wildhorn’s Wonderland, will appear in concert on Monday, May 9 at 7pm.
MORGAN JAMES is excited to bring her eclectic, genre-blending musical celebration to the Birdland stage for the first time. The show features fresh and rapturous arrangements of soul and blues standards, combined with elements of jazz, pop, rock and funk. Ms. James will be backed up by an amazing seven–piece band including Chris Fenwick on piano, Mat Fieldes on bass, Damien Bassman on drums, Eric Davis on guitar, Dan Levine on trombone and CJ Camerieri on trumpet. Morgan James is a Juilliard trained performer who is currently in preparation for the upcoming Broadway run of Frank Wildhorn’sWonderland. She recently concluded a run as part of the original Broadway cast of the hit musical, The Addams Family, starring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth. Morgan was a featured soloist in Bernstein's Mass with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, performing at Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center, and can be heard on their Grammy nominated recording (Naxos). Her regional and concert credits include Arizona Theatre Company, Kansas City Repertory Theatre., Barrington Stage Company, Paper Mill Playhouse, Eugene O'Neill Theatre Conference, The Wilma Theatre, Two River Theatre Co. In addition to her theatrical career, Morgan can be seen and heard in numerous commercials, voice-overs, and recordings, and is featured on the upcoming "Tears from Heaven" album by Frank Wildhorn; "Bring me Giants" (with James Barbour); "(Sorta) Love Songs", Paul Loesel and Scott Burkell; "Chasing the Day", music of Will Van Dyke; and "What I Wanna Be When I Grow Up", the music of Scott Alan. MORGAN JAMES WHEN: Monday, May 9 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com May 12, 2011![]() ON MONDAY NIGHT, THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES was proud to present singer Morgan James (left, by Kat Hennessey), along with her seven-piece band, which included Chris Fenwick on piano, Mat Fieldes on bass, Damien Bassman on drums,Eric Davis on guitar, Dan Levine on trombone and CJ Camerieri on trumpet. Morgan’s voice is extraordinary, and the concert was fabulous, featuring fresh arrangements of soul and blues classics, including Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way,” and one of my favorite standards, “Ill Wind.” Songwriter Katie Thompson also joined James at the piano for a duet of Thompson’s “Make Me Hate You.” It was, in all, a great concert!
![]() The following Cast Party was one for the books. We were so happy to see California-boy David Burnham back on our stage (left, by Stephen Sorokoff). He’s currently co-starring in the upcoming Cy Coleman review at 59E59 (see ad below), but joined Billy Stritch (his co-star) in a ditty just for us! Our favorite Italian clown/acrobat Rudi Macaggi stunned everyone by balancing on his head. Upside-down. On a basketball. On a chair. Iknow. Then, he did something with a 4-foot sculpting balloon that still has us feeling kind of squirmy. We love Rudi! Louise Quick talked about being Bob Fosse’s assistant on the movie “Cabaret,” showed us some of his iconic moves, then sang her heart out. Amy Toporek gave us a taste of her brilliant performance as Tracey Turnblad in the national tour ofHairspray. Sharon Clark, a Birdland newcomer from DC, blew us all away with her jazzy stylings. It was that kind of night…variety that would have made Ed Sullivan green with envy! This kind of stuff happens every single Monday, you know! This next week – Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle will be the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra. Be there!
![]() If you're missing us in the long days until Monday, check out this great video on the YouTubes about Cast Party from Theatre Development Fund!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND SERIES IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE that JaLaLa will return to the historic stage on Monday, May 16 at 7pm.
Janis Siegel and Laurel Massé, founding members of vocal group The Manhattan Transfer, have long shared a love of the great girl groups of American pop music like the Boswell Sisters and the Ronettes. In 2006, they joined forces with New York Voices' Lauren Kinhan to form the group JaLaLa (for Janis, Laurel and Lauren). Then, Siegel was approached by Dare Records in 2008, and asked to produce a CD of Johnny Mercer tunes. She took the assignment and that old Mercer magic became the first showcase and tour-de-force for JaLaLa. Their debut CD, “That Old Mercer Magic,” is available through Dare Records/Ryko/WEA Distribution (a Warner Music Group Company). JaLaLa WHEN: Monday, May 16 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 or $35 plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com May 19, 2011![]() WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMBINE THREE OF THE BEST GROUP SINGERS ON THE PLANET? JaLaLa happens! The supergroup (left, in a rockin' photo by Stephen Sorokoff), which includes Janis Siegel, Laurel Massé (current and original Manhattan Transfer members), and Lauren Kinhan (from New York Voices) put together a fabulous, swinging and dazzling show for the Broadway at Birdland crowds on Monday night! Between some amazing original arrangements, some Boswell Sisters material, and my all-time favorite Lambert, Hendricks & Ross tune, the joint was most definitely jumpin’!
![]() The following Cast Party was swell as usual. I always love being able to open the fun with Klea Blackhurst…and she certainly didn’t disappoint. She belted. She yodeled. She played the trumpet. Our favorite one-gal-band kicked the night off with humor and style, as always! It was thrilling to have Divo-From-Oz Daniel Edmonds showing off at the piano, too (left, with Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka and Rob Bowman). We know him as Caroline O’Connor’s brilliant musical director, but it was fantastic to hear him cut loose with a superb solo! It’s always wonderful to see and hear KT Sullivan, and this time, she brought her gorgeous mother, Elizabeth, to join in on the musical fun! Christina Bianco absolutely slayed everyone with her spot-on impressions, as always. A highlight of the night was a performance of Niko Tsakalakos’ “I Have Lion,” sung by Quentin Earl Darrington, who starred in the recent Broadway revival of Ragtime. There were a bunch of fabulous newcomers, some beloved regulars…and the Tedd Firth/Steve Doyle piano/bass duo kept everyone on their musical toes! Who is luckier than US?
Broadway at Birdland!![]() VOCALIST PAMELA LUSS AND TENOR SAXOPHONIST HOUSTON PERSON will return to the historic Birdland stage on Monday, May 23 at 7pm.
For the last four years, the partnership of vocalist Pamela Luss and tenor saxophonist Houston Person has been one of the most exciting teams on the contemporary jazz scene. It's not simply that she sings and he plays, but that they truly create music together, like two minds with but a single thought. Whether swinging on standards, jamming on the blues, or instilling a romantic mood on a beautiful ballad, singer and saxist are completely in sync with each other throughout. At Birdland, they'll perform favorites from their four releases together (the three albums, “Your Eyes,” “Magnet,” and “Sweet & Saxy,” and the single “Bewitched- TV Series Theme Song”) along with new numbers, both classic and contemporary that they are constantly adding to their repertoire. PAMELA LUSS AND HOUSTON PERSON WHEN: Monday, May 23 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com May 26, 2011![]() This past Monday, I missed the wonderful Pamela Luss concert and most of Cast Party at Birdland, because I was co-hosting the Drama Desk Awards Red Carpet for Ovation TV. It was a blast, and I had a ball chatting up my fancy Broadway pals as they made their way into the event in all their finery! The brassy and sassy Klea Blackhurst was kind enough to take over Cast Party for the evening, and as always, was Hostess With The Mostess. (Who coined that weird phrase?) Of the night, she writes:
“EVERYTHING'S COMING UP BIRDLAND! It was quite a night! Cast Party was sprinkled with the stardust of Hilary Kole’s thrilling lead in…she actually sang “Lullabye of Birdland!” How can you resist? Our roving photogStephen Sorokoff snapped a beautiful shot of gorgeous Caitlin Westfall(left) and a hilarious angle of the wittiest guy on the planet, Ray Jessell, who was ensconced at the grand piano, (below, left)! ![]() This week’s Cast Party could have been billed as “Night of A Thousand Guitars;” the variety was astonishing. From the “The Singing CPA,” Steven Zelin, who regaled us with a list of every state in which he’s ever filed a tax return, to young Ronnie Davis, who played a gorgeous rendition of Pachebel’s Canon in D, magic was made. A vacationing Ken Appersonwas my favorite with his own original composition. Thrilling singers likeCarrie Jackson, Nancy Harms, William Blake, Natalie Fabian andMelody Hall set the bar high, and Carole J. Bufford killed with “What Did I Have That I Don’t Have,” from her new show at Feinstein’s, “11 O’clock Numbers at 11 O’Clock.” Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass were a shockingly good Cast Party Symphony Orchestra, just like they’ll be next week! It was fun sitting in for Jim, but he’ll be back next week, too! I know they’ll wanna see you there!”- Klea Blackhurst
Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO AND THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES is proud to announce the return of EUAN MORTON to the historicBirdland stage on Sunday, May 29 at 6pm.
Five years after the release of Euan’s first studio album, “NewClear,” he returned to the studio to record “Caledonia – The Homecoming” (Lyric Partners), an ode to his homeland, Scotland. After moving to London in his early 20’s, he ended up in New York City. It was his arrival in the US that made Morton realize how special it was to be Scottish. “I have met so many relatives of my forebears here and seeing how proud they were of their ancestry filled me with my own sense of pride and belonging. The songs I remembered hearing when I was a little boy began running through my head again. I felt a calling and a need to say ‘thank you’ to the place I’ll always call home.” “Caledonia – The Homecoming” was recorded at Bias Studios in Springfield, VA. The album is a mix of contemporary and standard songs, all of which pay tribute to Morton’s homeland, Scotland. The pianist and arranger was Jon Carroll, from Starland Vocal Band and the engineer was Bob Dawson. Set list includes “The Dark Island,” “My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose,” “Loch Lomond,” “Danny Boy,” “Auld Lang Syne,” and “Caledonia.” EUAN MORTON: Caledonia - The Homecoming WHEN: Sunday, May 29 at 6pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com and then...![]() Jim Caruso is proud to announce the one-night-only musical pairing of renowned jazz vocalists, JANE MONHEIT and PETER ELDRIDGE, as part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series. The event will take place on Monday, May 30 at 7pm at the historic music room, located at 315 West 44 Street in NYC.
Jane Monheit and Peter Eldridge began their relationship as student and teacher years ago, but have since become musical peers and wonderful friends who love singing together when schedules allow. They have also joined forces on a number of each other’s recording projects, but this Birdland outing will be their very first full set together; two jazz vocalists at the top of their game, performing songs from their respective catalogues as well as new arrangements conceived specifically for this special evening. Jazz vocalist Jane Monheit recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of her remarkable recording career with her most mature, heartfelt album yet,Home, a collection of standards that represents a passionate return to her roots as a jazz musician. The CD features the band she has worked with onstage and off for most of her career, as well as special guests such as John Pizzarelli, Mark O’Connor, and Larry Goldings. Home is her first album for Emarcy/Universal and also marks her debut as sole producer of a recording. An extraordinarily gifted jazz vocalist whose sincere and romantic interpretations of exceptional songs has made her a favorite in both the jazz and cabaret worlds, Monheit has garnered numerous accolades in the past decade. Her first album, Never Never Land, was voted top debut recording by the Jazz Journalist’s Association and stayed on the Billboard Jazz chart for over a year. Subsequent albums either charted high, or in several cases, debuted at number one, and yielded two Grammy nominations in the Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals category, recognizing the work of Vince Mendoza on 2002’s In The Sun and 2004’s Taking A Chance On Love. Peter Eldridge has been called “perennially classy” (JazzTimes) and ranks “in the celebrated tradition of melodic poets, most famously represented by such disparate voices as Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison and Steely Dan – singer/songwriters who create catchy, beautiful tunes with insightful lyrics that are both personal and universal” (allmusicguide.com). Mr. Eldridge continues to draw on his many-faceted talent as he pursues an eclectic mix of activities, including composing, performing, arranging, recording, as well as teaching (the Manhattan School of Music, head of the jazz voice faculty since 1993). He has released three solo recordings: Stranger in Town, characterized by its bittersweet swing and called the Best Jazz CD of 2001 by Boston radio station WICN; Fool No More, full of Peter’s original compositions in a sophisticated pop style, released in the same year (both on the independent label Rosebud Records); and Decorum, a 2005 release of originals. Peter ‘s newest project, the latin-inspired Mad Heaven, was just released this February on Palmetto Records. Peter is also a co-founding member of the double-Grammy winning New York Voices, which has recorded seven studio albums (including A Day Like This released on MCG Jazz in September 2007). The group has made numerous guest appearances, and toured internationally for two decades, with appearances including Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and the Kennedy Center. In addition, compositions by Mr. Eldridge have been included on albums by other artists: 'Minds of Their Own', written with Brazilian composer-performer Ivan Lins, was included on Nancy Wilson'sR.S.V.P. (Rare Songs, Very Personal) on the MCG Jazz Label, which won the 2004 Grammy award for Best Jazz Vocal Album; 'Difficult' was recorded by Cuban saxophonist-clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera for his The Jazz Chamber Trio, a 2005 release on Chesky Records; and Jane Monheit, who was at one time one of Mr. Eldridge's many talented students, features Peter's song 'Surrender' as the title track on her acclaimed 2007 CD and also features the Eldridge duet 'Around Us', based on a James Thurber quote, on her 2003 Encoded Music DVD, Live from the Rainbow Room. Jane and Peter also recorded a duet for her most recent album Home entitled “It’s Only Smoke”. One of his many choral pieces, simply entitled 'Prayer', was recently recorded by New York City's own Marble Collegiate Sanctuary Choir, on its recording With Many Voices. JANE MONHEIT & PETER ELDRIDGE WHEN: Sunday, May 30 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $30 plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com June 2, 2011![]() EUAN MORTON (left, by Joe Marzullo), who rose to fame playing Boy George in the too-quickly-shuttered Taboo, stormed the Birdland stage with a show-full of songs celebrating his Scottish homeland. The set list included “The Dark Island,” “My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose,” “Loch Lomond,” “Auld Lang Syne,” and “Caledonia,” the title song from his new cd that you must hear! Euan and his extraordinary band thrilled the packed house, which included actress Jayne Houdyshell and R Family Vacations co-founder Kelli Carpenter, and we can’t wait to have them all back – and soon!
![]() Making our Memorial Day Monday just a little bit more memorable were two of the best jazz singers on the planet Earth, Jane Monheit and Peter Eldridge (cavorting with me in the dressing room, left, thanks to Stephen Sorokoff). They began their musical relationship years ago as student and teacher, but have since become musical peers and great friends who love singing together whenever their crazy schedules allow. In this perfectBirdland outing, they sang songs from their perspective repertoires, but thrilled us even more with duets conceived especially for the evening. It was a special one-night-only event, and one we will never forget!
![]() The following Cast Party was one swingin’ affair. We’re always dazzled byDominick Farinacci and his trumpet (left, by Stephen Sorokoff). He was able to create a wonderful mood, along with our brilliant musicians Tedd Firth, Saadi Zain and Daniel Glass. The afore-mentioned Ms. Monheit and Mr. Eldridge favored everyone with a gorgeous performance.Marvelous Marilyn Maye wove her usual spell on the crowd. Nicolas King scatted himself into a tizzy! Kate Luckinbill was funny, charming, musical, and even spoke of her grandparents, who you and I know as “Lucy” and “Ricky!” Her pal Brandon Wright stunned us with his saxophonic talents. There were equally wonderful performances by Trevor McQueen, Lisa Gary, Alex Getlin, Angela Bacari, Lodi Carr, Ray Jessell, Jenna Esposito, Sammy Goldstein, Nina Hennessee, Scott Coulter, Natalie Douglas, a very talented, very young singer namedIreland Horan – lots of beloved regulars and a few swell newcomers. The good news is that we do it all again this coming Monday – with the extra-added-attraction of cabaret legend Alex Rybeck at the piano! You just don’t want to miss the event the Huffington Post blamed for bringing the ‘cool’ back to cabaret!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE the return of songwriter STEVE MARZULLO, who will be celebrating a new CD of original theater songs called “Show Some Beauty” with an all-star cast at Birdland on Monday, June 6 at 7pm.
The concert will feature singers ANN HARADA, HEIDI BLICKENSTAFF, JUDY BLAZER, TERRI KLAUSNER, ANDREA BURNS, SALLY WILFERT, STEPHANIE CARD, RACHEL ULANET, RIC RYDER and MICHAEL WINTHER, all singing songs written by Mr. Marzullo. Steve Marzullo’s New York credits include the music direction for Once On This Island, Mosaic starring Heidi Blickenstaff. Associate Conductor forMamma Mia, Seussical, Grease (1st revival), Saturday Night, Floyd Collins and A Little Night Music (E.L.T.). He was thePianist/Keyboard player for Ragtime, Sweeney Todd (1st revival), Smile, Olympus On My Mind, as well as the concert versions of Dreamgirls, Funny Girl, Chess, On the 20th Century, They're Playing Our Song and Company (original cast). Films: Pianist for Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, Fox'sAnastasia. As a Composer, his credits include: Songs From an Unmade Bed, The Audience and for Audra McDonald: "Burning the Sauce" (Seven Deadly Sins), "I Hid My Love" (Nonesuch Records) and "Some Days" (Donmar Warehouse Video). His songs have also been recorded on the solo albums of Stephanie J. Block, Andrea Burns and Rebecca Luker. "SHOW ME SOME BEAUTY" - THE SONGS OF JOE MARZULLO WHEN: Monday, June 6 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com June 9, 2011![]() STEVE MARZULLO'S GORGEOUS CONCERT OF ORIGINAL MUSIC was certainly one of the most beautifully-sung events we’ve enjoyed atBirdland, what with talent like Ann Harada, Judy Blazer, Terri Klausner,Sally Wilfert, Stephanie Card, Rachel Ulanet, Ric Ryder and Michael Winther (left, by Jim Scavullo). The place was filled with friends, fans and family of the composer and cast, just the way we like it! What a joy to be able to showcase extraordinary talent like Steve, who should be – and will be – a household name! And wait till you hear about some of the fancy folks coming to concertize with us in the coming months! I’d love to spill the beans…but must keep mum at the moment. Keep reading this space for all the exciting news!
![]() The following Cast Party was just downright rollicking! It’s always fun to have Ann Hampton Callaway in the house – or course she sang her heart out, then duetted with Birdland’s own William Blake (left) on a version of “At Last” that would have curled your hair! We were grateful (ha) that songwriter John Bucchino graced us with one of my favorite JB tunes, “That Smile.” Christina Bianco has never been funnier, and her impressions were spot-on. Newscaster Mario Bosquez proved that he’s much more than a talking-head when he dazzled he crowd with some Latin vibes. Beth Eunice (with Joe Regan at the piano) kicked all kinds of ass with “Take Another Piece of My Heart.” Mackenzie Orr, a University of Michigan student, provided us with one of the nicest moments – an exquisite performance of a Jeff Blumenkrantz song. Alex Rybeckimpressed us all on his first time as Cast Party musical director, and Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass added so much mojo on bass and drums. Who is luckier than us?! An audience that included fancy-pants composer Lance Horne, “True Blood” star Carrie Preston and “Lost” star Michael Emersonall seemed to agree! Next week we do it all again, with Mark Hartman on piano! Join us, won’t you?
Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF TOM WOPAT to the Birdland stage on Monday, June 20 at 7pm. This concert is part of the Broadway at Birdland series, which highlights performers and composers from the Great White Way.
Tom Wopat is currently starring in the Tony-nominated musical Catch Me If You Can. Wopat’s Birdland concert will be a celebration of his recent recording, called “Consider It Swung.” Included on the cd and in the concert will be mini big band performances of “That’s Life,” “But Not For Me,” “42nd Street” and “Fifty Checks,” from the Marc Shaiman/Scott Wittman musical Catch Me If You Can. The musical director is Tedd Firth, with arrangements by David Finck. Best known for his starring role as Luke Duke in the long-running popular TV Series “Dukes of Hazzard,” Tony-nominated singer and actor Tom Wopat has maintained a thriving career in show biz ever since, appearing everywhere from Broadway and Cabaret Stages, to the screen, to his own swinging albums. Wopat celebrated the 100th birthday of composer Harold Arlen with the February 2005 release of “Dissertation on the State of Bliss,” a collection of Arlen favorites and rarities, followed by the release of a collection of music entitled “Consider it Swung,” which features such great songs as "But Not For Me," "Deacon Blues," "That's Life," "2 Grey Rooms," and many others. Meanwhile, Wopat appeared as the lead inChicago, and returned to Broadway in March for his first dramatic role, starring alongside Alan Alda, Jeffrey Tambor and Liev Schreiber in David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross. Wopat has received Tony nominations for several of his stage roles, including Frank Butler opposite Bernadette Peters in Annie Get Your Gun. Tom brings his cabaret act back to the Birdland stage for the first time in five years! In a New York Times review of his act, Stephen Holden said, "...he applies his virile baritone to popular standards with a quiet, open-hearted deliberation. On the cabaret stage, Mr. Wopat conveys the same laid-back, utterly unaffected naturalness that makes his album so appealing... [Wopat] clearly knows whereof he sings." TOM WOPAT WHEN: Monday, June 20 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25/$35 plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com June 23, 2011![]() AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE MILDLY BLURRY PHOTO (left, by me), all kinds of showbiz glitterati joined us at Birdland for Tom Wopat’s swingin’ concert on Monday night! That’s the dee-lightful Christine Ebersolebeside Tom, along with Broadway/film superstar music-makers Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman! They all flipped for his show, ”Consider It Swung,” thanks to some amazing arrangements by Tedd Firth, the best players on the planet, and some very cool crooning. If you haven’t seen Tom on Broadway in (Wittman & Shaiman’s) Catch Me If You Can, you better get yourself to the box office. It’s a hit, and we’re thrilled for all involved!
![]() The following Cast Party could have been called “Swing Time,” thanks to our amazing Cast Party Symphony Orchestra – the afore-mentioned Mr. Firth, Steve Doyle on bass, and Daniel Glass on drums. Sometimes I have to pinch myself – could they really be playing an open mic night?? Who is luckier than US? There were a few hundred music lovers there to enjoy the fun, including a table of talent (left) that included Rick Hinkson,Trevor McQueen, Dave Koz, Darren Waterston, Tom Postilio, Jason Jacobs and Mickey Conlon! The folks came from all over to serenade us, including Kit Flensted – a fabulous singer from Denmark! Theo Wischusen, Adam Shorsten, Amy Rivard, Fred Martin, Charlie Puth,Tanner Bollinger and so many more joined in on the musical fun, and we can’t thank them enough.
![]() Thought you should see what happened when two dynamic divas met for the first time (left). Dallas’ own Liz Mikel is in town singing her heart out inLysistrata Jones – and we just knew she had to meet Christine Lavin, one of our fave singer/songwriters! Now THERE’S an act I’d pay good money to see! Just another fantastic meeting-of-the-minds at Cast Party! And it happens again this coming Monday – with Tedd, Steve, Daniel and me onstage to keep it all together! Who will YOU meet?
Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO PRESENT TY STEPHENS & SOULJAAZZ in concert, as part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series. The event will take place on Monday, June 27 at 7pm.
TY STEPHENS & SOULJAAZZ return to Birdland with their elegantly funky mix of jazz, R&B and standards, with a few Broadway show tunes to celebrate a background in theatre. Embarking on their 4th year as the Opening Band at the famed Sporting Festival in Monte Carlo, where they have opened for Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton, Celine Dion, Diana Ross, Alicia Keys, Charles Aznavour, Gilberto Gil, Grace Jones, Tom Jones, and Elton John,SOULJAAZZ features Richard Cummings, Jr. on Piano; Ron "Rondew" Monroe on Bass; Tony Lewis on Drums, and R.T. Taylor on Guitar. The band recently debuted in Vladivostok, Russia, as part of a cultural exchange sponsored by the U.S State Department and the local Philharmonic. They’ll return there in the Fall to host the Vladivostok Jazz Festival, and are preparing for more European tour dates in 2012 to support their upcoming studio recording project. To date, Ty Stephens and the band members have produced, recorded and released 3 CDs of original songs:Musichameleon('96);Deeper In Fantasy(2000) andAquarian Mind ('06).Ty Stephens was in the original casts of Sophisticated Ladies and Marilyn, An American Fable. TY STEPHENS & SOULJAAZZ WHEN: Monday, June 27 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 cover, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com June 30, 2011![]() TY STEPHENS (left, by Jim Scavullo) IS THE REAL DEAL! On Monday night, he brought his band, Souljaazz, to the Broadway at Birdlandstage, along with dazzling vocals and some of the smoothest moves we’ve seen in many a moon. This Sophisticated Ladies alum should be on the top of every producer’s list when song-and-dance men are being discussed, and we’re so thrilled that he was able to work us into his busy concert schedule! The band is off to Monte Carlo, bless them, to play the famed Sporting Festival for the fourth year in a row, but know that we’ll be chomping at the bit to get them back on OUR stage, and soon!
![]() The following Cast Party continued the great musicality, with many thanks to our Symphony Orchestra, Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass! They backed up folks like Tony-winner Daisy Eagan (left, by Rick Hinkson), Saum Eskandani, Trevor McQueen, Olivia Harris, Lauren Fox, Cynthia Holiday, Barry Levitt, Barbara Porteus, Steve Gates,Sarah Rice, Jenna Esposito, Sammy Goldstein, Jonathan Russell,Sigali Hamburger, Tim Griffin, Christina Bianco, Liam Ford, William Blake, Caitlin Westfall, Corinne Bach, Nancy Harms, Sean Harknessand Aaron Weinstein, among many others! The summer heat certainly isn’t keeping the folks at home, thankfully, probably because Birdland is the coolest place in the city (and HAS been for the past 60 years!)
![]() We WILL be throwing a July 4th Cast Party – so wear something perfectly patriotic and JOIN us! We’re also excited to continue schlepping Cast Party all over the country – and are looking forward to our upcoming July 8 stint at the Belleayre Music Festival. Tedd Firth and I can’t wait to see what Donna McKechnie, Christine Pedi, Jay Rogers, Sally Mayes,Nancy Timpanaro and many more fun folks have in store for us! Call 800-942-6903 ex 1344 or go to www.belleayremusic.org to order tickets! You can also read about our upcoming Cleveland Party right here!
July 7, 2011![]() “WORKING BLUE” REFERS TO THE ACT OF PERFORMING OFF-COLOR, risqué or profane material that may shock and/or offend some audience members. And oh, crap…that’s what happened when the shockingly hilarious Lisa Lampanelli stopped into Cast Party on Monday night. It was the 4th of July, as you might remember, and the crowd was in a post-firework, celebrational mood. It’s a good thing, because after cheering some fabulous singers like Carrie Jackson, Hilary Kole, William Blake, Sabrina Fustaire, Tim Griffin, Caitlin Westfall, Corinne Bach,Ashlee Kerkhoff and Cory Hibbetts, the “Queen of Mean” stormed the stage with a boisterous “I’m Just A Girl Who Can’t Say No,” along with a rant that turned our venerable jazz club into a Comedy Central Roast. Nobody was safe, including and especially, yours truly and KT Sullivan, the be-hatted cabaret diva. It was mortifying and thrilling to be part of the X-rated patter, and the stunned crowd went wild! I don’t want to spoil her image, but Lisa also happens to be one of the sweetest gals to visit – and we can’t wait for the next time! Our Symphony Orchestra du jour, Jon Weber and Steve Doyle, kept the musical brilliance pumping until the wee hours as usual. Next week, Tedd Firth will be at the piano with Mr. Doyle on bass. Who’s luckier than us?! (Photo, left, by Jimmy Bigballs)
![]() This Friday (tomorrow), Tedd and I are schlepping ourselves to the Catskills for the very first time to do a star-studded Cast Party for theRoxbury Arts Group and Belleayre Music Festival! We’re excited to share the stage with pals like Donna McKechnie, Sally Mayes, Patti Delland Christine Pedi, as well as lots of talented locals we’ll get to meet and hear for the first time! Check out The Watershed Post for a fun interview and all the details! In one year, we’ve taken our beloved soirée to Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin, Provincetown, and now the Catskills! Next up, another Chicago (August 3), Las Vegas (August 24 and 25) and the Dave Koz Jazz Cruise to Alaska (August 26 – September 2)!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT BROADWAY AND TELEVISION PERSONALITY JULIE HALSTON will appear at Birdland(315 West 44th Street, NYC) on Monday, July 11 at 7pm. Her show, Old, New, Borrowed, Blue, is part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series. Reservations are highly recommended by calling 212-581-3080 or by visiting www.birdlandjazz.com.
Julie Halston returns to Birdland in a brand new show, which will combine her usual hysterical observations of life, show biz and the fall of Western Civilization. Ms. Halston is one of the busiest actress/comediennes working today. She is currently starring in Charles Busch’s new play, Olive and the Bitter Herbs at Primary Stages, opening in July. She was recently re-teamed with Busch off-Broadway in The Divine Sister, for which she was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. She also played Tina Carmello on the CBS sitcom “The Class” to great acclaim several seasons ago. Well-known to theatre audiences, she was last seen on Broadway in Hairsprayafter receiving rave reviews (as well as receiving Drama Desk and Drama League nominations) for her performance in William Hamilton’s White Chocolate. She received an Outer Critics Circle nomination for her performance in The Roundabout’s production of Twentieth Century. Other Broadway credits include Gypsy, The Women and The Man Who Came to Dinner. Off-Broadway credits include acclaimed performances in The Vagina Monologues, The Butter and Egg Man and The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told. She is a founding member of Charles Busch’s legendary theatre company, Theatre-in-Limbo and received a Drama Desk nomination for her performance in Mr. Busch’s play Red Scare on Sunset. She co-starred with Mr. Busch in many of his plays including Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, The Lady in Question and You Should be So Lucky. Miss Halston’s one woman show, Julie Halston’s Lifetime of Comedy which was developed from her wildly successful club act, ran Off-Broadway for six months and received an Outer Critics Circle Nomination for Best Comedy. CBS developed a pilot based on the play. Her film credits include “The Juror,” “Joe Gould’s Secret,” “Addams Family Values,” “Dottie Gets Spanked,” “Celebrity” and “David Searching.” She can be seen in Charles Busch’s latest film “A Very Serious Person” which has been selected for the Tribeca Film Festival. Television viewers may recognize her as Bitsy Von Muffling on “Sex and The City.” Julie also co-authored the well-received book of original monologues “Monologues for Show-Offs” published by Heinemann Press. JULIE HALSTON: Old, New, Borrowed, Blue WHEN: Monday, July 11 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 or $35 cover, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com July 14, 2011![]() YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE FOR TEDD AND JIM'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE! Thanks to our old pal, Maggie Cullen, Mr. Firth and I had to opportunity to venture into the wilds of The Catskills to bring Cast Partyto the Belleayre Music Festival, celebrating the very active Roxbury Arts Group. And we weren’t alone, happily. The sold-out crowd included performers like Donna McKechnie, who can be seen (left) dazzling Jim to no end! Performers also included Patti Dell, Christine Pedi, Nancy Timpanaro-Hogan (who took the photo!), Sally Mayes, Carmen Ejogo, and loads of ‘local’ talent who were anything but ordinary! Tommy Tunewas in the house, too, since he was headlining the following night. With a bunch of Broadway babies like that, how could we have missed? Thanks to all involved, and we can’t wait for next year!
![]() It’s always a happy, hysterical night when Dame Julie Halston (left, byStephen Sorokoff) returns to the Birdland stage! And Monday night was no exception. Damn, she is funny…just ask Broadway glitterati like Dave Garrison, Mark Brokaw, Charles Busch, fashionista/actress Emme,Ashley Morris, Michael Winther, Matt McGrath, Anita Gillette, Trevor McQueen, Ed Windels, Mike Dvorchack, Mike Doyle, Adrian Chang,Allison Fraser, Carl Andress and the star of Book Of Mormon, Andrew Rannells! There are very few things that make me as happy as a Halston rant, so you know she’ll be invited back very soon. If you did happen to miss the fun, you can check out the LiveStream video right here! Enjoy!
![]() The following Cast Party certainly kept the musical comedy mojo flowin’, thanks to brilliant performances by Therese Curatolo (left, by Stephen Sorokoff), Colleen McHugh, Matt Kacergis, Olivia Harris, Trevor McQueen, Tanner Bollinger, and Ruby Rakos, who is celebrating her 700th performance in Billy Elliott this week! We were also glad to hear the swinging sounds of Carrie Jackson, Katherine Allison, Victoria Garbarino, Anthony Kane, Barry Lawton, Cassandra Kubinsky,Genevieve Marentette, Jaymz Bee, Valerie Crawford, Arlee Leonard,Arnie Fogel, Nancy Harms, Conor Murphy, Joanne Drodge, Mayte from Spain and Steven Zalin, the Singing CPA! Tedd Firth and Steve Doylewere the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra, just like they’ll be this coming Monday – you just never know WHO will show up…so you better join us!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES is happy to announce that songwriters Michael Kooman and Chris Dimond, who won the 2010 Jonathan Larson Grant, will be presenting “Out Of Our Heads: The Music of Kooman & Dimond” on Monday, July 18 at 7pm.
An amazing cast of Broadway performers will be joining them includingPatina Miller (Sister Act), Heidi Blickenstaff (The Addams Family, [title of show]), Julia Murney (Wicked, Lennon), Anderson Davis (Les Miserables), Matt Doyle (War Horse, Spring Awakening), Jeremy Jordan(Rock of Ages, West Side Story), Kyle Dean Massey (Next To Normal,Wicked), Phoebe Strole (Spring Awakening), Laura Osnes (Anything Goes, South Pacific, Grease), Zak Resnick (Lucky Guy), Jose Llana(Wonderland, Spelling Bee, Rent), Allison Case (Hair, Mamma Mia!), Lee Gayer (Follies), and Katie Hennies. The show will be directed by Kate Pines, and produced by Michael Alshooler of MNA Entertainment INC. “Out Of Our Heads” will be a release party/concert for the CD of the same name, and will feature Broadway performers singing the songs of Kooman & Dimond. The CD is a compilation of songs that blur the lines between musical theater and pop, running the gamut from the absurd to the sublime. The recording features the vocal talents of Kerry Butler, Christopher Sieber, Patina Miller, Heidi Blockenstaff, Matt Doyle, Kyle Dean Massey and more. Audience members will receive a complimentary CD. Michael Kooman (music) and Christopher Dimond (book and lyrics) are the authors of the musicals Dani Girl, which has been workshopped and developed at the Kennedy Center, American Conservatory Theatre, Cherry Lane Theatre, and the ASCAP/Disney Musical Theater Workshop; Golden Gate (Williamstown Theatre Festival); Homemade Fusion (London’s Ambassadors Theater); and the family-friendly Christmas musical Junior Claus. OUT OF OUR HEADS: The Music of Kooman & Dimond WHEN: Monday, July 18 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com July 21, 2011![]() A NEW PHENOMENON HAS ARRIVED. The songwriting team of Michael Kooman & Chris Dimond have been consistently racking up catchy, smart, well-honed theater songs since they met at Carnegie Mellon University a few years ago, and have had some swell successes. They wrote a musical called Dani Girl, which was workshopped at the Kennedy Center, of all places, and Golden Gate, seen at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. But Monday night’s concert and CD release, “Out Of Our Heads,” was the trumpet call to all good pop/showtune lovers! It didn’t hurt that the writers culled a cast that would make any Broadway producer weep with joy – including Patina Miller (star of Sister Act), Julia Murney (star ofWicked & Lennon) and Laura Osnes (star of Anything Goes) (left, courtesy of Joe Marzullo/Playbill)! Feel free to watch some video footage onBroadwayWorld, and catch the fever. I’m predicting great things for Kooman & Dimond – and am hoping they make a quick return to Birdlandwith their extraordinary cast (which also included Phoebe Strole, Jeremy Jordan, Matt Doyle, Anderson Davis, Allison Case, Kyle Dean Massey,Jose Llana, Zak Resnick, Lora Lee Gayer & Kate Hennies)!
![]() As the cheers for the K&D concert were dying down, the line started to form for another summer-stocked Cast Party. The stifling heat did nothing to deter the musical hopefuls, and the club was as packed as I’ve seen it in a long time. I literally had 38 singers on my list, and was mortified that I couldn’t get to everyone! I always have the best time with Marilyn Maye(left, by Stephen Sorokoff). No wonder she was Johnny Carson’s favorite girl singer. Of course, she sings her head off, but her talent for lightening-fast repartée makes me laugh harder than most anyone else on the planet. I was also thrilled to see the fabulous Stephen Wallem, who you probably know from his day job starring as Thor on “Nurse Jackie.” He ‘defied gravity’ in a way nobody else has ever done, that’s for sure! I could name-drop for pages, telling you who else you missed, but I’ll just tell you that it was a great night, and included an original song we might never forget called “And That’s Why This Is Hell.”
Broadway at Birdland!![]() Emily Padgett (Rock of Ages) is joining Hollie Howard, Tracee Beazer,Nicolette Hart, Robyn Hurder & Colleen Sexton in the Birdland debut of The Broadway Dolls on Monday, July 25 at 7pm. This event is part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series.
Five women came to NYC…five women landed in Broadway shows, then ultimately came together to form The Broadway Dolls. Known as “the official girl group of Broadway,” these amazing artists are coming together in a full-length production – performing the greatest Broadway and pop music ever written. These triple-threat talents have been seen in the the casts of Mamma Mia, Rock of Ages, Hairspray, Annie Get Your Gun, Chicago, Grease, Spamalot, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, A Chorus Line, The Wedding Singer, Million Dollar Quartet, RENT, Legally Blonde, Memphis, Good Vibrations, Wicked, Jekyll & Hyde and more! The Dolls’ Birdland debut will be an up-close-and-personal evening - singing music they love, dancing up a storm, and telling stories of their road to The Great White Way. Don't miss this rare opportunity to meet these sassy, brassy, and hilarious Broadway starlets! THE BROADWAY DOLLS WHEN: Monday, July 25 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com July 28, 2011![]() AS YOU CAN TELL FROM THE PHOTO (left, by Jim Scavullo), Monday night’s Broadway Dolls concert was a sexy, showbizzy glam-fest. These Dolls sang showtunes, belted girl-group ditties from eras-gone-by, and danced their minis off…and the audience ate it all up like ice cream! Many thanks to Holly Howard, Emily Padgett, Tracee Beazer, Nicolette Hart,Robyn Hurder and Colleen Sexton for bringing such a sassy, brassy show to the Broadway at Birdland stage!
![]() And then Cast Party happened. As I was taking names and discussing song choices with the talented folks, a tiny hep cat sauntered through the Birdland doors wearing a black suit, fedora, and carrying a horn case. A brief conversation later, I knew ten-year-old Geoff Gallante, and couldn’t wait to hear him play. To say that he stunned the crowd with his swinging professionalism would be an understatement. About two hundred folks fell in love with this extraordinarily gifted kid and his miraculous performance.The Cast Party Symphony Orchestra, consisting of Jon Weber on piano,Steve Doyle on bass and Carmen Intorre on drums, all agreed that ‘the kid can blow,’ and we can’t wait to have him back with us again…and soon. Not to be outdone, 16 year-old violinist Jonathan Russell and 12 year-old singer Ruby Locknar tore the place apart, too, convincing us that the future of showbiz is in good hands! Of course there were other performers who had passed the junior high mark! John Prioux dazzled us with “Flim Flam Sauce,” Gil Benson sang the blues, Mark Aaron Jamesdebuted a new tune, Carrie Jackson showed us all how to swing, andJonathan Shew sang a great Shew-tune, among many, many others! There were regulars and newcomers and tourists and tried-and-true professionals, just like we like it! And it happens again this coming Monday, with Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass accompanying the masses!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND SERIES IS PROUD TO PRESENT “A Salute To Dre.Dance” on Monday, August 1 at 7pm.
In 2005, childhood friends Taye Diggs and Andrew Palermo foundeddre.dance, a NYC-based contemporary dance company which has been hailed by the New York Times and other publications as ‘powerful,” “athletic,” “gifted,” “passionate,” “propulsive,” “unexpected,” “weird,” “abstract,” and “wonderful.” As the company begins it's seventh season, Taye and Andrew's Broadway friends pay musical tribute to dre.dance and the two men who founded it. ![]() The evening is chaired by Laura Benanti, and stars Eden Espinosa(Brooklyn, Wicked), Jad Abumrad (NPR’s “Radiolab”), Julia Murney(Wicked), Tony Yazbeck (Gypsy, A Chorus Line), Telly Leung (“Glee”),Katy Pfaffl (War Horse), Jessica Hendy (Aida), and Michael John LaChiusa (composer/The Wild Party, Hello, Again).
A SALUTE TO DRE.DANCE WHEN: Monday, August 1 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 and $35 cover, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com August 4, 2011![]() I'M WRITING THIS MISSIVE ON AN IPAD IN MY BEAUTIFUL HOTEL ROOM IN CHICAGO, after hosting the second ever Cast Party in the Windy City. I take no responsibility for spelling errors or typos in the newsletter, since I haven't really gotten the hang of the faux-keyboard...but onward I type! Monday's benefit for the dre.dance company was a gigantic success, with many thanks to Scott Coulter and a cast that included composer Michael John LaChiusa and singers Telly Leung and Julia Murney (left, flanking creator Andrew Palermo), Sharon McKnight, Tony Yazbeck, Katy Pfaffl, and Jessica Hendy. It was a beautiful show for a beautiful dance company!
![]() The following Cast Party was one for the books. There was much hubbub, due to some tv cameras belonging to producer and "So You Think You Can Dance" judge Nigel Lythgoe, who is producing a new reality show for the E! Network about the Broadway scene! We were thrilled to have dozens of magnificent theater singers, including Zak Resnick, Christina Bianco,Trevor McQueen, Therese Curatolo, Rachel Potter, Erich Sue Bergen,Haley Podshun, and Curt Hanson. One of our fave country legends,Larry Gatlin, was joined by composer Lance Horne on a number, then posed with hipster indie folk dude Ben Daniels (left) who dazzled us when he performed with his amazing band! Stephane Seva was our very first French washboardiste...you read that correctly! Brilliant! Brianna Thomas channeled Ella better than most anyone we've heard. Bonnie Burns warbled a pretty tune. The Locknar Sisters killed, as always. BothAaron Weinstein and Jonathan Russell burned up their respective violins. And our favorite filthy funny lady, Lisa Lampanelli absolutely lambasted everyone - especially me! (I'm a "loser with a dream!") It all happens again next week with Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle, and Daniel Glassaccompanying everyone brilliantly! Join us!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE the return of The Broadway Boys. The concert will take place on Monday, August 8 at 7pm.
The Broadway Boys (left) are a collection of the hottest tenor voices currently working on The Great White Way, representing shows such as The Book Of Mormon, Wicked, Spiderman, Jersey Boys, Billy Elliott, Mary Poppins, Memphis, and many more. The Broadway Boys infuse elements of pop/gospel/funk/jazz to traditional Broadway repertoire to redefine the musical theater sound for audiences. In this explosive and dynamic show, The Broadway Boys present show tune listeners with music that they are familiar with in a new, fresh way, while introducing non-theater fans to an amazing catalogue of music. THE BROADWAY BOYS WHEN: Monday, August 8 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 cover, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com August 11, 2011![]() IT'S THURSDAY MORNING, AND THAT CAN ONLY MEAN ONE THING in the Caruso Swankienda…it’s Newsletter Time! As I sit here enjoying a Triple Grandé Skim Cappuccino, I’m remembering yet another musically satisfying Monday night at Birdland! The Broadway Boys outdid themselves in their 7pm concert, that’s for sure. It was their eighth appearance for us, and it’s been so exciting to watch their growth. As you can tell from the gorgeous photo (left, by Ira L. Black/dirty sugar Live), their show has been shaped and staged and polished to look as good as it sounds! The sold-out house went absolutely wild for the extravaganza, and we were thrilled to have the Boys back home!
![]() And then Cast Party happened. There was an extraordinary amount of young talent in the room, and their dewy freshness caused the humidity in the room to rise! Some of Scott Siegel’s “Broadway’s Rising Stars” performed, including (left) Alex Goley, Philippa Lynas, Jason Gotay,Graham Bailey and Anthony Ramos Martinez. Each one dazzled the packed house with strong vocals and presence, and made us sure that the future of musical theater is in good hands! The very young and very talented duo of Ruby Locknar and Rocco Fiorentino stunned us with huge amounts of musical savvy! Ruby’s sister Ava has been singing for us since she was a toddler, and just keeps getting better! Teenage jazz violinist Jonathan Russell took a wild solo turn, and also accompanied a few others. The thrilling jazz singer Brianna Thomas brought her palCharles Turner – who will hopefully become a regular. There were newcomers and lots of beloved regulars, all of whom were brilliantly accompanied by Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass. We do it all again next week, and sure hope to see YOU there!
Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS PROUD TO PRESENT a Concert Presentation of Jeannette Bayardelle in SHIDA – A New Musical on Monday, August 15 at 7pm.
SHIDA tells the inspiring story of one woman who overcomes tragedy to discover triumph. Based on a true story, this new one-woman musical follows the journey of a young African-American girl living in the Bronx who aspires to become a writer. Due to the adversity Shida faces in her life, her dream starts to slowly fade. But through friendship, support, and love, she is able to rise above her greatest challenges and discover a new life of possibility. Set to a soulfully contagious score featuring rock, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel, SHIDA is a story of hope and empowerment. SHIDA features book, music, and lyrics by NAACP Theater Award winner Jeannette Bayardelle (The Color Purple; Hair). This inspiring new musical is directed by Tony Award-winning producer Andy Sandberg (Hair; The Last Smoker in America). SHIDA is a tour-de-force that takes us through Shida’s powerful, funny, and touching story, portraying multiple different roles. Musical direction is by Clay Bogan III. Jeannette Bayardelle has been seen on Broadway in Hair (Dionne), andThe Color Purple (Celie). Off Broadway: Best of Both Worlds(Serena).Tours (National/International): The Color Purple (Celie),Deaf West’s Big River (Alice), Rent (Season Soloist), Sister Act (musical revue). Regional: Best of Both Worlds (Serena). Film: “Disney’s Little Mermaid III.” Awards: NAACP Theater Award (best lead Actress in a Musical) for the role of Celie in The Color Purple. Jeannette Bayardelle in: SHIDA - A NEW MUSICAL WHEN: Monday, August 15 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 cover, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com August 18, 2011![]() Jeannette Bayardelle (left, by James Alexander) has written a shocking, raw and thrilling piece of theater called SHIDA, and we were absolutely thrilled to present the first public reading at Birdland this past Monday! This one-woman tour-de-force has a soulful score that features rock, jazz, R&B, and gospel music, and judging from the response of the sold-out house, is one that should be heard by theater-lovers everywhere. Many thanks to Jeannette, musical director Clay Bogan III, and producer, Andy Sandberg, for bringing the inspiring evening to our stage!
![]() The following Cast Party was equally jammed with musical talent rarin’ to storm the stage and show their stuff! Our old friend Mark Aaron Jameswas joined by 16-year-old violinist Jonathan Russell (left) on a fantastic brand new original piece. Jazz guitarist Sean Harkness dazzled us all with his extraordinary talent! Sparkly Jenna Esposito showed off her Italian heritage with material from her upcoming show at Feinstein’s at The Regency. And we were happy to see and hear the extremely young and insanely gifted jazz trumpet player Geoff Gallante playing with the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra. You just have to Google this 10-year-old prodigy! He’s a great new addition to the Cast Party scene! We’ll do it all over again this coming Monday – join us, won’t you?
Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND SERIES IS PROUD TO PRESENT the American concert debut of Dutch performer Willemijn Verkaik, best known to theater lovers for originating the role of Elphaba in the German production of Wicked. This event will take place at Birdland on Monday, August 22 at 7pm.
Verkaik, backed by a seven piece rhythm and string section, will sing the work of today’s most celebrated composers and will be joined by three very special guest composers: Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), Jason Robert Brown (Parade; Last Five Years) and Scott Alan (Dreaming Wide Awake; Home), who will accompany the singer on work from their songbooks. This concert will mark Verkaik's American concert debut. Willemijn Verkaik was born in The Netherlands. She studied both performance and teaching of vocal technique at the Rotterdam Conservatory. Willemijn’s professional singing career began as a lead vocalist for many pop bands. After ten years on the road, she turned her attention to musical theatre and appeared in the ensemble of the dutch Joop van de Ende produced musical Elisabeth. In 2001-2002 she toured with the theatre group 'JEANS', in which she was one of a company of eight players. In 2003, Willemijn understudied and played 'Queen Anna' in the world premiere of the musical 3 Musketiers. The Dutch Army-Orchestra brought in 2004 a new production to the theatre called Eternity in which Willemijn played the lead part of 'Barbara'. At the end of that year she left for Cologne, Germany where she covered and played 'Scaramouche', 'Killer Queen' and 'Ozzy (Meat)' in the Queen and Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You. In 2009 the Elton John and Tim Rice musical Aida was performed at the Open-air Theater of Tecklenburg, Germany in which Willemijn played the role of ‘Amneris.’ For this performance she received the Da Capo Award for Best Musical Performer. Later that year, Willemijn became a founder member of the New World Musical Ensemble, of which their inaugural production was Jason Robert Brown's Songs for a New World on the stage of the Wilhelmatheater Stuttgart. The readers of Germany’s ‘Musicals Magazine’ voted Willemijn best actress in both 2009 and 2010. Since November 2007, Willemijn has become best known to German audiences for her portrayal of the misunderstood witch Elphaba in the hit musical Wicked - die Hexen von Oz. Willemijn Verkaik - American Debut WHEN: Monday, August 22 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 cover, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com August 25, 2011![]() WHEN SONGWRITER SCOTT ALAN SUGGESTED bringing Willemijn Verkaik, the original Elphaba in the German production of Wicked, to theBroadway at Birdland concert series, I had no idea it would end up being one of the most thrilling evenings in the series’ history! It was an honor to host this extraordinay singer in her US debut, and to have Mr. Alan, along with celebrated composers Jason Robert Brown and Stephen Schwartzhimself accompanying on piano was icing on a very big musical theater cake! (left, photo by Kevin Thomas Garcia) For her youth, Verkaik is a master class in the ‘less is more’ style. With a pure-as-snow voice and such clear acting choices, no riffing, scatting or showing off is necessary, and this Dutch beauty knows it. The three composers seemed to revel in her vocal perfection as she honored their lyrics, and the sold-out theater-savvy crowd rewarded all involved with ovation after ovation. The grand finale was a heart-breaking trio of the Wicked hymn, “For Good,” with Verkaik, Broadway’s Eden Espinosa (another beloved Elphaba) and Mr. Schwartz at the piano. Thrilling, I tell you!
![]() The following Cast Party was another hilarious, shocking, and musically satisfying evening. Pianist extraordinaire David Budway, bass dude Steve Doyle, and superstar percussionist Daniel Glass accompanied a wide range of musical styles in brilliant fashion, including Bieber lookalike and “Americals Got Talent” star Dani Shay and pop-star-in-the-making Justin Chase (left). There were scads of newcomers to our stage, including Bob Bossin, Amanda Nisenson, The L’Vins, Shoog, Georgia Tapp, Emily Bergl, and Bill Zeffiro. Many thanks to Carrie Jackson, too, for bringing in so many swinging singers from her Jazz Collective! Of course there were quite a few beloved regulars, including Gil Benson, Trevor McQueen, Jenna Esposito, Kirsten Gray, Erich Joan Bergen, Karen Oberlin, Charles Turner and Nancy Harms. It was great having Samia Mounts sing her heart out with the band and the very chic addition of Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf on cello! This crazy Cast Party happens every Monday at 9:30 – this coming Monday you can watch the delightful and delovelyKlea Blackhurst hosting in my absence…you know she will have lots to discuss and prizes to award!
![]() Last night, Billy Stritch and I hosted our very first Las Vegas Cast Party at the Alexis Park Resort! As you can guess, some stoopidly-talented people came out to strut their stuff, including neo-crooner Frankie Moreno, “America’s Got Talent” star Dezmond Meeks and Vegas! The Show, fiery lead dancer Tara Palsha (left)! We were thrilled that Clint Holmes, the unofficial “Mayor of Las Vegas” honored us with a dazzling performance, as did Tonya Bern-Campbell, Dennis Michaels, Bill Fayne, Kelly Holmes (who did her spot-on Cher impression just for me), Kara von Ashwege, the vocal trio Dangerous Curves, Dana Rogers Martin, old palPhillip Officer, Kris Russell, Savanna Smith & Dray and Erich Jordan Young, who is knocking ‘em dead every night in Vegas! The Show!
We do it all over again tonight, and are on pins and needles as to who might join us! If the rumors are true, it’s going to be a very good night! Tomorrow, Billy and I make the happy schlep to Seattle, where we board the Dave Koz Jazz Cruise to Alaska – taking Cast Party to sea with folks likeSheila E, Chris Botti, David Benoit, Kirk Whalum, Monica Mancini,Spencer Day and Jeffrey Osborne! Have a great week! Broadway at Birdland!![]() YOUTUBE SENSATION, CHANTEUSE AND HIGH-END VOCAL COACH MIRANDA SINGS is making her eighth concert appearance at Birdlandon Monday, August 29 at 7pm. This event is part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series, which showcases performers and composers from the Great White Way and environs.
Andrew Rannells, the Tony-nominated star of Book Of Mormon, will be subjecting himself to Miranda’s sensitive and pitch-perfect critiques, and a haunting duet is in the works. Birdland's favorite boy band, The Broadway Boys, will also make an appearance, prompting alot of awkward flirting on the part of Ms. Sings. International Youtube sensation Miranda Sings will perform a show filled with improvisation, hit songs, onstage voice lessons, magic tricks, and dramatic readings of her own hate mail. The quirky superstar has performed her one-woman cabaret show to sold-out nightclubs and theaters in New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Dublin, and Sydney. You will not want to miss seeing this lipstick-wearing, epileptic eye-browed, crooked-smiling beauty live and in person! MIRANDA SINGS WHEN: Monday, August 29 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25 or $35 cover, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com September 1, 2011![]() I HAVE IT ON GOOD AUTHORITY THAT MONDAY'S MIRANDA SINGS concert was one of the most hilarious evenings of music and mayhem in recent history!
The dazzling diva was joined by by the Tony nominated star of Book Of Mormon, Andrew Rannells, along with our favorite boy band,The Broadway Boys. The packed house of MirFANdas will not soon forget the evening – and we can’t wait until the triumphant return of Ms. Sings! ![]() Hosting Cast Party is one of those ineffably curious experiences; you could never predict how the night will unfold. The post hurricane crowd was in a wonderful mood. We battened down the hatches and hunkered down for a fabulous night.
Electricity flowed, talent showed up, stood up and brilliantly demonstrated what a night at Jim Caruso's Cast Party is all about. Piano great, Roy Meriwether came through the door and I was thrilled! A critic once described him as a “two-fisted pianist with thunder in his left hand and lightning in his right.” No wonder his "Summertime" was just what my Mandatorily Evacuated soul needed. Natalie Douglas andMark Hartman tore the roof off. KT Sullivan and Bill Zeffiro sang of hurricanes via Leonard Bernstein and Dorothy Parker. My brilliant Glimmerglass co-star, Peter Macklin stopped by to say hello. David Budway and Saadi Zain kept the shanties bright. I was especially thrilled to have a visit from Timothy McCuen Piggee. My best friend since 7th Grade at Bonneville Jr. High in Salt Lake City, Tim is currently featured inCatch Me If You Can. He has my dream job: dress like an FBI Agent while singing and dancing at the Neil Simon on Broadway. I had a ball and hope to see you all next week. It's your last chance to wear white. -- Klea Blackhurst ![]() Our Las Vegas Cast Party nights were absolutely thrilling, thanks to a non-stop parade of talent! Billy Stritch and I were so happy to see and hear our old friend Mimi Hines (left), who is only one of the best singers on the planet.
She sang a stunning “People,” which she happened to perform when she replaced that Streisand gal on Broadway in Funny Girl. You can read about all the stars who came on both fabulous nights on www.lvol.com/gossip, written by Ms. Claire Voyant! ![]() We are currently on the Dave Koz Jazz Cruise to Alaska – doing the very first Cast Party at Sea! You can’t believe the amazing talent we’re hanging with – Jeffrey Osborne, Sheila E., Kirk Whalum, David Benoit, Chris Botti, Spencer Day, Monica Mancini, Yair Evnine, and, of course, our tireless host, Mr. Koz.
AND…the screamingly funny and completely filthy Lisa Lampanelli will be joining us this coming Monday at Cast Party to tape a special something for her upcoming Logo Network pilot! You’re coming, right? Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE that Lindsay Mendez & Marco Paguia will be performing on Monday, September 5 at 7pm.
LINDSAY MENDEZ & MARCO PAGUIA met on the Broadway production of Everyday Rapture in 2010, and discovered a mutual love and passion for jazz. Lindsay and Marco draw from an eclectic mix of music, reimagining songs from popular music in the familiar setting of a jazz piano trio and vocalist. Their vast catalogue is comprised of the singers and songwriters that inspire them, including Alexi Murdoch, Alicia Keys, The Beatles, Feist, Fiona Apple, Gladys Knight, Janis Joplin, Jeff Buckley, Joni Mitchell, Lenny Kravitz, Macy Gray, Martin Sexton, Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, The Police, Stevie Wonder, and U2. LINDSAY MENDEZ is a singer and actor, seen and heard both on Broadway and in the popular music world. Last year, Lindsay was featured in the Tony-nominated Broadway production of Everyday Rapture, starring Sherie Rene Scott. Other notable theater credits include Grease (2007 Revival Original Cast), The Marvelous Wonderettes (Off-Broadway),Everyday Rapture (Off-Broadway), and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (TRTC). Lindsay's concert credits span across the U.S., including performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, The Kennedy Center, The Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, The Orange County Performing Arts Center, and Le Poisson Rouge. Most recently, Lindsay was featured on New York City Christmas, a benefit album for Artists Striving To End Poverty (ASTEP). Lindsay is a founding member of The League Of Broadway Super Friends. MARCO PAGUIA is an accomplished Musician and Composer sought after for his proven versatility across many styles of music. Marco's experience as a composer includes the “Best Play” and “Fringe First” award-winning How to Act Around Cops (New York and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals). A successful and recognized pianist as well, Marco releasedSmall Hours, the debut album with his jazz trio. Marco was a two-time finalist for the American Pianists' Association Cole Porter Fellowship. Highlights of his Theater Music Directing career include the Tony-nominated Broadway production of Everyday Rapture, Peter and the Starcatcher (New York Theatre Workshop) Disney’s On The Record (National Tour), and Flower Drum Song (National Tour). Marco is the music director & arranger of The League of Broadway Super Friends. LINDSAY MENDEZ & MARCO PAGUIA WHEN: Monday, September 5 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com September 8, 2011![]() LINDSAY MENDEZ (left, thanks to Matthew Murphy), one of our all-time favorite Broadway gals, teamed with a brilliantly talented pianist/arranger named Marco Paguia, and the result was a poppy-jazzy Broadway at Birdland concert that we won’t ever forget!
The duo put their stamp on a catalogue comprised of Alicia Keys, The Beatles, Fiona Apple, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder, so you know the material was first-rate. Lindsay is about to start rehearsals for the Broadway production ofGodspell, and we were thrilled to meet her director, Danny Goldstein, and leading man, Hunter Parrish. Click on our FLICKR site to see them all! And we look forward to many more evenings of Mendez and Paguia! ![]() The feeling of electricity continued as the Cast Party folks made their way into Birdland, partly because of a slew of TV cameras milling about. Our favorite funny/filthy friend, Lisa Lampanelli (left, by Derek Storm), chose our little soirée as the place to film two parodies which will be part of her upcoming Logo special. TMZ was even there to record the recording! (Watch it right here!) Happily, pianist Tedd Firth braved Lisa’s onstage rant with a stiff upper lip, Lisa was hilarious, and the crowd went wild. Another funny lady, Julie Halston, was there to cheer, and stormed the stage with memories of a Streisand meeting. Rob Paparozzi amazed us with his harmonica talents, and Sharon Scott came all the way from London to swing for us! There were lots of newcomers, and a bunch of regulars, just the way we like it! Tedd, Tom Hubbard and Daniel Glasswere the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra and have never sounded better! We are lucky party-ers! The whole she-bang happens again next week, and we sure hope to see you there!
Here are some gorgeous photos of our recent Las Vegas Cast Party nights! Many thanks to photographer Ed Foster for shooting all the glamorous talent, and to Dennis Ritz for making it happen! We make our return September 21 and 22! Viva Cast Party, and Viva Las Vegas! September 15, 2011![]() WE FIGURE NATALIE DOUGLAS PERFORMED HER 764TH BIRDLAND CONCERT ON MONDAY NIGHT.
That might be a little off, and if you have a more specific count, please let me know. But she’s been on our stage a lot, and it’s one of the things we like best about the Broadway at Birdlandseries! This particular collection of music was entitled “Nina 2: More Songs of Nina Simone,” which is pretty self-explanatory, I guess. Natalie (left, thanks to Todd Forman), musical director Mark Hartman and their band of Broadway All-Stars outdid themselves with this particular show, breathing new life into musical gems like “Wild Is The Wind” and my favorite “Mississippi Goddam.” Congratulations to all involved, and thank you for yet another beautiful, funny and musically satisfying evening! Here’s to #765! ![]() The following Cast Party certainly couldn’t be faulted for being boring! First of all, the room was jam-packed with music lovers. That was a good thing, because there sure were a lot of wonderful singers, instrumentalists and assorted wack-a-doos in the house!
Our favorite Superbowl-ring-wearing ex-NFL star Ben Utecht (left, thanks to Todd Forman), was in town putting the finishing touches on his Christmas album, and favored us with a tune, accompanied by none other than Steven Reineke, who happens to be the musical director/conductor for the New York Pops! LA theater-dudeDaniel Tatar showed why he never stops working on the left coast with a spectacular performance of “Shiksa Goddess.” Rita Gardner (ably accompanied by Alex Rybeck) gave us a taste of her upcoming show, “Try To Remember: A Look Back at Off-Broadway.” She should know, as she originated the role of The Girl in the longest-running musical of all time, The Fantasticks. There was a brilliant vocal performance by Cheo Bourne, a birthday tune by Lodi Carr, some dazzling trumpet sounds from Bria Skonberg, guitar artistry and vocals by Sean Harkness and Dawn Derow, superb singing by Joi Danielle Price, hilarity provided by Phoebe Kreutz, and swingin’ courtesy of Joe Stilgoe. We do it all over again this coming Monday, with Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass as the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra! Join us! ![]() I’m thrilled to tell you that the first two Las Vegas Cast Parties were crazy successes!
Billy Stritch and I were blown away by the extraordinary talent that came to strut their stuff, and because of that, we’ve been invited back. We’ll be at the Alexis Park Resort this coming Wednesday and Thursday, September 21 and 22 – all the details can be found right here. Our fingers are crossed that Cast Party/Vegas becomes a monthly event where the best people can cruise, schmooze, sing and be seen! Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE that jazz vocalist Jane Monheit will be performing swinging new Mary Ann McSweeney arrangements of the beloved Cole Porter classic, Anything Goes on Monday, September 19 at 7pm. Broadway leading man Marc Kudisch will be Jane’s special guest.
Teaming up with a dynamic band, gifted jazz vocalist Jane Monheit will sing the score of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes to swinging new arrangements by bassist Mary Ann McSweeney. This event is a fundraiser for The Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative (PNWHI), created to address the myriad of concerns women face when challenging a serious medical condition: intensive case management, individual counseling, support groups, and links to short-term financial assistance. Monheit’s stellar backup band for the evening includes Mary Ann McSweeney (bassist/arranger), Jim Ridl (pianist), Freddie Hendrix (trumpet), Alvester Garnett (drums), and Special Guest Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar). Jane Monheit is an extraordinarily gifted jazz vocalist whose sincere and romantic interpretations of exceptional songs has made her a favorite in both the jazz and cabaret worlds. Monheit has garnered numerous accolades in the past decade. Her first album, “Never Never Land,” was voted top debut recording for over a year. Subsequent albums either charted high, or in several cases, debuted at number one, and yielded two Grammy nominations in the Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals category. Monheit has been celebrating the tenth anniversary of her remarkable recording career with her most mature, heartfelt album yet, “Home,” a collection of standards that represents a passionate return to her roots as a jazz musician. JANE MONHEIT SWINGS COLE PORTER'S ANYTHING GOES WHEN: Monday, September 12 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com September 22, 2011![]() OH YOU CRAZY KIDS – I write this Newsletter from Sin City AKA Las Vegas, where Billy Stritch and I are doing the second installment of Cast Party at the Alexis Park Resort. It’s 100 degrees – but it’s a dry heat. Like the inside of a microwave. But we love it here, and here seems to have certain feelings for us, too! More about that later!
Monday’s benefit for the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, starring the thrillingJane Monheit Swinging “Anything Goes,” was a triumph all the way around. Mary Ann McSweeney’s jazzed-up, souped-up arrangements, the best musicians in the land, Broadway’s own Marc Kudisch lending vocal and comic support, and the lady of the hour, Ms. Monheit, all made for a spectacular night of music and entertainment! We all decided that it can’t just be a one-nighter, so watch this space for news of a repeat performance. SO many thanks to Maestra McSweeney for a brilliant idea and such a successful result! And Jane…we love you! ![]() The following Cast Party kept the mojo flowin’ with one fabulous performance after the other! Party dudes Nate Lombardi, Chris DiCristoand Erich Yvonne Bergen (left) all sang, and all agreed it was a night to remember.
Our old pal Kevin So (in town playing for my fave blues guy,Keb’ Mo’), treated us with an original piece of very funny material. Jon Burr & Lynn Stein sang and swang. Colleen McHugh and the afore-mentioned Ms. Monheit made up a ridiculously hilarious ditty about an audience-member’s romantic breakup. The Manhattan Dolls harmonized beautifully. Phoebe Kreutz made us laugh, as always. Tuija Komi came all the way from Finland to absolutely slay us all. Mary Foster Conklin &John DiPinto have never sounded better. Alan Harris was as brilliant as usual. There were regulars and newcomers, and Tedd Firth, Steve Doyleand Daniel Glass made it all work as the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra! It’ll all happen next Monday, so gird your loins and join us! ![]() And then came Cast Party: Las Vegas! The Alexis Park Resort was swarming with shocking amounts of talented people, but the buzz was all about our very special guest, Donny Osmond.
He and his sister Marieare the toast of the Vegas strip with their newly revamped show, so it was all that much more meaningful when he chose to spend his post-show evening with us! Not only that, but he favored us with a heartfelt performance of “Moon River,” made famous by his mentor, Andy Williams. No fireworks, sequins or purple socks were in evidence; just that pure tenor voice that we all grew up listening to. In the audience and on the stage were the VIP’s of Vegas, including Reva Rice, Eric Jordan Young,Frankie Moreno, Tara Palsha, Tina Walsh, Cashetta, Randy Slovacek,Michael Caprio, Linda November & Artie Schroeck, John Pinette,Natalie Hill, Jerry Williams, Ronnie Rose, Dangerous Curves, Dennis Michaels, John Katsilometes, Jay Joseph, our Birdland/NYC pal William Blake and my old singing partner Alexandra Haas, among many others! Read all about it right here in the Las Vegas Weekly. We do it again tonight – and rumor has it a few more supah-stars will be joining us! Stay tuned…! Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS PROUD TO PRESENT singer/songwriter PATRICK DEGENNARO in concert on Monday, September 26 at 7pm.
Singer/songwriter/pianist Patrick DeGennaro is known for his upbeat, high-energy shows containing original rock & roll/pop songs with a few classic covers. A MAC, Nightlife and Bistro Award winner for Outstanding Male Vocalist, DeGennaro’s show will feature several songs from his recently released CD, “Unbroken,” as well as new favorites “All I Need” and “Stay.” The song list will also include “Woodstock” and a new Beatles cover. The band will include Alec Berlin (guitar), Yoed Nir (cello), Tony Ormond (bass), Jorgen Kjaer (keyboards), Lonna Marie and Jen Heaney (backup vocals). PATRICK DEGENNARO WHEN: Monday, September 26 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25/$35, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com September 29, 2011![]() PATRICK DEGENNARO'S MONDAY NIGHT CONCERT ABSOLUTELY ROCKED the walls of Birdland!
Nobody we know brings on the great energy, fresh original pop tunes and powerhouse vocals like Patrick! It was a great show, and we can’t wait for the next one! The entertainment continued into the wee hours with yet another Cast Party! Our ultimate open mic has become such a fun meeting place for the most talented people on the planet, and this week was no exception. Our friend (and King of the Great American Songbook) Michael Feinstein was seen chatting upMichael Orland (left), the musical director/pianist for a little TV show called “American Idol.” Yay for the two Michaels! ![]() It was also a joy to see the hilarious Kathy Najimy (left), who is an official New Yorker again! (Don’t miss the return of The Kathy & Mo Show at Raritan Valley Community College this Saturday night!) She and her husband Dan Finnerty (“The Dan Band”) cheered their pal Susie Mosher, who is certainly one of the funniest performers we know!
We were also thrilled to see singer Phylippa Lynas and composer/performer Matthew Robinson on our stage. Matthew is in town working on his new musical with none other than Stephen Schwartz, and if the song they sang is any example, it’s gonna be a smash! Tuija Komi, our favorite Fin, regaled us with a ditty, Jacob Storms crooned, Eddie Bruce killed, Lady Rizocamped, Vanessa Trouble vamped, and Gavin Hope (from the vocal group The Nylons) kicked all kinds of musical tuchas! We do it all over again next Monday, with Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle & Daniel Glass as theCast Party Symphony Orchestra. Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO PRESENT the return of The Marcy & Zina Show, featuring the dynamic theater songwriters, Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, along with a cast of talented friends to sing their songs. The event will take place on Monday, October 3 at 7pm as part of theBroadway at Birdland concert series.
Fresh from their successful run of Snow White Rose (and Fred) at the Kennedy Center, Dear Edwina at DR2...and their reading of Screaming Like A Fool at DR2, Marcy and Zina’s musical guests will include Lauren Kennedy, Jill Abramovitz, Nate Klau, Carey Anderson, Clinton Kelly and Scott Coulter. There will be performances of songs from the duo’s musicals including Ever After, Freakin’ Fabulous and Screaming Like A Fool.Collaborators since 1993, lyricist Marcy Heisler and composer Zina Goldrich are responsible for some of the New York concert scene’s most lovable character songs, including “Taylor, the Latte Boy,” made famous by Kristin Chenoweth, and “Alto’s Lament.” The pair earned a 2009 Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Music and Lyrics for their work on Dear Edwina. They were also recipients of ASCAP’s 2002 Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award and were nominated for the 2005 Lucille Lortel Award for their Off-Broadway musical Junie B. Jones. THE MARCY & ZINA SHOW WHEN: Monday, October 3 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $30, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com October 6, 2011![]() AS ALWAYS, THE MARCY & ZINA SHOW WAS PACKED with family, friends and fans of the songwriting duo. Right after the show, the two were greeted by their youngest and most excited fan, Zina’s daughter Rachel(left).
She was one of the many folks cheering favorite songs like “Taylor, the Latte Boy,” “Fifteen Pounds Away From My Love,” and “Alto’s Lament.” M&Z were backed by a spectacular band and showcased a talented cast that included Lauren Kennedy, Jill Abramovitz, Nate Klau,Carey Anderson and Scott Coulter. The Heisler/Goldrich team has performed on our stage so many times we’ve lost count, but know that they’ll be back, and we can’t wait! ![]() I’ve never felt more like Ed Sullivan than when I introduced Marcus Monroe (left, by Stephen Sorokoff) to the Cast Party audience on Monday night. As you can tell, he’s a juggler, and certainly one of the best and funniest I’ve ever seen.
Clubs and balls were flying, along with some very dangerous-looking things that looked like machetes. (Apologies to the front row – who deserved hazard pay.) There was lots of great music, too, thanks to folks like Raissa Katona Benett, Annie Hughes, beloved regulars and spirited newcomers. We were particularly taken with an Australian performer named Susan Gai Dowling. She sings and swings for real, with nary a scat solo to be found! (Cue appreciative applause.) Come back to our shores soon, Susan! Me and the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra (Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle & Daniel Glass) sure dug what you were putting down! (Jazz talk.) Broadway at Birdland!![]() JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO PRESENT CBS NEWS ANCHOR CHARLES OSGOOD in “A Columbus Day Special: A Voyage of Discovery,” with Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, Mo Rocca, Harry Smith and many other surprise guests at Birdland on Monday, October 10 at 7pm. This event is part of the long-running Broadway at Birdlandconcert series, and will benefit The Broadcasters Foundation.
Charles Osgood, often referred to as CBS News' poet-in-residence, has been anchor of CBS News Sunday Morning since 1994. He also anchors and writes "The Osgood File," his daily news commentary broadcast on the CBS Radio Network. Osgood's commentaries draw one of the largest audiences of any network radio feature. He was called "one of the last great broadcast writers" by his Sunday Morning predecessor, Charles Kuralt.Osgood received a 1997 George Foster Peabody Award for Sunday Morning and two additional Peabody Awards in 1985 and 1986 for "Newsmark," a weekly CBS Radio public affairs broadcast. He received his fourth Emmy Award in 2005, for his story on "Playing for Peace," a basketball group created by Americans to bring strife-torn children of different religions and races together. "The Osgood File" has earned its author five coveted Washington Journalism Review Best in the Business Awards. Osgood received a 1999 Radio Mercury Award, a 1996 President's Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers for outstanding coverage and support of music creators and a 1993 Marconi Radio Award. He has been an anchor and reporter for many CBS News broadcasts, including the CBS Morning News, the CBS Evening News With Dan Rather and the CBS Sunday Night News. Before joining CBS News in September 1971, Osgood was an anchor/reporter for WCBS News Radio 88 in New York (1967-71). Prior to that, he worked for ABC News, was the general manager of WHCT-TV Hartford, Conn., and the program director and manager of WGMS Radio Washington, D.C. Osgood recently made his big screen debut as the narrator of Dr. Seuss’ "Horton Hears a Who," the animated feature film adaptation of the beloved children’s book, voiced by Carol Burnett, Steve Carell and Jim Carry. He also wrote "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the White House" (Hyperion, 2008), a compendium of anecdotes from the last 70 years of presidential campaigns. Osgood, who edited "Funny Letters From Famous People" (Broadway Books, 2003) and "Kilroy Was Here" (Hyperion, 2001), is the author of six books. They are: "Nothing Could Be Finer Than a Crisis That Is Minor in the Morning" (Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1979); "There's Nothing I Wouldn't Do if You Would Be My POSSLQ" (Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1981); "Osgood on Speaking: How to Think on Your Feet Without Falling on Your Face" (William Morrow and Company, 1988); "The Osgood Files" (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1991); "See You on the Radio" (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1999) and his most recent, "Defending Baltimore Against Enemy Attack" (Hyperion, 2004). Osgood was born in New York. He was graduated from Fordham University in 1954 with a B.S. degree in economics and holds honorary doctorates from 11 institutions of higher learning. He has served as a trustee for Fordham University and St. Bonaventure, is an overseer at Colby College and is a trustee at the School of Strings in Manhattan. Osgood has performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and played the piano and banjo with the New York Pops and Boston Pops Orchestras. He lives in New York City with his wife, Jean. They have five children and three grandchildren. CHARLES OSGOOD IN CONCERT WHEN: Monday, October 10 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $30, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com October 13, 2011![]() BIRDLAND WAS PACKED WITH BROADCASTING ROYALTY on Monday night, when veteran anchorman Charles Osgood took to the stage, along with the Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, and pals Mo Rocca, Harry Smith and Liz Powers. Osgood, often referred to as CBS News’ poet-in-residence, sang, played piano and banjo, read favorite poems and generally hosted a spectacular evening of entertainment that we won’t soon forget.
The whole event was a benefit for The Broadcasters Foundation, and we were thrilled to be part of the fun! ![]() The following Cast Party was one for the books – in case I haven’t used that phrase enough lately! (Every single Party seems like it’s own unique and bizarre ‘Ed Sullivan Show,’ have you noticed?) More and more, shockingly good talent is joining us from around the world.
The Loulou Sisters – all the way from Stockholm – gave us a taste of their sublime act, which was headed for gigs at Arlene’s Grocery and The Living Room. Canadians Adi Braun, Julie Michaels and Jordan Klapman entertained us all. Aussie Susan Gai Dowling thrilled the packed house with another swinging performance. Brisbane superstars Jillian Geurts and Emma Dean brought gorgeous musicality and glamour to the stage. Then, dazzling diva Ann Hampton Callaway sang a thrilling duet of “At Last” with William Blake (left, thanks to Lynn Redmile) and left the crowd breathless. Andrew Nemr gave us a taste of his extraordinary tapping talents! Broadway superstar Chad Memphis Kimball and New York Popsconductor Steven Reineke oversaw all the fun, as David Budway andTom Hubbard created a brilliant Cast Party Symphony Orchestra. We do it all again this coming Monday, so join us! Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS PROUD TO PRESENT theatre veterans Maureen Brennan and George Dvorsky in “We’re Still Here” on Monday, October 17 at 7pm.
What happens when two Broadway veterans -- Maureen Brennan (best known for her break-out, Tony-nominated role in Hal Prince's innovative 1974 Candide) and George Dvorsky (Scarlet Pimpernel, Passion) -- get together? There will be great singing, for sure. There will be backstage stories from over three decades of trodding the boards on Broadway and across the country. And always, there will be lots of laughs! Ever since they met doing a regional production of Carousel, Brennan and Dvorsky’s careers have intersected with delightful regularity over the years, resulting in a friendship that has weathered both theatrical triumphs and fiascos. In “We’re Still Here!,” George and Maureen add a new chapter to their resumes as a cabaret team is born! Joining their outstanding legit voices, audiences will be treated to the kind of singing rarely encountered on Broadway today, and the act culminates in a medley of classic songs from such beloved landmark shows as Brigadoon, Showboat, Follies, andWest Side Story. Directed by Dan Foster (who shaped the acclaimed Callaway Sisters' shows "Sibling Revelry" and "Boom!") and featuring arrangements by Musical Director Alex Rybeck (known for his work with Faith Prince, Jeff Harnar, The Callaways, and others) with musical staging by Pam Sousa, “We’re Still Here!” promises to be an evening of musical magic from two stalwarts who have "paid their dues" and continue to ignite laughs and musical excitement whenever they join forces. MAUREEN BRENNAN AND GEORGE DVORSKY in “We’re Still Here!” WHEN: Monday, October 17 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com October 20, 2011![]() WHAT AN ABSOLUTE JOY TO HAVE TWO BROADWAY VETERANS singing and cavorting on our stage this past Monday night! Maureen Brennan and George Dvorsky, along with musical director Alex Rybeck, slayed us with their razzle-dazzle vocals and insider stories from over three decades of working together!
Songs from Candide, Scarlet Pimpernel and so many others thrilled the packed house of fans and family! It was truly a very special up-close-and-personal evening! Many thanks to Maureen, George, Alex and Dan Foster, who helped shape the perfectly perfect show! ![]() Cast Party has always boasted a wide array of musical styles, and this week's episode was certainly no exception.
Five-time Grammy winning inspirational singer Sandi Patty gave a preview of her new "Broadway Stories" CD (released on 10/18/11) with a stunning performance of "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man." Lindsay Pearce (left, with Sandi, by Derek Storm) from "The Glee Project" and "Glee" belted "Gimme, Gimme" for the cheering throngs. Lebanese pop superstar Carole Samaha vamped a sexy "All That Jazz" with Seth Rudetsky at the piano. Matt Corner, a musical theater performer from London, showed his spectacular tenor voice on "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square." Theatrical VIPs like Larry O'Keefe,Nell Benjamin, and Lance Horne enjoyed swinging performances byRudy Martinez, Julie Garnye, Vanessa Trouble, Antoine Bleck, KT Sullivan, Viva Vinson, Colleen McHugh, Brianna Thomas, Karen Oberlin, Shana Farr, Jenna Esposito, and many more! The Cast Party Symphony Orchestra (Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle & Daniel Glass) helped me keep the Party on the fast-track until the wee hours of the morning, just like they do every week. (Check out ALL the photos by Derek Storm HEREor HERE) This coming week, we're expecting some super-swells to be joining us! Come sing, swing, rub a few elbows, and sway into the night! ![]() If you're in the Cleveland area, PLEASE join Billy Stritch and me as we host the very first Cast Party/Cleveland! Nighttown will be the place to be if you wanna join in on the fun! (12387 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights., 216-795-0550) We sure love celebrating talent all over this great land! Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE that Colleen McHugh will be making her Birdland debut on Monday, October 24 at 7pm.
Award-winning NYC cabaret favorite (and Second City alum) Colleen McHugh brings her trademark vocals and magical musical improvisation to this hilarious and heartbreaking collection of songs for the terminally hopeful/truly hopeless. There will be songs by Amanda McBroom, Jerry Herman, John Bucchino, Harold Arlen, Randy Newman and many more. Jody Shelton is musical director/pianist, and Matt Munisteri will be on guitar. Colleen McHugh is a 2011 Bistro Award winner (’Outstanding Entertainer’), 2011 Nightlife Award finalist and 2011 MAC Award nominee (‘Outstanding Musical Comedy’). The New York Times featured Ms. McHugh earlier this year for her commitment to the continued performance of the American Songbook. Her award-winning Calendar Girl cabaret series has produced a new show in NYC every month for three years, with subjects ranging from Cole Porter’s French-themed songs to a musical exploration of the color green. McHugh joined Michael Feinstein in his Now & Then concert series at Carnegie Hall, and sang in a tribute to Jerry Herman at Lincoln Center. She began performing comedy and improvisation with Chicago’s legendary Second City Theatre, and has appeared on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Colbert Report.” She writes and produces “Reel 13,” WNET/Thirteen’s weekly classic film series. Her album “Songs of Self-Delusion” is available on iTunes. COLLEEN MCHUGH in: MORE Songs of Self-Delusion WHEN: Monday, October 24 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com October 27, 2011![]() ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, AWARD-WINNING NYC CABARET FAVORITE (and Second City alum) Colleen McHugh (left, by Stephen Sorokoff) brought a hilarious and heartbreaking collection of songs for the terminally hopeful/truly hopeless to the Broadway at Birdland concert series stage.
McHugh dazzled the packed house with songs by Amanda McBroom, Jerry Herman, John Bucchino, Harold Arlen, Randy Newman, Marcy & Zina, and many more. Jody Shelton was musical director/pianist, with Daniel Glass on drums, Saadi Zain on bass, Matt Munisteri on guitar and Margaret Dorn on background vocals. Everyone, including the true Queen of Cabaret, Julie Wilson, had a ball, and cheered McHugh into several encores! See more photos on BroadwayWorld.com. ![]() Cast Party has always been a shockingly eclectic refuge for talented types, but Monday night’s impromptu guest list was one for the books. Seen onstage and in the audience were pop culture icon/performer Weird Al Yankovic (left, by Derek Storm), 5-time Grammy-nominee Michael Feinstein, “American Idol” finalist Kimberley Locke, Lindsay Pearce from “Glee” and “The Glee Project,” Drake Bell from Nickelodeon’s “Drake & Josh,” Domenic Scaglione (Frankie in Jersey Boys), New York Pops conductor Stephen Reineke, Andrea Fryerson (The Lion King), Victoria Shaw (songwriter, “The River” and producer, Lady Antebellum), multi-platinum-selling recording artist Jim Brickman, Superbowl champ/singerBenjamin Utecht, Broadway’s Max von Essen, and Amra-Faye Wright(currently Velma Kelly in Chicago)…among many, many others! (Check out the photos on BroadwayWorld.com, thanks to Mr. Storm!)
Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS PROUD TO PRSENT “Cautiously Optimistic: The Songs of Scott Evan Davis," on Monday, October 31 at 7pm.
“Cautiously Optimistic” is an evening of songs by composer/lyricist Scott Evan Davis. His songs explore relationships of all different kinds...the good and the bad. The show will feature performances by Liz Callaway,Julie Reyburn, Natalie Douglas, Kate Shindle, Ellyn Marie Marsh,Joshua Dixon, Stephanie Gibson Chase, William Blake, Nicole Johndrow, Carly Jibson and others. The show will be hosted by the composer, who will explain how his songwriting resulted from a dream.David Snyder is arranger and pianist for the evening. Scott Evan Davis attended Emerson College for Musical Theatre, as well as the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. As a performer, he was in the off-Broadway production of Joy at the Actors Playhouse, played Will in The Will Rogers Follies, Miles in Tuck Everlasting and performed his one-man show “Both Sides Now” at Don't Tell Mama. An album of his original work will be released in December, featuring Liz Callaway, Jason Graae, Faith Prince, Julie Reyburn, Nikki Renee, Daniel Reichard, Lisa Howard and others. He is currently working on two musicals; Glitz, which pokes fun at children's pageantry, and Picture Perfect, based on his songs. Cautiously Optimistic: The Songs of Scott Evan Davis WHEN: Monday, October 31 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25, plus $10 food/minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com November 3, 2011![]() IT'S ALWAYS A THRILL TO CELEBRATE A RELATIVE NEWCOMER ON THE SHOWBIZ SCENE at a Broadway at Birdland concert, and this Monday was just that kind of night!
Composer/lyricist Scott Evan Davishasn’t been writing long, but has already amassed a loyal fan base for his wonderful theater songs! And what a cast of dazzlers he brought to sing those songs! Liz Callaway (left, with Scott) thrilled the house with her crystal vocals, as did Julie Reyburn, Natalie Douglas, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Joshua Dixon, Stephanie Gibson Chase, William Blake andNicole Johndrow. We’re looking forward to hearing much more from Scott, especially his upcoming musical about children’s pageants, Glitz! ![]() Following the concert, we all enjoyed a Halloween-tastic Cast Party! One of our most favorite Broadway babies ever, Linda Lavin (left, with hubbySteve Bakunas) joined Billy Stritch and I on an impromptu trio of Ellington’s “Just Squeeze Me.”
Ironically, the reason I know and love that song is because of Terri Klausner, who sang it in Sophisticated Ladies on Broadway…and who happened to be in the house! She performed a very clever, very witchy trio with Nina Hennessey and Deborah Tranelli, written by Micah Young, who accompanied! Charles West, fresh from hisFantastiks performance, graced us with a gorgeous song. Erich Varla Bergen crooned, Jenna Esposito bewitched, Charles Turner jazzed,Natalie Douglas trilled, Trevor McQueen charmed, Andrew Nemr tapped,Nicolas King swinged, and Lodi Carr bopped. There were great performances by Stephen Wilde, Ken Greaves, Carol Ann Sanita, Sue Matsuki, Frank Loman, Lisa Gary, Maggie Worsdale, Abby, William Blake, Christine Fernandez, Sarah Viola, Jim Woolsey, Mardie Millett,Michael Garin, Molly Ryan and Dan Levinson! Stritch, Steve Doyle andDaniel Glass were an utterly spectacular Cast Party Symphony Orchestra, as we have come to expect. November 10, 2011![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS PROUD TO PRESENT composer/lyricist Michael Patrick Walker & Friends in “Out of Context” on Monday, November 7 at 7pm
Best known as one of the writers and creators of the hit musical, Altar Boyz, award-winning composer/lyricist Michael Patrick Walker is coming to Birdland to celebrate the release of his new album, Out of Context, on the Yellow Sound Label. This one-night only launch concert will feature a stellar group of Broadway’s best performers singing selections from the album – a brand new collection of songs that are taken “out of context” from the musicals they were written for. Michael’s wide range of musical styles, clever lyrics and infectious melodies make this an evening not to be missed. Currently scheduled to perform are Ann Harada, Peter Friedman, John Tartaglia, Julie Foldesi, Noah Galvin, Andy Karl,Tyler Maynard, Betsy Wolfe, Andy Mientus and Jim Stanek. Michael Patrick Walker’s debut musical, Altar Boyz, garnered him two Drama Desk nominations (shared with Gary Adler) for both outstanding music and outstanding lyrics, won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off Broadway Musical and ran for five years. His new musical, The Distant Bells, was a finalist for the Eugene O’Neill Musical Theatre Festival and received a reading at the Roundabout Theatre in early 2011 starring Chita Rivera, Ana Gasteyer and Rachel York. He is currently writing an original new musical with book-writer Rick Elice (Jersey Boys,Peter and the Starcatcher) and developing a dance musical with director Stafford Arima (Carrie, Altar Boyz) and choreographer Andrew Palermo (artistic director of dre.dance). Beyond the world of theatre, he composed the new Rockette dance number Humbugged! for the 2011 Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and his music and lyrics can be heard on TV on the Disney Channel’s “Johnny and the Sprites” and Nick JR’s “Olivia”. Recordings include the Altar Boyz cast album, Out of Context: The Songs of Michael Patrick Walker and several editions of BC/EFA’s Carols for a Cure. MICHAEL PATRICK WALKER AND FRIENDS: Out of Context WHEN: Monday, November 7 at 7pm WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $25, plus $10 food/drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com AND….the amazing Maureen McGovern will be in concert at Birdland November 8 – 12. I don’t need to tell you that she’s one of the most awe-inspiring vocalists around – go see her! November 17, 2011![]() OH PEOPLE…
nothing makes me happier than having the opportunity to present brilliant songwriters on the Broadway at Birdland stage. You can imagine my delight when my friend John Bucchino called me from Australia, asking if I’d be interested in booking the Melbourne cast of his revue, It’s Only Life. They’d received amazing reviews, and he was over-the-moon with their performances. Of course, I said yes immediately – which kicked off a storm of Aussie fundraising, travel nightmares and passport trauma. Everything came together, and Monday night’s concert was the happy proof. The extraordinary cast included Christian Cavallo,Phoebe Coupe, Zack Anthony Curran, Madeleine Featherby, Laura Fitzpatrick, Sam Rabbone and Cameron Thomas, with Mr. Bucchino at the piano. Everyone sang their hearts out for a packed house that included Only Life’s original director Daisy Prince and her illustrious and brilliant dad, Hal (left). SO many thanks to John for thinking of us, and to the singers for making their NYC/USA debut with us! What a thrill! ![]() The following Cast Party started with great energy in the air, thanks to the 7pm concert! Bucchino and friends stuck around and entertained the lucky crowd. My pal Jake Shimabukuro (left, by Michele Cummings) absolutely stunned everyone with his ukulele prowess. I know…ukulele? I’m telling you this guy will change your mind about the instrument, as he’s an absolute virtuoso. (Check out THIS VIDEO, which has over 9 million hits!)
Our favorite Canadian swinger, Zoë Lewis thrilled everyone with a spectacular performance. Gil Benson celebrated his 80-somethingth birthday with a jazzy-scatty ditty we all loved. Two of our favoriteChristines – Pedi and Lavin – graced us with wonderful songs. Joel Martin burned up the eighty-eights with his pianistic prowess. NewcomerAlana Adderly lived up to her family name with a gorgeous musical moment. Patti Loach & Brad Hamptons were hilarious, and Mark Sanders crooned beautifully. There were beloved regulars and some Cast Party virgins – and everyone kicked major Open Mic Tuchas! We do it all over again this coming Monday, with Tedd Firth, Saadi Zain and Daniel Glass as the CP Symphony Orchestra! Broadway at Birdland!![]() COMING UP --
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to present LIZA MINNELLI & SAM HARRIS "Schmoolie & Minnooli: Works In Progress” Musical Director: Billy Stritch
212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com $75, $50, $40 with $10 food/drink minimum per person THEN -- The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce thatChristine Ebersole will be performing with the Aaron Weinstein Trio on Sunday, November 27 (6pm) and Monday, November 28 (7pm). For the first time ever, Christine Ebersole joins jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein and his trio for an evening showcasing new arrangements of classic songs by Fats Waller, Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, and Cannonball Adderley. Christine Ebersole is a Tony Award winner for her roles in Grey Gardens and 42nd Street. Her Broadway appearances include The Best Man, Dinner at Eight, Steel Magnolias, Oklahoma, and the recent revival of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit. Ebersole has appeared in many hit movies including Amadeus, Tootsie, Richie Rich, Black Sheep, Dead Again, Ghost Dad, True Crime, My Girl 2, and Confessions of a Shopaholic. She has an extensive list of television credits including recent appearances on “Retired at 35,” “Royal Pains,” “Ugly Betty,” “Law and Order SVU,” “Boston Legal,” “Samantha Who,” and “Will and Grace.” In concert, Ebersole has appeared in numerous halls throughout the country. Most recently, she performed in the concert version of the operas The Grapes of Wrath at Carnegie Hall. Previously, Ms. Ebersole participated in the Opening Night Gala of Carnegie Halls’ 118th Season. In televised concerts, she has often appeared on PBS, including her star turns in Ira Gershwin at 100: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall and The Rodgers & Hart Story: Thou Swell, Thou Witty. A recording artist as well, Ms. Ebersole has released such albums as: Christine Ebersole: Live at the Cinegrill, In You Dreams, Sunday in New York, and the newly released Christine Ebersole Sings Noel Coward. Called “the Groucho of the violin” by Tony Bennett and “a perfect musician” by jazz guitar legend, Bucky Pizzarelli, Aaron Weinstein is quickly earning a reputation as one of the finest jazz musicians of his generation. As a featured soloist, Aaron has performed at Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Wolftrap Center for the Performing Arts, Birdland, Blue Note, the Iridium, and abroad at jazz festivals in England, France, Switzerland, Iceland, and Israel. Aaron has performed and recorded with an array of jazz icons including: Les Paul, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Scott Hamilton, Dick Hyman, Dave Frishberg, Ken Peplowski, Houston Person, Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross as well as New York Pops founder/conductor, Skitch Henderson. He has written arrangements for artists including Michael Feinstein, Christine Ebersole, Janis Siegel, Billy Stritch, and Hilary Kole. Aaron is a New York Nightlife Award winner and recent graduate of the Berklee College of Music where he was awarded a full four-year talent-based scholarship. With the release of his Arbors Records debut, A Handful of Stars, (called “the rebirth of the hot jazz violin” by journalist, Nat Hentoff) Aaron became the youngest jazz musician to have recorded as leader for this prestigious traditional jazz record label. His newest release, Blue Too, is a duo with John Pizzarelli, also available on Arbors Records. In addition to performing and arranging, Aaron is also a bow tie rights activist. Christine Ebersole with the Aaron Weinstein Trio
$30 and $40, plus $10 food/drink minimum November 24, 2011![]() WELL THAT HAPPENED! I can’t tell you what a thrill it was to present my favorite icon/friend Liza Minnelli and the extraordinary singer/actor/writerSam Harris (left, by Monica Simoes) together on the Broadway at Birdland stage this past Sunday and Monday. The first public showings of their new project, “Schmoolie & Minnooli,” sold out in 20 minutes – a Birdland record! We jammed a shocking amount of people into our favorite music room, and when Sam and Liza made their entrance, it felt like the roof was going to blow off the place! And these two showbiz dazzlers didn’t disappoint the cheering throng. Opening with “Two Of A Kind,” they proceeded to celebrate their long friendship with songs, laughs, harmonies, and stories – with much musical help from maestro Billy Stritch at the piano. *click photos to enlarge
I knew they would both sing their hearts out, and be hilarious. But what stunned me was the very special insider material that was created. Nothing was sacred, including marriage, sexuality, injuries and the recent addition of Liza’s bedazzled boot protecting that famous fractured foot. Some of our favorite showbiz vets were on the scene, like Bernie Blanks,Brent Barrett, David Zippel and Elaine Page (left), Julie Halston,Christine Ebersole, Rex Reed, Rob Shuter, Bruce Sussman, Gene Reed, Natalie Douglas, Alan Cumming, Colton Ford, Caroline O’Connor, and Trevor McQueen. I’m hoping and praying that “Schmoolie & Minnooli” has a bright future on the road – because you just have to experience the magic! Of course, the Birdland stage is always available to them…do I even need to say that? (Check out all the gorgeous photos on Playbill.com and BroadwayWorld.com, with so many thanks toMonica Simoes, Derek Storm and Steve Sorokoff!) Can you imagine all the great mojo in the air post-Minnelli/Harris? The following Cast Party was a veritable feast of musical fun. Tedd Firth,Saadi Zain and Daniel Glass – our very own Cast Party Symphony Orchestra – accompanied folks like Jenna & Fortune Esposito, Lisa Gargione & Sam, Mark Aaron James, Nicolas King, Jeff Segal, Natalie Douglas, J.T. Oakes, Sammy Goldstein, Christine Pedi (killing me, left),Sarah Rice, Alana Adderly, Jonathan Myer, The Professor, Andrew Nemr and superstar songwriter Ken Hirsch, who performed his gigantic hit, “No One In The World,” from Anita Baker’s Grammy-winning album “Rapture.” Like I always say…just another night at Birdland. We do it all again next week, and we want to see you there!
Until then, here’s hoping you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We all have so much to be grateful for. We’re here, aren’t we? Broadway at Birdland!![]() THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE that Christine Ebersole will be performing with the Aaron Weinstein Trio on Sunday, November 27 (6pm) and Monday, November 28 (7pm).
For the first time ever, Christine Ebersole joins jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein and his trio for an evening showcasing new arrangements of classic songs by Fats Waller, Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, and Cannonball Adderley. Christine Ebersole is a Tony Award winner for her roles in Grey Gardensand 42nd Street. Her Broadway appearances include The Best Man, Dinner at Eight, Steel Magnolias, Oklahoma, and the recent revival of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit. Ebersole has appeared in many hit movies including Amadeus, Tootsie, Richie Rich, Black Sheep, Dead Again, Ghost Dad, True Crime, My Girl 2, and Confessions of a Shopaholic. She has an extensive list of television credits including recent appearances on “Retired at 35,” “Royal Pains,” “Ugly Betty,” “Law and Order SVU,” “Boston Legal,” “Samantha Who,” and “Will and Grace.” In concert, Ebersole has appeared in numerous halls throughout the country. Most recently, she performed in the concert version of the operas The Grapes of Wrath at Carnegie Hall. Previously, Ms. Ebersole participated in the Opening Night Gala of Carnegie Halls’ 118th Season. In televised concerts, she has often appeared on PBS, including her star turns in Ira Gershwin at 100: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall and The Rodgers & Hart Story: Thou Swell, Thou Witty. A recording artist as well, Ms. Ebersole has released such albums as: Christine Ebersole: Live at the Cinegrill, In You Dreams, Sunday in New York, and the newly released Christine Ebersole Sings Noel Coward. Called “the Groucho of the violin” by Tony Bennett and “a perfect musician” by jazz guitar legend, Bucky Pizzarelli, Aaron Weinstein is quickly earning a reputation as one of the finest jazz musicians of his generation. As a featured soloist, Aaron has performed at Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Wolftrap Center for the Performing Arts, Birdland, Blue Note, the Iridium, and abroad at jazz festivals in England, France, Switzerland, Iceland, and Israel. Aaron has performed and recorded with an array of jazz icons including: Les Paul, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Scott Hamilton, Dick Hyman, Dave Frishberg, Ken Peplowski, Houston Person, Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross as well as New York Pops founder/conductor, Skitch Henderson. He has written arrangements for artists including Michael Feinstein, Christine Ebersole, Janis Siegel, Billy Stritch, and Hilary Kole. Aaron is a New York Nightlife Award winner and recent graduate of the Berklee College of Music where he was awarded a full four-year talent-based scholarship. With the release of his Arbors Records debut, A Handful of Stars, (called “the rebirth of the hot jazz violin” by journalist, Nat Hentoff) Aaron became the youngest jazz musician to have recorded as leader for this prestigious traditional jazz record label. His newest release, Blue Too, is a duo with John Pizzarelli, also available on Arbors Records. In addition to performing and arranging, Aaron is also a bow tie rights activist. CHRISTINE EBERSOLE WITH THE AARON WEINSTEIN TRIO WHEN: Sunday and Monday, November 27 (6pm) and 28 (7pm) WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC TICKETS: $30 and $40 Cover, plus $10 food/drink minimum RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com |
||||||
|