Cabaret Producer/Promoter/Performer STEPHEN HANKS Brings Highly Praised DON McLEAN Tribute Show to Pangea, 8/26 at 7 pm

He just can't seem to say "Bye, bye, Miss American Pie" just yet.

From the summer of 2013 through late 2015, cabaret producer, promoter, and performer Stephen Hanks fulfilled his long-held fantasy to perform a cabaret show based on the songbook of 1970s pop singer/songwriter Don McLean, who wrote the classic song, "American Pie." Hanks' first McLean tribute, BEYOND AMERICAN PIE: THE DON McLEAN SONGBOOK, was staged four times at the Metropolitan Room and Hanks got the reaction he was hoping for.

"BEYOND AMERICAN PIE is a well-structured show featuring songs by McLean, which deserve to be noticed. Hanks displayed impressive ease and presence on stage, delivered well-thought out (and funny) patter, and had passion for the writer and his songs." -Sherry Eaker, Bistro Awards

Hanks says that after the shows audience members told him, "I didn't realize Don McLean wrote so many great songs" and others said, "Man, that Don McLean was a GREAT storyteller."

With that thought it mind, last June and November, Hanks brought back his McLean tribute show, only this time to Don't Tell Mama and with the title DON McLEAN: STORYTELLER. The revised version of the show included wonderful story songs that were not part of the original set list. Now, Hanks is bringing his highly praised show to the popular restaurant/club PANGEA (178 2nd Avenue, between 11th and 12th Streets) for a special performance on August 26 at 7 pm. The show features the Award-Winning Guitarist Sean Harkness as Musical Director, with Skip Ward on bass, and Special Guest Vocalist Rob Davis. Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door (cash only) with a $20 food/drink minimum. For tickets, go to: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2583280

"I've always felt that Don McLean was one of the most underrated pop singer/songwriters of the early 1970s," says Hanks. "Some people consider him a one-hit wonder because of 'American Pie,' and I wanted to do a show that explored the greatness of his songbook. Now the show will focus on songs that reveal his wonderful ability as a storyteller and I hope I can do them justice."

Critics and audience members feel Hanks does just that in DON McLEAN: STORYTELLER.

"Hanks' deep knowledge of the McLean oeuvre is an audience win . . . an unexpectedly pleasurable show; elucidating, moving, and fun." --Alix Cohen, Woman Around Town

"Hanks is a storyteller-articulate, easy and witty . . . with an acute appreciation of phrasing and stress . . . Interpreted with intelligence and sensitivity, Hanks has delivered a show well worth seeing and definitely enjoying." -Elizabeth Ahlfors, TotalTheater.com

"Stephen is absolutely wonderful; without a doubt, an entertainer. He made us laugh and think. I would highly recommend seeing his show!" --Vivian Reed, Tony Award Winning Performer

For more information, contact cabaretlifeproductions@gmail.com.

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