February Performance Schedule at the Metropolitan Room

By: Jan. 21, 2010
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FEBRUARY AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM. Come join us every Friday and Saturday from 11PM-2AM for our piano lounge.

2/1 7PM Michael Garin &Mardie Millit Michael Garin and Mardie Millit have been described as "Steve and Eydie on acid"---and that's by their friends. New York's busiest unknown cabaret duo are making their Metropolitan Room debut with an evening of standards from all over the world...and beyond. Michael and Mardie have wowed the smart set at Elaine's with their impromptu music and comedy. Come see what happens when they actually rehearse! Billy Stritch says " Smart, funny, wickedly irreverent and a whole of fun. Mardie and Michael love to entertain and it shows!" 9:45PM Jade Bartlett and Nick Boddington
2/2 7PM Christine Reisner

Singer Christine Reisner will appear at New York City's Metropolitan Room to premiere a retrospective of songs by her late uncle, TONY-Award winning composer Albert Hague. Directed by Eric Michael Gillett and featuring pianist Tex Arnold and Jon Burr on bass, the evening celebrates the oeuvre of one of America's national treasures. Interpreted with insightful warmth and wit by Christine Reisner, the musical world of Albert Hague comes alive in this winning one-hour show. $25

9:30PM Annie Ross Annie Ross is one of the pioneers of vocalese and the composer of "Twisted", one of the most well known examples of that art, as well as "Farmers Market", "Jackie" and many others. A founding member of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, considered the greatest jazz vocal ensemble of all time, her influence is present in all subsequent practitioners of vocalese. "Twisted" has been recorded by a host of vocalists, including some not normally associated with jazz, including Joni Mitchell and Bette Midler. $25
2/3 7:30PM Daryl Sherman Singer/pianist Daryl Sherman, a stellar mainstay of Manhattan nightlife joins forces for this special evening with her long time friend-- pianist extraordinaire, Mike Renzi. From Peggy Lee, Mel Torme, Lena Horne, Jack Jones to Sylvia Syms, there's hardly a stellar singer Renzi hasn't accompanied, arranged for and recorded with. Both Renzi and Sherman, born and raised in Rhode Island, share a warm musical rapport and passion for great songs--evidenced on albums they've recorded together. Their mutual friend Blossom Dearie will be aptly represented in the show. You'll probably hear "Rhode Island Is Famous For Us" but you can also expect the unexpected $20

2/4 7:30PM Gretchen Reinhagen

Gretchen Reinhagen extends her new show "Special Kaye: A Tribute to the Incomparable Kaye Ballard" following the opening night debut performance at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs California, and a successful opening run here at the Metropolitan Room.

The show, which has long been a dream project of Gretchen's, celebrates the great career of legendary Broadway, Film, TV and Cabaret artist Kaye Ballard. Audiences may be surprised to learn of some great musical gems that were not only originated by, but specifically written for Ms. Ballard. The show is directed by Barry Kleinbort. Musical Director David Gaines will be at the piano, accompanied by Louis Tucci on Bass and "Almost Blue" band member Donna Kelly on Drums. $20

9:45 Christine Reisner $25

2/5 7:30 Dexter Porter & Shirley Crabbe

Two singers. Two moods. One night. Jazz singers Dexter Porter and Shirley Crabbe are pleased to be making their Metropolitan Room debut by performing an evening of celebrated songs from the great American Songbook. In this one-hour show, two singers will perform, each one unique, and engaging. One, known for his sophisticated and witty song styling, and the other for her stunning, lyrical voice. The night's selections will captivate you with songs from Dexter Porter's debut album "Crazy She Calls Me" and his soon to be released self-titled CD project. Shirley's set will include songs about love and longing from her forthcoming CD, "Skylark". Both singers will be accompanied by a jazz trio, led by pianist, Donald Vega. $25

10:00pm MetroJam

MetroJam, hosted by Jenna Esposito, is the monthly open mic at the Metropolitan
Room. Each month boasts a different guest star, a terrific lineup of performers and
the fabulous MetroJam House Band: John DiPinto on piano, Ritt Henn on bass, and
Bobby Sher on drums. Singers and instrumentalists of all types are encouraged to
join in the fun - just bring two copies of your music (up-tempo songs are preferred)
and arrive early to sign up (sign-up begins at 9:30 p.m.) $10

2/6 b5:00pm Justin Ritchie $20 7:30PM Rosemary Loar Rosemary began her singing career on Broadway and in national tours, in shows like Sunset Boulevard, Cats (critically acclaimed as Grizabella), You Can't Take It With You, Chess, Once Upon A Mattress, (understudy to Queen Aggravain) Encore and 42nd Street (understudy Dorothy Brock.) She originated the role of Gladys Fritts (a quirky flapper with a penchant for poetry, operatic singing and handsome men), in Radio Gals at the John Houseman Theatre. She was a headliner for the PBS special, New Years Eve with Guy Lombardo. Rosemary Clooney was rushed to the hospital and Rosemary Loar came to the rescue: with all the keys a fourth higher. As a concert performer she has appeared at: Carnegie Hall, (the day after she was married), 92nd Street "Y", at Town Hall in Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion, with the North Carolina Symphony, the Orlando Symphony and with the Peter Duchin and Nelson Riddle Orchestras. She regularly performs the role of Christine in The Andrew Lloyd Webber Tribute internationally and in different venues. As a recording artist she can be heard on Sting's soundtrack for the movie The Emperor's New Groove, the cast albums of Chess and Sunset Boulevard and on the Listening Library series. Her debut CD ALTERNATIVE TORCH was released in 1996, her second, THROUGH WOMEN'S EYES was produced in 1997 to benefit Susan G. Komen Foundation. WATER FROM THE MOON released in 2003 is also the score of Rosemary's original rock musical by the same name: produced by the Grammy award winning Joel Moss (soundtrack for Chicago).Rosemary's songs have been featured on NBC's The Today Show, on The Lifetime Network, at Town Hall, Joe Franklin and Joan Hamburg shows, at the UN Fourth Conference for Women in Beijing and in the documentary Our Daughters, Our Future narrated by Hillary Rodham Clinton. Ms. Loar has been the recipient of the ASCAPlus Award for Popular Music for the past six years. Rosemary plays out with her band in the New York metro area. The Alternative Torch Series at Symphony

Space (four rock/pop singer/songwriters, four Broadway divas, one great band), which she conceived and directed, played to screaming crowds from 2004-2006. The release of Rosemary's new CD, The Quando Swing, punctuates her return to the jazz-cabaret scene. For Rosemary Loar, jazz is a smorgasbord, a feast of incredible tastes and textures. In The Quando Swing, Rosemary makes it her business to give her audience the opportunity to sample each and every one of those exotic flavors. There is laughter and fun, poignancy and reflection, and an evening of
wonderful music. For more info check out www.TheShowStore.com $20 9:45PM The Barry Z Live Variety Show See the Best of NYC's Talent all on one stage! The Barry Z Show Live features singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, bands, performance artists. Some of the artists scheduled to perform are Roz Ryan from Broadway's "Chicago", Tommy Tune, Emmy Award Winning Comedian, Kim Cea, Cabaret Stars, Julie Wilson, Mark Nadler & Bands such as "NYC Blues Devils". Barry Z, known for his hit cable tv show, "The Barry Z Show", now live at the Grammercy Theatre, will be taping live to air on his show, Wed-Sunday's on Ch. 35. $20 11:00PM Piano Bar @ The Metropolitan Room Love to sing? Working on a new show? Want to revisit some established songs? Thinking about new material? Bring your charts and try it out with an audience. Ricky Ritzel, Steve Lowenthal, or Nate Buccieri at the piano and host Kim Lee Hicks.

2/7 4PM Neesha Ward MetroStar Finalist Nesha Ward makes her highly anticipated cabaret debut with "I Am...", where she asks the questions "Who am I?", "Who do you think I am?", and "Who do I think I am?". Drawing on a roster of contemporary songwriters, including herself, Miss Ward attempts to find her own identity and how it relates to the world.

Originally from Tampa, Florida, Nesha Ward has been performing in the Sunshine State since she was a kid. Working with a small Production Company she performed in such pieces as Guys and Dolls, Nunsense, and Maxwell: A new Musical. A world premiere musical written by Joe Popp. Since moving to New York, this charismatic entertainer has been working on recording her first album and performing in open mic in the city. She recently just competed in the MetroStar Talent Challenge at the famous Metropolitan Room where she was awarded second runner up! $10 - $15

7PM Maureen Taylor Maureen Taylor celebrates Merrill from " the Simple to the Sublime!" Merrill celebrated the Ordinary Everyday Man... while "stitching a suit" of chart hits, novelty songs, 8 Tony award nominations, a Golden Globes nomination and an Academy Award for Best Song with songwriting partner Jule Styne. Come rediscover Bob Merrill from "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window, to "Mambo Italiano" to "Love Makes The World Go Round" to" Funny Girl"...and let the Ordinary Man thrive!

The show is directed by MAC award winner Peter Napolitano and musical director Matt Castle with musical assistance from Joe Brent on guitar, mandolin and violin

"Put Mr. Merrill's songs in the hands of Maureen Taylor, and they come alive in a new and refreshing way."-

Stu Hamstra, Cabaret Hotline

"... superbly crafted... not just a good show, but a truly excellent show...Taylor's interpretations are so insightful and so well realized that she makes it all land."

- Roy Sander, Bistro Awards

"Gracious, glowing,good spirits aplenty,Maureen Taylor is a charmingsing-ing hostess leading us throughBob Merrill's catalogue... this is no surface survey."

-Rob Lester, Cabaret Scenes $15-$20

9:30PM Tituss Burgess Tituss Burgess is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a BA in Music. He recently starred in the as Nicely Nicely Johnson in the New Broadway Revival of Guys and Dolls. He originated the role of Sebastian the Crab in Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jersey Boys (OBC) and Good Vibrations(OBC). Regionally he was seen in The Wiz (Cowardly Lion, La Jolla), Songs For A New World w/ Jason Robert Brown, Brian d'Arcy James and Alice Ripley. He played Father in Children of Eden, Jim in Big River and a host of others. In the concert world, Tituss has served as soloists with the Prague Symphony Orchestra as well as for Academy Award Winner, Ennio Morricone. Television: "2009 Tony Awards","The View," "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," "Late Night with David Letterman." His Solo CD: "Here's to You" is available on iTunes. www.titussburgess.com $20

2/8 7PM Rosemary Loar $20

9:30PM Neesha Ward $10-$15

2/9 7PM Jack Donahue Vocalist and songwriter Jack Donahue returns to The Metropolitan Room with a newset, called "One Quiet Night", featuring songs by Burt Bacharach, Jimmy Webb, Blossom Dearie, Donahue himself and other singer songwriters. Jack is again joined by an all-star lineup of jazz talents: Randy Ingram on piano,Erik Privert on bass and Jared Schonig on drums and percussion. Donahue received both the 2008 and 2009 "Best Male Jazz Vocalist" awards from theManhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC), an Independent Reviewers of NewEngland (IRNE) award for "Best Male Vocalist", and a Backstage Bistro Award here inNew York City.Donahue's last two CD releases, A Small Blue Thing (Two Maples Music) and StrangeWeather (PS Classics), were released to wide critical acclaim. Strange Weatherreunited Donahue with Grammy award-winning artist/producer Peter Eldridge of NewYork Voices, while A Small Blue Thing paiRed Donahue with 2009 Grammy nominee KateMcGarry and multiple Grammy nominee Fred Hersch. Christopher Loudon of Jazz Times wrote: "It's not every singer who can handle the carousel ebullience of Kenny Rankin's‘Haven't We Met,' the retro bounciness of ‘You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby,' thesaucy innuendo of Cole Porter's ‘Let's Do It,' the inky grandeur of Kurt Well's‘Lost in the Stars,' and the cheeky familiarity of Jay Leonhart's cocky ‘RobertFrost' with parallel aplomb. Donahue can." $25

9:30PM Annie Ross $25

2/10 7:30PM Paul Bernhardt Paul Bernhardt partnered with legendary singer Margaret Whiting in recent years for a series of critically acclaimed cabaret shows. As a respected studio session singer, he's been featured on numerous national radio and TV commercials and as a musical guest on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien". Mr. Bernhardt has toured as drummer/singer with rock legend Tommy James as a "Shondell". Paul is excited to be sharing his favorite songs in a new show entitled "Just for My Friends." Paul welcomes Don Rebic on piano and Kenny Vance as musical director.

"....he echoes the geniality of that ultimate master of airy pop-jazz suavity, Nat King Cole," Stephen Holden, NY Times

"....a skilled jazz singer with a fine sense of timing....it won't be long before he makes some history of his own," Rex Reed, NY Observer

"....he reaches below the surface to make the song a three dimensional portrait of life," James Gavin, NY Times

"Creating this show with Paul has been a blast!", I haven't had such fun since those duet days with Mel Torme." Margaret Whiting $20
2/11 7:30PM Kathleen France Kathleen France makes her cabaret debut in "Book of Love", directed by Lina Koutrakos, with music direction by Tracy Stark. An avid reader, Kathleen daydreams about her love life being like those in novels, only to find that real life doesn't quite measure up to the stories she reads on the train.$20

2/12 7:30PM Vanessa Dawson Sex in the city meets Cinderella in a modern day fairytale that challenges societies definitions of love and romance. The Cinderella Complex is the story of a girl who feels that love is like a glass slipper that never seems to fit. A true love story with an ending that would surprise Disney. The Cinderella Complex is an inspiring valentine's day show, for those who have found true love and those who are still waiting for their happily ever after.$20

11:00PM Piano Bar @ The Metropolitan Room

2/13 5PM Maureen Taylor $20 7:30PM Nicole Henry Her latest CD "The Very Thought of You," just reached #7 on U.S. Billboard's Top Jazz Chart. With three international TOP 10-selling CDs in the last five years, and a list of international performances, young Nicole Henry's pure and soulful voice continues to inspire and touch hearts worldwide. Her live concerts are captivating, combining elegance and conversational, intelligent wit that not only leaves you truly entertained, but connected to something of greater beauty. Performing the Great American Songbook, love songs, and originals, Henry's voice adds new life and richer meaning to the lyrics she sings. Nicole Henry is simply one of the finest vocalists to emerge this decade! $30 9:45 Melba Moore Melba Moore, continues on her remarkable journey with the release of Nobody But Jesus. the brand new CD from the Tony Award winning and inspiring vocalist. She began her career in the ground breaking musical "Hair," where she originated the role of Dionne. During her 18 months in the show, she eventually replaced Dianne Keaton; becoming the first black actress to replace a white actress is a lead role on Broadway.Tony Award winner Melba Moore, who is currently co-starring in the national tour of Brooklyn , the Musical. Her credits include "The Melba Moore / Clifton Davis Show," the mini-series "Ellis Island," R & B and Pop hits "This Is It," "You Stepped Into My Life," and her Grammy nominated signature song, "Lean On Me." Her 1990 recording of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," was instrumental in having the song entered into the Congressional Record as the official African American National Anthem.Directly on the heels of "Hair," came the role of Lutiebelle Gussiemae Jenkins, the innocent southern domestic who falls in love with a fast-talking preacher, in the long running musical, "Purlie," the role which launched her successful TV and recording career. Her show-stopping performance in "Purlie", won Melba the Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress In A Musical, again making her the first black actress to do so. In 1996 history repeated itself the third time when Melba took over the role of "Fantine" in the Broadway musical "Les Miserables." She was the first Black actress to step into the leading role in that milestone Broadway musical.Ms. Moore is deeply spiritual, seeking daily wisdom from the Bible. She is an ardent advocate for the rights of children resulting in her "Melba Moore Foundation for Abused & Neglected Children."Melba recently recorded a number 1 gospel house song (My Heart Belongs to You)

11PM Piano Bar@ The Metropolitan Room

2/14 4PM Jenna Esposito Jenna Esposito - a 2008 and 2009 MAC (Manhattan Association of Clubs) Award Nominee for "Best Female Vocalist" - will bring poodle skirts and puppy love back to the big city with her critically acclaimed show, "Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis."
"Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis" is an engaging and endearing time capsule that revisits the musical world one of the most beloved and best-selling female vocalists of the 20th Century. Directed by Lennie Watts with musical direction by Fortune Esposito, the show features a five piece band and backup singers, complete with period vocal arrangements. Jenna explores the ups and downs of Connie's legendary career, her hidden love with fellow teen idol Bobby Darin and Jenna's touching personal story of meeting the great lady herself. Like Connie's eclectic output, the show ranges from pop hits such as "Where The Boys Are," "Stupid Cupid" and "Who's Sorry Now," to rock and roll classics to numbers from her landmark foreign language albums.
What The Critics are Saying about Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis!!

"I can't imagine a better or more fitting tribute to Connie Francis. It may seem
fatuous to label this show perfect, but the truth is there is not a thing I would
suggest changing; what's more, Jenna sounds spectacularly good." -Roy Sander, columnist and critic

"If heart and soul and some impressive vocal chops, is your thing, then Jenna
Esposito Sings Connie Francis is your show."-Elizabeth Ahlfors, Cabaret Scenes

"The show combines the best of a rock concert and the intelligence, elegance, and
detail one expects from the best cabaret... Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis is a
winning throwback to Francis' late 50s-early 60s heyday, sung by an engaging singer
with some serious pipes!"-Jonathan Warman, DramaQueenNYC.com $20

7PM Gianni Russo Gianni Russo returns to the Metropolitan Room on Valentine's Day for an evening you can't refuse filled with love songs for lovers!

Gianni Russo is remembered most for his portrayal of Carlo Rizzi in The Godfather. His career has spanned over 40 films including such hits as The Freshman, Rush Hour, Any Given Sunday and Sea biscuit as well as television roles in Kojak, The Rockford Files and Prison Break. It's his crooning that separates him from the mob of other on-screen wise guys. His debut CD Reflections paid homage to such legendary singers as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. These icons inspired him both personally and professionally. The CD released through Triggerfish Entertainment, contains a bonus track where Russo reminisces about the behind-the-scenes drama that took place during the filming of The Godfather. Russo travels the country with his orchestra to sold-out appearances performing the music that has influenced his Life. $20

9:45PM Craig Pomeranz Craig Pomranz returns to the "Best Cabaret in New York" (New York Magazine's Best of New York 2008) with an evening of love songs: funny, wry, nostalgic, romantic; Craig's repertoire will celebrate enduring love, remember lost loves and anticipate that love that is just around the corner. The singer will include material from his latest critically acclaimed CD "More Than A Seasonal Thing." Musical Direction by Stephen Bocchino. $20
2/15 7:00PM Darren Williams BACK FROM HIS TOUR OF JAPAN AND READY TO KICK OFF HIS USA TOUR RIGHT HERE AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM AUSTRALIAN VARIETY ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR recipient Darren Williams returns to the Metropolitan Room, celebrating the life and music of the man who inspired THE BOY FROM OZ musical. From ARTHUR'S THEME to I HONESTLY LOVE YOU, DON'T CRY OUT LOUD to I GO TO RIO, Darren explores the songbook of fellow Aussie entertainer Peter Allen, but very much in his own award winning style. Dennis Buck, Musical Director $20

2/16 7:00PM Jack Donahue $20

9:30PM Annie Ross $25

2/17 7:30PM Darren Williams $20

2/18 7:30PM Gay Marshall Gay Marshall is bringing her sensational Piaf concert back to the Metropolitan Room for a 5 show run - the last three Tuesdays in Sept at 7:00 and the first two Thursdays in Oct at 7:30 - with the same masterful musicians as last fall : Eric Svejcar on piano, Steve Gilewski on bass, Deni Bonet on violin, Bill Schimmel on accordion, and Peter Lewy on Cello. Although she's had a blues and jazz band, done many American musicals and loves singing almost every style of music, this material along with the songs of Jacques Brel has remained her favorite. The show features the usual suspects a la "Vie En Rose" to "No Regrets", but also includes some lesser known gems like "The Right to Love" and "Avec Ce Soleil". To heighten their availability to an English speaking audience, she will be performing an original mix of French and English in many of the numbers that incorporates existing translations plus her own adaptations. The joy and heartbreak of these timeless tunes is an emotional roller coaster guaranteed to go straight to your heart. Gay Marshall made her Broadway debut as Diana Morales in A Chorus Line.Her one woman show "Piaf : La Vie l'Amour" played in the States and took her to Paris where she played Grizabella in the original French production of "Cats". Living in Europe inspired her to write "If I Were Me", a comedy that she performed in Paris and took to the Edinburgh Festival where it was voted #2 on the Fringe. Most recently here in the States, she did "Jacques Brel" at Capital Rep, Denise in both Goodspeed, the York Theater and Paper Mill's productions of "The Baker's Wife" and the Off Broadway production of "Jacques Brel" during which she received a nomination for the Drama League's "Distinguished Performance Award", and named a "Top Ten Divas" by Playbill. Her CD of Piaf is available on CDBaby.com. Check out www.gaymarshall.com for more info. $25

2/19 7PM Pamela Luss Pamela Luss's latest album, Sweet and Saxy, with Houston Person was hailed by Nate Chinen of The New York Times as "a strong entry in the contemporary jazz-vocal catalog and an accurate showcase for Ms. Luss." On the same album, Pamela's voice was described as "intoxicating" and her performance as "bulls-eye accurate"  by Christopher Loudon of Jazztimes. After releasing four critically acclaimed albums on Savant/HighNote Records and headlining in nearly every major venue in New York, Ms. Luss makes her Metropolitan Room debut in an all-new production. She will put her personal stamp on this amazingly rich and diverse decade, ranging from the Beatles to Broadway to Brazil and from singer-songwriters to Sinatra. Ms. Luss's performance, commemorating the 50th anniversary of this decade and its unique musical history, will be introduced and discussed by the noted pop/jazz music scholar Will Friedwald. $20

11:00PM Piano Bar @ The Metropolitan Room

2/20 5PM Justin Ritchie $20

7:30PM SAl Richards An evening of hilarious comedy and funny characterizations of famous singers.

"One of the funniest guy's in show biz" NY Daily News

"SAl Richards Is Hilarious" Cindy Adams NY Post"

Had the audience howling" Newark Star Ledger

9:45PM Qtalk

11PM Piano Bar @ The Metropolitan Room

2/21 4PM Rosemary Loar $20

9:30PM Broadway Vocal Jazz Group, Monday Off Monday Off is an exciting addition to the world of vocal jazz. The group's members - Amy Cervini, Melissa Dye, Richard Roland, Raymond Sage
successfully combine the sounds of the vocal groups of the big-band era with
Broadway sensibilities and contemporary harmonies creating their own brand of Broadway Jazz, exploring everything from standards to not-so standards to vocalese to adapting tunes from musical theatre to their harmonic styles. The group's members have strong backgrounds in musical theatre and have derived the name of the group from theatre's traditional night off: Monday. In fact, two of the members met and founded Monday Off while touring
together in the Broadway musical Titanic. The combined theatrical experience
of the group is vast, culminating in more than a dozen Broadway and
off-Broadway productions, National Tours, original cast recordings,
television commercials and soap operas.
Monday Off has become a regular fixture on the New York City club scene in addition to their performances in larger concert halls across the country including Carnegie Hall with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops, The
Wheeling Symphony, The Erie Philharmonic & The San Angelo Symphony. Monday Off made their television debut on ABC World News Now performing Christmas songs from their debut album with Bucky Pizzarelli that was released in 2001. Their second CD, "Monday Off" was released in 2006 to critical acclaim. $20

2/22 7PM David Buskin & Robin Batteau After a thirteen-year hiatus to 1) be dads, and 2) take a nap, Buskin & Batteau are back on the road again. Singer-songwriter-soloists David Buskin & Robin Batteau have just put the finishing touches on their long-anticipated new CD, Red Shoes and Golden Hearts to be released by Nouveau Retro Media on May 1. In their new album and in their performances, they continue to offer their audiences, in the words of The Washington Post, "an irresistible amalgam of melodic, sensual pop, folkie grit and killer wit."

David Buskin and Robin Batteau evoke a wide range of emotions in their audiences, ranging from light-hearted amusement at "ESPN", or the pun-filled "Death in Venice", to a gentle sense of loss expressed by their beautiful ballad for the late Kate Wolf, "Never Cry Wolf". As professional jingle writers, Buskin & Batteau's voices and tunes have been heard in almost every American household. They've had us listening "to the heartbeat of America", living "in a Burger King Town" and climbing "all aboard Amtrak". The popular duo also brings their unique style and sound to the stage and the audience has come to expect the unexpected whenever David and Robin perform. Drawing inspiration from current events they gave us "Second Homeless", on the heels of the October 1987 stock market crash, a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the plight of stockbrokers no longer able to afford a second home.

Buskin & Batteau combine talent, humor and showmanship with the element of surprise to produce a crowd-pleasing performance. $20

2/23 9:30PM Annie Ross $25

2/24 7:30PM Elli Fordyce Her first CD, "Something STILL Cool," became an overnight sensation with rave reviews. "Whatever the term means ... you know it when you hear it. And Elli Fordyce is cool! ... as implied in the title, once cool, always cool, vintage cool ... Ms. Fordyce has the spirit and voice of one of the blessed, the spirit and stamina of eternal song." (Bob Gish, Jazz Improv-New York); "Fordyce's voice is lovely with strong command, a natural rhythmic touch and just a touch of a rough edge ... scatting with aplomb, she also shows a knack for the south-of-the-border sound .... a true showcase for a singer whom one wishes would have never had to give up singing for so long ... better late than never ... heartfelt version of "Something Cool" ... doesn't sing by rote, and her vocal ideas are full of imagination and personality, but neither does she detract from the beauty of the melody ... it is clear that Elli Fordyce knows ... the real meaning of 'cool.'" (Brad Walseth, www.jazzchicago.net) "I am enjoying your music so much! Your CD was a great surprise for me. I always [love] discovering great talent for our audience ... very lucky to have your new tracks for their enjoyment at radioIO." (drmike, www.radioIO.com). A wonderful review by Rob Lester may be read at http://www.talkinbroadway.com/sound/march2708.html.
Currently being launched is Elli's new CD, "Songs Spun Of Gold" (available at http://cdbaby.com/ellifordyc2). To quote the 72-year-old jazz vocalist, "It's never too late!" $10

9:45PM Tom Wopat Broadway, television and music star Tom Wopat returns to perform his interpretation of songs like "But Not for Me", "That's Life" and "2 Grey Rooms". The Tony nominated singer and actor recently came out with his eighth studio album, Consider it Swung. While many know him best for his role as Luke Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard, Tom Wopat got his start on Broadway in the musical I LOVE MY WIFE in 1977 and has never strayed very far from the theatre. He appeared in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN opposite Bernadette Peters, in stage revivals of CHICAGO and 42ND STREET and more recently in David Mamet's GLENGARRY GLen Ross. Stephen Holden from The New York Times said "With Tom Wopat, you get cool tunes, manly grace, the scent of Musk and Gary Cooper getting in touch with his delicate side in 'High Noon', all rolled into one. That's more than I've seen on one cabaret stage in many a donkey's year. Do not miss him. This is a real revelation."$30
2/25 7:30PM Gay Marshall $25

9:45PM Tom Wopat $30

2/26 7:30PM Rosemary Loar $20 9:30PM Wendy Lane Bailey No themes, no gimmicks. Just great songs well sung. Wendy Lane Bailey and arranger/composer Michele Brourman have fused their musical sensibilities into collaboration that emphases the best in lyric-driven contemporary song with a strong feminine point of view. Joining them will be special guest Laurel Massé, founding member of Manhattan Transfer. $20 11PM Piano Bar @ The Metropolitan Room
2/27 7:30PM Wendy Lane Bailey $20 9:45PM Paul Vincentt With this appearance at The Metropolitan Room, Paul celebrates the release of his new cd Paul Vincentt- TO MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE. It's a lighthearted look at a small town guy finding his place in the Big City with a blend of music genres including country, folk, standards, jazz, and pop. Joining Paul are accompanist, Michael Thomas Murray and special guest, Jonathan Royce on alto flute & percussion. $20

The Metropolitan Room

34 West 22 (between 5th and 6th Ave.)

Reservations strongly suggested

(212) 206-0440
Each show has a 2 beverage minimum

Credit cards accepted

Schedule subject to change.
Check out www.metropolitanroom.com

 



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