The Cabaret Chronicles: Cast Party, Klea Blackhurst, MetroJam, and More!

Happy New Year, all!  January has gotten off to a rollicking musical start for me, thanks to two trips to Birdland for  Jim Caruso's Cast Party, a terrific Café Thursday at the famed Friars Club, a rockin' MetroJam at The Metropolitan Room, and a swell concert by the incomparable Klea Blackhurst, also at Birdland!  On Monday, January 3^rd, I got my musical New Year off to a bang with my first Cast Party of the year.  Despite the cold weather and the usual post-holiday slump, there was a great crowd, and some terrific talent there that evening!  Jazz vocalist Nancy Harms heated things up with a couple of great selections, YouTube sensation Charlie Pluth was a hit, the sensational Hilary Kole treated us to a fantastic "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home to," and Kate Flannery of The Office brought down the house with her "Cry Me a River!"  Host Jim Caruso was as charming as ever, and the "Cast Party Symphony Orchestra" (Tedd Firth on piano and Steve Doyle on bass) was terrific!

Later that week, it was off to the Friars Club for their weekly open mic night  for members & invited guests, Café Thursdays.  Hosted by Stan Gilbert and featuring Marty Silver on piano and Bobby Sher on drums, this open mic is a great way to spend a Thursday evening!  On any given night at the Friars, there is tons of talent, both at the mic and in the audience, and this past week was no exception!  Mr. Gilbert himself was outstanding, and Friar Larry Stevens came with his band and got everyone moving and clapping along with "Brown Eyed Girl" and an original tune.  The room was packed to the gills, and the party-like atmosphere kept everyone smiling throughout the night.

The following night found me at The Metropolitan Room for MetroJam, the monthly open mic I have the honor of hosting.  Every month features a special guest, and January's guest was the ?ber-talented Tony DeSare.  Mr. DeSare is nearing the end of his current run of Sunday evenings at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel (but you can still catch him there this Sunday night, starting at 9 p.m.!), and it was truly a treat to have him stop into MetroJam for a few numbers!  Since MetroJam this month was on the eve of Elvis' birthday, there was an optional Elvis theme for the night.  Several performers partook in the theme, including Tom D'Angelo (who did a great "All Shook Up"), Ken Iovino (who performed "The Wonder of You"), MetroJam pianist John DiPinto (who gave us a terrific "Stuck on You"), and Fortune Esposito, who put together a rockin' medley of "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Hound Dog," and invited fellow guitarists Jerry Cherry  and Sean Harkness to join him in what ended up being an amazing 3-guitar jam on the songs! 

This past Monday evening, it was back to Birdland for a highly entertaining doubleheader.  First up, it was Klea Blackhurst in concert as part of the "Broadway at Birdland" concert series.  The program included a variety of songs, from "Do I Hear a Waltz" to a jazzy, bass-driven "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" to "The Yodeling Muchacha" (complete with yodeling AND a pocket trumpet solo), to a happy, upbeat "That's Life."  Number after number, Ms. Blackhurst was right on the money - a true vocal powerhouse!  And, if that wasn't enough, she had the audience in stitches as she regaled them with her tales of growing up in Salt Lake City, her ongoing obsession with Donny Osmond, and her memorable audition for Star Search, among other things!  Truly one of the most talented and engaging entertainers on the scene today, Ms. Blackhurst put on a phenomenal show - one can only hope there will be a reprise soon!

Next up, it was another terrific Jim Caruso's Cast Party.  Birdland was literally spilling over with talented performers, and it was a treat to watch the parade of entertainers get up to the mic.  The aforementioned Klea Blackhurst stayed on after her show and kicked Cast Party off with a great "In The Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening," and next up it was the young and talented Nicolas King, who had the crowd whooping and hollering with his super jazzy "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)."  A few songs later, jazz superstar Jane Monheit got up to the mic and brought the house down with "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered."  And that was all within the first half hour!  Other highlights included multi-award winning vocalist Natalie Douglas performing "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans," Nate Lombardi fusing hip-hop and standards with a fresh take on "Minnie the Moocher," and the effervescent Therese Curatolo with a show stopping "Don't Rain on My Parade."  Ah, another Monday, another great Cast Party!

That's about all for this time, but check back soon for a new article...and in the meantime, check out these highly recommended shows:

TONIGHT - Wednesday, January 12^th: Jerry Cherry at Rockwood Music Hall.  Rock singer/songwriter/guitarist Jerry Cherry (when he's not on the road as Chubby Checker's guitarist!) always puts on a great show filled with catchy original tunes and fantastic musicianship.  Tonight's show is a late one - it begins at midnight - but well worth the trip to Rockwood Music Hall!

Sunday, January 16^th: Tony DeSare at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel from 9 p.m. - midnight.  Step into Bemelmans Bar when Mr. DeSare is playing with his trio, and you'll feel like you've escaped to a different world.  Sophisticated and chic, the room is the perfect setting for Mr. DeSare's smooth jazz vocals and easygoing style.  You won't want to miss his piano playing, either - every time I hear him, my jaw continues to drop at his amazing playing! 

Monday, January 17^th: Christine Lavin at Birdland.  As part of the "Broadway at Birdland" concert series, legendary folk diva Christine Lavin will be performing in concert, along with talented friends Julie Gold and Jeff Daniels.  Show is at 7 p.m.  Be sure to call for your reservations (212-581-3080, as this one-night-only show is sure to fill up fast!

Monday, January 17^th: Natalie Weiss at BACKSTAGE dopo teatro.  Straight from the 25^th anniversary tour of Les Mis, Natalie is returning to NYC for one night only for a special concert celebrating the release of her self-titled debut EP.  The concert will feature the songs from the album, among others.  She's performed on Broadway (Everyday Rapture - understudy Menonettes), and on tour (Wicked, Les Mis), was a semi-finalist on Season 4 of American IdolI, and has reached over 2.5 million views on YouTube.  Performances are at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased through TicketLeap.com.  The show is produced by Dale Badway/Badway on Broadway LLC & Michael Alden.

Pictured: Klea Blackhurst