Gus Rosendale

There are many high profile and exciting items auctioned off at prestigious Galas. You can have lunch with Warren Buffett or other famous luminaries. You can replace Maestro Steven Reineke on the podium at Carnegie Hall and conduct The New York Pops Orchestra for a few minutes or win this writer to play piano at your private party if you bid high enough at the Pops Gala. Last night at the historic Lotos Club in New York City one of the most prestigious classical music organizations in the country had a dinner and the winning bidder at The Stecher Horowitz 60th Anniversary Gala last April and invited guests were entertained by the prize.

Last night in the historic University Club some of New York's most esteemed citizens gathered to honor two of the most remarkable men in the music world……  Pianists, Educators, and humanitarians Melvin Stecher & Norman Horowitz.  The Gala celebrated the 60 years of the Stecher Horowitz Foundation and it's Founders and Executive Directors Melvin and Norman.  

As Johnny Carson once said about a super singer (Marilyn Maye), 'you young singers if you want to see how it's done listen to this'….I'm sure if Johnny had heard Clint Holms, Veronica Swift, and Nicolas King he would be giving that same instruction to aspiring vocalists. Last night the three gave an awesome display of musicianship when singing the unique songs of Ken Laub. The exciting Tedd Firth arrangements were played by the swinging Sherrie Miracle Diva orchestra with pianist and music director Firth conducting.

Joyce Breach may be 'under the radar' to some audiences but to the sophisticated and musically astute Cabaret connoisseurs in the East Side supper club Beach Cafe last night she is always someone to be seen (and heard). It was a magical night of great standards and seldom heard treasures of the American Songbook sung by a consummate artist. With pianist/singer Billy Stritch on the piano bench it was an evening that harked back to the Golden Age of New York City elegant night life.

It's a short walk, but an arduous journey from the Stretcher and Horowitz Foundation's headquarters on 57th street to Carnegie Hall or other concert venues, but Melvin Stecher and Norman Horowitz make the voyage much easier for talented young musicians.

Last night in the beautiful Soho loft of internationally renowned artist/sculptor Edwina Sandys, granddaughter of Winston Churchill, the Gold Coast Arts Center and International Film Festival payed tribute to Rita Hayworth the iconic Hollywood film star.

If you know Haley Swindal's pedigree you will understand why I will refrain from commenting that her show 'knocked it out of the park'. I will also not say she swung and sung for the fences and hit a home run.  I will resist the temptation to say that 'Team Haley' went to it's talented bench to put together the winning combination of Tedd Firth musical director and Will Nunziata, concert director (who conceived the show).  However I will say that her grandfather George Steinbrenner, who in addition to being 'The Boss' of the New York Yankees, loved music and had a passion for Broadway.  He would have been giving a standing ovation (with the rest of the crowd) to Haley Swindal at the conclusion of her ground breaking new show titled Golden Girl at Feinstein's/54 Below last night. 

As with all Stecher and Horowitz events it's all about the music and helping gifted young pianists navigate the demanding career they have chosen.  This years annual gala at the legendary architectural landmark University Club in New York City was attended by some of New York's most respected a accomplished citizens who share the Foundation's mission and who have a love of classical music.  

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) announced that the 7th annual BROADWAY BELTS FOR PFF! raised a record-breaking $250,000.

Just last night, Broadway stars gathered at the Edison Ballroom for BROADWAY BELTS FOR PFF!- an evening of music and comedy benefitting the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Hosted by the one-and-only actress and comedienne Julie Halston, other participants included Orfeh (LEGALLY BLONDE), Stephanie J. Block (FALSETTOS, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD), Mario Cantone ('THE VIEW'), Robert Creighton (CAGNEY), Mandy Gonzalez (HAMILTON, IN THE HEIGHTS), Randy Graff (CITY OF ANGELS, THE BABYLON LINE), Stephanie Mills (THE WIZ), NBC's Gus Rosendale, and Lucas Steele (NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812).

James Snyder (IN TRANSIT) and T. Oliver Reid (SISTER ACT) join the amazing line up for the seventh annual BROADWAY BELTS FOR PFF! taking place this Monday, February 27, 2017.

Stephanie Mills (THE WIZ), Orfeh (LEGALLY BLONDE), Lucas Steele (NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812) and NBC's Gus Rosendale will join Stephanie J. Block (FALSETTOS, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD), Mandy Gonzalez (HAMILTON, IN THE HEIGHTS), Mario Cantone ('THE VIEW'), Robert Creighton (CAGNEY), Randy Graff (CITY OF ANGELS, THE BABYLON LINE), to perform at the seventh annual BROADWAY BELTS FOR PFF! hosted by the one-and-only actress and comedienne Julie Halston.

The notes, the sounds, and that famous smile, were all gloriously and heroically present as Gianni Valenti announced "Bucky's Back" to a standing room only (and standing) Birdland audience last night and Broadwayworld was there..  It was akin to seeing a ball player like Mickey Mantle, getting on in his years, return after a possible career ending injury, return and then hit a home run.   The crowd in Birdland cheered and teared for Bucky Pizzarelli at this triumphant evening. He wowed everyone with his undiminished virtuosity, musicianship and personality in this, his 90th year.  Bucky's back, and his music will live forever.  

BroadwayWorld was there for the Gala Benefit Evening celebrating The Stecher and Horowitz Foundation. Check out the photos below!

Here Lies Love, the smash hit off-Broadway musical at The Public Theater, played a critically raved-about, sold-out run last year at the same space, which was extended by popular demand four times. Under the direction of Alex Timbers, Here Lies Love was conceived by David Byrne, and features lyrics by Byrne, music by Byrne and Fatboy Slim, additional music by Tom Gandey and J Pardo, and choreography by Annie-B Parson. In the behind the scenes video below, NBC4's Gus Rosendale goes backstage at the hit musical to chat with some of the stars and get a sneak peek!

In support of Comcast Cares Day, one of the country's largest days of corporate volunteerism, more than 80,000 Comcast and NBCUniversal employees and their families, friends and community partners from across the globe will volunteer in their local communities.