Rob Russell News

Anka Palitz, The Actors Fund National Ambassador Vice Chair and founder of the Heart & Soul Gala was honored at the Gala's 10th Anniversary in Palm Beach at The Breakers last night, along with Gillian Murphy, Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and Ethan Stiefel, Principal guest instructor at the American Ballet Theatre. Tony and Emmy Award winning actress/singer/dancer Bebe Neuwirth hosted The Actors Fund event which featured performances by local Florida dancers.

There were thrilling moments at The Kravis Center Pops Orchestra concert last night conducted by Maestro Michael Feinstein. One was being able to hear one of the most extraordinary vocalists of our generation, Maureen McGovern perform with the orchestra. Another was the Maestro leaving the podium to sing 'I've Got You Under My Skin' with Ms McGovern. In the first half of the concert Will & Anthony Nunziata, two other great voices also thrilled the audience in the Dreyfoos Concert Hall with their mash up of Unchained Melody/Someone Like You.

There were many places around the world where the music of The Great American Songbook was being performed last night, but none more significant than the concert celebrating the 5th Anniversary of Dick Robinson's Legends Radio 100.3FM, the most successful privately owned radio station in the United States.

Pop up Cabaret Rooms keep popping up across the country. New York City's Beach Cafe may have some cold weather now, but the Pelican Cafe in Palm Beach County is hot on all levels. Sunday's featured entertainer Rob Russell is not just another 'pretty voice' singing a bunch of great tunes. Mr. Russell creates a party and he makes sure everyone in the audience gets an invite. Likewise, Mark Frangione, owner and executive chef does not just create the wonderful dishes. He sounds like a museum director explaining the masterpieces in the building (and they are) as he takes you on a tour of the menu.

Music and Art joined forces last night to honor valued members of the Palm Beach community who do so much to make sure the world hears our uniquely American popular music.

The audience at Cafe Centro got a little confused last night and thought New Years Eve was still being celebrated during the Rob & Michael music night at the popular South Florida restaurant/cabaret. In addition to the suave Mr. Russell and pianist/entertainer Masci the Broadway/Cabaret star Avery Sommers and famed Concert and Cabaret artist Anthony Nunziata happened to be in the audience and wound up 'singing for their dinner'

The weekend started with Marilyn Maye and The Kravis Center Pops Orchestra Big Band conducted by Tedd Firth in a memorable concert by one of the most beloved singers of our generation. Marilyn Maye, arguably one of the finest vocalists ever to sing in a night club, concert hall, TV Studio or on a Broadway stage gave The Kravis Center Audience an evening of her artistry that will stay in their musical memory forever.

To paraphrase Dean Martin's intro....'And now, direct from the Bar' ( and Legends Radio) it's Jill & Rich Switzer! Jill & Rich don't only do it in the morning on 100.3 in the Legends Lounge, they also entertain at night in Cabarets nightclubs and various exclusive venues throughout Palm Beach. They brought some great music and an inside look of what it's like to be a night club performer with their highly entertaining and exciting show titled 'Saloon Songs: From The Rat Pack To Right Now'. Persson Hall at the Kravis Center For The Performing Arts was a swinging place for the past two evenings.

Palm Beach notables Rob Russell & Michael Masci joined forces to have a 'soft unofficial opening' of the Palm Beach music season with a one night only performance at Cafe Centro in West Palm Beach last night and Broadwayworld was there.

It was night that will long be remembered by fans (and who isn't) of Marilyn Maye and of American Songbook hero, Dick Robinson. Marilyn is currently celebrating her 90th year with her current engagement at Feinstein's/54 Below and her friend DIck Robinson, creator of Legends Radio and founder of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting is celebrating his 80th.

A 90th Birthday party for Marilyn Maye became an impromptu cabaret performance that will forever remain in the musical memories of the Palm Beach folks that were present at Dick Robinson's party for Ms Maye. 

Happy Days Were Here Again at Lynn University last night because Ann Hampton Callaway sang the Barbra Streisand Songbook at Jan McCart's Live at Lynn Series. Arguably, one of the finest performers in the music world, Ann is also a composer and lyricist and her songs can be heard on seven of Barbara Streisand's albums. If you happened to be at Barbra's wedding to James Brolin you know that Ann's lyrics were sung by Barbra to the groom.

There was a lot of love in the RRAZZ ROOM at Mizner Park Cultural Center in Boca Raton with Deborah Silver last night, and BroadwayWorld was there. Check out photos from the event below!

The 9th Annual Heart & Soul Gala chaired by Palm Beach's Anka Palitz and honoring Wendy Whelan and Dr. Omar & Cheryl Almallah was held at The Breakers last night and BroadwayWorld was there.

The winning bidder at The New York Pops Silent Auction, whose proceeds help finance The Pops/Ed Programs of The New York Pops, got something way above the original listed value. The auction item was for one pianist to play at your private party. However not only did the pianist show up at the appointed time, he was joined by some of the world's greatest pianists and entertainers for the special evening.

Caf L'Europe is promising the hottest Season opener in Palm Beach and a memorable, musical, magical Halloween experience featuring master showman/singer Rob Russell and pianist Danny Beck for two audience-thrilling performances. Until recently, Russell was the longtime Entertainment Director & Emcee for the world famous Royal Room cabaret at The Colony Hotel, while Beck is a frequent guest vocalist with the popular Mel Urban Trio.

The Royal Room in The Colony Hotel is known as The Palm Beach Home of The American Songbook.  Last night, probably two gentlemen who are associated with preserving America's musical heritage, Michael Feinstein and Legend Radio's Dick Robinson happened to be in the house for the opening night of a elegant lady who is an exceptional performer of our countries great music....Mary Wilson. 

Rena Blades, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, today announced that Season 12 of the popular series CULTURE & COCKTAILS ended with a magical, musical flourish before 125 smiling fans on April 3 at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. Scroll down for photos from the event!

One of the finest voices in the world and one of the most inspired pianists in the world have combined their talents and created a cabaret performance that will literally fill you from head to toe with a genre of musical euphoria that is rarely heard in a cabaret.  Opera super star and Tony Award Winner Paulo Szot with pianist/arranger (and performer) for the stars Billy Stritch have have managed to integrate the glorious sounds of the best of Broadway, the best of pop/jazz and a dose of authentic Bossa Nova in a stunning and romantically intoxicating show.  

 Rena Blades, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, today announced that the popular series CULTURE & COCKTAILS will conclude the 2016-2017 season with a musical flourish on Monday, April 3, at The Colony Hotel Pavilion, located at 155 Hammon Avenue in Palm Beach.