Rob Lester - Page 8

Finding words for FINDING WORDS FOR SPRING with veteran singer-pianist Steve Ross could result in adjectives such as 'lovely' and 'savvy' and 'charming.' Ross, the ultimate class act and champion of classic songs, makes us appreciate them anew, blossoming one more time, like the annual spring flowers. He's a perennial, too.

The Green Room 42 celebrated Mother's Day with a family-friendly musical inspired by centuries-old fables. The messages and life lessons come through in force and in song when Aesop's characters are the characters in a musical.

The versatile singer/songwriter/musician/actor Reeve Carney (Hadestown) took on The Beatles last week at the Green Room 42. The May 13th show was a rocking sensation.

MARVIN HAMLISCH: LOVE IS NEVER GONE recalls the ups and downs and talents of the late man of music in advance of his 80th birthday in June. The much-admired composer and conductor's life story gets the musical biography jukebox treatment. The May 10th show shone a warm spotlight on Hamlisch, best known for writing the music to A CHORUS LINE.

You have until Sunday May 19th to make your way to catch jazz delight Jane Monheit sing with her small but very mighty band at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. Monheit's singing is heavenly.

A cabaret night called Back To Before looked back at the numerous scores of Ahrens and Flaherty. Material from Seussical, Anastasia, Ragtime, The Glorious Ones, and more sounded glorious at the May 7th show.

Chelsea Table + Stage continued its 'Box Set' of shows by Klea Blackhurs. With the May installment, she finds joy and pow with Jerry Herman's show tunes. Jerry Herman's lively life-affirming songs are a perfect fit for Blackhurst.

Irving Berlin's songs continue to fill the air. Let's toast him on the anniversary of his birth, May 11.

Wondering what the kids are up to? The Broadway Kids are singing at a nightclub and training for their professional careers. BKA (Broadway Kids Auditions) hosted a talent showcase of young aspiring performers. The young folks raising their voices in song seemed at home on a stage, delivering their material with gusto and grace

Frank Vignola makes the guitar sing. And his May 1st GUITAR NIGHT brought singer Karrin Allyson's tones, too, along with the band and guest violinist and a varied repertoire.

Not every Broadway show is a smash. A focus on 14 hidden gems from shows that disappeared too quickly fueled an entertaining evening at 54 Below last Sunday on April 29th. Hosted by Charles Kirsch of Backstage Babble podcast and Robert W. Schneider, the evening was a success.

Take note: Take 6 is at Birdland Jazz Club through Saturday. They take the art of vocal harmony singing to impressive heights. Their opening show on Wednesday May 1 was a smash.

The 'Songbook Sundays' makes the second day of a weekend a first-rate experience. Rodgers & Hammerstein were on tap on April 21 in a season that included a focus on Frank Loesser, with Johnny Mercer's turn coming up in June.

J2 Spotlight Musical Theater is finishing its run of 'Do Re Mi' this weekend, but set aside a night to have a cabaret evening on the stage at their home base, the AMT Theater on West 45 Street.

Through April 27, Aimée and a six-piece band bring jazz flavors and smiles (theirs and the audience's) to Birdland with energy galore. Celebrating a new recording, and adding in some other material, Cyrille Aimée and band take command in a grand way this week at midtown Manhattan's home for jazz.

This year's Jazz at Lincoln Center gala featured a host of star-studded performers including Kristin Chenoweth, Bernadette Peters, Josh Groban, and many more. A small sample of the hundreds of songs superstar Tony Bennett recorded and sang in concerts sparkled in this one-night-only concert on April 17th.

At Chelsea Table + Stage, Klea Blackhurst 'Box Set' shows are continuing to draw crowds and bring smiles. Songs of Vernon Duke were on the bill in April, and May 5 will find her saluting Jerry Herman.

THE ZIEGFELD GIRLS REVUE, on April 13th at the Green Room 42, puts a lot on view: Female pulchritude, nearly nude, with attitude.

Daryl Sherman is honoring an early jazz legend at Birdland -- one songbird chirping about another. A relaxed show with vintage music and musical cohorts playing with her. The show returns Tuesday at 5:30 pm.

Another natural wonder has arrived and is creating a thunderous storm in New York.  I refer to the whirlwind known as singer Marilyn Maye and the vociferous reception that greeted her on the opening night of her already extended engagement celebrating her 96th birthday, running through May 6 at 54 Below. She remains sensational and spellbinding.