Vonda Shepard, Tierney Sutton Band & More Set for April Lineup at The Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko

Thu. 4/1, 8:00 pm $35
The Tierney Sutton Band

THE TIERNEY SUTTON BAND
Three-Time GRAMMY Award Nominated Jazz Vocalist

Known for her original and edgy interpretations of the classic jazz songbook, vocalist Tierney Sutton has been hailed by The New York Times as "a serious jazz artist who takes the whole enterprise to another level." The recipient of numerous honors, including three Grammy nominations, Ms. Sutton has performed at prestigious venues including New York City's Carnegie Hall and has been featured in popular films and commercials. Her latest album, 2009's 'Desire' offers bittersweet and haunting renditions of classics such as "Skylark," "Fever," and "Whatever Lola wants," proving that Sutton continues to evolve and mature as an artist. Going strong on a fifteen-year old collaboration, The Tierney Sutton Band features and instrumental virtuosos: Christian Jacob, Kevin Axt and Ray Brinker. www.tierneysutton.com/

Fri., Sat. 4/2-3, 8:00 pm $40
Vonda Shepard

VONDA SHEPARD
The Voice of Ally McBeal

Vonda's newest release, From the Sun (produced by Mitchell Froom), leans toward a stripped-down, R&B vibe...ballads and rollicking good times. As the voice of Ally McBeal, Vonda sold more than 12 million records worldwide throughout the span of the hit TV show. From The Sun finds her indie roots firmly planted. Infusing her deep and melodic songwriting style with splashes of powerful vocals, From The Sun is also Vonda's first studio release since 2003 and her fourth collaboration with legendary producer Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Elvis Costello, Randy Newman). Froom describes the album as "modern-day soul" with Vonda's solid piano playing and soulful, blues-inspired voice driving the tracks. At the age of 14, Vonda Shepard began performing original material at small venues on the L.A. club scene. Having released five of her own studio albums of original material since then and four soundtracks for the series "Ally McBeal," as well as having sold over 12 million albums worldwide, Vonda Shepard is without any doubt among today's very best singer/songwriters. For five years Vonda Shepard was the featured performer and musical voice on "Ally McBeal." "Searchin' My Soul" was used as the series' theme, but Shepard herself became a regular cast member, playing the house performer at the local nightclub the program's title character and her co-workers frequented. www.vondashepard.com/shop/

Mon., Tue. 4/5-6, 8:00 pm $27.50
Faith Winthrop

Faith Winthrop
Faith Lift

San Francisco's legendary singer/songwriter and vocal coach, Faith Winthrop, presents her rollicking new show, "Faith Lift", to the Rrazz Room on April 5-6 before performing this light-hearted romp in New York. Celebrating some of her own foibles (food, shopping, aging), songs include "The Carnegie Deli," "I Went Shopping in my Closet," "My Very Last Meal," "The New Age/Old Age Blues," plus beloved standards of the American Songbook. Faith Winthrop, San Francisco's grande dame of song, is one of the most respected singers and vocal coaches on the scene today. Her beautiful tone and sensitive lyric interpretation grace jazz and cabaret music. She began singing professionally in Boston in 1953, then launched her West Coast career as singer-in-residence at the legendary hungry i, performing with such luminaries as Mike Nichols, Elaine May, Jonathan Winters and Woody Allen. She appeared at the foremost jazz and cabaret clubs in Chicago and New York. Winthrop called an intermission to her skyrocketing career to marry and raise a family, and to begin her teaching career. She became a faculty member of the music department at Mills College and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she teaches vocal jazz and musical theater performance. At her private studio, she has coached many noted singers. Faith continues to be active as a performer, at such venues as the Rrazz Room, the Mabel Mercer Foundation Cabaret Convention and New York's Town Hall.

Wed. - Sat. 4/7-10, 8:00 pm; Sun. 4/11, 7:00 pm $30-40
Wed. - Sat. 4/14-17, 8:00 pm; Sun. 4/18, 7:00 pm $30-40
Varla Jean Merman
VARLA JEAN and the MUSHROOMHEADS

Varla Jean Merman

Direct from guest starring on Ugly Betty and appearing on Logo's TV special Dragtastic: One Night Standup, the Rrazz Room presents VARLA JEAN in an all-new show from April 7th - 18th. VARLA JEAN AND THE MUSHROOMHEADS is directed and choreographed by Donna Drake who was in the original Broadway cast of A CHORUS LINE and recent director of Jungle Red at the Victoria Theatre and Christmas with the Crawfords. The show also features New Orleans natives Ricky Graham and Brooks Braselman with Tom Shaw on piano and Roberta Drake on drums. Varla Jean, the purported lovechild of Ethel Merman and Ernest Borgnine, is perhaps best known for her role in the cult classic film Girls Will Be Girls. See why in the LA Times raved, "Not since Divine and '50s cult icon Rae Bourbon has a drag artiste so nailed the risqué, old-school pleasures of the genre, and Varla Jean Merman does a body good! Jeffery Roberson's incomparable drag creation revisits her cabaret roots in peak sidesplitting form." Jeffery shared the Outfest Film Festival "Best Actor" Award and the Aspen HBO Film Festival "Best Actress" Award with his costars Jack Plotnick and Clinton Leupp for his featured performance in Girls Will Be Girls (Sundance 2003) directed by Richard Day. He also played the role of Mary Sunshine in the revival of Chicago on Broadway. His shows -- Anatomically Incorrect, Varla Jean Loves A Foreign Tongue and Under A Big Top, Holiday Ham!, All Washed Up! and The Very Worst of Varla Jean Merman -- have filled concert halls and cabarets across the world including the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, the New York Public Theater, London's Soho Theatre, LA's Renberg Theatre, and San Francisco's Victoria Theatre. He recently wrote and starred in the short Improve Your History with Varla Jean: Stonewall, for the launch of the MTV's new television network Logo. Last May, he was the opening act at Vienna's LifeBall, Europe's largest fundraiser for AIDS research, where he performed on the same bill with Sharon Stone, Catherine Deneuve and Naomi Campbell. www.varlaonline.com/

Tue. - Sat. 4/20-24, 8:00 pm; Sun. 4/25, 7:00 pm $40-45
This is Freda Payne

Freda Payne

Platinum-selling chanteuse Freda Payne has entertained music aficionados the world over with a vocal style reminiscent of the all-time greats of pop, jazz, and R&B. Freda's illustrious career began in the 1960s, as she was often coupled with the likes of Duke Ellington, Bill Cosby, Pearl Bailey, and Quincy Jones in memorable stage performances. In short order, Freda's versatility captured the attention of Hollywood producers who subsequently secured roles for her in feature films, such as The Nutty Professor: The Klumps. Freda even hosted her own television talk show in the 1980s. For your pleasure, two of her timeless singles, "Band of Gold" and "Bring the Boys Home," will be performed with a plethora of exciting numbers. In 2010, along with Barbra Streisand and other show business luminaries, Freda convened to participate in We Are The World 2010, Remake for Haiti, a benefit for Haitians in the wake of the worst earthquake disaster in history. Freda's impeccable style and grace are a hallmark of her timeless and expanding musical legacy. www.fredapayne.com/

Fri. 4/23, 10:15 pm $25
An Evening With DOZIE

Dozie is coming back to the Rrazz Room! The Nigerian/British singer has been making waves with his melodious voice and distinctive style, drawing frequent comparisons to Sade, Maxwell and even Seal. His unique brand of international soul is smooth and mature, where infectious beats and mellow grooves blend effortlessly with jazz, rock, reggae, and traditional African rhythms.
Dozie's debut album, Redemption, received rave reviews:

"One of the best albums this year" - SoulTalk
Dozie

"Like Maxwell, Sade, and Seal rolled into one" - Elemental Magazine
"Now this is what music should be like. Simply beautiful." - Audio Tracks

Songs like "Gabriel's Lounge" and "Sensuality" underlined Dozie's immense talent for songwriting and production. Unfortunately the album was never released due to issues with his record deal. Now, he is back with new music, an upcoming album, and is creating a buzz in the soul/jazz scene once again. "My story is one of perseverance and persistence," Dozie says. "I grew up as a biracial child in Nigeria and didn't come to the United States until I was a teenager. I didn't start playing piano until I was 20 and didn't play guitar until I was 25. I also lost my father to a heart attack at a relatively young age and had to work to provide for my family, even foregoing my musical career to do so. Yet here I am as strong and determined as I've ever been. Life is a beautiful gift, and music makes it so much sweeter. I am living proof that it is never too late to pursue your dreams."

This up-and-coming artist is definitely one to keep an eye on. Dozie's live show is a polished mix of soul and jazz, with him tickling the keys, strumming the guitar, and backing by a fabulous band. It isn't often we get a chance to see the new breed of soul singers on their way up, so catch him while you can! www.myspace.com/dozie

Sat. 4/24, 10:15 pm $20
CARLY OZARD
Bewitched, Bothered and Bipolar
Carly Ozard

Bewitched, Bothered, and Bipolar had been brewing for awhile, but with the teachers from the Perry-Mansfield Art of Cabaret program, Carly was able to debut this show with a little help from her friends. As the winner of the Cabaret Showcase Showdown '09, the first prize was a night of performing a solo show. Bewitched, Bothered and Bipolar was born and debuted at Martuni's in San Francisco on November 1, 2009. Musical Direction and support from Joe Wicht helped this winning production soar. Ozard gently and humorously explains the ups and downs of struggling with bipolar disorder, with humorous effects along with a hilarious re-write of "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" by local lyricist Tom Orr. Acoustic guitar and back-up vocals are featured by Brendan Getzell and Jennifer Martinelli. Musical selections include works by Leonard Bernstein, Craig Carnelia, Alanis Morisette, Laura Nyro, Andre & Dory Previn, Rodgers & Hart, Marvin Hamlisch, Queen and more.

"Ozard's songlist followed the standard pattern of vacillating from serious to comic to serious to comic songs.... Ozard's playlist betrayed a wicked, self-deprecating sense of humor as well as a soft and cuddly side which was tender but never sugary.... It's no surprise that Ozard was named Best Cabaret Performer at the Cabaret Showcase Showdown 2009. I predict this performer will go far." ~Chloe Veltman, Author of Lies Like Truth, An Artsjournal weblog www.carlyozard.com/

Mon. 4/26, 8:00 pm $25
LINDA KOSUT and the MIKE GREENSILL TRIO with
Jack Pollard ad the DAN DANIELS BAND
Linda Kosut & Jack Pollard

WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE - CABARET MEETS R&B

A little cabaret, a little R&B, throw in some sexy duets and it's a show you don't want to miss. Two entertainers. Two bands. One night!

LINDA KOSUT, a Bistro/BMI award winning vocalist and New York MAC Award Nominee for Best Female Jazz Vocalist is known for her warmly dark sound, engaging presence and strong acting chops. You can be sure she will engage you - in story and song - with her signature style as she performs material by songwriters as diverse as Dylan to Lauper, or Berlin to Loesser. "An amazing Bay Area canary - brings her skills as an actress to her insightful interpretations of songs underscored with a fusion of jazz, pop and folk." www.lindakosut.com
Jack Pollard, an entertainer and showman who performs regularly in clubs across the Bay Area, makes his Rrazz Room debut. With his silky baritone and impeccable vocal interpretations, he brings new life to the songs of Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls and Johnny Hartman, to name a few. During his career, Jack has shared the stage with B.B. King, Stevie Wonder and The Temptations. "When Jack is singing, your foot will tap, your head will bob, and you'll find it nearly impossible to stay in your seat."
www.jpjmusicandevents.com

Tue. - Sat. 4/27 - 5/1, 8:00 pm; Sun. 5/2, 7:00 pm $35-45
Ann Hampton Callaway & Liz Callaway
Here Come the Callaways!

Making their sizzling sibling debut in San Francisco, Tony-nominated sisters Liz Callaway and Ann Hampton Callaway headline at The Rrazz Room this April 27-May 2 in a show ignited with unforgettable songs from Broadway, pop and jazz. From heartwarming to hilarious, they blend their celebrated voices in a performance that features highlights from their critically acclaimed shows "Sibling Revelry" and "Relative Harmony" as well as their upcoming show "Boom!" Musical direction and piano is by Alex Rybeck with Daniel Fabricant on bass and Vince Lateano on drums.
Ann Hampton Callaway

Ann Hampton Callaway is an insatiable creative spirit. As a champion of the great American Songbook, she has made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer. A born entertainer, her unique singing style blends jazz and traditional pop, making her a mainstay in concert halls, theaters and jazz clubs as well as in the recording studio, on television, and in film. She is best known for Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical Swing! and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series The Nanny. Callaway is a Platinum Award winning writer whose songs are featured on five of Barbra Streisand's recent CD's. The only composer to have collaborated with Cole Porter, she has also written songs with Carole King, Rolf Lovland and Barbara Carroll to name a few. www.annhamptoncallaway.com/
Liz Callaway

Liz Callaway is a Tony nominee and one of the top singer-actresses appearing on Broadway today. Audiences have seen her on Broadway in Merrily We Roll Along, Baby, Miss Saigon, The Three Musketeers, The Look of Love, and Cats, where she played the role of Grizabella (singing Memory) for five years. She has also starred in numerous off-Broadway shows, as well as the internationally acclaimed Sibling Revelry with her sister, Ann Hampton Callaway. Her numerous film and television credits include the singing voice of Anastasia in the award-winning animated film, Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and the King of Thieves, and Nala in The Lion King II. Liz is also an accomplished studio singer, and can be heard on more than 35 recordings, including her three solo albums. www.lizcallaway.com/

Sherry Vine & Joey Arias

Fri., Sat. 4/30 - 5/1, 10:15 pm $27.50
Sherry Vine & Joey Arias
"Looking Back At The Future"

International Drag Darlings, Joey Arias and Sherry Vine, will be premiering their all new, all live, cabaret extravaganza at The Rrazz Room! The show will combine elements of the Post Modernism of the 1960's with a dragtastic contemporary twist! Rudi Gernreich meets Lady Gaga! Old school, new skool, comedy, torch, glamorous costumes and a sprinkle of scandal - this show has something for everyone! Some musical highlights; Led Zeppelin, Andrew Sisters, Madonna's Rain, Marilyn Monroe and much more. www.sherryvine.com/# & www.joeyarias.com/

The Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko is San Francisco's premier nightclub, offering the finest in world-class Cabaret, Jazz, Comedy and Popular music entertainment. This intimate and acoustically perfect venue has been the home for past performers such as: Ashford & Simpson, Oleta Adams, Larry Carlton, Bobby Caldwell, Spyro Gyra, Hiroshima, Diane Schuur, Ben Vereen, Martha Reeves, Miki Howard, The Zapp Band, and ConFunkShun. Host-escorted seating assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Doors open 90 minutes prior to show. The Rrazz Room is a two-drink minimum, all-ages venue, and tickets are non-refundable. Limited Club R VIP Memberships available: 415.394.1189 or Kris@TheRrazzRoom.com

Additional helpful information: The Rrazz Room Bar is open daily at 2pm. Dress Code is upscale casual. Inappropriate attire is: ripped jeans, flip-flops, baseball caps and jerseys. No audio nor video recording without prior approval. Please silence cell phones and refrain from use during performances. With a Rrazz Room validation, parking at the Mason O'Farrell Garage is $10 (up to five hours) and $15 (up to ten hours). Enter the garage from Mason or O'Farrell Streets.

The Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko
222 Mason Street (between Ellis and O'Farrell)
San Francisco, California 94102

Tickets: www.therrazzroom.com / The Rrazz Room 415.394.1189 / TicketWeb 866.468.3399 or at The Rrazz Room Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 12 noon to 7pm.
*Unless Otherwise Noted*

 

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