Photo Coverage: Michael Mott & Friends Play The Astor Room

In the 1920's Hollywood's counterpart was the Kaufman Astoria Studios. The historic movie studio produced silent films as well as the first "talkies". The Astor Room which sits "Below" the sound stages was the original studio commissary and it has been lovingly preserved in all it's glory.... complete with the same Mason & Hamlin 1923 Grand Piano used by the musicians of the day. Where Rudolph Valentino dined with other silent film stars, studio executives, and extras you can now also enjoy a great meal while being entertained every Wednesday by host Michael Mott and his group of talented friends. This weeks guest vocalists were Morgan Assante (Les Miserables), Josh Tolle (Kinky Boots), and Haley Swindal ) Jekyll & Hyde). Composer, Lyricist, singer Michael Mott is a bit like Astoria's answer to Seth Rudtsky and it's one of the few places where prices are probably lower than in the 1920's. There's no cover or minimum. Seeing new talent in this historic setting is a bit like going back to the future.

Brent Frederick is music director at the 1923 Mason & Hamlin for the evening.

Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff

Haley Swindal, Morgan Assante, Michael Mott, Josh Tolle, Brent Frederick

Haley Swindal & Michael Mott

Morgan Assante & Michael Mott

Josh Tolle

Haley Swindal

Rudolph Valentino & wife Natacha Rambova in the Kaufman Studios Commissary

The Astor Room

Eda Sorokoff, Jamie deRoy, Michael Mott, Gjovalin Nikci

Eda Sorokoff & Jennifer Swindal

1923 Mason & Hamlin

Film Stars & Studio Executives , The Kaufman Studios Commissary

The Astor Room

The Astor Room at Kaufman Astoria Studios