Photo Coverage: Neil Sedaka Attends Friars Tribute Show
By: Stephen Sorokoff Oct. 29, 2013
Friar Neil Sedaka, wife Leba and daughter Dara were in the Frank Sinatra Room of the Friars Club last night to attend a Tribute Show to Connie Francis and Neil Sedaka. Jenna Esposito and Jim Van Slyke performed the hit songs of Connie & Neil and the show was produced by Jeff Leibowitz, Laura Slutsky and Jenna. Friar Bill Boggs hosted. A special Tribute Menu was presented by Friars Chef Anatoly Veksler. It consisted of "Stupid Cupid Vegetables, Mama's Potato Crusted Brook Trout, Roasted Loin of Veal Is Hard To Do, Artichoke & Peppers On Your Collar Chicken Breast and Where The Chocoholics Are Pyramid." Connie Francis was present via a wonderful video message. An emotional highlight of the evening was when Neil was "coaxed" to take the piano bench. He sang a song he wrote for his cousin who recently passed away..Eydie Gorme.
Neil Sedaka has said about Jim Van Slyke, " I've seen many singers over the years do my songs, but nobody has moved me more than Jim." Connie Francis has commented about Jenna, "I've known and loved Jenna for years and love the way she sings. I'm ever so grateful for the love and respect she shows to the catalog of songs that has been so good to me through the years." Bill Boggs wrapped up the evening with a Friars Tribute to Connie & Neil and remarked, "an evening like this can only happen at the Friars. The cheering audience of Friars enthusiastically agreed
Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff
Jim Van Slyke, Neil Sedaka, Jenna Esposito, Laura Slutsky, Bill Boggs, Jeff Leibowitz
Jenna Esposito & Jim Van Slyke
Jenna Esposito, Jim Van Slyke, Fortune Esposito, musical director
Jenna Esposito, Neil Sedaka, Jim Van Slyke, Fortune Esposito
Friar Laura Slutsky, producer
Friar Jeff Leibowitz, producer
Friar Bill Boggs, Host
Rob Broelmann, David Crone, Jenna Esposito, Jim Van Slyke, Fortune Esposito, Danny Bacher, Kelly Esposito, Rob Langeder
Frank Sinatra Room
Friar Stephen Sorokoff & Neil Sedaka
Allan Lazare, Arlene Lazare, Neil Sedaka
Leba Sedaka & Dara Sedaka
Hank Aaron & Friar Barry Dougherty, communications director
Laura Slutsky, Jenna Esposito, Neil Sedaka, Jeff Leibowitz
The Cast
Jenna Esposito, Neil Sedaka, Fortune Esposito
Jim Van Slyke & Jenna Esposito
Videos