Photo Flash: Ann Hampton Callaway, Nick Adams and More Sing at Birdland
By: BWW News Desk Feb. 19, 2013
Singer Ann Hampton Callaway called it "Musical Church," and deemed host Jim Caruso the "Irreverent Reverend!" Monday night's Cast Party was the be-all and end-all of extreme open-mic madness, with impromptu performances by some of the best and brightest on the Broadway, jazz, cabaret and concert scenes. Callaway led a blues vocal quintet, along with headliner Lorna Luft, Broadway leading lady Carrie Manolakos, Birdland's William Blake and Manilow-co-star Muffy Hendrix. Their song, "Diva Power," was composed on the spot by the singers, developing into a roaring, riffing belt-fest!
Scroll below for photos from the concert!
Not to be outdone, Broadway stars Nick Adams, Michael James Scott, Jessica Rush and Ashley Brown gave a thrilling taste of their upcoming XL Cabaret concert version of Songs For A New World. Jazz superstar Raul Midon, in town headlining with Karrin Allyson at the Blue Note this week, sang, scatted and offered amazing vocalize to the proceedings. Lindsay Mendez and Michael Holland (alums from the recent Broadway Godspell) stole hearts with a new song and dazzling musicianship. Elizabeth Stanley, one of our favorite Broadway leading ladies, sang a sexy and surprising "Hound Dog." The Copa Boys, currently performing at Irridium, brought Rat Pack realness and tuxedoed elegance and fun to the stage. There was a wealth of very young talent, as Feinstein-winners Nick Ziobro and Tony Ponella crooned and jazz violinist Jonathan Russell thrilled. Favorite cabaret gal KT Sullivan reminisced with a Weimar ditty, and T. Oliver Reid showed off his spectacular vocals with style and aplomb. The Cast Party Symphony Orchestra (Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Daniel Glass) kept the music sublime, and the fun went on into the wee hours! Jim Caruso's Cast Party takes place every Monday night at 9:30 at Birdland (315 West 44 Street) in NYC.
Photo Credit: Seth Walters
Lorna Luft, Ann Hampton Callaway and Company
Lorna Luft, Ann Hampton Callaway and Company
The Copa Boys
Raul Midon
Muffy Hendrix, Lorna Luft and Ann Hampton Callaway
Muffy Hendrix, Lorna Luft, Ann Hampton Callaway and Carrie Manolakos
Lindsay Mendez and Michael Holland
Jessica Rush, Nick Adams, Ashley Brown and Michael James Scott
Ashley Brown and Michael James Scott
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