The Cabaret Chronicles: Cast Party, Jerry Cherry & the Funk Church, and More!

Happy Weekend, everyone!  Cabaret Chronicles was on hiatus last week due to the holiday weekend, so I've got a few weeks worth of events to catch up on here!  Yes, despite the oppressive heat, I did make it out of the house and into some great shows!  First up, on Monday, June 28^th, it was another stellar night at Birdland with Jim Caruso's Cast Party.  Host Jim Caruso opened the night with a great "Shakin' The Blues Away" and proceeded to call to the stage a number of über-talented performers such as 15-year-old jazz violin sensation Jonathan Russell, who wowed the crowd with his "Night In Tunisia."  Other standout performers included Christina Bianco, who did a great "Murder He Says," William Blake, who blew the audience away with a soulful "Summertime," and the always entertaining Linda Lavin, who was joined by the aforementioned Jonathan Russell on a fantastic "There Will Never Be Another You."  It was a wonderful night and the perfect way to kick off the week! 

Friday, July 2^nd, it was time for MetroJam, the Metropolitan Room's monthly open mic that I have the honor of hosting.  Despite the holiday weekend, a whole slew of talented performers came to share their talents.  Among the entertainers who stepped up to the mic were Tony DeSare (who treated us to a sneak preview of a brand new song he wrote - beautiful!), Ben Cassara, David Goldman, Sarah Rice, Barbara Porteus, Mary Foster Conklin, Abby Smith, and Michael Morgan (who came all the way from Philadelphia to share his talents with us)!  The special guest for the evening was Broadway/Cabaret vocalist extraordinaire Rena Strober.  In her three song set, Ms. Strober put on a mini-musical, taking the audience through the various stages of love - and she even brought along props.  By her final number, she had the entire room in the palm of her hand, and managed to get everyone to sing along with her!  And not only was her set a lot of fun, but she also sounded incredible!  The MetroJam Band (John DiPinto on piano, Ritt Henn on bass and Bobby Sher on drums) did a terrific job, as usual.  All in all a great night, and a perfect start to the holiday weekend! 

Monday, July 5^th, I headed down to Rockwood Music Hall to catch Jerry Cherry and the Funk Church.  I wrote about Jerry Cherry a few months ago, when he did a show with his group, The Mayhem.  Well, last Monday's show was a blending of The Mayhem with Funk Church, a Philadelphia-based funk band.  So, it was a little rock, a little funk, and a LOT of fun!  Mayhem guitarist Adam Paul Leach and bassist Drew Mortali were joined by Funk Church drummer Mike Windish and keyboard player Jhonny Bigham.  The glue holding them all together?  Jerry Cherry, guitarist and lead singer for The Mayhem.  The evening started out with several of Jerry's songs, and then it was time for some Funk Church songs, with lead singer Shan Egan at the helm.  Shan was great, and the music was terrific - I'll definitely be on the lookout for future NYC dates for Funk Church!  To close the set, Jerry did a few more songs, including a finale that took the audience (and the band!) by surprise.  To honor Bill Aucoin (best known for being the manager of KISS), who passed away on June 28^th, Jerry stripped down to his skivvies and brought the house down with his song "Worst Looking Man!"  And if you don't believe me, you can see for yourself on YouTube!  Ah, another highly entertaining evening in NYC...one of those nights that makes me certain that I'm living in the best city in the world! 

Last night (Saturday, 7/10), I had the honor of guest starring in Tommy Femia's multi-award-winning show, Judy Garland Live!  Although I'd seen Mr. Femia as Ms. Garland on several occasions, it was my first time witnessing an entire show...and I loved it!  Funny, engaging, charming, slightly irreverent, but with an impossible-to-miss for the great lady, Mr. Femia puts on a really terrific show.  Accompanied by musical director David Maicco, Mr. Femia takes us on a trip down Judy's memory lane, including such favorites as "The Trolley Song," "It's Today," "The Man That Got Away," and (of course!) "Over The Rainbow."  What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night! 

That brings us up to date for now - check back for a new article next week! 

Where I'm Going This Week...

TONIGHT: Sunday, July 11^th: Maria Ottavia at Don't Tell Mama.  The lovely and talented Maria Ottavia will be debuting her brand new show, "If I Were A Carpenter: A Reconstruction.  Can't wait to see it!  Show begins at 4 p.m.  

Tuesday, July 13^th: Jenna Esposito and George Pettignano in Swingin' Italiano at Patys's Italian Restaurant!  Yes, it's my show!  I'm joining forces with fellow entertainer George Pettignano to pay tribute to some of the greatest Italian-American singers of the 20^th century, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Connie Francis, and Bobby Rydell.  The best part?  The show is at Sinatra's favorite restaurant!  Dinner & show begin at 6:30 p.m. 

Wednesday, July 14^th: Tom D'Angelo in This Time I'm Swinging.  Mr. D'Angelo will be making a return to the legendary Feinstein's at Loews Regency with a brand new show (And yours truly will be making a guest appearance!).  Show begins at 8:30 p.m. 

Thursday, July 15^th: Vickie & Nickie at Don't Tell Mama.  Lori and Lisa Brigantino will be returning to Don't Tell Mama as suburban housewife sister duo from Minnesota, Vickie and Nickie.  Their brand-new show, Inside Vickie & Nickie is sure to be a hoot!  Show begins at 7 p.m.

Pictured: Jerry Cherry