The Cabaret Chronicles: Salon, Chris Dingman, Marquee Five and More!

Happy Weekend, everyone!  It's a winter wonderland here in NYC, but the nightlife is as hot as ever!  I saw some terrific shows this week, including two that took place in the midst of Thursday evening's snowstorm! 

The week got off to a great start with Salon at Etcetera, Etcetera on Sunday, February 21^st.  Hosted by Mark Janas, this open mic is always a hot destination, and is frequented by some amazingly talented folks!  This past week was no exception - guest co-host Joe Bachana did a great job of heading up the evening's festivities and delighted the audience with his songs, including two by celebrated songwriter Bernie Bierman, and a charming "I Can't Give You Anything But Love."  Joey Infante sang a beautiful "Who Can I Turn To," Maureen Taylor injected the perfect dose of humor into the evening with her "It Would Never Have Worked," Sierra Rein & Mark Watson duetted beautifully on "Make Believe," and Peter Napolitano delivered a fantastic spoken word piece.  One of the standout moments of the night was when Manhattan School of Music graduate student Baris Buyukyildirim played a breathtakingly beautiful "Rhapsody In Blue" on the piano.  The entire room was completely enraptured (and rightly so!).  It was a terrific night, and a wonderful way to kick off the week. 

Monday evening found me at Birdland for Jim Caruso's Cast Party, which, as always, was a blast!  Jim himself kicked things off with a swell "Let's Misbehave," which was followed by Vanessa Trouble's beguiling "Whatever Lola Wants."  Other terrific performers to grace the Birdland stage that night were Hilary Kole, Terese Genecco, Marcus Simeone, David Goldman, Katie Cass, singer/songwriter Ray Jessel, singer/tap dancer/trombonist Todd Londagin, and a super barbershop quartet called Voce!  What a night! 

Wednesday night, I enjoyed some fantastic jazz in Park Slope, Brooklyn.  Jazz vibraphonist Chris Dingman led a stellar quintet in his latest project, Waking Dreams.  Joined by Aidan Carroll on bass, Mark Small on tenor sax and bass clarinet, Tommy Crane on drums, and special guest Kaoru Wantanabe on flute, Mr. Dingman led the ensemble through several well-crafted original compositions.  Several of the numbers were designed to flow into each other, which was an interesting concept that I quite enjoyed.  It was akin to a classical piece with different movements, and the fun in something like that is that it keeps your brain working as you try to figure out the connection and/or progression between the different movements.  In addition to having a great ensemble sound, each of the musicians created some amazing solos, and the collective sound of the group was simply outstanding.  The venue, the Brooklyn Lyceum, provided a mellow, laid-back atmosphere, and it ended up being a great way to spend the evening. 

Thursday was a doubleheader night for me - first, it was off to the Triad for the MAC New Face Showcase.  MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) is gearing up for its annual Awards Show, which is being held at BB King Blues Club and Grill on May 4^th.  Since all MAC members are allowed to vote in the awards process, this time of year is typically filled with award contenders doing extra shows to allow more people to see them before votes are due!  The preliminary ballots went out to all members last week; the top vote-getters from this ballot will be the official nominees.  The New Face Showcase this week featured half of the debut cabaret artists who are on the preliminary ballot, and next week's New Face Showcase will feature the other half.  It's a great chance for newcomers to the community to introduce themselves (and their talents!) to the rest of the association!  Hosted by Lennie Watts, the Thursday showcase was filled with great talent, and very exciting to watch.  Performers included Kathleen France, Joshua Warr, Merrill Grant, Chris Yonan, Peggy Eason, Christa Justus, Joshua DesJardins, Thesa Loving, Eric Sisco, and Nesha Ward.  Everyone did themselves proud, and it was a wonderful opportunity to get to know a slew of talented new MAC members within a single show!  I'm very much looking forward to hearing the rest of the debut artists next week!

After the MAC showcase, it was off (in the snowstorm!) to Don't Tell Mama for vocal ensemble Marquee Five in We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander           and Ebb.  A welcome addition to the NYC nightlife scene, Marquee Five comprises singers Mick Bleyer, Adam West Hemming (who also serves as musical director for the show!), Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein, and Julie Reyburn, all of whom are terrific performers in their own right...and the blend of their instruments on tight, five-part harmonies is really something special!  The five performers each got their chance to shine in various solos and duets, which added color and variety to the already-enjoyable evening.  Each vocalist brought their own unique sound and style to the show, yet were able to blend beautifully on the group numbers.  Directed by Peter Napolitano, the show featured several arrangements by Mr. West Hemming (including a terrific, five-part "And All That Jazz," which was the show's opener), as well as some arrangements borrowed from And The World Goes Round, and also one arrangement (the infectiously cheerful "Sing Happy," which Ms. Reyburn performed as a solo) by Mark Janas.  It's hard to pick favorites, but I must say that "Coffee In a Cardboard Cup" would definitely have to be in contention - the harmonies were terrific, and the frantic, caffeinated energy injected an extra dose of humor into the song.  I'm looking forward to seeing what's on board for Marquee Five next - it's a welcome breath of fresh air in the cabaret world to have this type of ensemble show, and I'm sure there are more exciting things in store!

Where I'm Going This Week...  

TONIGHT - Saturday, February 27th:  BarbAra Martinez in Concert at Weill RecitAl Hall.  Renowned Flamenco and Latin Jazz performer BarbAra Martinez takes to the stage in a special evening of music and dance, and I'm very much looking forward to being there!  Show begins at 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 3rd: Ray Jessel at Don't Tell Mama.  Yes, the L.A. - based Mr. Jessel is back in town, and I couldn't be happier!  He'll be at Don't Tell Mama every Wednesday in March at 9:15 p.m., singing his fabulous compositions.  Some are laugh-out-loud funny; others are tear-jerking ballads.  The one thing they all have in common, though, is that they are all terrific! 

Thursday, March 4th:  6:30 p.m. - MAC New Face Showcase at Broadway Baby Bistro.  It's Part II of the New Face Showcase, and I'm looking forward to catching the rest of this year's debut artists who appear on the preliminary MAC Award ballot.  For more info on MAC or the MAC awards, visit www.macnyc.com. 

Friday, March 5th: 10:00 p.m. - MetroJam at The Metropolitan Room.  I have the honor of hosting the Metropolitan Room's monthly open mic, which is frequented by all kinds of talented performers!  This month, the special guest will be spectacular jazz vocalist Hilary Kole, who will be performing a 3-song set!

Pictured: Marquee Five (l-r: Mick Bleyer, Sierra Rein, Adam West Hemming, Julie Reyburn, Vanessa Parvin) 

 

 

 

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