The Cabaret Chronicles: Spotlight at Iguana, Cafe Thursdays, and a Look at the Week Ahead!

Happy Weekend, everyone!  It's been another fun week in NYC...and although I was out of town for part of it, I was still able to squeeze in a few evenings of entertainment!  Last Saturday evening found me at the Iguana on 54^th Street for Tom D'Angelo Presents: Spotlight at the Iguana.  This monthly variety show is a throwback to the good ol' days of Dean Martin and the like, and it always promises a good time!  Mr. D'Angelo himself set the tone for the evening with some zippy tunes like Bobby Darrin's "As Long as I'm Singin'" and some playful banter with the band (Nate Shaw on keyboard, Bobby Sher on drums, and Ritt Henn on bass), as well as plenty of toasts (thanks to the enormous bottle of Jack Daniels kept onstage throughout the show)!  Every month features a special guest star, and this month it was the lovely and talented Adrienne Hindmarsh.  Joined by her husband, Josh Hindmarsh, on guitar, Ms. Hindmarsh put on a swingin' 4-song set including a great "My Baby Just Cares For Me" and driving "Route 66."    Later in the show, singer Jack Michaels made a surprise appearance and brought the house down with his "Night and Day."  The aforementioned Ritt Henn also stepped up to the mic to perform one of his hilarious original tunes, "Change Sucks!"  It was nonstop entertainment from start to finish and another great night out in Manhattan. 

I headed out of town the following day, but luckily I was back by Thursday evening so I could attend this season's final Café Thursday evening at the Friars Club.   Hosted by Stan Gilbert, this open mic at the famed Friars Club is always a ton o' fun, and this week was no different.  In addition to Mr. Gilbert, other Friars to take the mic were Rena Strober (who was most recently seen in White's Lies with Betty Buckley), Steven Scott, Victor Lesser, Marty Silver, Tom D'Angelo, and Jack Michaels.  As always, Marty Silver on keyboard and Bobby Sher on drums did a terrific job of accompanying all of the performers.  Another fun, highly entertaining evening!  Café Thursdays will be on hiatus over the summer, but I'm looking forward to more great evenings come September! 

Where I'm Going This Week...  

TONIGHT: Saturday, June 19^th: 3^rd Annual Ciao Italy Performing Arts Festival.  Coordinated by Anabella Lenzu and Todd Carroll, this festival was conceived to build a bridge between the historic Italian community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and the new community of artists living and working in the neighborhood.  I'm thrilled to be participating in the festival, and am also very much looking forward to seeing the other acts!  There will be all kinds of music, plus dance and theater - it should be a very fun evening! 

Monday, June 21^st: 9:30 p.m. - Darcy James Argue's Secret Society at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola.  Darcy James Argue and his 18-piece big band have received all kinds of critical raves, and I'm excited to see what it's all about!

10:00 p.m. - Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland.  This fantastic weekly open mic runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. but make sure to arrive early to sign up if you want to sing!  I'll be running over from Dizzy's, but should get there in time to catch the second half! 

Tuesday, June 22^nd: Bill Boggs' Talk Show Confidential at The Triad.  Four-time Emmy Award-winning talk show host Bill Boggs shares stories and clips in this critically acclaimed show - can't wait to see it!  Show begins at 7 p.m.      

Pictured: Tom D'Angelo