LA's Sterling's Upstairs Announces September Line-Up

Sterling's Upstairs, the all-new supper club at Vitello's Restaurant in Studio City, CA. has announced a September roster of performers that includes Toni Morrell, Renee Laramore, Demars and Reins, Nelson Kole and Nita Whitaker.

Leading off the month on September 1st and 2nd at Sterling's--which opened its doors this June--will be Toni Morrell with her "Salute to the Legendary Ladies. "  "In this electrifying, multi-media evening of entertainment, Ms. Morrell – in her own, unique style – pays homage to such significant forces as Liza Minnelli, Ethel Merman, Lena Horne, Shirely Bassey, Peggy Lee, Judy Garland, Marlene Dietrich, a little bit of Lucille Ball and more!," according to press notes.

Morrell, who hails from the UK, performed on Italy's premier national television show, "Domenica In on the Rai Uno Network."  In 2005, she also co-starred with Broadway legend Carol Channing in the Los Angeles premiere of Razzle Dazzle.  Other appearances in Los Angeles include the California Star Awards with Jack Nicholson, Garry Marshall's Falcon Theatre, the Pasadena Playhouse, the American Renegade Theatre, Coronet Theatre, Cinegrill, Spagos Beverly Hills, Norris Pavillion and aboard the Queen Mary. She has also headlined the Union Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas and appeared with Rich Little at the Excalibur Hotel.  East Coast appearances include the Improv, Tatou, The Village Gate and Caroline's on Broadway…each in New York City, and Trump's Castle in Atlantic City.  She has also toured extensively.  Visit www.tonimorrell.com for more information.

On September 8th and 9th, Renee Laramore will make her debut at Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's.  A Los Angeles favorite, Laramore has starred in over 100 plays and Broadway musicals. Credits include Amalia in She Loves Me, Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Salome in The Robber Bridegroom, Charlotte Corday in Marat/Sade, Anne Sullivan in The Miracle Worker, Sharon in Finian's Rainbow, Nellie in South Pacific, Mona Lipschitz in Chicago and the title role in Emma, the new musical written by Joel Adlen based on the novel by Jane Austen.   Laramore was also a featured soloist in Onstage with Shirley Jones at the Starlight Bowl in Burbank.  Her television credits include "Ellen," "Mad TV," "Chicago Hope," and "E.R."  Laramore and her husband Gary have also traveled the globe performing their magic and illusion show called Illusions of Grandeur.

On September 15th and 16th, Sterling's Upstairs will present the cabaret debut of LA's own DeMars and Rein.  "Classically trained on the piano since the age of 7, Matt DeMars' repertoire includes nearly 500 songs ranging from 1920's Jazz to the Great American Song Book.  Influenced by Billy Joel, Nat King Cole, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, his composing talents resulted in 'Pieces of My Heart' which debuted in 2003. Sierra Rein's love of singing began at age two, when her family's kitchen table became her first stage.  She was inspired and instructed how to belt out tunes by watching video tapes of MGM musicals starring Judy Garland, Kathryn Grayson, Anne Miller, and Dolores Gray.  Ms. Rein's romance with Broadway musical theater in Los Angeles includes starring roles in The Sound of Music, Camelot, Little Shop of Horrors and appearing as Edith Piaf in The Night of the Black Cat, to name but a few."  Visit www.sierrarein.com for more information.

On September 22nd and 23rd, Sterling's Upstairs will once again host Nelson Kole in "Say it with Music." "Kole is a pianist/songwriter/performer whose music is as exciting and memorable as the city of New York where he was born.  Combining his outstanding facility and creativity at the piano, with his unique sense of humor and sensitivity, he has developed a style uniquely his own.  From his original songs, to his dazzling interpretations at the piano, he continually surprises and engages his audience."

Kole has played keyboards and/or conducted for such headliners such as Frank Sinatra and Dionne Warwick, Don Rickles, Ben Vereen, Ann Jillian, Lorna Luft, and Clint Holmes.  His television credits include three seasons as co-composer/arranger on Comedy Central's highly rated series "Prime Time Glick," starring Martin Short and co-composer and Musical Director on "Viva Variety," also on Comedy Central.  He is currently featured on the ABC TV hit variety/reality series "The One," and also collaborated with Billy Crystal writing songs for Crystal's character, the One-Eyed Monster, in the Disney/Pixar animated feature, Monsters, Inc.  Visit www.nelsonkole.com.

Closing the month on September 29th and 30th, Nita Whitaker will take center stage at Sterling's in her all-new show titled "On My Way: Songs White Girls Gotta Sing."  "Equally at home in intimate cabaret settings and before audiences of thousands, this accomplished concert performer, Grand Champion Female Vocalist of Star Search, and former Miss Louisiana has a wealth of talent and experience to share.  When she isn't performing as featured soloist with multi-Grammy Award winner David Foster, Whittaker also enjoys a successful stage and television career with several guest-starring roles in series, specials and motion pictures."

She appeared with Kevin Costner in The Bodyguard and Lush Life with Forest Whitaker.  Stage credits include the role of Sarah in  the American premiere of Ragtime; Reprise's Sweeney Todd; the world premiere of a new musical, Me and Mrs. Jones, in the title role starring opposite Lou Rawls; and the role of Zipporah, which she originated at the Kodak Theater in the musical extravaganza The Ten Commandments, starring Val Kilmer. She has performed in countless concerts and benefits.  Whitaker is currently finishing her third CD, "Life Stories," which is made up of her original compositions.  Her first two CD's, "Nita Whitaker" and "One Voice," can be found at www.nitawhitaker.com.

Seating for all performances is once nightly at 7:00 p.m. and includes a four-course, prix-fixe menu which offers three entrée choices, and a one hour show.

Toni Morrell's performances are priced at the value package of $65.00 per person.  Performances by Renee Laramore, DeMars & Rein, Nelson Kole and Nita Whitaker are priced at the value package of $50.00 per person.  For reservations, please call the recently new reservation Hot Line telephone number established specifically for Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's (818) 981-3077.

"Sterling's Upstairs, an all new, elegant supper club and the only venue of its kind in the greater Los Angeles area, celebrated its one month anniversary on July 10.  It is produced by Michael Sterling of Michael Sterling & Associates, the Sherman Oaks-based entertainment public relations company."

"For over 30 years, Vitello's has been known for its outstanding Italian cuisine, romantic atmosphere and superior service.  It is also known world-wide as one of the most legendary restaurants in the United States."

Vitello's is located at 4349 Tujunga Ave. Studio City, CA.  Valet parking is available.  For reservations, call 818-769-0905.

 

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