Michael Putman Estwanik

JASON GRAAE, the L.A. DRAMA CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD winner and Broadway and cabaret star, opened his acclaimed tribute to Jerry Herman, 'PERFECT HERMANY' at The Laurie Beechman Theatre in West Bank Cafe last night, October 18. Performances run through October 25th.

If Joe's last name sounds familiar it is because his father, Richard Stilgoe, is the famed lyricist of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express, and also contributed lyrics to Phantom of the Opera and Cats. Joe's formidable piano technique and vocal stylings, which seem so effortless, actually stem from a classical training. This extremely entertaining show is part Victor Borge/Oscar Peterson/Steve Ross/Steve Martin/Michael Feinstein. Joe has appeared at Ronnie Scott's, the Royal Festival Hall, The London Jazz Festival, The Edinburgh Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival and in jazz clubs from Berlin to Kuala Lumpur. Michael Putman Estwanik of the American Songbook Project is introducing Joe to Manhattan. He will appearing at the Metropolitan Room Wed Sept 14th at 7 PM.

On Tuesday, July 26th, Sardi's was the setting for a most unusual benefit for The American Songbook Project, which is quickly gaining a reputation for the most creative benefits in town. Last night was no exception. Guests heard Tyler DeAngelo, author of 'Learn Just Enough to Get Laid,' read excerpts from his book, and each excerpt was followed by a song from the American Songbook which was related to that subject. For example, astronomy, cooking, magic, and construction were represented by 'Lost in the Stars,' 'I Can Cook Too,' 'Witchcraft,' and 'I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise.' These were performed by some of Broadway and cabaret's most illustrious men and, in honor of New York's recent Equal Marriage Bill, one spot was reserved for a woman. Singers included: Peter Gallagher, Jeremiah James, Christian Campbell, Robert Petkoff, Sean Harkness, John Malino, and Ms. Lea DeLaria. Lance Horne musical directed.

The American Songbook Project's first 'Musical Soiree' held at the home of the president of the fundraising charity, Michael Putman Estwanik, last week.

Brooke Shields and John McDaniel have just agreed to support the American Songbook Project's "Name That Tune" Costume party gala at the Edison Ballroom next Saturday November 6.

The American Songbook Project, a non-profit dedicated to presenting American popular songs in our schools with the goal of educating and developing new audiences for them, will honor singing legend Margaret Whiting and directing wunderkind Michael Mayer at a wildly original charity event at the Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47th Street on Saturday November 6 from 7pm to 11pm.

Brooke Shields and John McDaniel have just agreed to support the American Songbook Project's "Name That Tune" Costume party gala at the Edison Ballroom next Saturday November 6.

The American Songbook Project, a non-profit dedicated to presenting American popular songs in our schools with the goal of educating and developing new audiences for them, will honor singing legend Margaret Whiting and directing wunderkind Michael Mayer at a wildly original charity event at the Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47th Street on Saturday November 6 from 7pm to 11pm.