Alex Leonard News

A uniquely talented and gifted jazz pianist, jazz critic and writer George Simon called John Bunch, 'The Fred Astaire of the piano'. This performance celebrates the life and career of John Bunch from his days growing up in the small farming community of Tipton Indiana, his heroic service during World War II to his days of accompanying a who's who list of artists including Tony Bennett and Benny Goodman.

Every time I attend something in jazz pianist Ronny Whyte's estimable weekly series at the welcoming, modern Saint Peter's Church (619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street), I'm glad I came. The place is airy, peaceful, and sunny with spacious pew and tiered seating. Acoustics are splendid. The audience is respectful. And they have Billy Strayhorn's piano. Yesterday's easy-going hour featured Alex Leonard on piano and vocals (one forgets how fine a vocalist he is), David Kingsnorth on bass, and veteran Al Gafa on guitar.

 Multicultural BRIDGE, WAM Theatre, Berkshire Theatre Group and Yvette "Jamuna" Sirker are joining together to present a reading of Facing Our Truth, a collection of six 10-minute plays by Winter Miller, Marcus Gardley, Dominique Morrisseau, Mona Mansour & Tala Manassah, Dan O'Brien with Quetzal Flores, and A. Rey Pamatmat.  Reflecting on race relations in the United States, this collection of one-acts was inspired by events surrounding the Trayvon Martin case.  Berkshire Theatre Group hosts the event at The Colonial Theatre (111 South Street), February 6, 2015 at 7:30PM with a moderated panel and community discussion to follow.

Strange, enchanted boy David Vernon swept through the Metropolitan Room last Thursday night, greeting guests on his way to the stage. He cut a dashing, old-world figure in his long, fitted coat and austere, angular posture. The man possesses style. Opening his show LOVE: The Concert with Eden Abhez's 1941 beauty 'Nature Boy,' Vernon wove lines of dialogue into the singing, telling the beginnings of the spare yet vivid tale he would unspool over the course of the evening; the story of his two true loves, both men, which also contained the revelation of his own dual identities--masculine and feminine. 

In his new show at the Metropolitan Room, Give My Regards to Broadway (which opened on July 18), Jacob Storms wholeheartedly disproves the perception that a singer making their debut in the cabaret arena need a director or more than just a pianist to prove their greatness. Over at Don't Tell Mama, former Oak Room show producer Arthur Pomposello has re-emerged with a new regular blues supper club show.

The 25th New York Cabaret Convention first night titled 'I Love A Piano' was held at Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center last night and BroadwayWorld was there backstage and out front!

After more than two decades of exciting contribution to the New York musical scene, The Mabel Mercer Foundation hits a new high this autumn by producing its 25th annual New York Cabaret Convention for four evenings, October 20th-23rd. All performances begin at 6 o'clock at the Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Frederick P. Rose Hall at Broadway and 60th Street.

The 24th New York Cabaret Convention ended its week with a special afternoon event at 54 Below! The event, produced by the Mabel Mercer Foundation, began with The New York Times's Stephen Holden interviewing jazz legend and original female be-bop pianist Barbara Carroll.

For four magical nights this week, the Mabel Mercer Foundation will present a sparkling array of America's leading cabaret stars. Among the 60 outstanding artists who will take the stage at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center from today, October 7th through 10th are multiple Grammy Award winner Jack Jones, Marilyn Maye, Steve Ross, Karen Akers, Nellie McKay, and Barbara Carroll.

For four magical nights in October, the Mabel Mercer Foundation will present a sparkling array of America's leading cabaret stars. Among the 60 outstanding artists who will take the stage at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center from October 7th through 10th are multiple Grammy Award winner Jack Jones, Marilyn Maye, Steve Ross, Karen Akers, Nellie McKay, and Barbara Carroll.

Spend an unforgettable evening with some of Staten Island's finest jazz musicians tonight, October 13th and one of America's most successful saxophonists, David Sanborn, coming to the St. George Theatre on Sunday, October 14th as part of the ST. GEORGE JAZZ FESTIVAL.

Spend an unforgettable evening with some of Staten Island's finest jazz musicians on Saturday, October 13th and one of America's most successful saxophonists, David Sanborn, coming to the St. George Theatre on Sunday, October 14th as part of the ST. GEORGE JAZZ FESTIVAL.

It was a highlight of the 2011 New York International Fringe Festival and for the past three months Who Loves You, Baby? has packed the house at The Huron Club at The SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam Street). The show was originally slated to close on December 30, but Tom DiMenna now close tonight, April 15 2012.

It was a highlight of the 2011 New York International Fringe Festival and for the past three months Who Loves You, Baby? has packed the house at The Huron Club at The SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam Street).

It was a highlight of the 2011 New York International Fringe Festival, and for the past three months Who Loves You, Baby? has thrilled packed audiences at The Huron Club at The SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam Street). The show was originally slated to close on December 30, but due to popular demand, Tom DiMenna will resume his nightly resurrections of bald-headed sex symbol Telly Savalas three times a week beginning January 18 and carrying on through April 2012.

It was a highlight of the 2011 New York International Fringe Festival, and for the past three months Who Loves You, Baby? has thrilled packed audiences at The Huron Club at The SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam Street). The show was originally slated to close on December 30, but due to popular demand, Tom DiMenna will resume his nightly resurrections of bald-headed sex symbol Telly Savalas three times a week beginning January 18 and carrying on through April 2012.

As previously announced, The Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs will celebrate the 23rd Annual MAC Awards on Monday, May 18th at 7:30pm at B.B. King Blues Club (237 West 42nd St, Between Broadway 8th Avenue). This year's performers/presenters include Polly Bergen (Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award), Klea Blackhurst, Tyne Daly, Karen Mason, Marilyn Maye, John McDaniel, Rex Reed, Steve Ross, and Julie Wilson among others.

The nominees for the 23rd Annual MAC Awards have been announced, honoring excellence in New York City cabaret, comedy and jazz.

Complete listing of the 2009 MAC Award Nominees and Special Award recipients.

The 2008 MAC Award Winners have been announced