Dick Robinson News

Here are two statements rarely heard in the world of Cabaret. “There goes that Cabaret Singer driving off in his new Bentley!” and “Did you check out that beautiful new Cabaret Room?”

The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook (SPGAS) today reminded music fans that the exciting new After Dinner Cabaret series will premiere on Tuesday, March 3 at the beautiful, newly renovated North Palm Beach Country Club, which is open to the public and located at 951 US-1.

From the wilds of Palm Beach, Cabaret starved creatures journeyed to their favorite watering hole in West Palm last night. Cafe Centro was the place to be for an evening of roaring music and fun with head Safari guide Rob Russell who managed to tame the assembled with his soothing voice.. There were some beautiful and exotic species at this gathering and my stealthy telephoto lens managed to bag a few shots as everybody in the room were acting like they were let out of a cage. New York City may have Cafe Society but Palm Beach now has Cafe Safari.

The Pat Boone family and the Legends Radio family were on the Eissey Campus Theater Stage last night as the legendary singer/actor/composer received the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Society for the Preservation of The Great American Songbook and daughter Debby Boone performed a concert that thrilled the Palm Beach audience.

The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook (PGAS) today announced the launch of the exciting new After Dinner Cabaret series to be held at the beautiful, newly renovated North Palm Beach Country Club, which is open to the public and located at 951 US-1.

Billy Stritch wasn't at the Grammy's last night (he won a Grammy for his song “Does He Love You” recorded by Reba McEntire), but he was at the Kravis Center for the revue devised and narrated by Barry Day titled Hooray for Hollywood! On stage with music director Stritch were Carole J. Bufford and Liam Forde.

Most performers have a career/performance arc. Oftentimes fans compare early Sinatra crooning to the Chairman of the Board's later rugged vocal swagger. As the years ascend it's not unusual for vocalists to descend a key on the melodic scale. Marilyn Maye connoisseurs marvel at her early recordings but are also completely captivated by the current version of the super singer.

The RRAZZ ROOM audience got a Christmas gift last night, a voice and musician sent from heaven. Maureen McGovern, with her glorious tone, phrasing and dynamics filled the RRazz Room with a performance that was musical perfection. Actually, the same accolades go to her pianist for the evening, the legendary Mike Renzi. His pianistic tone, phrasing, dynamics, and harmonics are equalled by few. Maureen McGovern's voice “gets you” on all levels, she has a compelling Alto, a haunting Mid Range, and a Soprano that possesses the virtuosity to handle her excellent improvisational ability. This was the 45th Anniversary of Maureen's theme song “ The Morning After” which won the Oscar for Best Song of the year 1973 and yes, Jill & Rich Switzer of Legends Radio and everyone else present are talking about Maureen McGovern “ The Morning After”

Mr. Finn's Cabaret at Barrington Stage Company has become one of the countries leading presenters of the art form of cabaret. The road going from Birdland and Feinstein's/54 Below to Pittsfield Ma. now also comes from Las Vegas. Clint Holmes, one of the main attractions on the strip and in nightclubs around the country came to Barrington Stage Company last night and made the Berkshires and Mr. Finn's officially become part of the nightclub circuit.

Dave Lawrence, President and CEO of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County today announced that a sold-out crowd of 180 friends, supporters and music fans attended this season's final CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversation. It was held last Monday at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach and, like all of the C&C Conversations this season, it was completely sold-out.

It wasn't Dean, Sammy, & Frank last night starring in Rat Pack night at the Pelican Cafe Cabaret but it was Chris, Jill, & Rich. Supporters and friends of Dick Robinson's Society For The Preservation of The Great American Songbook gathered at North Palm Beache's answer to the 1960's exciting nights in Las Vegas when those super stars cavorted in front of tables filled with celebrities. However the Pelican did have Michelle Lee at a ringside table and Dick Robinson seizing the moment made his way through the throngs of Michelle fans to give the audience a quick interview with the Broadway, Film, and TV star. I'm sure 'The Old Jock' will be airing it on his Legends Radio stations (100.3FM) and worldwide on the internet in the near future.

The tables at Table 26 were all filled last night. There was also a long wait list for any last minute openings at this trendy West Palm Beach restaurant. However, it wasn't just because of the menu….. the 'Special of the Night' was arguably one of the most popular singers of The Great American Songbook, Steve Tyrell. He will be performing at the chic Dixie Highway establishment for five shows thru March 24th. Steve's voice, in addition to being recognizable all over the planet is very familiar to the folks in Palm Beach because of his many sold out seasons at the legendary Royal Room at The Colony Hotel during it's years as The Place' to be for Palm Beach entertainment. His music is also constantly heard on the air waves in South Florida and worldwide on Dick Robinson's Legends Radio stations. 'The Old Jock' Mr. Robinson and family were in the house for Steve's opening night. Legend Radio's popular morning hosts Jill & Rich Switzer, who are also skilled performers were the opening act for Mr. Tyrell, and it's safe to say that this had to be one of the best nights ever at Table 26. Who know's Eddie and Ozzie of Table 26 might be singing 'This Could Be The Start Of Something Big' after Tyrell's engagement. Stay tuned.

It was the luck of the Irish, the Italians, the Jews and everyone else in the Pelican Cafe last night.  

The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County today announced that the popular series CULTURE & COCKTAILS returns next month with its penultimate fascinating conversation this season at The Colony Hotel Coral Ballroom, located at 155 Hammon Avenue in Palm Beach.

If you were trying to find a stage that presented some of the most treasured American popular music, performed by probably the best vocalists born to sing it, you were at The Kravis Center in Palm Beach last night. The Kravis Center Pops Orchestra under the baton of Michael Feinstein, one of the most beloved entertainers of our generation honored another legend......Jack Jones. Jack Jones, the vocalist who created a sound track of love ballads and swinging hit songs for most of the Kravis audience's ( and the worlds) musical life walked out on it's stage and there was no doubt that the look, sound, and magnetism of Mr. Jones was in full force and undiminished at this juncture in his career. Palm Beach gave him a standing ovation after his thrilling rendition of Man of La Mancha, one of Jack's signature songs.

There were many places around the world where the music of The Great American Songbook was being performed last night, but none more significant than the concert celebrating the 5th Anniversary of Dick Robinson's Legends Radio 100.3FM, the most successful privately owned radio station in the United States.

The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County today announced that the popular series CULTURE & COCKTAILS returns next month with the third of five fascinating conversations this season at The Colony Hotel Coral Ballroom, located at 155 Hammon Avenue in Palm Beach.

Pop up Cabaret Rooms keep popping up across the country. New York City's Beach Cafe may have some cold weather now, but the Pelican Cafe in Palm Beach County is hot on all levels. Sunday's featured entertainer Rob Russell is not just another 'pretty voice' singing a bunch of great tunes. Mr. Russell creates a party and he makes sure everyone in the audience gets an invite. Likewise, Mark Frangione, owner and executive chef does not just create the wonderful dishes. He sounds like a museum director explaining the masterpieces in the building (and they are) as he takes you on a tour of the menu.

Dick Robinson, a legend of the airways, hero of The Great American Songbook, and a broadcaster who in his distinguished career has interviewed anybody who is anybody in the world of music had The New York Pops music director and conductor Steven Reineke on the Legends Radio network last night. The 30 minute segment will be heard on FM Stations in South Florida, the Northeast, and worldwide on the web. 'The Old Jock' (as he is reverently and affectionately referred to) discussed the exciting world of Carnegie Hall, The New York Pops and Maestro Reineke's fascinating and creative life which includes conducting and programming 4 major orchestras.

Music and Art joined forces last night to honor valued members of the Palm Beach community who do so much to make sure the world hears our uniquely American popular music.