Come to Cafe Carlyle to hear arguably one of the best jazz/pop guitarist/vocalists of our generation. Also be prepared to laugh a lot during John Pizzarelli's show. He has that Seinfeld like ability to talk about anything and find the humor in it. This was a fun evening in every way, and even the unison single note conversations between the hammers hitting the strings by pianist Konrad Paszkudzki and John's fingers flying over the guitar's strings had a melodic jocularity to them. The Cafe Carlyle feels like a large living room and John Pizzarelli is about the best guest you could ever have at the party. He has done many different theme shows at The Carlyle and this Nat King Cole tribute has the tunes and stories to make it one of his most effective.
Last night in the historic University Club some of New York's most esteemed citizens gathered to honor two of the most remarkable men in the music world…… Pianists, Educators, and humanitarians Melvin Stecher & Norman Horowitz. The Gala celebrated the 60 years of the Stecher Horowitz Foundation and it's Founders and Executive Directors Melvin and Norman.
As Johnny Carson once said about a super singer (Marilyn Maye), 'you young singers if you want to see how it's done listen to this'….I'm sure if Johnny had heard Clint Holms, Veronica Swift, and Nicolas King he would be giving that same instruction to aspiring vocalists. Last night the three gave an awesome display of musicianship when singing the unique songs of Ken Laub. The exciting Tedd Firth arrangements were played by the swinging Sherrie Miracle Diva orchestra with pianist and music director Firth conducting.
They may not be on the same page politically at all times, but Mike & Henry were at the same table in agreement about Steve Tyrell last night at Cafe Carlyle. In fact, when the votes were counted after the show, Steve Tyrell was a winner by a landslide in his 14th term as Cafe Carlyle super star (after taking over from Bobby Short in 2005). Steve's voice is not only a favorite in all corners of the USA, it's also been a favorite of some of the most important dignitaries of our generation. Bill and Hillary Clinton came to see Steve perform on one of her first nights out after the 2016 election. He has played for Presidents Bush and Trump. Tyrell has performed on stages all over the world, entertaining the likes of President Santos of Columbia, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.
Nowadays it's quite common for a show to have '& Friends' in it's title. I don't know if Broadway Producer and entertainer Jamie deRoy invented the concept, but over the last 30 years she sure has perfected the inclusion of having her uber talented friends perform in Jamie deRoy & friends variety shows. In fact, some folks must think '& friends' is Jamie's last name, she has an impressive contact list (remember rollodex).
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.
Lynn University welcomed renowned singer, actress and recording artist Christien Andreas last night with her acclaimed show, PIAF-No Regrets. Christine brings to life the triumphs and heartbreaks of the famed French chanteuse, in her own words and those of her friends-and of course-her music.
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.
Anka Palitz, The Actors Fund National Ambassador Vice Chair and founder of the Heart & Soul Gala was honored at the Gala's 10th Anniversary in Palm Beach at The Breakers last night, along with Gillian Murphy, Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and Ethan Stiefel, Principal guest instructor at the American Ballet Theatre. Tony and Emmy Award winning actress/singer/dancer Bebe Neuwirth hosted The Actors Fund event which featured performances by local Florida dancers.
Fresh from the 40th Anniversary Actors Fund benefit concert of 'They're Playing Our Song' at the Music Box Theatre in NYC, it's star Lucie Arnaz joined entertainer and Key West impresario Randy Roberts for 'We're Singing Our Songs' at the Tennessee Williams Cabaret Theatre.
There is an historic house in Key West, La Terraza De Marti, which was the home of cigar manufacturer Teodoro Perez who was a symbol of Key West's strong ties to Cuba. On May 3, 1883 Perez welcomed Jose Marti, the man who was the symbol of Cuba's bid for independence from Spain to speak from his 2nd story balcony to thousands of Cuban sympathizers. Marti was an integral factor in freeing Cuba from Spanish rule.
It was all about the love that Paul Anka has for sharing his music with audiences and the love those audiences have for him at The Kravis Center last night.
There were thrilling moments at The Kravis Center Pops Orchestra concert last night conducted by Maestro Michael Feinstein. One was being able to hear one of the most extraordinary vocalists of our generation, Maureen McGovern perform with the orchestra. Another was the Maestro leaving the podium to sing 'I've Got You Under My Skin' with Ms McGovern. In the first half of the concert Will & Anthony Nunziata, two other great voices also thrilled the audience in the Dreyfoos Concert Hall with their mash up of Unchained Melody/Someone Like You.
A party hosted by Jamie deRoy, Board member of Primary Stages was attended by some of the most esteemed members of the theatre community last night. Primary Stages is an Off-Broadway not-for-profit theater company dedicated to inspiring, supporting, and sharing the art of playwriting. The kitchen of Ms. deRoy, the 'hostess with the (theatre) mostess' was also recently used by Rita Moreno for a cooking demonstration for a PBS American Masters series and featured in this weeks New York Times.
Wearing a suit that seemed to be inspired by the celebrated decor of Feinstein's/54 Below, Tony Award nominee and two-time MAC Award winner Charles Busch returned to the club last night with a new show that gets to the essence of this legendary theatrical figure. The Actor/playwright/cabaret entertainer, with an eclectic songbook from the 70's and early 80's unfolded an outrageously comic yet also poignant tale of his early years as he strived to find a place for himself. Charles has found a place for himself and he is a living legend and a very theatrical New York audience filled Feinstein's/54 Below to hear his wit and music.
Put together two super actor/singers to perform The Songs Of Kander & Ebb and it's like Mantle and Maris hitting back to back homers in the world series. Oops, I promised myself I would avoid the Baseball references, however watching Haley Swindal you cannot help but wonder how this enormously talented lady became such an exciting entertainer coming from a sports/business family. Then again, George Steinbrenner did create exciting entertainment for millions with the Yankee franchise and he was also an avid fan and investor in Broadway shows.
Two legends of the art form of Cabaret KT Sullivan & Steve Ross sang the music and lyrics of Noel Coward which were weaved together by reciting the numerous descriptive letters the playwright/composer/performer wrote to his mother and others. This captivating and elegant evening was written and introduced by Barry Day, the Literary Advisor to the Noel Coward Estate, who has written extensively about Sir Noel Coward. His writings include, The Complete Verse, The Letters of Noel Coward, Coward on Film Coward Coward Screenplays and the forthcoming Coward on Theatre.
