On the second night of this year's 26th Annual Cabaret Convention, Jeff Harnar and Andrea Marcovicci hosted A Sentimental Journey: World War II Songs, inspired by Marcovicci's memorable Oak Room at The Algonquin show, I'll Be Seeing You--Love Songs of World War II. (The CD is highly recommended.) As always with this pair's Convention contribution, the show was a treat in part because of its singular glamour. Much of our audience was exceptionally familiar with and nostalgic about these songs. A few had to be politely quieted for singing along, more than a few took each other's hands. It seems I've heard that song before . . . the co-hosts begin, warming the room.
Last Friday, October 9, noted orchestrator and conductor Fred Barton presented the music of Broadway and the American Songbook to the Schimmel Center at Pace University, in AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS: AN EVENING OF JOHNNY MERCER. In his seventh concert at Pace, Fred Barton brings the power of Mercer's music and lyrics front and center, with a 14-piece orchestra and a cast of 16 Broadway singers and dancers, with direction and choreography by Scott Thompson. The cast was headlined by Damon Kirsche, Tony nominee Lee Roy Reams, two time Tony nominee Vivian Reed, Nick Spangler, Tony Nominee Lauren Worsham, and Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba. The cast also featured Jesse Luttrell, Sean McGibbon and Molly Pope. Scroll down for photos from the concert!
Performers Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch will be premiering their brand new show, "The Sinatra Century," on the Main Stage at Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario on Thursday, October 15 at 8pm.
Tonight, October 9, noted orchestrator and conductor Fred Barton will bring the music of Broadway and the American Songbook to the Schimmel Center at Pace University, in American Showstoppers: An Evening of Johnny Mercer. In his seventh concert at Pace, Fred Barton now brings the power of Mercer's music and lyrics front and center, with a 14-piece orchestra and a cast of 16 Broadway singers and dancers, with direction and choreography by Scott Thompson. The cast is headlined by Damon Kirsch, Tony nominee Lee Roy Reams, two time Tony nominee Vivian Reed, Nick Spangler, Tony Nominee Lauren Worsham, and Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba. The cast also features Jesse Luttrell, Sean McGibbon and Molly Pope.
Riverside Theatre, led by Producing Artistic Director/CEO Allen D. Cornell and Managing Director/COO Jon R. Moses, begins its 2015-2016 season with Swinging on a Star, the musical revue of the songs by Academy Award-winning lyricist, Johnny Burke. Created by Michael Leeds, Swinging on a Star is set at several venues throughout various decades and showcases the talent of Mr. Burke. Swinging on a Star performs on the Stark Stage from October 27 - November 15, 2015 and is sponsored by John and Marilyn McConnell and Riverside Theatre's Patron Producers.
On Friday, October 9, noted orchestrator and conductor Fred Barton will bring the music of Broadway and the American Songbook to the Schimmel Center at Pace University, in American Showstoppers: An Evening of Johnny Mercer. In his seventh concert at Pace, Fred Barton now brings the power of Mercer's music and lyrics front and center, with a 14-piece orchestra and a cast of 16 Broadway singers and dancers, with direction and choreography by Scott Thompson. The cast is headlined by Damon Kirsch, Tony nominee Lee Roy Reams, two time Tony nominee Vivian Reed, Nick Spangler, Tony Nominee Lauren Worsham, and Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba. The cast also features Jesse Luttrell, Sean McGibbon and Molly Pope.
With new Sunday evening Jazz Party host Carole J. Bufford performing elsewhere last night, the Birdland Jazz Club recruited drummer Ray Marchica and his vocalist wife Nina Hennessy (right), who rounded up some of their talented friends for an evening of vocal and instrumental jazz, new compositions, and golden standards. Marchica's band featured Sean Harkness on guitar, Tom Hubbard on bass, and Bob Quaranta on piano. Special guests included vocalist Marissa Mulder and composer/pianist Ian Herman.
Last December, Texas treasure Holland Vavra made her 54 Below debut in Cuz We're F#cking Talented, a concert where a handful of artists showed off their skills. Last night, she made a special trip from Houston to premiere her tribute to Frank Sinatra, Holland at the Sands: My Blue Eyed Sinatra. With her own brand of lovable, quirky humor and her golden instrument, Vavra made her solo cabaret debut a delightful spectacle.
?Ghostlight Records will expand their special single from stage and screen star Melissa Errico with the third song, "Walking Happy." The digital exclusive is available today, June 23, 2015, on iTunes here.
To mark the 100th birthday year of America's favorite crooner, Pinnella and the Topilow brothers will present an evening of Frank Sinatra's biggest hits, many newly arranged by bassist Gary Mazzaroppi, including such favorites as 'In the Wee Small Hours,' 'Come Fly with Me,' and 'I've Got the World on a String.'
New Jersey Performance Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the all the magical, timeless hits by Sinatra songwriter Jimmy Van Heusen -- 'My Kind of Town,' 'All the Way,' 'Call Me Irresponsible' -- performed by Broadway royalty: Tony nominees Norm Lewis (The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess) and Rebecca Luker (Mary Poppins, The Music Man) tonight, April 25th at 8PM.
Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano exude warmth. Both superb musicians, they're polished without ostentation, symbiotic without deferring individual fortes, and infectiously (enviably) appreciative of one another without becoming saccharine. Original arrangements never trade lyrical meaning for novelty. Their recent one-night show at Birdland, Only In New York: A Big Apple Valentine, is a collection of songs in which the charming marrieds express the vicissitudes of love, bracketed by affection for the city. Many are sophisticated, some are unexpected, and all are empathetic.
The Whipping Man by Matthew Lopez opens tonight, January 23, 2015 at George Street Playhouse. The production runs through February 15, 2015 Directed by Seret Scott, the cast features Ron Canada, Luke Forbes and Adam Gerber.
New Jersey Performance Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the all the magical, timeless hits by Sinatra songwriter Jimmy Van Heusen -- "My Kind of Town," "All the Way," "Call Me Irresponsible" -- performed by Broadway royalty: Tony nominees Norm Lewis (The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess) and Rebecca Luker (Mary Poppins, The Music Man) on Sunday, April 25th at 8PM.
'Jimmy Van Heusen Swinging on a Star,' by Christopher A. Coppula, is the first official biography of the prolific composer James Van Heusen. Van Heusen wrote over 1,000 songs, including 50 standards. He is tied for most Academy Awards for Best Original Song. Van Heusen composed music for 5 of the 6 Road movies starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.
You know his music, but chances are you don't know the composer behind such hits as Swinging on a Star, All the Way, Moonlight Becomes You, Love and Marriage, High Hopes, Come Fly With Me, and Imagination.
While his legacy is inextricably linked with that of his best friend Frank Sinatra, Van Heusen was much more. Starting his career while in high school, Van Heusen worked from radio to the Cotton Club, from song plugger to songwriter, from New York to Hollywood. He was a brilliant musician, ware hero, and good and generous man
John Schneider and Tom Wopat -- the original stars of 'The Dukes of Hazzard' -- have hit the Billboard Top 10 with their new album Home for Christmas. For the week of December 20, the recording debuts at #10 on the 'Traditional Jazz' chart.
John Schneider and Tom Wopat -- the original stars of 'The Dukes of Hazzard' -- will appear at Barnes & Noble for a special in-store performance and CD signing to celebrate their new album Home for Christmas tonight, December 3 at 7 PM. The special holiday recording, which is currently available from D13 Entertainment in stores and online, commemorates the 35th Anniversary of the iconic TV show.
With another holiday season upon us, it's time to celebrate time honored traditions, and in keeping with what's become a New York tradition, Steve Tyrell is celebrating his 10th year as the holiday season entertainment at the swanky Café Caryle on the Upper East Side (through New Year's Eve). This Grammy award-winning record producer and singer is treating audiences to his latest cabaret show, That Lovin' Feelin', which features hit tunes that are the heartbeat of America.
John Schneider and Tom Wopat -- the original stars of 'The Dukes of Hazzard' -- will appear at Barnes & Noble for a special in-store performance and CD signing to celebrate their new album Home for Christmas on Wednesday, December 3 at 7 PM. The special holiday recording, which is currently available from D13 Entertainment in stores and online, commemorates the 35th Anniversary of the iconic TV show.
