Johnny Burke News

Birdland was abuzz this past Thursday night in celebration of Barbara Fasano's fresh-off-the-press CD, Busy Being Free. Industry types table-hopped among civilians--they know a good thing when they hear it--as anticipation swelled. Gift wrapped in tapestry blue, Fasano was accompanied by three of the six excellent musicians on her recording: Musical Director/Pianist/Arranger John di Martino, with Boris Koslov on bass, and Vince Cherico on drums.

Musical Theatre West's (MTW) Reiner Staged Reading Series returns in 2016 with four one-night only performances of classic and forgotten Broadway gems, including Pal Joey (January 24, 2016); On the Twentieth Century (May 16, 2016); Donnybrook! (June 12, 2016); and Li'l Abner (August 28, 2016).  All performances take place at the University Theatre at California State University, Long Beach (off 7th Street between East and West Campus Drive, Parking Lot 7). 

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.

Terri White, whose career has spanned over 40 years in show business tonight announced her farewell from live performing.

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.

The uplifting documentary debuts TONIGHT, AUG. 17 (8:00-8:45 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

HBO has confirmed a compelling array of thought-provoking documentaries for the second half of 2015

The uplifting documentary debuts MONDAY, AUG. 17 (8:00-8:45 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano are in a really good mood. The infectious buoyancy of their new show at the Metropolitan Room, Shoulder Season (Don't ask me what the title means. Despite explanation, I haven't a clue.), will erase world news, ease arthritis, and make love seem possible again. Well, maybe not all that. Its warm, cheerful, sometimes exuberant musicality is nonetheless recommended for whatever ails you.

The GRAMMY Foundation® Grant Program announced today that more than $200,000 in grants will be awarded to 14 recipients in the United States to help facilitate a range of research on a variety of subjects

Every year, despite a litany of warnings they come to the Big Apple with big dreams. Warnings like: “You have to pay your dues.” “It's a tough business, kid.” “How are you going to survive?” There's no such thing as an overnight success, yet still they come to be at “the top of the heap,” as Kander and Ebb so eloquently put it. The four young performers featured here haven't yet vaulted to the top of the cabaret heap, but they've certainly made their marks with excellent shows during 2014, while exhibiting the potential to get there. The spotlight is already shining on Chrysten Peddie, Angela Dirksen, Rembert Block, and Kristoffer Lowe.

Vocalist Shepley Metcalf, critically lauded by the Boston Globe as a 'superb cabaret/jazz singer,' is celebrating the release of her third recording, 'Don't Bother to Knock,' with a series of shows on the east coast this Fall. New Yorkers can catch Metcalf at the Metropolitan Room for one show tonight, November 1st at 7pm, singing music from the CD along with some other lesser-known gems from the Great American Songbook. Musical partner, Ron Roy, will be at the piano. The Metropolitan Room is in Manhattan at 34 West 22nd Street. Call 212.206.0440 for reservations or contact: http://metropolitanroom.com . 'Don't Bother to Knock' was released on September 30, 2014.

Vocalist Shepley Metcalf, critically lauded by the Boston Globe as a "superb cabaret/jazz singer," is celebrating the release of her third recording, "Don't Bother to Knock," with a series of shows on the east coast this Fall. New Yorkers can catch Metcalf at the Metropolitan Room for one show on November 1st at 7pm, singing music from the CD along with some other lesser-known gems from the Great American Songbook. Musical partner, Ron Roy, will be at the piano. The Metropolitan Room is in Manhattan at 34 West 22nd Street. Call 212.206.0440 for reservations or contact: http://metropolitanroom.com . "Don't Bother to Knock" was released on September 30, 2014.

Award-winning theater actor/singer, George Ball, celebrates a major milestone with the immediate release of his solo recording debut, 'Think of Me' (Gecko/LML Music). Mr. Ball describes 'Think of Me' as a recording for the 'grownup at heart.' He uses his famous baritone in a contemporary format here with an unusual repertoire that embraces story songs, heartbreakers, contemporary and country-tinged tales of love in its many guises. The recording was inspired by his wife, Amanda McBroom. It is available today on iTunes, LMLMusic, Amazon and other retailers.

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Terri White in 'Two Score' tonight, June 22nd at 9:30pm.

A sterling new debut album from up-and-coming vocalist Nick Ziobro featuring a slew of musical theatre showstoppers titled A LOT OF LIVIN' TO DO is now available to order.

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Terri White in "Two Score" on Sunday, June 22nd at 9:30pm. Returning to New York by popular demand after her sold out, award-winning (Best One-Show Event, Broadwayworld.com) performance at 54 Below last summer, Ms. White returns with an all new show that spans her 40 years in show business. From "Barnum" on Broadway through her New York City Piano days and her triumphant return to both cabaret and Broadway in the recent decade, "Two Score" will promise to bring the best of Terri White.

Ageless 86-year-old cabaret superstar and living legend Marilyn Maye performed her second show of yet another run at 54 Below (which continues May 9 and 10 at 8:00 pm, and May 13 at 7:00 pm), this time built around a tribute to the iconic comedian and talk show host Johnny Carson whose pet name for Maye was 'Super Singer.' Maye appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 76 times, more than any other singer.

Nick Ziobro, the 17 year-old pop/jazz vocal sensation, will release his debut album A Lot of Livin' to Do on Tuesday, May 20. The new disc, produced by Michael Feinstein - the two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated vocalist, pianist and musicologist - and available through Titanium Entertainment, will be available in stores and digital outlets such as iTunes and Amazon.com. The album's debut single 'This Guy's In Love with You' is now available on iTunes.

Norm Lewis makes his eagerly anticipated solo debut at American Songbook on Saturday night at 8:30pm. The show is SOLD OUT, and has been for weeks, and he has been in what he calls 'training' for the last few months. His musical director is Joseph Joubert (Motown, The Color Purple, Violet, Leap of Faith) and the evening is directed by Richard Jay-Alexander., for whom Norm did 'Javert' along with Hugh Panaro as 'Valjean' in last summer's blockbuster success of LES MISERABLES at The Muny in St. Louis.