Southern California favorites Lori Donato and Gil Leib more than left their mark at Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's in Studio City, CA last Sunday (February 28). Not only did the charismatic duo successfully premiere their all new show Shades of Blue, inspired by blues-infused songs from Gospel to Broadway and beyond, but set a February sales record at the popular night spot with a full house of adoring and enthusiastic fans, many who endured a five-day wait list for reservations.
Jenna gives a rundown of where she's been and what's coming up in the world of cabaret (and sometimes beyond!) This week's column features Ann Hampton Callaway at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, Michelle Collier at Don't Tell Mama, Pamela Luss at The Metropolitan Room, Justin Ritchie at The Metropolitan Room and more!
Though The Paper Mill Playhouse has just opened Master Class and still has productions of 1776 and The Full Monty geared up for their current season, plans are zipping along for the four musicals and one straight play that will make up their 2009-10 campaign. The official announcement comes this Friday afternoon, but they've released these five pictorial clues as hints. See if you can guess what the gang at Millburn has in store next season.
When a cabaret show is promoted as containing 'an eclectic mix of style and sound,' I generally don't expect to hear 8, count 'em 8, Rodgers and Hart classics, but who am I to question Christian Hoff's good taste in music? Though never officially announced, Hoff was to star in a proposed Broadway revival of Pal Joey, and though that project has been placed on hold, his one-night gig at The Metropolitan Room this past Monday night, titled 'Exiled,' often seemed like a preview of how he'd play the title role.
Richard Jay-Alexander will be on QVC, again tomorrow, Thursday, September 17th, to once again introduce the audience to Barbra Streisands highly anticipated studio album, LOVE IS THE ANSWER, produced by Diana Krall and recorded at the legendary Capitol Records Studio - where Sinatra, Peggy Lee and all the greats did some of their best work.
One of the biggest and best-loved superstars in the world, Barbra Streisand, has today confirmed a world exclusive appearance with Jonathan Ross for Friday Night, October 2, 2009.
Legendary performer Barbra Streisand has announced she will auction off performance costumes, paintings, furniture and vintage collectibles to benefit her Streisand Foundation.
The final song selections for Love Is The Answer, the eagerly awaited new studio collection of intimate jazz standards performed by Barbra Streisand, are being revealed in anticipation of the album's release on Tuesday, September 29.
Award-winning singer KEVIN DOZIER, who was named ?Male Performer of the Year' at the 2003 San Francisco Cabaret Competition, will debut his new CD 'LOVE-WISE' at Barnes & Noble Lincoln Triangle, 1972 Broadway at 66th Street, on Wednesday, February 18th at 6 PM as part of the ?Any Wednesday' Series of free concerts.
Kevin made his highly anticipated NYC cabaret debut last June with Musical director/arranger CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE at the piano and played an equally successful return engagement in October. During his 10 years in San Francisco, he headlined at San Francisco's Plush Room, performed at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, Lush Lounge, and in various benefit concerts including 2 editions of Steve Murray's Viva Variety. He has appeared with such entertainers as Bobby McFerrin, Carmen McRae and Barry Manilow.
Award-winning singer KEVIN DOZIER, who was named ?Male Performer of the Year' at the 2003 San Francisco Cabaret Competition, will debut his new CD 'LOVE-WISE' at Barnes & Noble Lincoln Triangle, 1972 Broadway at 66th Street, on Wednesday, February 18th at 6 PM as part of the ?Any Wednesday' Series of free concerts.
Kevin made his highly anticipated NYC cabaret debut last June with Musical director/arranger CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE at the piano and played an equally successful return engagement in October. During his 10 years in San Francisco, he headlined at San Francisco's Plush Room, performed at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, Lush Lounge, and in various benefit concerts including 2 editions of Steve Murray's Viva Variety. He has appeared with such entertainers as Bobby McFerrin, Carmen McRae and Barry Manilow.
KLEA BLACKHURST and BILLY STRITCH will celebrate the release of their new CD Dreaming Of A Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael with two weeks worth of performances at the Metropolitan Room.
GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS, a division of Sh-K-Boom Records, is proud to announce the release of the new CD from KLEA BLACKHURST and BILLY STRITCH - Dreaming Of A Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael. Blackhurst took New York by storm with her acclaimed tribute to Ethel Merman, Everything the Traffic Will Allow; Stritch is an award-winning composer, arranger, vocalist and jazz pianist. Their first artistic collaboration mines the catalogue of one of America's most treasured songwriters, who wrote such standards as 'Skylark,' 'Georgia On My Mind' and 'Star Dust.' The recording is produced by Grammy Award winner Joel Moss and will be available in stores and online June 17, 2008. Klea and Billy will celebrate the CD with a special concert at Birdland Jazz Club (315 West 44th Street) at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 16. Please call (212) 581-3080 for reservations.
GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS, a division of Sh-K-Boom Records, is proud to announce the release of the new CD from KLEA BLACKHURST and BILLY STRITCH - Dreaming Of A Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael. Blackhurst took New York by storm with her acclaimed tribute to Ethel Merman, Everything the Traffic Will Allow; Stritch is an award-winning composer, arranger, vocalist and jazz pianist. Their first artistic collaboration mines the catalogue of one of America's most treasured songwriters, who wrote such standards as 'Skylark,' 'Georgia On My Mind' and 'Star Dust.' The recording is produced by Grammy Award winner Joel Moss and will be available in stores and online June 17, 2008. Klea and Billy will celebrate the CD with a special concert at Birdland Jazz Club (315 West 44th Street) at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 16. Please call (212) 581-3080 for reservations.
