Rob Russell News

Like everyone's favorite sister, Meri Ziev brings happiness and positivity wherever she goes, whether she's performing at Birdland, online or in her driveway. And that's how you built a fandom.

Last night the audience at the Pelican Cabaret came together in spirit and song, (albeit 6 feet apart) as singer/entertainer Rob Russell ended his “cabaret quarantine” with a lively show at the popular Palm Beach establishment.   

Avery Sommers is still going strong, without any plans to retire, and audiences are thrilled. The Broadway alum talks with Stephen Mosher from her home in Florida.

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.

Michael Feinstein, the artist most thought of when the words “The Great American Songbook” are spoken, returned to one of his musical homes away from home last night. Michael and The Kravis Center Pops Orchestra Big Band filled Dreyfoos Hall at The Kravis Center with the swinging sounds of Frank, Dean, Sammy and Bobby Darin among others.

Jay Van Vechten, retired NYC PR man and Chairman of the American Disabilities Foundation, Inc. celebrated his 75th birthday last night as only a former President of one of the top three PR networks in the world could. He put on a superlative Cabaret Show! It took place at the beautiful state of the art Wick Theatre in Boca Raton. The evening was headlined by Country Music royalty Nashvilles's Kellye Cash a former Miss America and niece of Johnny Cash. The exciting evening was directed by Jay Van Dyke. It's probably in the genes, Kellye Cash is a first rate country singer with a captivating personality, one of those type of performers that an audience instantly falls in love with.

Avery Sommer (Broadway's Ain't Misbehavin', Show Boat, Chicago) and Angela Bacari singer and vocal coach to the stars (Liza Minnelli, Marisa Berenson) joined entertainer Rob Russell for the semi official opening of Cafe Centro's Cabaret season last night and it seemed that everyone present got into the act. Rob, whose engaging Baritone voice can also be heard on Legends Radio spinning records (pressing digital buttons) of other Great American Songbook singers got the crowd going with his Marilyn Maye infused song list.

The temp may be a bit high during the summer months in Florida but the music at Jazz on a Summer Night With Jill & Rich was pretty cool (and Hot) at the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County last night.

Eric Yves Garcia had a great pianist to accompany his singing last night at the Pelican Cafe…..Mr. Garcia himself was on the keys! There is nothing musically more satisfying than the experience of hearing an eloquent and serious pianist creating the arrangements that envelope his vocals. The piano harmonies always integrate more effectively and accurately when the voice and the fingers combine. It's a great club that Mr. Garcia belongs to, Nat King Cole, Buddy Greco, Diana Krall, Bobby Short, BIlly Stritch, Tony DeSare and others. An added treat for last night's patrons was having Avery Sommers and local celebrity Rob Russell in the audience and Mr. Garcia also played effectively for them.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.