Ann Hampton Callaway has had many of the world's greatest pianists, arrangers, and music directors accompanying her throughout her celebrated career. Last night at her show 'Jazz Goes To The Movies' sitting on the piano bench at Feinstein's54 Below she had the one who started with her at the very beginning. It was the one who probably knows how to pianistically surround her extraordinary artistry the best and the one who is able to create the harmonies that intertwine most effectively with her prodigious talent. It was Ann Hampton Callaway playing for herself!
It can be quite intimidating to perform in the Friars Club. Pre show a performer might be relaxing in the Billy Crystal Room on the main floor or upstairs in the Barbra Streisand Room.
INTO THE WOODS opened on Broadway over 30 years ago. It has since been revived several times, adapted into a Disney Film, and presented by countless regional and community theatres as well as school groups. If you are thinking, "been there - done that" and there is no reason to see this presentation at BSC you are certainly not alone (no one is, after all) but I believe you are mistaken.
Pittsfield's Mayor Linda Tyer officially declared June 24th as Barrington Stage Day as Barrington Stage Company celebrated its 25th Anniversary Season with its most successful Summer Gala honoring Founding Artistic Director Julianne Boyd. The completely oversold event also raised 160K for The Julianne Boyd New Works Fund.
Barrington Stage Company's Into the Woods is now on stage with performances now through July 13 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage. What did the critics have to say? Read the reviews!
Speaking French wasn't a requirement for a table at Yanna Avis' Cabaret show at the famed French Bistro La Goulue last night but it sure felt like everyone was fluent in the language. PADAM, PADAM, PADAM, an overflow audience could't resist the temptation to sing along with the alluring chanteuse at times who re-located the legendary New York City French establishment to Paris for the evening. Yanna made it a magical evening for all the patrons as they enjoyed the finest in French cuisine and the finest of French Cabaret.
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.
Next week, FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.
Your first indication that it's going to be an exciting show is the sound of her band of great musicians playing well charted intro music. The audience's next reaction is…. Whoa! (she's stunning) as Nicole Henry appears on stage. The venue last night may be called a Garage (Arts), but the only similarity to an auto specialist is that Ms. Henry genuinely knows the mechanics of singing. Nicole's lush voice, combined with her incredible phrasing create a unique vocal adventure.
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.
Back by popular demand, the two-time-Tony Award winning Broadway legend, Chita Rivera, returns to Feinstein's/54 Below with her unique solo concert event for seven performances this fall
Be up close and personal with the indomitable Broadway icon Chita Rivera as she recreates signature moments from her legendary career in CHITA & FRIENDS, coming to the Carlsen Center, Johnson County Community College at 8 p.m., Friday, June 28.
There are many organizations that have been established to preserve our musical heritage and at the forefront of those that specialize in The Great American Songbook, Michael Feinstein's foundation is one of the most important and influential. Last night at a private event Michael entertained for a Park Avenue apartment full of generous New Yorkers who had gathered to help support The Great American Songbook Foundation founded by Michael in 2007.
If you were making a movie about New York City and were tasked to re-create the perfect intimate night club experience that included a beautiful glamorous singer and famous New Yorkers at the tables look no further. That scene took place at the Beach Cafe with actress/singer Linda Purl performing her show up close and personal singing to you from the curve of Tedd Firth's Grand Piano on the East Side of Manhattan last night.
It's quite common to see crowds gathered on 54th street waiting to attend a show at Feinstein's/54 Below. In the case of John Lloyd Young last night there were also crowds waiting to get a glimpse of John leaving Broadway's Supper Club after his electrifying performance on it's stage. There are few artists with the voice and bio of John Lloyd Young.
In its 114 year life the Dutch Treat Club has had a membership that included, Jimmy Cagney, George S. Kaufman, Walter Cronkite, Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein ll, and Presidents Hoover, Eisenhower, Truman, and Ford. The great Broadway producer George Abbot was a member for 52 years when he died at the age of 107. But enough about the past. This year this historic New York City institution which was founded by and for creative people decided to honor someone young, creative and contemporary, so they chose...Marilyn Maye…an artist for every generation.
