Are you on my team?

"For happiness one needs security, but joy can spring like a flower even from the cliffs of despair."
-Anne Morrow Lindbergh, American writer (1906-2001)

It's Memorial Day. A day of remembrance. It always seems odd to me to say "Happy Memorial Day".
I think most people forget about what this day is all about. It's about beach openings, barbeques, and the impending summer! At least that is what it is for MANY. For others, it is something completely different. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920).
While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
For me, it is also our anniversary. I met Danny on this date in 1990. We've been together ever since! 21 years! It's been great! I'm looking forward to what the next 21 years will bring!
I'll be 71.
Danny will be 78!
God willing!!

After a blog last week, in which I mentioned a friend who began every meeting with, "Either you're on my team or not?", I received the following e-mail. I will post my responses in bold type.

How do you (we-I-any of us) process feedback?
I have a rule about criticism. If it's going to HELP me, I want to hear it. If it's not going to help me, it will go in one ear and out the other!If it's going to HURT me, please keep it to yourself. Who is “on our team”? Those who are supporting my dream on ANY level!
After all these years I can say that honestly I don’t know this answer. It is a constant struggle.

For instance, I watch American Idol, and I don’t get it. I don’t get the audience responses, I don’t get the judges responses….but I do get that some of those folk will end up rich.
Rich and famous.I don't watch American Idol. I am not a fan of competition shows. Where judges and audiences seek out cruelty for entertainment sake. But when I see a clip such as this one, I have to think their must be something POSITIVE about this show!

If you ever saw Charles Nelson Reilly’s magnificent one man show, you realize that if had listened to “people that knew” he never would have had a career. And yet we know of times when someone gave advice to a performer that was life changing.There are "experts" all over this business. Judy Garland, Susan Boyle, Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Barbra Streisand would not have had careers IF they had listened to those "experts"!


Not long ago I worked with someone on a song. I tried as hard as possible to trust this person (a good guy, by the way). By the time I finished doing everything I was told, there was no more ME in the song. It was a song that, when I sang it before, made everyone cry. I sang from my heart. When I was done with all my "coachings", no one reacted. Again, Listen to your heart. Here are three versions of my favorite song. Is anyone better than the other two?You and I could go see a show together and come out with two completely different reactions to what we just experienced. That is the magic of entertainmentDo you believe your "coaches" were trying to sabotage you OR do you think they were bringing to the table where they are emotionally with the material you were performing? Did they say you were WRONG in your interpretation OR were there other ways of looking at the material. IF you have a very strong sense of who you are and they are trying to strip that away, you need to walk away from them IF you don't have a strong sense of who you are, perhaps they can help you on THAT path.

Then, on the other hand, we know that many great stars were inventions. We know that in Motown, the singers were trained how to walk, move, dance, sing and answer questions. We know that Hollywood starlets were coached to death on how to act, talk, etc. We know that eyebrows were plucked, and make up men came in, and diets were imposed…whatever. And we know that for some stars, it worked like crazy.

So, my dear Richard, how do we know whom to trust? My answer? You have to trust YOU! YOU know what works for YOU! What hasn't worked for YOU. What turns you on. What turns you off. Go with those instincts. The right people will gravitate to you. Trust me, the wrong ones will to. Carol Channing once told me that for every person who likes you, there are an equal number who don't. Hang on to your TRUTH!
If you were to open up the subject again one day, and could inspire people to respond, that would be very helpful. I posted this question yesterday. NO ONE responded!

After all, I know we have all had our share of terrible advice and we have all had people that tried to tell us to stop performing….and we all have had angels who kept us going.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my blog. I hope I helped. If not, I hope I will!

I am posting the following review because I think it captures where MAC has been, where it is, and possible clues to where it needs to go. I feel like an outsider as far as where "MAC" is concerned. I hope to one day feel what I used to feel about MAC. There are those who get upset when you voice an OPINION on MAC. An opinion is not necessarily a slam on MAC. My actions prove over and over how much I support this cabaret community". My blogs, my posts, and my frequent cabaret going prove and will continue to do that. But as far as MAC is concerned, I feel like the kid with his nose pressed against the window.

25th anniversary of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs Awards (MAC.)
By: John Hoglund






It was not exactly Paris. It was not a starry, starry night. However, New York cabaret was blasted out of its lull like a bubbly bottle of Dom Perignon as the cabaret community honored its own. It all took place on Tuesday, May 10 at B. B. King's Blues Club where the Times Square nitery hosted the 25th anniversary of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs Awards (MAC.)
One naturally expected a celebrity lineup of past winners and supporters.
Not so.
Instead, a few hundred performers , friends of cabaret and past winners – among them beloved staples like Baby Jane Dexter, Sharon McNight, Julie Wilson and Jane Monheit who presented a lifetime achievement award to jazz legend Annie Ross, were on hand for the event which honored musical, jazz and comedy performers as well as directors and technicians in about 30 categories. The biggest star of the show was film clips from past shows provided by Applause Video's Bradshaw Smith (who won the first male vocalist award.)
Those nostalgia-laced clips stole the show which was directed by Lennie Watts.
The benign party-flavored evening was hosted with zeal by musical comedienne Christine Pedi, and produced by MAC veep Julie Miller.

Former officers and presidents were on hand to give speeches or present awards. Current president Lennie Watts

recalling his earliest impressions of cabaret, cited being blown away by the likes of Karen Mason, Sally Mayes and the Jenny Burton Experience

for starters.
Speaking about the ups and downs and naysayers of this ever delicate art form, he also noted that, in spite of what anybody says, “... Cabaret ain't going nowhere.”

One might say it was the best of times meets the worst of times (depending on who you ask.) It's cabaret. And, through the years, it has presented the best, and sometimes the worst.
A cliché ?
Maybe.
But cabaret is like a messy sundae dripping with nutty clichés in words and music – with a dollop of drama. Besides, all performers need a jumping off place. Too, cabaret has always been a close cousin to Broadway and inflated with more confusion and chaos than Spider Man; Turn Off the Dark. Like that show, which soared to instant infamy, few idioms in entertainment have gone through as many reinventions, transitions and panic attacks as cabaret. So, these awards, star-filled or not, mean a lot to the aspirations and dreams of a plethora of hopefuls who are serious about a future and fighting for recognition. The evening was a mixed bag of banality and greatness being rewarded for what they love most with one thing in common; dreams. Picking up an award about a decade ago, perhaps Baby Jane Dexter said it best, “ … we all have the same dream.” It may not be the golden days of the Blue Angel, the old Versailles or Reno Sweeney, but cabaret is thriving. Expensive, upscale rooms and mid-level clubs like The Duplex, Don't Tell Mama, Laurie Beechman Theatre and Metropolitan Room host numerous sold out shows.
Mr. Watts' point is well noted.
Willkommen!
The MAC Awards started in a basement at the Village Vanguard

Now, twenty five years later, it's still in a basement (after all, that's basically what B.B. King's is!) Along the way, award galas were held at renowned venues like Symphony Space and The Town Hall as well as The Copacabana and Lincoln Center. The idea of having night club awards in a real nightclub jump-started a few years ago and it has worked well since (food and drink are mandatory when an evening runs three to four hours.)
It was a cause to celebrate.
However, one expected a tad more of a pizzazz to celebrate a milestone like a quarter of a century of an organization that has previously honored so many and had many now established stars emerge.
This year's awards were noticeably lower key in comparison to past years.
And, the dearth of celebrities not taking part in the festivities was conspicuous. For instance, past performers and presenters have included stars and industry high rollers like Betty Buckley, Barbara Cook, Kathie Lee Gifford, Ahmet Ehrtegun, Joan Rivers, Rosemary Clooney, Chita Rivera, Barry Manilow, Michael Feinstein, Liza Minnelli and Brian Stokes Mitchell who presented the lifetime achievement award to Leslie Uggams last year.

Christine Pedi recalled that when these awards began in 1987, gasoline was eighty nine cents, a subway token was a dollar, the laptop was invented, The Mystery of Edwin Drood was a smash on Broadway, Cagney & Lacey was a hit on television, Irving Berlin turned ninety eight, Harold Arlen and Benny Goodman died, greed was good, Lindsay Lohan and the Olsen twins were born, 42nd Street was a cacophony of hookers and pimps, and half the people in the audience were in grammar school.

The emphasis was on clubs and the creatures who inhabit them. Thanks to Applause Video's Bradshaw Smith (who won the first male vocalist award,) the night paid film homage to a litany of late, great performers. What the evening lacked in boffo celebrity artists on hand was made up for with zealous gaiety and a lot of heart from many friends.

Borrowing a note from the television hit Glee, a chorus of singers opened the show warbling Barry Manilow's One Voice sung in scattered harmonies in a sweet arrangement by musical director Steven Ray Watkins. Sounding as if it had been written just for the evening, it was sung by Ben Cherry, Natalie Douglas, Daryl Glenn, Danielle Grabianowski, Lorinda Lisitza, Karen Mack, Sue Matsuki and Miles Phillips. A collage of highlights from past shows followed showing clips of winners and performers that included the likes of: Betty Buckley, Barbara Cook, Jeff Harnar, Maureen McGovern

Barry Manilow, Phillip Officer and Liza Minnelli.

Scott Coulter, Lennie Watts and Watkins performed a campy medley paying silly tribute to the disco ball (1987) including eighties club hits one might have heard at Danceteria or The Roxy like: Turn The Beat Around, Lady Marmalade, I Will Survive and Enough Is Enough. Someone switched on a disco ball but, like the evening, it didn't glitter. Respected jazz singer and former MAC president Judy Barnett offered no apologies for suggesting that cabaret replace reality TV in her pithy remarks.

There was a friendly dichotomy between the first and current presidents' comments regarding MAC and cabaret in general. Erv Raible is the organization's co-founder along with late NY Post critic Curt Davis. He guided the group through endless milestones and was an integral part of nurturing performers and keeping MAC afloat in those early years. Lennie Watts is the current popular singer/director/performer who directs many newer artists today and is at the helm over the few years carrying this candle in the wind that often gets slammed by unknowledgeable journalists.

When the New York Times, which could do boundless wonders to support cabaret and a dangling nightlife, writes about the idiom, the focus is invariably on upscale rooms and well established artists. On these rare occasions, cabaret is thrown a bone. How are new and gifted talents supposed to get noticed today? Another reason MAC and these awards count for so much in a passive-aggressive age of Internet frauds who become overnight stars. But that's another column.


Watts optimistically addressed today's “new breed” of performers “... who inhabit clubs like flies at a picnic ... I got involved with cabaret in the late 80s and “they” were saying that cabaret was dying - then. I could never figure out what people were talking about. As far as I could see, things were thriving. I saw some of the most amazing shows! Does everybody remember their first cabaret show? I do. It was Karen Mason at Rainbow & Stars. I had never seen anything like it and I was hooked. I remember thinking that if this is what dying feels like, put me in the body bag and zip that sucker up!”



Raible's remarks about the beginnings in 1987 were a mix of humorous remembrance and cautious cynicism. He quoted encouraging words to beginners by a beloved, much-missed, late saloon singer at those first awards in a speech that made it into the mainstream press, “... That night, Sylvia Syms compared performing in cabaret to “being kissed by the greatest lover you will ever have – and that from there on there would be no turning back!”

Raible, who has owned The Duplex, opened Don't Tell Mama, Brandy's Piano and co-owned the fabled Eighty Eight's (with Karen Miller and Rochelle Seldin,) joked about the eighties era in his introduction to film clips of the first awards, recalling, “ … everyone had big hair then, and, it was their natural color! Everything from big curls, and spikes to curly mullets, and two-tone dye jobs emulating '57 Chevy's! And it’s amazing how many of them actually had hair!” He added sardonically, “And, you will be given valuable information on how to avoid homosexuals.” On a more serious note, he paid tribute to Curt Davis and his verbose successor, the late Bob Harrington, “who got cabaret on the front page of The Post.” In more didactic commentary, he also noted, “ … Awards are funny things. Over the years some have managed to manipulate categories in order to win, some have pulled strings, some started slanderous hate mail campaigns, some bought votes outright. And then, there are those who did deservedly win awards - because they are really good! After all, these awards were not designed to celebrate mediocrity and scorn quality!” Hopefully, the crowd was listening.

Watts wound up his comments assuring everyone “ … It keeps getting better . We make people feel something ... I don't think that will go out of style.”

Uniquely, the ceremony was peppered with award winners accepting and then performing. Julie Reyburn, who won in the major engagement category, sang a heartfelt There Is Love with Mark Janas on piano. Director Scott Barnes presented the annual Hanson Award to Marianne Challis whom he first spotted in 1987 when she was playing Nellie Forbish in South Pacific at the New York State Theater. He told of her being Broadway bound and then not being able to sing for ten years (due to throat problems) before deciding to return with a club act. She sang Julie Gold's What A Journey. Her beautifully nuanced performance created one of those intimate cabaret moments. More clips were shown that included Broadway's Karen Mason singing with the late Brian Lasser at the piano. Impersonator Ruby Rims, in full drag, remembered seeing musical comedienne Helen Baldassare at the long gone Mr. Chips. After her acceptance, newcomer Liz Lark Brown brought the house down singing a rousing “Kyrie” by eighties rock group Mr.Mister.

In a fun twist, the cleaning lady from Don't Tell Mama was on hand to help with the next award in broken English. Then, former president, Ricky Ritzel, presented veteran piano bar mainstay entertainer George Sanders with a special board of directors award as clips were shown of why he is such a popular crowd pleaser known for his off-color antics at the old Duplex and Don't Tell Mama replete with feathers – and a penchant for taking his pants down while serving drinks.
Song of the Year winners Marcus Simeone/Tracy Stark

Previous award winners Marcus Simeone and musical director/performer Tracy Stark won the song of the year award for Haunted. Both thanked the right people. Simeone dedicated his win to his longtime partner Gregory Kennell who was seated in a wheelchair after surviving a paralyzing coma last year. His personal note that was emotional earning a strong ovation. Over the past few months, the cabaret community lost three of its brightest lights. And they were respectfully remembered. In one of the evening's highlights, Johnny Rodgers sang a tender version of legendary Margaret Whiting's signature song, Moonlight In Vermont that was as good as the original. Klea Blackhurst offered a sincere reading of This Funny world honoring Mary Cleere Haran. And vocal group Uptown Express sang a moving Seasons Of Love in honor of their late colleague David Gurland.
With Rick Jensen

at the piano playing his original In Passing Years, clips showed other favorites who had passed including: Bobby Short, Claiborne Cary, Rosemary Clooney, Anne Fancine, Sylvia Syms, Portia Nelson, Leola Harlow, Howard Crabtree, Hildegarde, Buddy Barnes, John Wallowitch & Bertram Ross, Eartha Kitt, Judy Kreston, Marcia Lewis, Phoebe Snow, Mary Cleere Haran, Dorothy Loudon, David Gurland and Nancy LaMott among others.

Presenter and longtime board member Jamie deRoy told of starting in cabaret when they were still called nightclubs. She remembered The Living Room, Upstairs At the Downstairs and recalled seeing Lenny Bruce in a basement in Greenwich Village. More performers performed and talked about themselves. In the end, it was an evening of pastiche, memories and opening doors to that new breed that has taken over cabaret. While the awards were going on, KT Sullivan was starring at The Algonquin Tom Postilio was about to open at Feinstein's and Broadway's Marin Mazzie and Jason Daniely were having their opening night at Cafe' Carlyle. Their shows were mostly sold out. That's something to sing about.

So, 25 years later, in spite of some pros and cons, in the face of criticism, and a bag of dreams, MAC trudges on – and on. Good times and bad times; it's still here and, to reiterate Lennie Watts, “... it ain't going nowhere.”

Bobbie Horowitz writes in her book, "FINDING YOUR mini-Qs", "If we think we should be more muscular, we can't paint muscles on our reflection in the mirror and expect to walk outside into the street with more muscular arms!"

In NY tonight? Looking for something to do?SHAKESPEARE SOIREE

IDO SUSHI 29 7TH AVE SOUTH
MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL

SHAKESPEARE SOIREE
OPEN MIKE FOR ALL PERFORMERS

RELATE YOUR SONG TO A SHAKESPEAREAN CHARACTER



WELCOME TO TAKE THE SHAKESPEARE CHALLENGE!

SHAKESPEARE VERSE FOR ALL IN THE WILLYTHESHAKEANDSPEAK BOX
(KING JOHN -OUR HIDDEN THEME)
DIRECTED BY BRONWYN RUCKER
CO-HOST : BARBARA MUNDY
JERRY SCOTT AT THE PIANO
FOR FURTHER INFO: WWW.BRONWYNRUCKER.COM


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Tomorrow's blog will be about YOU TELL ME!! I'm open to suggestions

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TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED SUMMER!
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I'm thankful for BETTY BUCKLEY, ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY, CHRISTINA APPLEGATE...AND MORE

Happy Thanksgiving! Before Danny and I shuffle off to Buffalo this afternoon, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who contribute to my Life.
I'm a lucky guy. I'm blessed with an incredible support system. Danny (who I'm thankful for!) and I are leaving at noon as soon as Santa arrives at the end of the Macy's Parade.
WE are going up to spend Thanksgiving with his family in Lewiston, NY (a suburb of Buffalo).
We are having our Thanksgiving Feast tomorrow night. It also makes it a lot easier on his brothers and their families to visit their in-laws today. I wanted to wait to see two of my favorite entertainers in the parade before we hit the road.
Betty Buckley and Ann Hampton Callaway! I have been in love with the Tony Award winning Betty Buckley since she joined the cast of Eight is Enough. Who knew then that she had such a glorious voice. To learn more about Betty and what she has done, is doing, and what is coming up, please visit her website: http://www.bettybuckley.com

I had the pleasure of sitting with Betty at Quinn Lemley's Rita Hayworth show, THE HEAT IS ON, years ago at DON'T TELL MAMA. It was an honor and a thrill to sit in the presence of someone I admire so much. I'm thinking I want to study with her next month! The legendary Broadway star, actress/singer Betty Buckley continues her successful Song Interpretation Workshop with a new round of six classes open to new participants in December 2010. The Fort Worth native will assist aspiring artists, educators and experienced performers in the craft of singing, acting and storytelling.

Ms. Buckley shares her expertise for telling stories in song and guide her students through a methodology that facilitates audience connection through songs and monologues. Her emotional connection to songs and audiences is renowned, and that very connection is at the heart of what Ms. Buckley imparts to her students.

The class participants will be working toward a second benefit concert this winter. Last year, Ms. Buckley beautifully staged and directed the first benefit concert featuring workshop participants to rave reviews. Mark Lowry's review celebrates "The results, we must say, were heavenly." Read it at www.theatrejones.com or view Betty Buckley Discusses Workshop Concert with Theatre Jones.
The Tony award winner has thrilled audiences for years with acclaimed performances in such Broadway shows as Sunset Boulevard, Cats, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and 1776. Her highly praised starring role in the M. Night Shyamalan feature film The Happening, joins her other memorable film performances which include Tender Mercies, Frantic, and Carrie. Recently she was seen in the new Tom Hanks/Steven Spielberg mini-series The Pacific on HBO. Last summer Ms. Buckley appear Off-Broadway in White's Lies and will be seen in Arsenic and Old Lace at the Dallas Theatre Center in February 2010. In 2009, Ms. Buckley was honored with the Texas Medal of Arts Award for Theater and was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame in 2007. She also has an extensive concert career and recently received rave reviews for her new show For the Love of Broadway! at the prestigious Feinstein's nightclub in NYC. The New York Times' Stephen Holden acclaimed "Betty Buckley was at the very top of her game." John Simon of Bloomberg Press raved "Equally accomplished as actress and singer, she pours a lifetime into every song."

The Song Interpretation Intensive class schedule consists of six sessions starting on Friday, December 10; Monday, December 13; Thursday, December 16; Monday, December 20; Tuesday, December 28; Thursday, December 30. Classes begin at 6:30pm and last 4-5 hours. An accompanist will be provided. For more information go to www.bettybuckley.com.

Ms. Buckley has been a teacher for 38 years and has taught numerous singers, actors and professionals including investment bankers, athletic coaches and persons who want to perfect their ability to effectively communicate in their work and in relationships. The class also welcomes auditors who participate in all aspects of the class except the individual coaching by Ms. Buckley. (SOURCE: BROADWAYWORLD.COM)
I just ordered Betty's CD: Betty Buckley - Stars and the Moon: Betty Buckley Live at the Donmar: http://www.amazon.com/Stars-Moon-Live-at-Donmar/dp/B00005O7T7
Thank you, Betty! Looking forward to seeing you in the parade!

The first time I saw Ann Hampton Callaway, she was on Joe Franklin's late night TV show. I was hooked and I've been hooked ever since. I would try and get out to The Bradstan Inn every time she was booked there. My regret is that I don't see more of her concerts. She is SO NICE to boot! Check out her website and hear that glorious voice! http://www.annhamptoncallaway.com

Ann will perfom the new holiday tune "Yes, Virgina (There Is a Santa Claus)," in the Macy's Thanksgving Day Parade this morning. I can't wait to hear it! I'm doing a reading of "Yes, Virgina (There Is a Santa Claus)" in a holiday show at Riverspace in Nyack on December 12th (More details when I get them!)
One of my favorite cds is Sibling Revelry [Live] with Ann and her equally talented sister, Liz. Take it home with you: http://www.amazon.com/Sibling-Revelry-Ann-Hampton-Callaway/dp/B000000PKN
So, thank you Ann and Betty for the gifts you give to the world!

There are also a few birthdays I'd like to acknowledge today. The GORGEOUS Christina Applegate! I met Christina a few years ago at The Tony Awards. I got the opportunity to tell her how much I admired her in SWEET CHARITY (which I LOVED) and what she did for that cast. When they closed out of town, SHE put her own money in the production to bring her in. She also did shows with a broken leg. She comes from the tradition that the show must go on! There aren't too many of those left. When I told her how much I loved her show, she grabbed me and kissed me! What a sweetheart. Happy Birthday, Christina!Christina is the daughter of record producer Robert Applegate and singer-actress, Nancy Priddy. Her parents split-up shortly after her birth. She has two half-siblings from her father's re-marriage - Alisa (b. 10 October 1977) & Kyle (b. 15 July 1981). Alisa and Christina are best friends and even lived together while Alisa was going to college. Christina's mother took her along on all of her auditions and acting jobs. She made her acting debut at age five months, when her mother got her in a commercial for Playtex nursers. Her mother never remarried, but kept company with Stephen Stills. Christina still cherishes a guitar Stephen gave her when she was young. She played in a number of TV series before landing her breakout role in "Married with Children" (1987) in 1987. Christina still studies jazz dance. (Source: The Internet Movie Database)

It's also Murray Hill's Birthday. I met Murray when I was appearing in Provincetown. Love ya, Murray! You picked a fine day for a birthday! Eat as much as you want to celebrate! Happy B-Day Murray! Visit Murray's website at http://mistershowbiz.com


Don't forget to get your tickets for my first preview at St. Luke's, NYC December 22nd 3PM. Check out www.RichardSkipper.com for more details!

THE FOLLOWING ARE COMMENTS FROM
http://www.richardskipper.com/guestbook.html

Dear Richard. What a night at the IGUANA. I truly enjoyed singing for you and your fabulous audience. The talent that appears at WEDNESDAY NIGHT at the IGUANA is extraordinary. You and Dana are electric with your wit, and spontaneity. Can't wait to return again. More than likely I"ll be there on November 3rd. I hope to be bringing a friend of mine from San Francisco to experience the fabulous Wed. nights at the Iguana. Earl Levit, Philadelphia, PA



Richard: Just wanted to say that David Star and I thought your performance at St. Luke's last night was just PHENOMENAL! What a joy it was to watch you. Richard, you are just great! Plus it was so wonderful to see your packed house! To quote a performer friend of mine: You are impeccable!
Frank Torren, New York, NY



What a joyous night! Richard and Dana, you are the most welcoming, entertaining, beautiful hosts in town (or, for my money, anywhere)! I had a terrific evening, surrounded by gracious, supremely talented people, greeting old friends, making new ones, and enjoying fabulous food. Thank you for including me in your roster of entertainers last night at the Iguana! JACKIE DRAPER, NYC

Richard's class, wit and resourcefulness shines through, whether as "Carol" on stage at St. Luke's or as himself when he interviewed the "real, Carol at Barnes & Nobel last week. Always a joy to encounter Richard.
Bart Greenberg, Special Events, BARNES & NOBLE LINCOLN SQUARE NYC

SEE FOR YOURSELF DECEMBER 22nd at ST. LUKE'S THEATRE, 46th Street, NYC


. . . the first time ever I have been shown with such love, respect and polish. Richard Skipper is a true musical comedy star! He is fabulous as me!"~ Carol Channing

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TILL NEXT WEEK...HERE'S TO A MUSICAL THANKSGIVING!
With grateful XOXOXs for your support!
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

IT'S MONDAY! IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES: JOAN GUSSOW, JANE SCHECKTER, KATHY KAEFER...AND MORE!

It's Monday! Imagine the possibilities. I had a whole day planned with errands that I needed to get done to plan ahead. The day was going to end with us going to see Jane Scheckter this eve at The Metropolitan Room. More about Jane in a moment. Last night, we went to a book warming party for our friend Joan Gussow. If you could wrap up all the elements of the Nanny Culture in one person, it would be Gussow.
Joan has been able to wield considerable influence in academia (as a nutrition and education professor at Columbia University), in government (as a member of the National Organic Standards Board), and in the foundation world (as a board member at the Jessie Noyes Smith Foundation). Gussow has also been embraced by the nonprofit sector, sitting on the Center for Food Safety’s Advisory Board and the Board of Overseers of the Chefs Collaborative. To top it off, she’s been something of a media darling for over ten years. She is also a friend of mine and Danny's. She may not know this, but Joan is a huge inspiration to me. I cannot wait to read this book...for a lot of reasons.
Shortly after Alan Gussow, Joan's husband of forty years, died, Danny and I had dinner with Joan. She told us of this "seed" she had for this book dealing with his passing and what she was feeling...and what she was not feeling. Because of the delicate subject matter and how others would perceive it,she had to be very careful with what she wrote. That dinner was in 1997. 13 years later, Joan, who is now 82, has this incredible book (I'm relishing what I have read so far!) called GROWING, OLDER: A CHRONICLE OF DEATH, LIFE AND VEGETABLES. She has a previous book called THE ORGANIC LIFE.

Michael Pollan, bestselling author of In Defense of Food and The Omnivore's Dilemma wrote, " Once in a while, when I have an original thought, I look around and realize Joan said it first."

"In Growing, Older Joan Dye Gussow once again proves herself the consummate writer, gardener, cook, professor, and-it turns out-philosopher, too. This is a memoir about death, but much like Joan herself, it's brimming with life. A vivid, unflinching, and unexpected self-portrait."- Dan Barber, chef and co-owner of Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns
LEARN, LIVE, GROW

Barbara Kingsolver credits Joan Gussow with shaping the history and politics of food in the United States. Now 82, she is passing along some surprising and inspiring wisdom.

Weeks after Alan Gussow had passed on, Joan told Danny and me (in 1997) that she found herself skipping down the street. With humor and wit, in this latest book, she explains how she stopped worrying about what everyone else might think is appropriate-instead focusing on what is important: the ever-changing world and her own place in it.
Gussow's garden is teacher, child, therapist, confidant, and friend.
Growing, Older is a literary gem-one that people of any age, gardeners, envirionmentalists, or those, like me, who wish to never stop growing will cherish.
Susan Clotfelter, in the Denver Post wrote, "If you hope to stride into your ninth decade with strength, humor and a weeder in one hand, Joan Dye Gussow is your role model."
As stated earlier, Gussow's latest book, "Growing, Older" ($17.95, Chelsea Green), starts from an unlikely place: The disconcerting discovery that her life hasn't been devastated by her artist husband's sudden death from cancer in 1997.
From there, she looks back, and forward, on her life as a daughter, a mother, a scholar and, especially, a gardener: Gussow grows all the vegetables she eats, year-round, on the banks of the often- flooding Hudson River in Piermont, N.Y. where we live by the way.
Sparkill is the armpit of Piermont.

Buy Joan's book today!
Then call me, we'll set up dinner at my house, and Joan will sign the book for you: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=Joan+Gussow&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&hl=en&cid=8520447123734708312&ei=WkfhTIiUEabOyQWl1O2qAw&sa=title&ved=0CDUQ8wIwAzgA#p

Well, back to last night's book signing...I discovered that Danny has a meeting tonight that he had forgotten about and that he could not get out of. We were also supposed to see Jane Scheckter this eve. I called Jane and gave her the option of my coming solo this eve or Danny and I both coming tomorrow night. Sometimes, it pays to have two shows back to back! Options are GREAT! Of course, she would like to have us both tomorrow night. Would you like to join our party? If so, please contact me. Some of Jane's good friends still misspell Scheckter (which is why her URL is www.singjanesing).

Jane is a jazz lady who sings standards by the great composers. She loves timeless songs with lyrics that have something to say.

I hope you'll listen to some of the samples from Jane's new CD, "In Times Like These" and from my previous album, "Double Standards"

Enjoy...and read on! WALL STREET JOURNAL ONLINE Friday, November 12, 2010

Jane Scheckter with the Tedd Firth Trio: 'The Moon, The Stars, Albert Einstein, and Love'
By Will Friedwald
The Metropolitan Room 34 W. 22nd St., (212) 206-0440 Monday-Wednesday
Slightly more jazzy than Sandy Stewart, yet somewhat less so than Carol Sloane, Jane Scheckter's deep, warm contralto and engaging style takes her near the orbit of those two leading ladies of the essential American songbook. In this thesis on the notion of the songwriter as astrologer, Ms. Scheckter lets us into her celestial home to illuminate how Tin Pan Alley used the cosmos as a barometer of romantic possibilities, and how all the iconic composers took us up a stairway to the stars to see what was written there. The songhound in me delights in the inclusion of Perry Como's theme "Dream Along With Me (I'm on My Way to a Star)" as well as the hyper-rare (and lovely) "Blue Underneath a Yellow Moon" by Arthur Gershwin (George and Ira's younger brother). Perhaps Cassius, that swinging cat, was right: The beat, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in our selves.

MY NEW FEATURE: TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Bistro Award winner Kathy Kaefer!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DURRELL WATKINS!Dr. Watkins wrote Wrestling With God Without Getting Pinned: Old Stories, New Thoughts, & Progressive Spirituality Buy it now at http://www.amazon.com/Wrestling-God-Without-Getting-Pinned/dp/1432748963/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289834908&sr=8-1

GO HERE TO SEE DR. WATKINS: http://www.youtube.com/sunshinecathedral#p/u/1/1RZmyp5T5dY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUDY GOLD! http://judygold.com (Shown here with Elysa)Bob Egan's New Hope - Supper Club and Cabaret will welcome two of the top women currently working in comedy -- Judy Gold and Christine Pedi -- for separate engagements in the coming weeks.

Emmy winner and renowned writer/comedian, Gold will appear on Sunday, November 21 at 7:30 pm. She will return the following week, Sunday, November 28 at 7:30 pm for a special themed show to coincide with the LGBT event, Ladies 2000. Christine Pedi, known for her critically acclaimed association with FORBIDDEN BROADWAY and for her popular SiriusXM radio show, will appear on Saturday, December 4 at 8:30pm. All shows are held at Bob Egan's New Hope - Supper Club and Cabaret at the Ramada of New Hope.


JUDY GOLD
Judy Gold is an Emmy Award winning actress and comedian. She is best known as the star of the critically acclaimed, long-running Off-Broadway hit show "25 Questions for a Jewish Mother" - which The New York Times called "fiercely funny, honest and moving." She was nominated for a 2006 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance, and a book based on the show was nominated for the prestigious Quill Award. Ms. Gold can be seen regularly on HLN's "The Joy Behar Show", ABC's "The View" & Tru-TV's "The Smoking Gun Presents". Ms. Gold was the host of HBO's "At the Multiplex with Judy Gold" from 1999-2009. Her TV specials include a Wisecrack half-hour comedy special for LOGO, "Comedy Central Presents: Judy Gold" and a half-hour HBO special, in which she received a Cable Ace Award in 1996. Ms. Gold lives in New York City with her two children. She frequently tours theatres and comedy clubs around the country. Her CD, "Judith's Roommate Had a Baby" is currently available on Amazon.com.


CHRISTINE PEDI

Christine Pedi recently starred in NEWSical the Musical at the 47th Street Theatre spoofing Hilary Clinton, Joan Rivers, Nancy Grace, Suze Orman, Liza, Fran Drescher, Oprah (yes Oprah!) and many more. She is the proud host of THE BROADWAY BREAKFAST daily (9a-3p ET) on SIRIUS/XM RADIO where she plays the music of the stage & screen and interviews show biz legends. She shares the mic with the "amaaaaahzing" Seth Rudetsky on Saturdays for DUELING DIVAS (9a-3pET).

Her cabaret GREAT DAMES (2008 New York NightLife Award, Backstage Bistro Award, MAC nomination and "Top Ten Memorable Theatre Moments of the Year" on BroadwayWorld.com.) returned to South Africa in 2009 for the 3rd time (Capetown) and had a month long run at Londons Jermyn Street theatre in the heart of the West End. SHOW BUSINESS WEEKLY named her 2007s "Best Female Cabaret Performer" . Christines long association with the off-Broadway satirical revue FORBIDDEN BROADWAY & FORBIDDEN HOLLYWOOD has earned her a Drama Desk nomination an LA Ovation award & lots of frequent flyer miles. She was most recently on Broadway in Eric Bogosians TALK RADIO starring Liev Schrieber.


At Bob Egan's New Hope - Supper Club and Cabaret dinner is available starting at 6pm. Tickets to events at Bob Egan's New Hope - Supper Club and Cabaret are available for purchase online at www.bobegansnewhope.com. Reservations for dinner should be made with the hotel directly by calling 215-862-5225.( SOURCE: BROADWAYWORLD.COM)

TAKE JUDY HOME WITH YOU! http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=Judy+Gold&hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=9758018495978952239&ei=CVXhTMWXKsO88gbw6u3WDw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CFQQ8wIwAA#

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PENNY CANDY!

BEYOND THE THREE F's: FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND FELLOW PERFORMERS!....How to build your audience and create a following!
What is the biggest obstacle facing entertainers today? When I speak to most entertainers today, they tell me the biggest challenge they face today is building an audience. My class is a primer on how to get your show up and running and get an audience in the process. The business has changed DRASTICALLY! If you don’t know how to market and promote yourself BEYOND the three “F’s”: friends, family, and fellow entertainers, you WILL be left behind. I could just as easily call this the three “Ifs”. I see so much of “You come see me, I’ll come see you!” To quote a friend who succeeds as an entertainer, “All I owe you is a great performance”. He doesn’t feel the need to rush to everyone’s show…and, yet, his shows consistently sell out. The lines are blurred between who the performers are, who the audiences are, who the press is, who the critics are, who the producers are. MOST are depending upon each other for their very survival!
No one can guarantee SRO houses in today’s tough economic climate. Also, it is tougher to get audiences to go out and see LIVE entertainment with all the options they have in their own homes. The internet, home entertainment networks, 5000 channels on TV, Movies On Demand, Social networking! Woosh…
However, there are methods to “get your name out there”. Ways to get press and in the process get people interested in you. Let me show you how! I fill houses and I KNOW how to market myself. My track record speaks for itself.

RICHARD SKIPPER, critically acclaimed, multi-award winning performer, director, co-producer of the 2010 Bistro Awards, career consultant is bringing years of experience to this workshop. The cost of the workshop is $125 for three hours. Please call (845) 365-0720 for more information and to reserve your space and/or create a specific workshop for YOUR needs (ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIAL OFFER!). There is a Paypal option on the left column of this page to reserve your space now. Richard's shows continue to be wonderful successes around the country, and as he continues making his business great, he looks forward to sharing his experience with others.
This workshop will focus on how to get you the attention that you need. Richard's shows have been sell-outs. Other topics will include how to use the internet to your advantage in marketing; how to get your name "out there"; cold calling; creating a contract specific to your needs; how to create a press kit that shows you to your best possible advantage and more! Richard gets a sense of the various levels of each workshop and custom makes, on the spot, a class catering to the needs of the actual group in the room. He will ascertain YOUR agenda prior to the workshop beginning so that each participant will leave with all of their questions answered, so come prepared!
Richard is also available for one-on-one consultations which afford you the personal time with him catering specifically and only to your needs.
On board with Richard is graphic designer, GLEN CHARLOW, who brings over 15 years in the business to the participants of this class and who will discuss the concept of image; how to use the internet effectively and how your website "sells" you even before you pick up the phone. To read more on Glen Charlow please visit: www.gcdtp.com.
For general information on workshops or Career Coaching, please contact Richard Skipper directly at 845-365-0720 or Richard@RichardSkipper.com.


THE FOLLOWING ARE COMMENTS FROM
http://www.richardskipper.com/guestbook.html

What a joyous night! Richard, you are the most welcoming, entertaining, beautiful host in town (or, for my money, anywhere)! I had a terrific evening, surrounded by gracious, supremely talented people, greeting old friends, making new ones, and enjoying fabulous food. Thank you for including me in your roster of entertainers last night at the Iguana! JACKIE DRAPER



Enjoyed Richard Skipper's performances in Malibu;
both as himself and as Carol Channing !!!
(the Most Amazingly Accurate Characterization in the world !!!)
keep on keepin' on ...David Dean, Phoenix, AZ



I had the best time at the Iguana last night. it was a night to remember. where else can you go and get that vast variety of a show. it was with out a doubt the most entertaining night of my year! Thanks DeOnzelle Green

Richard's class, wit and resourcefulness shines through, whether as "Carol" on stage at St. Luke's or as himself when he interviewed the "real, Carol at Barnes & Nobel last week. Always a joy to encounter Richard.
Bart Greenberg, Special Events, BARNES & NOBLE LINCOLN SQUARE NYC


. . . the first time ever I have been shown with such love, respect and polish. Richard Skipper is a true musical comedy star! He is fabulous as me!"~ Carol Channing

www.RichardSkipper.com

Follow me on Twitter www.Twitter.com/RichardSkipper


Google me!

Please contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING & HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS: http://www.carolchanning.org/foundation.htm



TILL NEXT WEEK...HERE'S TO A MUSICAL WEEK!
With grateful XOXOXs for your support!
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com