Count Down to : 5 Nights from Tonight! The 26th Annual Bistro Awards are honoring HILARY KOLE, FAYE LANE, and COLLEEN McHUGH!

As those of you who follow my blogs know, this week I'm focusing on the recipients of the 26th annual Bistro Awards taking place Tuesday night at The Gotham Comedy Club. I hope you have your tickets. Over the past three days, I've written about Liz Larken Brown, Nate Buccieri, Carole J. Bufford, Carol Channing, Anthony Cochran, Tyne Daly, Kevin Doxier, Michael Feinstein,Janice Hall, Sean Harkness, Allan Harris, and Dionne Warwick...all recipients! Today, I'm going to focus on Hilary Kole, Faye Lane, and Colleen McHugh.
Some of the Bistro’s special honorees have included Mitzi Gaynor and Elaine Stritch (2010), Charles Aznavour and Liza Minnelli (2009), Marilyn Maye (2008), Betty Buckley (2007), Steve Ross (2006), as well as Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth, Bobby Short, Eartha Kitt, Barbara Cook, and many others.
Take a look at some of the recipients from 2009:
I first heard Hilary Kole sing when we did a memorial together a few years ago and I was instantly smitten. Hilary is receiving her Bistro for her Recording
"You Are There". Vocalist Hilary Kole's current release "You Are There," (Justin Time/JVC Japan) is a compilation of piano and vocal duets with some of the greatest artists in the history of jazz piano including Dave Brubeck, the late Hank Jones and many more. It is a follow-up to her debut recording produced by John Pizzarelli, "Haunted Heart" (Justin Time) which was released to critical acclaim in April of 2009, winning the Gold Disc Award in Japan, and receiving 4 stars in Downbeat Magazine. Both recordings are testaments to Hilary's musicianship and versatility as an artist in a career that started in a slightly different vein:

After studying composition at Manhattan School of Music, Hilary began performing as a vocalist at the legendary Rainbow Room as the youngest singer ever to grace the stage. From there, she debuted at the Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel as the co-writer and star of the critically acclaimed, Off-Broadway reviews, "Our Sinatra," and "Singing Astaire." She made her concert hall debut at Lincoln Center as part of the "American Songbook Series" with Jonathan Schwartz. In June 2007, she appeared at Carnegie Hall in a Tribute to Oscar Peterson, a performance reprised in January 2008 at the Canadian Memorial to Dr. Peterson at Roy Thompson Hall alongside Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock and Nancy Wilson.
Here are some upcoming appearances after Tuesday night's Bistro Awards
Spring Japan Tour Celebrating the release of Hilary's newest CD- TBA

EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT IN MAY- Hilary will be performing at the Bemelman's Bar, Hotel Carlyle, NYC. 8:30-11:30. www.thecarlyle.com

May 6th- private event

May 7th- Pt. Washington, NY "A Tribute to Mel Torme" with Billy Stritch, Hilary Kole and Friends. www.landmarkonmainstreet.org

June 25th- Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Jazz Festival. www.jazzfest.louthompson.com
"You Are There marks the second album on Justin Time for Hilary Kole, the New York based jazz singer (and pianist, arranger, and composer). Even though hundreds of singers are releasing what seems like hundreds of CDs these days, it's fair to say that no vocalist - in either the classic or the contemporary era - has done an album like You
Are There. This is a set of voice-and-piano duets, and though that fact by itself may call to mind Ella Fitzgerald's famous meetings with Ellis Larkins and the iconic Tony Bennett-Bill Evans collaborations, no one has done what Hilary does here: she has
teamed up with eleven different great pianists - each of them true legends of the keyboard - and recorded thirteen spontaneous piano-vocal duo tracks with these amazing musicians.
The project got underway when Hilary met the late keyboard colossus Oscar Peterson in 2005. She was, then as now, singing frequently at Birdland (then as always, "the Jazz Corner of the World," and her New York base of operations) . The
two became friends, and on one set, to her astonishment, Peterson invited her to sing
with his quartet . . ."Ms. Kole's poised, sultry ballad-singing has always been easy on the ears. But her smooth melodic lines have never been so consistently infused with literary subtext, which spells the difference between sounded pretty, and having something to say." --Stephen Holden New York Times
Contact Information for Hilary Kole

Birdland Worldwide Management
(212) 581-3080
gv@birdlandjazz.com
ll@birdlandjazz.com
315 W. 44th Street
New York, N.Y. 10036

North American Orchestra Bookings:
Eric Hansen
Tree Lawn Artists
PH: 215-248-LAWN (5296)
Email: Contact Tree Lawn Artists
(Content from http://www.hilarykole.com) Please visit Hilary's website and congratulations Hilary!
A little over a year ago, Faye Lane and I had breakfast and she was telling me about a concept she had for a new show. Well, folks, she followed through! She has had a very successful run at The Soho Playhouse and on Tuesday night, she will be going home for a well deserved Bistro Award and possibly a MAC Award next month for Musical Comedy
"Faye Lane's Beauty Shop Stories"
Soho Playhouse!We may know her as Faye Lane; she is a writer and performer living in New York City. But on the inside she's still Rhonda Faye Gunnels, who grew up in her mama's beauty shop in Texas. Casa Vale Beauty Salon was an old A-Frame house that was converted into a salon, with big mirrors and swivel chairs in the front room and shampoo bowls in the old back bedroom. And on the front porch? A fat little girl in a glittered-up Burger King crown, practicing her beauty queen acceptance speech and dreaming of being a star of the stage!
Praise for Faye Lane
and Beauty Shop Stories

She had them gobbling from the palm of her hand… they were howling, crying, falling in love with her.
– New York Magazine

I would go see it, by all means. It's a great show!
– Time Out New York

Endearing and soaring voiced – a real standout
– Backstage

A glorious evening of one-woman theatre that blazes it's way across the cultural highway.
– NightlifeExchange.com

Lane relates her journey with extraordinary wit, charm, and subtle power, resulting in a performance that's unforgettable.
– Hy Reviews
Faye Lane is a writer and performer who lives in the Chelsea Hotel in New York City. Her unique blending of story and song moved New York Magazine to gush, “She had them gobbling from the palm of her hand. They were howling, crying, falling in love with her."
Congratulations, Faye! I'm so proud of you! To find out more about Faye, please visit http://www.beautyshopstories.com

COLLEEN McHUGH is receiving her Bistro Award for Entertainer
The Duplex
This is Colleen's year!
2011 Nightlife Award Finalist

2011 Bistro Award Winner

2011 MAC Award Nominee
In 2008, Colleen McHugh set off on a daunting project: to present a completely different cabaret show each month, for one night only, without losing her mind in the process. More than three years later, she's not only sustained the effort, she's received rave reviews along the way. The Calendar Girl Project has featured shows ranging from a musical tribute to the subtext of the color green, to an exploration of Karen and Richard Carpenter's songbook. Along the way, she's explored 'Tales of Revenge and Regret' and 'Songs of Self-Delusion.' She's tackled (not literally, mind you) Cole Porter's French connections and feted Judy Garland in honor of the anniversary of Stonewall.
You can take Colleen home with you! COLLEEN MCHUGH

SONGS OF SELF-DELUSION

All of your friends think that you've lost your mind--except for the imaginary ones. Thank goodness you have Colleen McHugh to help you. Colleen McHugh's debut album songs of self delusion is wonderfully entertaining, as well as being highly theraputic. Oh, did we mention that it was selected as an' iTunes Essential?'"Arts & Entertainment" April 12, 2002
CABARET REVIEW: 'Songs' takes you high, low in one-woman show
by Howard Reich, Tribune Arts Critic

"Delusion is a great survival technique," Chicago cabaret singer Colleen McHugh cheerfully tells her audience at the outset of her intriguing new show at Davenport's.

She then sets about proving the point, launching into an evening's worth of songs about troubled souls who revel in their self-deceptions.

By turns emotionally stark and wickedly satirical, McHugh's "Songs of Self-Delusion" proves that a night at the cabaret need not be an entirely light-hearted affair. For though McHugh shrewdly punctuates the proceedings with comic songs and casual patter, she also probes into the darker sides of the psyche.

Better yet, she does so by drawing upon a remarkably far-flung songbook, which spans material by everyone from Broadway veteran Jerry Herman to modern-day Chicago troubadour Robbie Fulks. The ingenuity with which McHugh interweaves these vignettes helps give this show its dramatic heft.

McHugh opens her homage to self-delusion, for instance, with not one song but two, merging sections of Herman's "I Don't Want to Know" with Amanda McBroom's "Dreaming." In this haunting introduction, McHugh hints at both the comic and tragic sides of the set pieces yet to come.

Somehow, she switches easily from the absurd, black humor of Jill Sobule's "Mexican Wrestler" to the dripping irony of Jim De Wan's "You Wouldn't Do That to Me," from the clever wordplay of Phillip Namanworth's "Avoid" to the self-loathing laments of Francesca Blumenthal's "The Lies of Handsome Men."

Every song makes a point, though few more searingly than Fulks' "I've Got to Tell Myself the Truth," which McHugh sings to the accompaniment of a lone guitar.

To her credit, McHugh also brings some beguiling bits of stage business to the proceedings, particularly in Herman's "A Little More Mascara" (from "La Cage Aux Folles"). As the protagonist sings the glories of heavy makeup, two attendants hand her a tiara, white gloves and other ornaments with which to mask her insecurities.

With evocative musical direction from pianist Andrew Blendermann and expert backup vocals from Allison Bazarko and [Anne Smith], McHugh has conceived a bittersweet cabaret show as original as it is meaningful.

And that doesn't happen very often.

(c) 2002 Chicago Tribune. All Rights Reserved.Go here to buy tickets: http://www.bistroawards.com/buy-tickets/ticket-information.html

Please click on the banner ads on our Bistro Award site and support our advertiser.

Tomorrow's blog will feature THE RESCIGNOS, JOHNNY RODGERS BAND, and SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED!

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

TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED WEEK!


Richard Skipper, Associate producer of the 26th annual Bistro Awards , Richard@RichardSkipper.com

Count Down to : 6 Nights from Tonight! The 26th Annual Bistro Awards are honoring JANICE HALL, SEAN HARKNESS, and ALLAN HARRIS!

If the game is designed for you to lose, don't play that game. Play a different one. -- Seth Godin

As those of you who follow my blogs know, this week I'm focusing on the recipients of the 26th annual Bistro Awards taking place next Tuesday night at The Gotham Comedy Club. I hope you have your tickets. Over the past two days, I've written about Liz Larken Brown, Nate Buccieri, Carole J. Bufford, Carol Channing, Anthony Cochran, Tyne Daly, Kevin DoxierMichael Feinstein,and Dionne Warwick...all recipients! Today, I'm going to focus on Janice Hall, Sean Harkness, and Allan Harris.
The guidelines that Bob Harrington originally set up for himself to determine the first winners have become the basic philosophy behind the Bistro Awards, which recognize achievement in a wide variety of categories — from outstanding performances to outstanding contributions by members of the cabaret community. The object is not to choose the “best” of anything of the year, but to recognize and congratulate the accomplishments of those who have done something special. Accordingly, categories can easily be created from year to year as they best fit the year’s distinguished work. Loli Marquez-Sterling performs "Rie Llora" and receive her Bistro Award in "The Gotham Comedy Club". New York City. April - 2010

JANICE HALL will be receiving her award for her Tribute Show
"Grand Illusions: The Music of Marlene Dietrich"
Metropolitan Room, Urban Stages. I have been a fan of Janice for some time. She was/is a regular at Wednesday Night at The Iguana and ALWAYS delivers!
Janice Hall's international opera career has taken her to the Vienna State Opera; the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; the Salzburg Festival; the Komische Oper Berlin; the Lyric Opera of Chicago; and the Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center, to name a few. Her roles have ranged from the Verdi heroine Violetta in the New York City Opera’s Emmy-winning telecast of La Traviata, in the "Live from Lincoln Center" series on PBS, to multiple roles in the operatic version of Tony Kushner’s play Angels in America, with the BBC Symphony in London.
After living in Europe for many years, Janice returned to the U.S. three years ago, and has since divided her time and attention between opera, theater, and cabaret. She was one of five finalists in 2010’s Metrostar Talent Challenge at the Metropolitan Room; writing about that contest, Beatrice Williams-Rude of Broadway After Dark remarked, "[A]ll the performers are sterling, some glitteringly; but one is pure, unalloyed gold: Janice Hall. She's sleek, chic and elegant in appearance as well as in the presentation of her songs."

In November, 2010, Janice unveiled her first New York solo cabaret show, Grand Illusions:The Music of Marlene Dietrich, at the Metropolitan Room. Peter Haas of Cabaret Scenes magazine wrote: “Many performers have “done” Marlene Dietrich, but none has offered her songs more richly, more movingly and with lovelier singing than a newcomer to cabaret, petite and elegant Janice Hall.”
Roy Sander wrote: "...a glorious hour...Some of her interpretations achieve a status beyond merely wonderful; they are memorable, unique, standards against which other renditions should be compared...When the show was over...I realized that I was responding to three forces, all working together: the enduring power of Dietrich, the strength of Hall's performance, and the brilliance of this show and all of its elements."
Grand Illusions was chosen as one of four shows to be presented at Urban Stages Theater in Feb-Mar 2011, as part of their “Musical Legends” series
In May, Janice travels to Salt Lake City to perform a one-woman show about Hollywood, at the Pygmalion Theatre Company.
Video by Corrine Cohen

Congratulations, Janice!
And a great big congratulations to SEAN HARKNESS as well! I'm also a huge fan of Sean's! Sean is receiving his award as an outstanding instrumentalist.At home in New York City, guitarist Sean Harkness recently garnered in addition to the Outstanding Instrumentalist of 2011 Backstage Bistro Award, two nominations for MAC Awards; one for his New York Debut solo shows, and another for Musical Director.

In addition to featuring Sean on the cover of their 2011 product catalog, Walden Guitars is releasing a Sean Harkness Signature 12-string guitar in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Along with numerous compilations, TV, and film soundtracks, Mr. Harkness now has five commercial releases as an artist:

* Aloft [Windham Hill] -1999
* Trio Of One [independent release] -2001
* Urakaji solo guitar [Rinken Records, Japan, USA] -2004
* Harkness Knight w/saxman Eric Knight and great drummers -2009
* and brand new: H2 Flights: Volume One w/fab Canadian trumpeter Mike Herriott on Canadian Brass‘ label ODEG -2011

Each year Sean performs in concert halls around the country with other Windham Hill artists such as Liz Story, Will Ackerman, Barbara Higbie, Jim Brickman, Tuck & Patti, David Arkenstone, and Samite.

Mr. Harkness is a first-call guitarist who compliments an exhaustive client list of artists, instrumentalists, Broadway productions, and corporations nationally and internationally. He is the go-to guitarist for duets and ensemble work with singers from Broadway and television such as Alison Fraser, Susan Egan and Carole Demas.

Sean has appeared as an artist and sideman extensively in New York’s finest jazz venues including the Blue Note, Smoke, Small’s, the Jazz Standard, Birdland, Iridium, Feinstein’s, Edison Ballroom, Mile’s Café, the Metropolitan Room, St. Nick’s, and Top Of The Rock at Rockefeller Center.

Mr. Harkness also appears regularly in any of New York’s folk and rock singer/songwriter clubs such as the Bitter End, Mercury Lounge, Rockwood Music Hall, the Living Room, Bowery Poetry Club, P&G, and Shrine.

Sean was the guitarist in Contemporary Jewish icon Debbie Friedman’s band until her untimely passing in 2011. He continues to perform regularly with Craig Taubman and Josh Nelson in major congregations nationally.

Mr. Harkness also provides a House Concert SeriesThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for personalized, private, in-home, concert-like performances. The up-close intimacy brings a unique impact to each event.

* * *

Sean Harkness’ first guitar arrived on his eleventh birthday. Within six months, he had a weekly theater engagement in Bridgeport, CT. High School bands, studies with Stan Kenton Band’s guitarist Sal Salvador, Berklee College of Music, ‘busking’ in Europe, Vermont’s Green Mountains, 5 years assisting master guitar builder Chip Wilson, extensive world travel, and NYC’s vast music scene have all contributed to forming the seasoned professional Sean is today.
Congratulations, Sean! Well deserved!!
And my final honoree for today is ALLAN HARRIS for Ongoing Achievement in Jazz. I'm thrilled to be discovering Allan for the first time. Allan Harris sings it's only a Paper Moon at the WLRN Radio Studio, Miami, Florida Januray 5, 2007 (Video by Dave Hogerty www.myspace.com/davehogerty)Allan Harris is a world-class singer, guitarist and songwriter. Perhaps best known for his interpretations of jazz standards, Allan’s smooth vocals and guitar-styling easily crosses genres, from jazz to rock to blues.


Three-time winner of the New York Nightlife Award for "Outstanding Jazz Vocalist”, Tony Bennett calls Mr. Harris "my favorite singer" and The New York Times' Stephen Holden raves about "the protean talent that is Allan Harris." Allan has cultivated a global following, playing for packed audiences and received outstanding reviews throughout the United States, Europe, Russia and the Far East. He is regularly featured at the world’s great music festivals, e.g. Jazz Aspen, Wien Jazz Festival in Austria and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy.


Allan’s Harris’s artistry transcends his diverse vocal performances. Harris has composed “Cross That River”, a full-scale musical celebrating the Old West as told through the words and music of a black cowboy, and has received a prestigious Chamber Music America Grant for that work. The theatrical production of “Cross That River” played to rave reviews during the 2009 New York Musical Theater Festival and is currently in pre-production for a long-term run in early 2011. Several original songs from “Cross That River” are also frequently featured in The Allan Harris Band’s concert performances.


In addition to music, Allan is passionate about giving back. He is a long-time supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network (helping to raise funds for children’s hospitals), and has performed many times alongside Vince Gill and Amy Grant at the Challenge Aspen Gala, an annual charity concert/golf tournament to benefit military service people who have sustained disabilities.


As a Gibson Guitar featured artist, Allan and Ruby (his constant 4 lb. canine companion and the first dog music critic) can frequently be found rehearsing at the Gibson Hit Factory, and along with The Allan Harris Band, enjoy playing the top music clubs in his hometown of New York City.
See how exciting these ENTERTAINERS ARE!?!?! Hope to see you Tuesday night as we celebrate ALL of our recipients!
Go here to buy tickets: http://www.bistroawards.com/buy-tickets/ticket-information.html

Please click on the banner ads on our Bistro Award site and support our advertiser.

Tomorrow's blog will feature HILARY KOLE, FAYE LANE, and COLLEEN McHUGH!

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

TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED WEEK!


Richard Skipper, Associate producer of the 26th annual Bistro Awards , Richard@RichardSkipper.com

CELEBRATING THIS WEEK'S ENTERTAINERS AT THE IGUANA!

Another week is here. Summer is over. Autumn is here. I was in the Hamptons for the weekend and there are pumpkins everywhere.
And as we go into the last week of September, we also celebrate passages and new beginnings this Wednesday night at The Iguana! This is one of my favorite times of the year. I like to celebrate the abundance of shows we have to choose from in NY.
We are blessed at the choices we can make EVERY DAY in NY. Wednesday Night at The Iguana is a chance to see and choose from so many!

One of our entertainers this week is Daryl Glenn. Daryl has a new show opening on the 17th that features our very own Saadi Zain!
Daryl Glenn & Jo Lynn Burks & Friends
A COUNTRY(ISH) EVENING OF SONG!
with saadi zain (bass)
special guest stars
Joe Iconis and Marty Thomas
scheduled to appear*
Liz Lark Brown/Karen Dryer/Danielle Grabaniowski/Amber Martin
Brad Wills (*subject to change at any moment!)
sunday, oct 17 @ 10 pm
IGUANA NYC

240 west 54th street
(212) 765-5454

$10 cover/no minimum, however… fabulous food and drink available!!!
reservations essential


Marya Zimmet returns this week!Sunday, 10/3, 9:00 pm Marya is doing a 35-minute set, with Tex Arnold on piano, and Jon Burr on bass. Jazz and Latin standards, Stephen Sondheim, Joni Mitchell, as well as more obscure gems that tend toward the bluesy, swinging and/or hauntingly beautiful.
This event is part of the Westbeth 40th Anniversary Arts Festival.

Marya is one of several performers that night. FREE

RITA ELLIS HAMMER RETURNS!You can take Rita home with you! http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ritaellishammer


GLORIA WALDMAN RETURNS!

JANICE HALL RETURNS! Janice Hall, one of the five finalists in this year's Metrostar Talent Challenge at the Metropolitan Room, is debuting her first solo show, "Grand Illusions: The Music of Marlene Dietrich," at the Metropolitan Room.

Janice, an internationally-known opera singer who is now turning her attention to the art of cabaret, will pay tribute to the life and legend of one of the true icons of the twentieth century. Marlene Dietrich’s musical repertoire included songs from the Weimar cabaret, jazz standards,
folk songs, antiwar songs, French chansons, and, of course, her famous film songs.

In Grand Illusions, Janice re-interprets many of Dietrich's famous hits, bringing the beauty and distinction of her own voice as well as her considerable dramatic gifts into play. The show also features many lesser-known but beautiful songs for you to discover. Included are songs by Friedrich Hollaender, Cole Porter, Lerner & Loewe, Fats Waller, Robert Stolz, Charles Trenet, and Pete Seeger.


The show is directed by Bistro and MAC award-winning Peter Napolitano, with musical direction by legendary pianist Paul Trueblood, and featuring Ritt Henn on bass.
Show dates are: Nov 3, @ 9:30PM; Nov 6, @ 4:00PM; Nov 13 @ 4PM; Nov 21 @ 4PM, and Dec 8, @ 9:30PM. There is a $15.00 cover ($10 for MAC and Cabaret Hotline members), and a two-drink minimum.
The Metropolitan Room
34 West 22nd St, NY, NY10010
(Betw. 5th & 6th Ave.)
For reservations: Tel: 212 206 0440 - Fax: 212 206 0433
Online at: www.metropolitanroom.com

"…sleek, chic and elegant in appearance as well as in the presentation of her songs…pure, unalloyed gold." (Beatrice Williams-Rude, Broadway After Dark)



KEN GREVES RETURNS! Ken Greves is a passionate interpreter of the Great American Songbook and a specialist in the music of Harold Arlen.



“Arlen’s music resonates profoundly with my musical sensibilities,” says Ken. “Arlen considered himself a jazz composer and wanted to be a vocalist himself. He was unique in that he was unafraid to break out of the standard 32-bar form.”




Another important influence on Ken was the voice of Judy Garland.

“My fascination with Garland was her uncanny ability to musically shape a song while acting and telling a story. She demonstrated that a song has a beginning, middle and end.”


Ken grew up in Nassau County, on the south shore of Long Island, NY. Neither of his parents were musicians, but they noted early on their son’s fascination with music, theater, and dance.
DALE BADWAY RETURNS!
JILLIAN LAURAIN RETURNS! Jillian's show "When The Sun Comes Out" returns on Sat. evening, Nov. 13th at 7pm at the Metropolitan Room. Tommy C. James, arranger for the Duke Ellington Orchestra will be bringing down the house once again. Songs by Sondheim, Arlen, Herman. $15 cover charge ($10 for MAC members). For reservations, please call 212-206-0440

SANDRA DAVIS RETURNS!

LINN LORKIN RETURNS!!

FRANK TORREN RETURNS!

MARQUEE FIVE RETURNS!

VALERIE LEMON APPEARS AS PART OF OUR LINE-UP FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME!

DEB BERMAN RETURNS!





EARL LEVIT RETURNS!Earl Levit's JOYEUX NOEL will open on Saturday night, December 4, 2010.
The tickets will be $25 including one beverage. There is a surcharge for credit card reservations, the theatre will be able to tell you the costs.
The tickets will go on sale sometime late October early November. 215-923-0210 for reservations.

SIERRA REIN, who is also part of MARQUEE 5, will also sing a solo! Soaring on the success of their debut show, We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander & Ebb, which earned the group a 2010 MAC Award for Best Vocal/Duo/Group, Marquee Five isn’t leaving any dust in their wake as they forge ahead in this latest creation. 8-Track refers to music on magnetic 8-track sound recordings popular in the ’60s and ’70s, eras that produced many of the greatest hits of all time.
Reminiscent of The Modernaires, the 1940s quintet with the Glenn Miller Orchestra who recorded “Make Believe Ballroom Time” for WNEW, the tight harmonies of Marquee Five are, indeed, top-notch spectacular. Impressive, too, are the talents of the individual singers who comprise the group: soprano Vanessa Parvin; mezzo Julie Reyburn; alto Sierra Rein; and the two smooth-sounding males, Mick Bleyer and Adam West Hemming, the latter responsible for the clever arrangements and musical direction.


From group numbers like “Moondance” and the smart, witty “Copacabana”(that intermingles “Oye Como Va,” “Them from The Pink Panther” and “Theme from Sex and the City”), to individual highlights—including Hemmings’s rich and beautifully phrased “A House Is Not a Home” underscored with “Honesty,” Rein’s strong and expressive “Move Over,” Reyburn’s intense rendition of time and love “Tangled Up in Blue” and the juxtaposing duet of Bleyer and Hemming’s pairing “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” and “All in Love Is Fair”—there isn’t a dull moment. The musicians are a unique combination of talents: Mark Janas (piano); Matt Scharfglass (bass guitar); John Benthal and Tony Romano sharing dates on acoustic/electric guitar.
Joseph Ward directs. Special thanks to Father Jeffrey Hamblin who produces Marquee Five.

Sandi Durell

Cabaret Scenes
September 17, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org

WILLIAM BLAKE RETURNS!Video clips from the Labor Day show @ Birdland coming soon! Subscribe now to Youtube: willybsinger's Channel.
Then, of course, there is Dana Lorge!
CATT JOHN RETURNS!



BARBARA PORTEUS RETURNS!Barbara Porteus is the quintessential cabaret performer who can give you precisely what you came for from Stephen Sondheim to Johnny Mercer. She has performed in such shows as The Sound of Music with Marie Osmond, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying with Donald O'Connor, The Wizard Of Oz with Phillis Diller, Peter Pan with BD Wong and David Ogden Stiers, The Music Man with Gary Sandy, Fidler On The Roof with Jan Peerce. Performing in nightclubs on land and sea, her extensive and impressive resume includes touring with Eddy Arnold and opening for Petula Clark, Sid Ceaser and many others. Currently, her collaboration with musical director Barry Levitt, bassist Eric Udel and Mayra Casales at Don't Tell Mama is packing the house and receiving rave reviews.

HELENA GRENOT RETURNS!




JERRY WICHINSKY RETURNS!




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

Richard, I just unearthed the CD of the radio interview we did 3 years ago, with you on the phone in NYC and Carol Channing on the phone in LA - I hope you still have access to it;we had so much fun and she was just so complimentary of you!
Ginny Wolf, Spotlight On Connecticut, http://s121103653.onlinehome.us/SpotlightonCT/AboutGinnyWolf.html

Richard & Dana, Thank you so much for making Wednesday Night at The Iguana such a memorable occasion. I was honored to be on the program with so many other wonderful, talented singers recently. What a bore Wednesday nights would be without the joy of you two marvelous entertainers and the diverse group of artists you manage to bring each week to the Iguana. May it go on, and on, and on and on.
Alicia Terry Littman,NYC

What a fun and fabulous night of great entertainment at the Iguana! Richard, you and Dana are the King and Queen (you decided who is which) of herding a huge group of crazy singers into a wonderful show. I loved the eclectic mix or performers, the friendly vibe, and the fact I could actually hear myself when singing on stage! Oy! What a relief.
There was never a dull moment, never a lull in the energy, and that's hard to accomplish in this kind of show. Now I understand why Wednesday Night at the Iguana is an award-winning production.
Thank you for including me, and I will definitely be taking that 2-hour train ride from Kingston to the city to be at the Iguana again.
Nancy Tierney, http://nancytierney.com

TILL NEXT WEEK...HERE'S TO A MUSICAL SEPTEMBER!

With grateful XOXOXs for your support!
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

KEVIN DOZIER, LAURIE VEGA, MARTI CUMMINGS...AND MORE

Happy July!
I hope you all had a great Independence Day and are settling back into a routine that includes LIVE entertainment. Tonight, I am excited to be kicking off July with Kevin Dozier at Feinstein's!

Here is a review of his cd: The only MAC Debut nominee to have a solo CD album in release, Kevin Dozier's is a lovely, lovely, love-filled listen. Projecting a gentle soul, even a butterfly-fragile one, and with a rhapsodically romantic spirit, his voice is an exceptionally pretty one, and very musical. With breathy, close-to-the-mic singing, he is all sincerity and heart on the sleeve. But a certain modesty, not mawkishness, rules the day because, though fervent, he shows taste and restraint. He has employed Christopher Marlowe, the simpatico sensitive arranger-pianist-producer who was so successfully partnered with the late cabaret favorite Nancy LaMott. In fact, one of the tracks is a medley of two Irving Berlin classics that Nancy and Christopher had worked up for her, but didn't record: Combined and intertwined, "Always" is not just the usual vow of mutually felt eternal bliss; dominated and haunted by the love-loss lament of "Remember," it becomes a song of unrequited love. It's just one example of the thoughtfulness and drama in the renditions on an album that includes show tunes "Soon It's Gonna Rain" (The Fantasticks), the mantra "Love Changes Everything" and Oklahoma!'s "People Will Say We're in Love." Though much is high-voiced, gentle spirit crooning and cooing, Kevin occasionally opens up and uses a stronger, bigger sound in a few numbers that build dramatically.
Occasionally, instrumental figures become distracting, like the uncharacteristically too-insistent piercing piano figure in part of "Over the Rainbow," but it is redeemed by the creativity that follows (various instruments, most effectively a cello, appear in different combinations throughout the album). Perhaps saving the best for last, the CD concludes with a warm rendition of an excellent song, "Before We Say Goodbye," by Tom Andersen and Ian Herman. Kevin projects thoughtful intelligence as he and Marlowe set and sustain a mood, knowing the value of a pause. This album is worth the pause in any day to relish the honeyed and wise Love-Wise. Rob Lester

So looking forward to seeing Kevin this eve, and then, of course, there is The Iguana Wednesday night! I'm so looking forward to this week's line-up. We have a few people who are making their cabaret debuts this week. The first is Laurie Vega, who comes to us via one of our favorites, Meg Flather. Laurie Vega will be at The Metropolitan Room: Saturday August 7, 2010 at 4pm. She's on a roll. Let's keep the party going for her by coming to see her at The Iguana Wednesday night!

Also making his Iguana debut this Wednesday night is Marti Cummings. Marti grew up on Maryland's historic eastern shore. After seeing a local production of 'Annie' he was hooked on the magical world of theatre. After training in classical voice in Wilmington, De throughout high school, Martin moved to NYC to attend The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Upon graduation in 2006 he has had a diverse and exciting career in the entertainment industry.
He currently resides with his partner, Anthony, and their little cat, Mink.
(left to right: Marti Cummings and Ano Okera).
Earl Levit returns to The Iguana this week. He brought down the house with his last visit and his bawdy rendition of Cole Porter's "LET'S DO IT". Earl started out his career in theatre appearing in productions of: South Pacific, Kiss Me Kate, Carousel and Annie Get YOUR Gun.


After these productions, he became the stage manager for a fledgling Pennsylvania Ballet Company. He served as a theatrical consultant to Balanchine’s protege, the late Robert Rodham. He stopped singing for the next 40 years.
At the encouragement of Ms. Denise Whelan, he did his first cabaret showcase For Mr. Todd Waddington. After the showcase, Denise and her husband, John Whelan gave him a challenge.
He had one year to do his own show.

10 months later, He did my first cabaret performance, The Gypsy in me (formerly titled Earl Sings, & Earl sings again!).

THe gypsy opened in Philadelphia, at the Tavern on Camac, in October 2002. It was repeated in January 2003. George Elmer, producer decided to take him to Donald Schaffer & Danny’s skylight room in New York City.


Since Then he has appeared with his musical Director,
Michael Ferreri at:
Don’t Tell Mama in NYC,

Odette’s in New Hope,

The Stockton Inn in Stockton, New Jersey

and the society Hill Playhouse in Philadelphia.


One of our favorites, JANICE HALL, returns!Janice just returned from London, where she performed in "Angels in America", opera by Peter Eotvos, with BBC Symphony at the Barbican Theater.

DAVID ALPHER & JENNIFER LITT return this week!

Iguana regular Helena Grenot, who recently debuted her show "Damned If I Know" at Don't Tell Mama earlier in May. returns! (Helena Grenot, Ritt Henn & Barry Levitt, photo credit Sierra Rein, at The Salon)
A RECENT REVIEW
Being kind of a loose cannon is both a charming asset and danger for Helena Grenot. She can seem flibbertigibbetty and flustered or fly high with confidence. Being salty, self-deprecatingly glib with a “take me as I am” attitude: that’s gregarious Grenot. The terrific custom-written opener, “Damn’d If I Know,” captures good-sport shrugging acceptance of life’s unpredictable and uncontrollable events. Her director, Peter Napolitano, wrote the snappy lyrics with lively music by the show’s invaluable and versatile pianist/arranger Barry Levitt.
After this, things hit some rough spots with slapdash performances crying out for more nuance—or seemed oversold with more unleashed libido than legato present. Subtlety was not the “thrust” with “Boom Boom” (Marcy Heisler/Zina Goldrich) as she moved in, winkingly flirting with the other musician, fine bassist Morie Louden. Being breezily blunt about bearing the brunt of bad luck with men (or bearing the truth or bearing grudges) will only take a game dame so far. However, towards the end, everything worked with convincing, controlled, mature renditions of the heartbreaking story-ballad “Through the Eyes of Grace” (Melissa Manchester) and the lullaby from Disney’s Dumbo, “Baby Mine.”

Self-interrupting Fiddler on the Roof’s “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” with tales of long tours with that musical and an affair with an unfaithful co-star found her at ease with dishing and perspective. At her best, she can be fun and flip and free. And there’s a big heart beneath the smartypantsdom and panting.

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
May 21, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org

JOEY INFANTE RETURNS!He will be joined by his Life partner, Michael McDonald.

Another Iguana debut, Catherine Fulbright (Friend of Leslie Orofino’s)

CINDY MARCHIONDA RETURNS (ONE OF MY FAVORITES!)Cindy Marchionda's credits include Madison Square Garden's The Wizard of Oz with Eartha Kitt and Mickey Rooney; Lincoln Center's West Side Story Suite (Rosalia) with the New York City Ballet, directed by Jerome Robbins; Off-Broadway's Our Sinatra: A Musical Celebration (lead female singer); 2 national tours of A Chorus Line (Morales); Arena Stage's Damn Yankees (Gloria Thorpe); The St. Louis Muny's West Side Story (Rosalia); Gateway Playhouse's On the Town (Hildy); Pittsburgh Public's Man of La Mancha (Fermina); the one-woman musical, Early One Morning (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park). She won the Joseph Jefferson (Jeff) Award for playing the title role in Kiss of the Spider Woman at the Apple Tree Theatre in Chicago. She is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre.Cindy appears in SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED at Don't Tell Mama tonight 7/5.


ALLEGRA RETURNS!

BARBARA PORTEUS RETURNS! This singing Barbara spells her name the right way. No pretensions here. Barbara Porteus is the quintessential cabaret performer who can give you precisely what you came for from Stephen Sondheim to Johnny Mercer. She has performed in such shows as The Sound of Music with Marie Osmond, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying with Donald O'Connor and Side by Side by Sondheim. She has opened for Sid Caesar, Ben Vereen, Petula Clark and many others. Her extensive and impressive resume includes performing and touring with Eddy Arnold and Bing Sings Whilst Bregman Swings.

David Vernon returns!

RUTH CROSEN RETURNS!

RITA ELLIS HAMMER RETURNS!


JON BURR & LYNN STEIN RETURN!Jon and Lynn perform soulful re-interpretations from the American Songbook, 60's Pop and contemporary jazz.

AND, OF COURSE, DANA LORGE!


JILLIAN LAURAIN RETURNS!JILLIAN LAURAIN, concert artist, appeared first in New York City at Rick Newman’s “Catch A Rising Star”, and The Improv. She later performed with the Eddie Chamblee Quartet at Sweet Basil’s and with the Hey Jackson Trio at Jimmy Weston’s. She produced her successful one woman shows at Danny’s Skylight Room which she later took on the road. Ms. Laurain went on to enjoy an international career performing at Ronny Scotts in London and La Scimmia in Milan. Her work in Musical Theatre began at the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, Long Island, in productions of the Sound of Music, Most Happy Fella, and Gypsy. In other Summer stock productions, she starred as Maria in West Side Story, Babe in The Pajama Game, and Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. She is best known for her stirring portrayal as Aldonza in an Off-Broadway production of Man of La Mancha. Prior to crossing-over onto the musical theater stage, Ms. Laurain enjoyed a successful career as an opera singer. She received her training from the Juilliard School of Music studying under Madame Marion Freshl. She later studied with Vincent LaSelva, founder of New York Grand Opera. She continued her studies in Modena, Italy where she was a favored pupil of Maestro Campogalliani, renowned teacher of Pavarotti and Tebaldi. In Italy, critics agreed, “Ms. Laurain gave a sultry and commanding performance as Carmen. Her rich mezzo sound was daring and seductive”. Her greatest honor was appearing on the stage at La Scala. Recent performances in NYC have included, The Music Box Theatre at Broadway Baby cabaret club, The Gallery Room at the 92St Y, and the Iguana VIP Lounge. Jillian just finished her show at the Triad, NYC to a sold-out room. She will next be performing at the Metropolitan Room on May 11, 2010 and a return performance at the Triad this Fall 2010. Ms. Laurain maintains a vocal studio in NYC; where she teaches voice and performance technique for both classical and contemporary voices.


MARK WATSON MAKES HIS IGUANA DEBUT!

JOSHUA RONA RETURNS!Joshua Rona was born and grew up in jerusalem, israel. before attending berklee he studied at the rimon school of jazz and contemporary music near tel aviv for four years.


SUNNY LEIGH RETURNS! Sunny Leigh is an artist, musician, writer, singer, dancer, poet, actress, model, healer. She lives her life guided by one fundamental truth, love. The answer. Her songs are honest, realistic, portrayals of life. A life lived by a woman. A life full of honest realities, a life of love. 
She started in show business when she was a child and achieved success. 
But she tired of the grind and devoted over 20 years to dual careers in art and fashion. Although she was successful at both she never lost her love of music. She wrote constantly and soon turned out over 1000 poems. That love of music and dance demanded that some of those poems be set to music. Songs filled with passion, creativity, honesty and above all love. Songs that tell of one woman’s journey. Her healing is based on touch. We all need to touch and be touched. I hope her songs will touch you.


GREGORY NALBONE RETURNS!The patrons of Birdland and Iguana have also been treated to his vocal talents on a frequent basis. The move to New York City in 1991 from New Jersey when he was paying his bills by bartending and dancing turned out to be great exposure for him—literally—his image was requested by many a topnotch photographer. As a serious student of both acting and voice this proved to be a great boon for him and New York was the beneficiary! Nalbone is well known on the cabaret circuit and his modeling career has brought him into contact with the best among photographers among them the late Bill Costa, Antoine Verglas, Thomas Synnamon, Reed Massengill and Steven Meisel. This prolific modeling experience has brought Gregory into the pages of Italian Vogue, Men's Health, Exercise for Men Only, Manner Aktuell, Details, Playboy, Glamour and Dreamboys among others.


LOUISA POSTER MAKES HER IGUANA DEBUT!


I need your help! GREAT ENTERTAINERS ON BROADWAY: THE SERIES that I am part of on July 27th is being cancelled. I have a lot riding on my show and if I sell 100 more tickets by the 10th, they will not cancel my show! Can you PLEASE spread the word for me? I will return the favor when you least expect it! Respectfully, Richard Skipper 845-365-0720


HERE ARE THE DETAILS: July 27 9:30 pm ONE NIGHT ONLY!!!!!



AMERICAN THEATRE NETWORK, producer Herbert Goldman, PRESENTS GREAT ENTERTAINERS ON BROADWAY:
CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER! ONLY CHANCE TO SEE THIS SHOW THIS SUMMER! ONE NIGHT ONLY!! Tickets available at americantheatrenetwork.com or call TicketWeb 866-468-7619. THIS IS A 300 SEAT VENUE!

RESERVE TODAY FOR PREMIUM SEATING! This is being filmed for an upcoming documentary on the life and career of Carol Channing. Several celebrities have already responded that they will be there! This will be a star-studded audience! Would mean a lot to have you there as well. Please pay it forward. With grateful XOXOXs for your support!



Richard Skipper 845-365-0720 Carol Channing, Richard Skipper Set for July 23 Event at Barnes & Noble Lincoln Square
By: Dan Bacalzo · Jul 5, 2010 · New York

Tony Award winner Carol Channing will appear in conversation with MAC Award winner Richard Skipper at the Barnes & Noble Lincoln Square on Friday, July 23 at 6pm.

The event is being held in conjunction with the release of Channing's new gospel CD, For Heaven's Sake.

Channing won the Tony Award for Hello, Dolly! and also appeared on Broadway in The Vamp, Lend an Ear, and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. She received an Oscar nomination for Thoroughly Modern Millie.


Support THE ARTS! LIVE THEATRE! Go see a LIVE show this week!


Send me your reviews and suggestions and I will put them in my next blog coming out July 15th.
Here's to an ARTS-filled July! Don't forget to contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING & HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS:
http://www.carolchanning.org/Foundation.htm

With grateful XOXOXs for your support!

Richard Skipper

Follow me on Twitter @RichardSkipper


MARIA OTTAVIA in 'If I Were A Carpenter: A Reconstruction'
Sunday, July 11, 2010
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Don't Tell Mama, NYC
343 W 46th Street (Restaurant Row)
New York, NY









HERE IS WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING ABOUT MY WORK:

Richard...I so thoroughly enjoyed your performance at the Iguana last night when you described when you began performing as Carol Channing...what a wonderful story and then to follow it up with a kickin performance! I just bought a ticket to your July 27th show and can't wait! Sending you all good things for a fabulous show! xxoo Julie Reyburn, http://www.juliereyburn.com


Hi Richard, I am really looking forward to your second year at The Iguana. The one last year would be hard to top - such great line-ups and it has been an honor to be a part of it. Congrats on one year at The Iguana! Toi, toi! Lori Evanson

Richard, I hope to be part of the 2nd YEAR @ IGUANA. Thank you so much for your ongoing generosity and for allowing me such a great stage to sing on in front of such incredible audiences. I continue to learn so much and am constantly inspired by the incredibly talented singers you schedule to perform there week after week... My best wishes to you for another AMAZING and SUCCESSFUL year at the Iguana!! Thank you! -Gregory Nalbone



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NYC THE AWARD WINNING WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA STARRING DANA LORGE, RICHARD SKIPPER, AND FRIENDS!
Dana Lorge and I have put our OWN spin on the variety show format and are now going into our second year every Wednesday night in NYC at The Iguana VIP Lounge (http://www.iguananyc.com) in the heart of NYC (240 West 54th Street 8-11PM/with an intermission).
Cover: $12 - no food or drink minimums – but remember – the food is great!
WINNER OF TWO 2010 MANHATTAN ASSOCIATION OF CABARETS AND CLUBS AWARDS (MAC) FOR OUTSTANDING VARIETY SHOW AND OUTSTANDING HOSTS!
or more info, please call 845-365-0720 or visit _www.RichardSkipper.com_
212-765-5454.












JULY 28: PAULETTE DOZIER RETURNS, Patricia Fitzpatrick

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