Success comes to those who dare to get it! 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, Carol Channing, Tyne Daly, Michael Feinstein,and Dionne Warwick...all recipients! Today, I'm going to focus on Carole J. Bufford, Anthony Cochran, and Kevin Dozier.The BISTRO AWARD was established by Bob Harrington in 1985 in his “Bistro Bits” column in the trade weekly Back Stage, then under the editorship of Sherry Eaker. For the first few years, the awards were merely listed in Harrington’s column as notable performances he had seen during the calendar year. The first formal presentation of the awards was held in 1990 at Eighty Eight’s, a popular cabaret venue in the West Village. From there, the show moved on to The Ballroom in Chelsea, and then relocated to the Supper Club in the Broadway District, where it remained for many years. This year marks the fourth year at Gotham Comedy Club. Here is the post card design for this year's Bistro Award:The guidelines that Harrington 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.Here are is a video montage thanks to Russ Weatherford from the 2009 Bistro Awards The first recipient that I am writing about today is Carole J. Bufford. I'm excited as I get to know Carole. I really wasn't very familiar with Carole's work before her Bistro win. She is receiving this award as a vocalist for her shows in the past year at DON'T TELL MAMA and THE METROPOLITAN ROOM. What's Next? 11 O'Clock Numbers at 11 O'Clock Appearing weekly at Feinstein's Next Show- 4/21 at 11:00PM Carole J. Bufford made her entrance on the New York cabaret stage in the Metropolitan Room’s MetroStar Talent Challenge. Immediately following, she was asked to perform at the 2009 Cabaret Convention presented by the Mabel Mercer Foundation where she received specific praise by Stephen Holden in The New York Times. In addition, Carole was featured in Broadway By The Year, Musicals of 1927 and Musicals of 1966 at Town Hall where she was singled out for praise in numerous reviews.Carole recently debuted her cabaret Carole J. Bufford sings Randy Newman at Don’t Tell Mama which received rave reviews. She also enjoyed a run of her cabaret intro at the Metropolitan Room. Roy Sander of Bistro Awards said, “The small "i" in the title of her show, "intro," is the only thing lower-case about Carole J. Bufford. She can deliver a song with more force and drive than a speeding locomotive…Combine that with a voice that is both powerful and attractive and you get a performance that can thrill an audience.”
Regarding her appearance in Broadway by the Year, Musicals of 1966, Carole received the following review:
“A last-minute addition to the show was the young cabaret singer Carole J. Bufford, making her second Broadway By The Year appearance to sing "What Makes It Happen?" While still at an early stage of her career, Bufford is a captivating song interpreter whose confident vocals are matched with strong story-telling skills and interesting lyrical shadings.” –Michael Dale, Broadway World.com
To get on Carole's mailing list, go here: http://www.carolejbufford.com/mailinglist.htm
For all performance inquiries:
ARTHUR SHAFMAN AAAArtists International 163 Amsterdam Ave #121 New York, NY 10023-5001 212-799-4814 - ASHAFMAN@AOL.COM WWW.ARTHURSHAFMAN.COM
Again, Carole, congratulations on your Bistro Award! I first became familiar with Anthony Cochran when Daryl Glenn brought him to The Iguana to sing in WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA. I promptly became a fan! Anthony Cochran is probably one of the unlikeliest looking guys to be singing a mix of gospel, country/western, blues and Dolly Parton that you are ever to come across. Slightly bearded, black shirt sleeves rolled up and wearing a vest he comes across as that real nice guy next door. He has a pleasantness and calmness about him that is contagious. A confiding, soft spoken husky voice that transforms a lyric into a thing of beauty as his voice strengthens and then lifts into a clear and easy falsetto. I guess you could say I was impressed.
Anthony is receiving his Bistro Award for Theme Show/"Elvis Lives" Metropolitan Room Earlier this past year, I went to see Kevin Dozier at Feinstein's with Alex Rybeck. I predicted a MAC Award and a Bistro Award for that show. He is receiving The Bistro Award for his shows at Laurie Beechman Theatre, Feinstein's at Loews Regency, Don't Tell Mama. I also predict a MAC Award! 2011 Bistro Award winner for Outstanding Vocalist and 2011 MAC Award Nominee for Male Vocalist, Kevin Dozier, had a wonderful 2010 year, as he made his critically acclaimed Feinstein's debut, and had sold-out runs at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, and Don't Tell Mama's under the musical direction of Alex Rybeck with direction by Lennie Watts. 2010 also brought his second feature appearance at The Mabel Mercer Foundation's Annual Cabaret Convention at Rose Hall in Lincoln Center and he was featured in 2 editions of the Bistro Award winning, Phil Bond production of "Sondheim Unplugged". In addition he was chosen as a contestant for the 1st Annual Cabaret Competition held by The Noel Coward Society and was honored to be a featured performer with Steve Ross at The Noel Coward Society Annual Luncheon.Kevin Dozier's "Love-Wise" 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...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, Talkin' Broadway
You truly are Wonderful, Wonderful Kevin and I am looking forward to seeing you perform at The Bistro Awards NEXT TUESDAY NIGHT!
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 JANICE HALL, SEAN HARKNESS, and ALLAN HARRIS!
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
Anytime you say goodbye to a friend, there are tinges of sadness. 2010 was a friend. As my dear friend Ervin Drake wrote so eloquently, IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR! In today's blog, I want to look back on SOME of the personal highlights of 2010! My personal top 12 list! I apologize if it reads like some of those Christmas letters we receive looking over our friends and acquaintances' years. Og course, one of my biggest highlights of 2010 was WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA. I did Wednesday Night at The Iguana Wednesday Nights from January through September. Working with Dana Lorge (pictured), Barry Levitt, and Saadi Zain, Jessica, Nino, and all of the incredible audiences and entertainers week after week certainly gave 2010 an incredible purpose. We even won two MAC Awards in the process for Outstanding Variety Show and Outstanding Hosts. When I left at the end of September, it was with a heavy heart and much sadness. But it was time for me to move on. I had done it for 18 months. Dana Lorge continues to carry the torch for this fun night out. Go support her, the other entertainers, and your soul on Wednesday nights. I hope there are at least two more MAC Awards in Dana's future for 2011. She certainly deserves it. Again, thank you all! In February, Dana and I went to see A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC with Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta Jones. We were celebrating our birthdays. Dana and I are both February babies. I am now 49 and Dana is...younger! (She told me so!)I won the tickets at Gasholes starring Michael Holland and Karen Mack (another show I recommend). I was thrilled to see A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Catherine Zeta Jones won the Drama Desk Award this year (Dana and I were there for that as well) and The Tony Award. I was thrilled that she won those two awards. She deserved them. So that is my second highlight of 2010. In February, Danny and I had dinner at THE VIEW in Piermont honoring the retirement of Fred Burrell. It was a fun night and fun to be around and amongst our Piermont friends and family. In April, it was great to see one of my favorites actresses appear on THE GOOD WIFE on CBS. Tovah Feldshuh! The following week, Tovah was honored at The Bistro Awards and brought the house down twice! Once in her own segment, and then again, reading an excerpt from Ivana Trump's autobiography honoring CELEBRITY AUTOBIOGRAPHY which also one a Bistro Award. (Oh, by the way, I added a new title to my resume. I was associate producer of this year's Bistro Awards. Thank you, Sherry Eaker! Hope to do it again in 2011!) In April, I met with Mark Robert Gordon to discuss my future AS CAROL. He has believed in my show even when I had doubts. Mark and I have known each other for several years but I always "dragged" my feet when it came to committing to working on this show. I'm happy to say it is paying off! In June, we celebrated Gretchen Reinhagen's birthday. What a great party! The next day...I had my appendix taken out! I didn't see that coming! At the party, Sue Matsuki made this Chicken Divan which was divine! However, it had mushrooms in it. Mushrooms and I don't agree. The next morning when I was having these pains, I attributed it to the mushrooms. Boy, was I surprised! Thank God, I went right to the Dr, however! In July, I saw Kevin Dozier at Feinstein's. One of the best shows I saw this year (among many!) What a great night that was! Here is a clip from that night; Kevin singing one of my favorite songs. In addition to a fantastic show, musical directed by Alex Rybeck (one of the best), we sat with Edith and Ervin Drake and Joe Sirola. Afterwords, we joined Kevin Dozier and his parents. To read more about Kevin Dozier, visit his website at http://www.kevindozier.com Go see him the next time he is appearing. You'll thank me! On July 27th, I did Carol Channing in Concert at St. Luke's. We sold out and it was an incredible night which of course has led to my current run. I was joined by John Fischer on piano, Jeff Carney on bass, and Steve Bartosik on percussion. They are still with me in my current run! And Martina Vidmar opened for me that night. Wow! What a night! September found me in Provincetown AND Mailubu. Great shows in Malibu. I'll be returning next September! October 1st-5th, I stayed at the home of Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian! I never would have believed that would have ever happened. I was there to see Carol receive her star on The Palm Springs Walk of Fame. She deserves a similar honor in NY! WAKE UP NEW YORK! I'm going back to Palm Springs in February to celebrate my 50th birthday and Carol's 90th! God Bless her! In November, I took a Master Class with Judith Light at Primary Stages. Wow! I now worship at her feet. Truly an angel among us. I can't wait for her next class and to,hopefully, see her in Lombardi on Broadway. This month found me once again with Carol Channing (and Josh Ellis and Charlie Karrel) at Borders, doing 4 readings for The screenwriting classes at Primary Stages, Being interviewed by Shane Fallon at The Patch here in Rockland County: http://nyack.patch.com/articles/performance-for-the-sake-of-flattery, and seeing Carol Channing on Broadway again!
WOW! What a year I've had and these are just a few of the highlights! Next year, I open off-Broadway! Thank you ALL for the support you have given me this year. It is much appreciated. My next blog will be looking ahead. Here is what audiences are saying about my work: (Taken from guest book at www.RichardSkipper.com) Keep checking website for additional comments.
Richard, I have NOT seen you often, but when I did, my comment was your artistry is consistent, true, and in the moment. Your talent is within you and cannot be taught. Even if you stood on your left ear and whistled "Dixie", you could not teach this to an excellent yet ordinary talent. There are well-known singers who sing, but don't make music; well-known instrumentalists who play, but don't interpret; well-known dancers who are technically brilliant, but just mime the steps; and well-known actors who act (emote) but don't simply (just) say the lines". Richard, you TRULY get into the persona. You do not impersonate. You are the embodiment of artistry. Sheila Weiler
If you've not yet seen Richard Skipper as Ms. Carol Channing then go see him now during this lovely holiday season.Take a relative or friend with you too. I saw him here in California a few years back and was completely mesmerized and captivated by his polished act. He has charm and charisma galore but also does a great job of becoming, in front of your eyes,Dolly Levi and Loreli Lee and is a super talented actor and singer able to transform completely into Carol Channing with seamless perfection. It was a wonderful night out and Skipper should be on Broadway in an unlimited run of either GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES or HELLO DOLLY as either or BOTH of these 2 characters that were played so beautifully by Ms. Channing. CLAUDIA SUSSMAN, Laguna Beach, CA
I am not a professional critic, but I know when something is good and worthwhile. I was completely blown away with Richard's performance on Christmas Eve. At times, I forgot it was actually Richard on stage, I really thought it was Carol Channing performing and singing. I thought, how nice of Carol to entertain us tonight! It was a walk down memory lane as Carol told us stories of her career and sang song from her shows. Carol had the entire audience involved with the show. Some people got gifts, some got new husbands, one got to dance, and we all got to sing. I Honestly felt like I was at a friends house for an intimate get-together. Go see this show... you will really like it. Larry Costa, http://www.spalabnyc.com
Hope you and/or your friends comments will be added Sunday night! With grateful XOXOXs for your support! Richard Skipper 845-365-0720
. . . 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
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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
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, Carol Channing, Tyne Daly, Michael Feinstein,and Dionne Warwick...all recipients! Today, I'm going to focus on Carole J. Bufford, Anthony Cochran, and Kevin Dozier.The BISTRO AWARD was established by Bob Harrington in 1985 in his “Bistro Bits” column in the trade weekly Back Stage, then under the editorship of Sherry Eaker. For the first few years, the awards were merely listed in Harrington’s column as notable performances he had seen during the calendar year. 
The guidelines that Harrington 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.Here are is a video montage thanks to Russ Weatherford from the 2009 Bistro Awards 
I'm excited as I get to know Carole. I really wasn't very familiar with Carole's work before her Bistro win. She is receiving this award as a vocalist for her shows in the past year at DON'T TELL MAMA and THE METROPOLITAN ROOM. What's Next?
Carole recently debuted her cabaret Carole J. Bufford sings Randy Newman at Don’t Tell Mama which received rave reviews. She also enjoyed a run of her cabaret intro at the Metropolitan Room. Roy Sander of Bistro Awards said, “The small "i" in the title of her show, "intro," is the only thing lower-case about Carole J. Bufford. She can deliver a song with more force and drive than a speeding locomotive…Combine that with a voice that is both powerful and attractive and you get a performance that can thrill an audience.” 
I first became familiar with Anthony Cochran when Daryl Glenn brought him to The Iguana to sing in WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA. I promptly became a fan! Anthony Cochran is probably one of the unlikeliest looking guys to be singing a mix of gospel, country/western, blues and Dolly Parton that you are ever to come across. Slightly bearded, black shirt sleeves rolled up and wearing a vest he comes across as that real nice guy next door. He has a pleasantness and calmness about him that is contagious. A confiding, soft spoken husky voice that transforms a lyric into a thing of beauty as his voice strengthens and then lifts into a clear and easy falsetto. I guess you could say I was impressed.
Kevin Dozier's "Love-Wise" 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...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, Talkin' Broadway
