Photo Coverage: Michael Mott & Friends Play The Astor RoomJanuary 19, 2017In the 1920's Hollywood's counterpart was the Kaufman Astoria Studios. The historic movie studio produced silent films as well as the first 'talkies'. The Astor Room which sits 'Below' the sound stages was the original studio commissary and it has been lovingly preserved in all it's glory…. complete with the same Mason & Hamlin 1923 Grand Piano used by the musicians of the day. Where Rudolph Valentino dined with other silent film stars, studio executives, and extras you now enjoy a great meal while being entertained every Wednesday by host Michael Mott and his group of talented friends. This weeks guest vocalists were Morgan Assante (Les Miserables), Josh Tolle (Kinky Boots), and Haley Swindal ) Jekyll & Hyde). Composer, Lyricist, singer Michael Mott is a bit like Astoria's answer to Seth Rudtsky and it's one of the few places where prices are probably lower than in the 1920's. There's no cover or minimum. Seeing new talent in this historic setting is like going back to the future.
Photo Coverage: Justin 'Squigs' Robertson Draws at Jim Caruso's Cast PartyJanuary 11, 2017Some of the "best singers on the planet" are on Jim Caruso's list at his Cast Party at Birdland and last night they all had their performances memorialized by famed Broadway artist Justin "Squigs" Robertson. Justin, a caricaturist in the tradition of Al Hirschfeld had to work fast since it's against Cast Party rules to sing a ballad. After each performer zipped through a swinging tune they were presented with a quickly drawn "Squigs" caricature. Marilyn Maye, who is currently appearing at the Metropolitan Room dropped in and sang one of her great medley's and even though it gave Justin enough time to do an oil painting, she too got a quick drawing. All donations made for the artwork were given to Justin "Squigs" designated charity, Convenant House.
Photo Coverage: Composer David Yazbek Brings His Music To Feinstein's/54 BelowJanuary 10, 2017Composer David Yazbek performed music from his Broadway shows and albums last night at Feinstein's/54 Below and BroadwayWorld was there.
The composer/lyricist of The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Women On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Boardwalk Empire and Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego also was joined by special guest Anais Mitchell, the acclaimed singer-songwriter recently represented off-Broadway with Hadestown
Photo Coverage: Marilyn Maye Continues Her Party at The Metropolitan RoomJanuary 6, 2017It isn't just her New Year's Eve Party that launched the start of a great new New York City Cabaret year. Marilyn Maye is also keeping the musical festivities going at the Metropolitan Room on Jan. 6,7,11,12,13, and 14th. It's become one of the hottest tickets in town. Her song selection may be a little different than New Years but the excitement and excellence of her performance are the same. The Metropolitan Room is also launching their new menu selections for 2017.
Photo Coverage: Marilyn Maye with Billy Stritch Start The New Year On A Great NoteJanuary 2, 2017It may not have been Times Square, but 22nd street was the place to be for a celebration as Marilyn created the greatest New Years party ever. You just don't attend a Marilyn Maye performance, you live it, feel it, and it embeds itself in your musical soul forever. We don't know what's going to happen this year, but seeing Billy Stritch & Marilyn perform started it off in a wonderfully optimistic way. They re-create the excitement on Jan 5,6,7,11,12,13,& 14 at the Metropolitan Room
Photo Coverage: Santa Swings Into Birdland With A Early Present - Blackhurst, Caruso and StritchDecember 24, 2016You might think of Bing, Andy or Perry when you think Christmas Music Specials, but for the past seven years it's been BIlly, Jim, and Klea with an an extraordinary presentation of swinging Holiday music. This year it's only on the Birdland schedule for 3 nights because the the trios sleigh took them to folks on the other side of the country too. You can still get this present on Sat. 12/24 and Sunday 12/25 at Birdland.
Photo Coverage: Feinstein's/54 Below Celebrates the Holidays with Michael Feinstein & Norm LewisDecember 21, 2016Six Grammy Award nominations, Two Emmy Awards, Nominations for Drama Desk, Tony Award, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle Award. The recipients were on 54's stage yesterday in two separate shows and if there is another award for great nights at Feinstein's/54 Below it would be given to Michael Feinstein's A Holiday to Remember at 7PM and Norm Lewis's 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' at 9:30.
Photo Coverage: The New York Pops Open Rehearsal for Make The Season Bright ConcertDecember 16, 2016Music director Steven Reineke will lead the orchestra tonight and tomorrow night at the sold-out holiday concerts of The New York Pops featuring Liz Callaway, Ann Hampton Callaway, Will Nunziata and Anthony Nunziata. Judith Clubman will also be conducting Essential Voices USA. BroadwayWorld was at this afternoon's open rehearsal.