Stephen Sorokoff - Page 40

Unlike those TV competitions which have arguable talent and hyped elimination dramatics, The Eighth New York International Piano Competition presented by The Stecher Horowitz Foundation is just the opposite.  From June 19-24 at The Manhattan School of Music, twenty two phenomenally talented young pianists ages 16-21 from around the world made some of the greatest music one can hear - and and they all won.

Rita Coolidge's credentials are the stuff of legend. After earning a degree in art at Florida State University, the Tennessee native decided to give music a shot before settling into a career as an art teacher. She moved to Memphis and was soon singing jingles, demos and background vocals for a number of area bands. Among them was a husband and wife duo, Delaney & Bonnie. When the pair signed their record deal, Rita suddenly found herself on big-time pop music's leading edge. Her reputation as an A-list backup singer spread quickly. Joe Cocker enlisted her in that role and as a featured soloist on his Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. (Rita performed a song she'd co-written, ?Superstar,? which would later be a huge hit for The Carpenters.) Work with other rock royalty followed, including tours and recordings with Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Leon Russell and Stephen Stills. In 1971, A&M Records moguls Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss signed her to the label, and one of the most enduring solo careers in all of music was underway. 

Norman Lear appeared 'live' via video hook up after the Gold Coast International Film Festival's screening of the documentary of his life, Just Another Version of You. Caroline Sorokoff director of the Film Festival interviewed Mr. Lear who was in LA. but his daughter NYC based Kate Lear was present to reminisce about 'life with father' at the talk back. After telling the packed audience at the Bow Tie Great Neck Squire Theater how much he loved his daughter Kate, Mr. Lear had some fascinating recollections to to share with director Sorokoff about his past and present career. Kate Lear is a writer, theater producer and arts advocate. She co-directs the Frances Lear Foundation and over the past decade has supported organizations working on behalf of disadvantaged youth, first amendment and voter protection rights, mental health advocacy and women's issues. It was a rare opportunity for the Long Island audience to see a definitive chronicle of Mr. Lear's life work and achievements. Famed documentarians Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing had seized the opportunity to fashion a dynamic portrait in their film, which matches the spirit of probably the most influential creator, writer and producer in television history. Mr. Lear's legendary 1970s shows such as All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, and The Jeffersons, boldly cracked open dialogue and shifted the national consciousness, injecting enlightened humanism into sociopolitical debates on race, class, creed, and feminism.

Freddy Cole opened at Birdland last night and BroadwayWorld was there. The New York Times calls Freddy Cole, 'the most maturely expressive male jazz singer of his generation, if not the best alive.' People Magazine praises his 'gorgeous autumnal baritone, expressive phrasing and pitch-perfect feel for jazz standards, pop tunes and love ballads.' Uncle to Natalie Cole, brother of Nat 'King' Cole, pianist and vocalist Freddy Cole doesn't apologize for sounding a little bit like his iconic elder brother. While there are certain unmistakable similarities, many consider his voice to be smokier, jazzier even. Cole's annual visit is the perfect blend of jazz and great American holiday standards. In this engagement tenor saxophonist Houston Person will join Elias Bailey, bass, Randy Napoleon, guitar, and Curtis Boyd, drums. Freddy Cole will appear June 21-25 @ 11 PM

Legendary entertainer Tony Bennett was honored by the Friars Club in celebration of his storied and successful career that has spanned 7 decades on June 20th and BroadwayWorld was there.

Inside Broadway honored  Andrea Burns & Daniel Dae Kim at the Beacon Awards and BroadwayWorld was there. Michael Presser's organization celebrated TV & Broadway star Daniel Dae Kim (Hawaii Five-O on CBS, currently starring on Broadway as the King of Siam in The King & I thru 6/26) and Broadway actress Andrea Burns (currently appearing in On Your Feet) at their annual awards gala at the Marriott Essex House.  The Beacon Award is presented to individuals in the theatre & Times Square community who have been advocates for increasing audiences for live theatre and understanding the importance of Arts and Education in the lives of New York City's young people.

The notes, the sounds, and that famous smile, were all gloriously and heroically present as Gianni Valenti announced "Bucky's Back" to a standing room only (and standing) Birdland audience last night and Broadwayworld was there..  It was akin to seeing a ball player like Mickey Mantle, getting on in his years, return after a possible career ending injury, return and then hit a home run.   The crowd in Birdland cheered and teared for Bucky Pizzarelli at this triumphant evening. He wowed everyone with his undiminished virtuosity, musicianship and personality in this, his 90th year.  Bucky's back, and his music will live forever.  

Al Roker and wife Deborah Roberts came to a preview of the powerful new play, American Son at the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield Ma. last night. The play is written by Christopher Demos-Brown and is directed by BSC founder/artistic director Julianne Boyd. It stars Tamara Tunie and Michael Hayden with Luke Smith and Andre' Ware. The world premiere of American Son will take place on June 22 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage of Barrington Stage Co. It runs through July 9, 2016

Tony-winner and Grammy nominee Lena Hall returned to Cafe Carlyle with Oh! You Pretty Things, last night and BroadwayWorld was there. The all-new show acts as a love letter to Lena's rock & roll spirit guides, the pantheon of misfits and rebels who inspired us to transcend by transforming themselves. This intimate journey through Lena's personal love life will reveal how pivotal these artists have been in helping her navigate her relationships, shining like beacons and helping her shape her voice and her identity, again and again. At Cafe Carlyle, Lena Hall is joined by a band including Justin Craig, Watt White and Brian Fishler. Oh! You Pretty Things is directed by Stephen Amato. The engagement runs through June 25th.

Caroline Sorokoff, director of the Gold Coast International Film Festival announced toady that there  a special screening of the new documentary NORMAN LEAR Just Another Version Of You  on Wednesday June 22 the Gold Coast International Film Festival is hosting a special screening of the dynamic new documentary Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You, followed by a Q&A with Mr. Lear's daughter, Kate Lear.

"Night Of A Thousand Judys"  a special presentation of The Meeting* hosted by Justin Sayre, the acclaimed comedy/variety show known for a signature blend of outrageous comedy, politics, culture and everything in between was presented at Merkin Hall last night and BroadwayWorld was there.

Creator and innovator, musician and producer, artist, entrepreneur and philanthropist; Herb Alpert, a man with a profound passion empowering his every endeavor, and his Grammy Award winning wife Lani Hall returned to Cafe Carlyle last night and BroadwayWorld was there.  Herb Alpert & Lani Hall will appear from May 31 - June 11

The New York Pops Silent Auction Item listed catering and piano music for an elegant party of 20. The winning bidder got more than she bargained for as Music Director/Conductor of The Pops, Steven Reineke, and famed pianist Billy Stritch showed up and shared the piano bench with pianist Stephen Sorokoff.

In the bygone era of nightclubs it was a well known fact that one couldn't get both good music and good food in those dark rooms.  Le Cirque and Sabrina Wender bring the excellence of both in the musical evenings at the legendary restaurant.  Check out the musical menu as well as the food menu at Le Cirque.

Award-winning vocalist, Stacy Sullivan brought her tribute to Peggy Lee to the Metropolitan Room last night and BroadwayWorld was there.

Marilyn Maye's current engagement titled 'Highlights' continues at Feinstein's/54 Below. BroadwayWorld was there last night, along with Len Cariou and singer Julie Budd in the audience. Marilyn and music director Billy Stritch on piano and vocals are appearing at 54 Below through May 20th. Check out the photos below!

Oscar nominee,Golden Globe nominee, Daytime Emmy nominee, and soon to be Grammy nominee Sally Kellerman brought her show to the Iridium last night and BroadwayWorld was there.  Ed Martel was music director with Jon Ball, drums, and Kevin McConnell, Bass.

Last night, Host, and director of the Jazz & Popular Song series at Jazz at Lincoln Center performed the segment 'A Right To Sing The Blues' at the Appel Room and BroadwayWorld was there.

Last night, Feinstein's/54 Below welcomed back Broadway's beloved leading man Howard McGillin, and BroadwayWorld was there.

Marilyn Maye returned to Feinstein's/54 Below with her new show Highlights, last night and BroadwayWorld was there.