Cabarabia: Clifford Bell and Friends, Michael Feinstein, Michael Kirk Lane...and MORE!

I have decided to stick with love because hate is too great a burden to bear - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy August 17th, 2019!
August 17 is the 229th day of the year. 136 days remain until the end of the year.

Happy Birthday, Georgia Gibbs!
Happy Birthday, Maureen O'Hara!

Due to writing a show and LIFE, it has been a while since I sat down to write, but I felt a need to write about today's topic: Cabarabia: Clifford Bell and Friends. I've done several blogs over the years on Clifford's annual celebration of all things Barbra Streisand.
From the Producer of "OUR NAME IS BARBRA", now in our 22nd year!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 at 7:30pm

"CABARABIA: CLIFFORD BELL AND FRIENDS"

Acclaimed Cabaret Producer/Director Clifford Bell hosts of an evening of his talented friends.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 - Rockwell Table  and Stage

CABARABIA: CLIFFORD BELL AND FRIENDS
Featuring (live always subject to change)
alphabetically

CATTE ADAMS & MARC HUGENBERGER
EILEEN BARNETT
BLACK MARKET REVERIE
MARY BOGUE
ARTIE BUTLER
CHERYL CRANDALL
KIKI EBSEN
ILENE GRAFF & BEN LANZARONE
and more TBA!!

Musical Directors DAVID SCOTT COHEN, MICHAEL COLLUM and MITCH KAPLAN on piano,

KIRSH on bass, TOM BOWE on drums and JULIE SAX on sax!!!!
FOR TICKETS, Click HERE
Wish I could be there! Please GO! and leave a comment on this blog with your thoughts!

I saw this quote today and wanted to share it with you: Early in life, we follow the path mapped out by ego, a path of ambition, competition, and striving. When midlife dawns, we too often find ourselves stranded in a lonely and desolate place we never intended to visit. 

Our feelings of sadness and frustration tell us we took a wrong turn. Like a shift in the wind or a change in the tide, the yearning we feel at midlife is a call to renewal. The shift shows us the path home, the path to rediscovering our true self, our purpose, and the life of meaning that is our true calling.-Wayne Dyer 

In other News...

Liz Lark Brown

Five-time Grammy nominee Michael Feinstein returns for his annual summertime engagement with a brand-new show of musical delights! In I Happen to Like New York, Feinstein will tip his hat in celebration of the great city of Manhattan with a special tribute to Bobby Short.
54 Below, Saturday, August 17th – Friday, August 23rd shows at 7pm nightly.

Three time MAC nominee and 2018 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award Winner for Best Show, Michael Kirk Lane's Why? Just because! at Don't Tell Mama, Monday, August 19th at 7:00pm

Max Von Essen, Call Me Old Fashioned: The Broadway Standard, Plays at Birdland, Monday, August 19th
Tony Award nominated leading man, Max von Essen, will celebrate the release of his debut solo recording, Call Me Old Fashioned: The Broadway Standard, (LML Music), with one show at Birdand on Monday, August 19th at 7pm. Call Me Old Fashioned: The Broadway Standard embraces von Essen’s love of the golden age of Broadway and the American Songbook.

MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs), Bistro and Nightlife Award winning singer Liz Lark Brown is one of the featured guests joining piano bar entertainer and Host of Piano Bar Live, Michael McAssey tomorrow night Sunday Aug. 18th at 6:30pm at The Duplex.  I'm also part of this! 

Liz Lark Brown is a NYC-based actor/singer/voiceover artist. As a founding member of The Musical Theatre Factory, she is fortunate to have been a part of many new works by up-and-coming, award-winning composers. Liz is a longtime member of Joe Iconis & Family, and is so thankful to have a whole other family in the many wonderful and amazingly talented folks she’s worked with for years in piano bars (Don’t Tell Mama, Rose’s Turn, the Encore, Rubyfruit’s, and most recently, Brandy’s).

The other featured guests are Broadway star Karen Mason, pianist Mark Hartman and Broadway's

Gabrielle Elisabeth (Beautiful).
There is NO COVER CHARGE for PIANO BAR LIVE just a two Drink Minimum!

Please visit http://www.purplepass.com/pbl0818 to reserve tickets.

Opera at SpoonfedNYC - "A Night in Disney" - Monday, August 19th - 7pm 

Songs from Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, Frozen, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin

Performed by Opera New York - Diected by Scott O'Bren

Artistic Director: Judith Fredricks 

Pianist: Michael Pilafian 

SpoonfedNYC is located at 331 W. 51st (bet. 8th and 9th Aves )

$10 Cover - $24 Food/Drink Minimum

For Reservations call: 212-580-7336 

Presented by Opera New York - www.operanewyork.com - 212-580-7336

“LOL Nidrei: Unforgivably Naughty Jewish Comedy” Returns to The Duplex August 22 at 9:30pm

LOL Nidrei: Unforgivably Naughty Jewish Comedy returns to The Duplex after a smash hit last year. There’s no better preparation for the Jewish High Holy Days and after seeing this show, you’ll have to repent. The show (produced by Dana Friedman) will be at The Duplex on Thursday, August 22 at 9:30pm.

Bristol Riverside Theatre concludes its Summer Music Fest series with a trip to the Great White Way...BRT style. Back by popular demand, Broadway Summer Spectacular brings Broadway to Bristol in one sensational concert, August 15-25. It'll be an evening packed with Broadway's best from composers like Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jerry Herman, and Leonard Bernstein. Led by Keith Baker and the BRT Concert Band, the program features BRT favorites Elyse Langley, Michele Sexton, Liam Snead, and Tasha Waters. Read MORE

Birdland will kick-off their great week of programming with the following act: August 26 (Monday) at 7:00PM

Klea Blackhurst "One of the Girls"
Singer/actress Klea Blackhurst turns her long association with one of Broadway's most esteemed composers, Jerry Herman, into a brand new solo show, "One Of The Girls." The show will focus attention on the powerful, loving and memorable women in Jerry's life...both real, like his dear mother Ruth and characters like Mame, Dolly Levi and Zaza.

Jim Caruso's Cast Party will make it's Nashville debut on Saturday, September 7 at 8pm. The "extreme open mic," hosted by Caruso and accompanied by Billy Stritch, will take place at The Franklin Theatre (419 Main Street, Franklin, TN).

The balance of life and death and how life can turn on a dime was originally on a double bill at The

Public Theatre, last night it opened on Broadway at the Hudson Theater. 

Simon Stephens’, Sea Wall starring Tom Sturridge begins the evening and Nick Payne’s, A Life starring Jake Gyllenhaal finishes up this contemplative evening of masterful acting. Read MORE

John Davidson will be back to NYC at @birdlandjazz (9/9). Birdland sold out last time, so get your tickets now! johndavidson.com/appearances

Carol Ostrow AND THE ACTORS' TEMPLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS are celebrating their 103rd year with a Fall Benefit for the temple, Mark William, COME CROON WITH ME. Mark William, an incredibly talented young singer and dancer who frequently appears on New York stages, will be performing in the beautiful shul on 47th Street. The benefit will take place on Monday, November 18, 2019 from 7:30pm-10:00pm in their very own recently renovated sanctuary located at 339 West 47th Street, NYC. $75 tickets are now on sale at www.theactorstemple.org/events.

Read MORE

The beloved Tony Award-winning musical You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown is hitting the road beginning in January 2020. 

Directed by Michael Unger, this reimagined production will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip and the treasured characters created by Charles M. Schulz.

SAVE THE DATE: October 16th:  I am producing and moderating an event for Dancers Over 40 on October 16th in NYC celebrating Marge Champion. Can you believe she is turning 100 on September 2nd! I just had lunch with her a few months ago in LA and am happy to report she is still going strong! I have John Anthony Gilvey (Before the Parade Passes By: Gower Champion and the Glorious American Musical), Greg Vander Veer (https://www.documentary.org/online-feature/meet-docuweeks-filmmakers-greg-vander-veer-keep-dancing)  and Larry Fuller in place.

Now, go and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return!

Concetta Bertoldi FB Live With Richard Skipper

 NYT best selling author & medium, and talks about her new book! To watch click follow on FB Richard Skipper and click the link #ConcettaBertoldi

A Few Audience Testimonials about Richard Skipper Celebrates

Richard Skipper is a charming, endearing person, with a passion for his craft but most of

all a passion for helping others. His interview skills are flawless, seamless, and get results. We are so pleased he gave a terrific show, but even more pleased he interrupted his busy schedule to help us promote our new book! Nurses on the Inside- Ellen Matzer

Wow!!! I cannot adequately express how very much I enjoyed Richard Skipper' show on August 5th!!! He was endearing and he has amazing stage presence!!! LOVED hearing him sing!!! I realize I

have known Richard (Ricky) a long time but I had not seen him on stage for 10 years! I laughed, cried and thoroughly enjoyed EVERY moment! He is amazing!!! I am so deeply thankful I was able to be there for his special night!!! I look forward to his next performance!!! Giant hugs!❤️ He really is talented!!!

Vickie Byrd, NC

I was so happy to see Richard Skipper's anniversary show at St. Luke's on August 5th! He is a consummate entertainer. The show was fun and engaging. Richard is a natural entertainer who is clearly full of joy on stage. I also learned something - he and I share the same favorite movie! NYC is the better that he braved moving here 40 years ago.

-Lisa Dennett

Visit RichardSkipper.com to learn about Richard Skipper's next event. You never know who

you might see there and what might happen! If you have attended a Richard Skipper Celebrates Event, please add your thoughts in the GuestBook at RichardSkipper.com

With grateful XOXOXs,

 

CallonDolly.com

Please LIKE (if you do!) and SHARE!

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.  FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!

This Blog is Dedicated to Horace! I miss you, buddy!

Please do what YOU can to be more aware that words and actions DO HURT...but they can also heal and help!  
  Keeping America great through Art!     

Here's to an INCREDIBLE tomorrow for ALL...with NO challenges!

Please leave a comment and share on Twitter and Facebook
Keeping Entertainment LIVE!

TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED DAY

Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

Franco Zeffirelli, Billy Stritch, John Wallowitch...and MORE!

Franco Zeffirelli was born on this day in 1923 (age 93), Florence, Italy.

If you don't tell the whole truth about yourself, life is a ridiculous exercise. - See more at: http://playbill.com/news/article/being-gay-was-not-an-option-joel-grey-welcomes-us-into-his-private-life-386203#sthash.FrKUl6Xi.dpuf

If you don't tell the whole truth about yourself, life is a ridiculous exercise.
-Joel Grey

Happy February 12th, Everyone!
I want to begin my thanking EVERYONE for the outpouring of LOVE yesterday. I received over 1,000 birthday greetings from all over the world and I want to take that feeling of elation and take it with me throughout the year.

I've believed for a long time that it’s not whether you get knocked down in life that matters -- it's about whether you get back up. Yesterday, really got me up! Today is the 43rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 323 days remaining until the end of the year. Today, the day continues by celebrating a few of my favorite Aquarians and a few that aren't.
Aquarius personality is very independent, any attempt to hold them down or restrict them will cause them, to flee.
They need to be free to be on their own. Independence is not just desired by Aquarius, it is essential to their well being.
I begin by celebrating one of my

Juliet Capulet Montague - 1968 Romeo and Juliet, Zeffirelli

favorite directors, Franco Zeffirelli. He is an Italian director and producer of operas, films and television.
He is also a former senator (1994–2001) for the Italian centre-right Forza Italia party.

Success is buried on the other side of rejection.
-Tony Robbins

On this date in 1963,Construction begins on the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Ted Mack was born 112 years ago today in Greeley CO.
William Edward Maguiness (February 12, 1904 – July 12, 1976), known as Ted Mack, was the host of Ted Mack and the Original Amateur Hour on radio and television.

Today is also the birthday of Billy Stritch and  Tex Beneke, singer, saxophonist, and bandleader (Glenn Miller Orchestra) (d. 2000)

Photo by Bill Westmoreland

They say that behind every great man is a great woman. Sometimes there’s a great man behind a great woman. But the real magic happens when two great talents collaborate. Case-in-point: Liza Minnelli and Billy Stritch, her friend, accompanist, and music director. - See more at: http://www.lamag.com/culturefiles/curtain-call-billy-stritch-23-years-as-lizas-confidant-and-music-director/#sthash.itnIzTC7.dpuf

Billy Stritch has been very fortunate to have a few great collaborations in his lifetime: Montgomery, Plant, and Stritch. (That is when I first became familiar with him), Liza Minnelli, Jim Caruso, Marilyn Maye, Christine Eberlsole, Linda Lavin, Klea Blackhurst, and MANY more!
Real magic happens when Billy colaborates with many of the great artists he has worked with. Case-in-point: Liza Minnelli and Billy Stritch, her friend, accompanist, and music director. He was co-arranger with Marvin Hamlisch for Minnelli On Minnelli at the Palace Theater in New York City and his arrangements have also been performed in the annual Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.  In addition to accompanying the likes of the great artists I have cited here,Billy has also carved out a solo career, and even co-wrote a #1 country song in the '90s.
He is the frequent musical director at his friend Jim Caruso's Cast Party, Monday nights at Birdland.Straight from Broadway!

Richard Skipper, Chrisine Ebersole, Billy Stritch

Texans are lucky, because Billy Stritch and Jim Caruso are taking their The Sinatra Century on the road May 6-8 /Tickets On Sale Now! Read further!)  The Long Center is proud to present two of New York City’s multi-award winning, internationally-acclaimed performers, Billy Stritch and Jim Caruso, who will celebrate the historic centennial of Frank Sinatra’s legacy in THE SINATRA CENTURY, May 6-8 in the Rollins Studio Theatre.  Stephen Holden of the NEW YORK TIMES raves, “All-singing, all-dancing show business heaven.” Rex Reed of the NEW YORK OBSERVER states “A nonstop musical show-business bonanza!”
Tickets are on sale NOW. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.

Now Booking!

These Texas natives deliver an evening of sensational musical fun FEATURING world-class musicianship, brilliant comedic timing and the unique vocal and musical stylings of two of our countries most original Artists.

Lillias White with Billy Stritch

Enjoy the hits: Come Fly With Me, The Best Is Yet To Come, In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning, “Love is the Tender Trap,”  Witchcraft, and many more!
Billy Stritch is one of the premier singer-pianists on the New York and national jazz and cabaret scene.
His most recent nightclub act Billy Stritch Sings the Mel !Tormé Songbook earned rave reviews from
the New York critics.
Billy has appeared in cabaret venues across the nation as well as concert  performances at the London Palladium, NHK Hall in Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro’s Municipale Auditorium. In New York, he has performed at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall and was onstage in the 2001 Broadway revival of 42nd Street, which starred Christine Ebersole.

Their friendship laid the groundwork for a musical collaboration resulting in the CD, In Your Dreams, available on Ghostlight Records. Billy is also a songwriter and arranger, and his composition “Does He Love You” was recorded by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis. The single reached the number one spot on the Billboard Country chart, winning a Grammy Award and selling over five million copies along the way. He has arranged for many top performers and is a frequent collaborator with Liza Minnelli, having written the arrangements for Minnelli On Minnelli at the Palace Theater, Liza’s Christmas at Town Hall, and was musical supervisor and pianist for the Tony Award-winning, Liza’s At The Palace.
Billy has played and sung on numerous television shows including “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” “Oprah,”“The CBS Morning Show,” “The Today Show” and “Inside The Actor’s Studio”. He has three CDs to his credit and his latest “Jazz Live,” was released on Fynsworth Alley Records. He is

the winner of the Nashville Music City News Award, a BMI Song of the Year Award, and four awards from the Manhattan Association of Clubs and Cabarets.

Happy Happy Birthday to Billy.....who makes piano playing look all too easy!!
-Bill Westmoreland 
 
Years ago there was a benefit at " The Beacon theater " Here in NYC..Last minute.. My long time conductor Herb Bernstein fell ill. It was like hours before the show. I left my apt. with my music under my arm.. & prayed there would be someone to help. after all .. there was just no time!..There was Billy!!! Standing at the stage door.. I cried!! "Billy can you help me ?? " Of course he did.. He sight read the music & Played it as if he performed it for years. I knew then I was in the company of a genius !! A few months later .. he joined me on my " Pure Imagination " CD.. It is Still on of my Favorite cuts .. Billy is special.. Special in every way... this is someone to Treasure!...love JULIE BUDD

Forrest Tucker

Today is also the birthday of Lorne Greene: 
1915 – Canadian-American actor (d. 1987), probably best known for the popular 60s COLOR western, Bonanza.
Forrest Tucker, born 12/2/1898: in movies from 1940, best remembered for his Sgt O'Rourke in TV's F Troop.
 1950 – Patrick Quinn, actor (d. 2006)
On this date in 1952, Michael McDonald was born. singer-songwriter and keyboardist.
Arsenio Hall was born on this date in 1956.
Josh Brolin was born on this date in 1968.

Tea with Mussolini, Directed by Franco Zeffirelli

On this date in 1961, the Soviet Union launches Venera 1 towards Venus.

On this date in 1961, I was a day old!  It was Sunday, under the sign of Aquarius. The US president was John F. Kennedy (Democratic). In that special week of February people in US were listening to Will You Love Me Tomorrow? by The Shirelles. In UK Are You Lonesome Tonight? by Elvis Presley was in the top 5 hits. Gold of the Seven Saints, directed by Gordon Douglas, was one of the most viewed movies released in 1961 while Advise And Consent by Allen Drury was one of the best selling books.
Today is also the birthday of one of my favorite actresses, Ann Walker!

Hilary Kole

In Entertainment News:
Just watch and listen - the new single from Hilary Kole - a luscious and one-of-a-kind rendition of Over The Rainbow. Available now on ITunes ...Hilary Kole, on this stunningly fresh collection of performances of songs from the well-worn repertoire of Judy Garland, reveals and brings new life to the emotional core of each tune while revealing herself as a consummate interpreter. While never  attempting to imitate Garland, Hilary tells Judy’s story —relaying the joy of falling in love, the hope that love will prevail, the heartbreak when love fails. And most importantly, the gathering of the will and desire to pick oneself up again to give it one more try.
Cabaret critic David Finkle wrote, after an appearance years ago at Birdland, Throughout her current Birdland gig, the jazz-pop singer Hilary Kole has only the following elements to offer: a pure voice that flows as easily as burnished notes from a muted trumpet, impeccable musicianship, pellucid phrasing, the ability to swing an up-tune and infuse a ballad with simmering passion, a grounding in the history of contemporary pop songwriting and interpretation, experience working with authoritative instrumentalists like Oscar Peterson and Dave Brubeck, a careful way with final consonants (not a certainty from vocalists these days), an obvious understanding of Ella Fitzgerald's influential artistry, a visible appreciation of the musicians backing her (the marvelous pianist-arranger Tedd Firth, guitarist John Hart, drummer Mark McLean, bassist Paul Gill) and a nonchalant wave of the left arm when she finishes a fast number. To throw one more item into the overwhelming mix: She possesses brunette beauty that makes you wonder if she was separated at birth from Catherine Zeta Jones and Jaclyn Smith.

On Feb. 16, Broadway legend Joel Grey will release his aptly titled book Master of Ceremonies: A Memoir before sitting down for a discussion and performance at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT.
Before taking the stage, he confided truths about the personal identity struggles he dealt with before coming out. - See MORE

Yesterday would have been cabaret legend John Wallowitch's 90th birthday.
John Wallowitch was a cabaret singer and prolific songwriter who was a colorful figure in the New York cabaret world for more than 40 years. In 1998 Karmic Release made Wallowitch  and Ross THIS MOMENT a documentary following Wallowitch and his long time partner, and modern dance great, Bertram Ross.
Just this week, this documentary was preserved in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences permanent collection. The documentary is now housed at the Academy for generations to come --  John  and Bert would be proud. In celebration of John's 90th birthday,  Karmic Release, LTD is hoping to have a variety of events with the New York cabaret community over the course of this year, including a re-release of the film and its soundtrack. So keep your eyes and ears open for all the cabaret fun to come!

Take a minute to give the guys a google and see what you've missed if your cabaret history's a little

Richard Skipper, Cynthia Crane, John Wallowitch

lacking.

Happy Birthday John, and thanks for the music.

I want to include this wonderful tribute to John Wallowitch from Chip Deffaa:  I want to remember my friend, the late singer/songwriter, John Wallowitch, on what was his birthday. This wise, droll, elfin man, who knew seemingly everybody--the second photo shows him with a young Oprah Winfrey--changed the direction of my life, and I'll always be grateful. 
He was a good role model. he wrote 2,700 songs, which were recorded by everyone from Blossom Dearie to Tony Bennett. 

John Wallowitch, Hayley Mills, Donna McKechnie
"FROM PICCADILLY TO TIMES SQUARE" November 19th, 2001

 His devotion to his life-partner, Bertram Ross (who'd been Martha Graham's star dancer in his youth) was touching. It was John who taught me many wonderful unknown Irving Berlin songs that have never been recorded. John's endless encouragement to me is the reason I've written five shows--all of which are available for licensing--celebrating Berlin. He's the reason I've made cast albums of three of those shows--"Irving Berlin & Co." ( http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/irvingberlinco ), "The Irving Berlin Ragtime Revue" (http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/theirvingberlinragtimere ) and "Irving Berlin's America" ( http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/chipdeffaa4 ) -- with more to come. John lived near Irving Berlin, and used to see him on late-night walks. 

John Wallowitch, right, and his partner, Bertram Ross, in 2002. Credit Ruth Fremson/The New York Times

John invited me one Christmas Eve to join him and other friends in caroling outside of Berlin's home. I turned him down--it was too cold, I had family plans. My mistake! They not only sang outside Berlin's home, they rang the doorbell. The reclusive Berlin--who usually admitted no one into his home--invited all 18 carolers inside. 

American music and dance came together when Martha Graham (seen here with dancer Bertram Ross), collaborated with Copland

Singing Irving Berlin Inside

 

He kissed the gals, hugged the guys, served everyone hot chocolate, insisted they'd given him the best Christmas present he'd ever gotten. The inspiration for my first show about Berlin was born that night, although I did not begin writing it in earnest until John died. 
I've had actors portray John in two of my shows. 
His presence can be felt in all of them.

John was a composer of more than 2,700 songs (by his own count, the majority unpublished), Mr. Wallowitch was a familiar face on New York television, beginning in 1980 with his cable-access show, “John’s Cabaret,” in which he played piano, sang and joked.

Bertram and John

 
With his owlish face, oversize glasses, bow tie and sly Cheshire cat grin, he was the dandified embodiment of a traditional piano man and seemed to know every obscure show tune ever written. 
He specialized in little-known Irving Berlin songs. I LOVE AND MISS YOU, JOHN!


Thank you to all of the artists mentioned in this blog for the gifts you have given to the world and continue to give! 

Laughter is much more important than applause. Applause is almost a duty. Laughter is a reward.

-Carol Channing

With grateful XOXOXs ,

 

 

Check out my site celebrating the legacy of Jerry Herman's Hello, Dolly!

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.  FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!

Please do what YOU can to be more aware that words and actions DO HURT...but they can also heal and help!   

        

Save the date American Popular Song Society

Here's to an INCREDIBLE tomorrow for ALL...with NO challenges!

Please leave a comment and share on Twitter and Facebook

February 13th: Richard Skipper celebrates Peter Filichia and his book, The Great Parade: The 1963-64 Broadway Season  which included Hello, Dolly! and Funny Girl.  

Peter Filichia and Richard Skipper will discuss Filichia's Book, The Great Parade (the 1963-64 Broadway Season) (with Klea Blackhurst, Steven Brinberg, Jim Brochu, Diane Findley, Oleg Frish, Danny Gardner and Aleka Emerson, Anita Gillette, Leah Horowitz,

Sally Mayes, Barbara Minkus

Sarah Rice, Steve Ross, and Camille Saviola) and Michael Lavine on piano . 

To be followed by Q&A with the audience and Book Signing

Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802 AFM  

322 W 48th St, New York, New York

Doors open at 12:30 for those who want to buy sheet music Also members

can take tables and sell their stuff.  1:30-2:30 "Flea Market" 1:30 seating - showtime: 1:45 - 3:30.  

Join today at http://www.AmericanPopularSongSociety.org  

Please LIKE us on Facebook   

Admission is Free for Members/$15.00 for Non-Members

Please contact Richard Skipper Celebrates

(Richard@RichardSkipper.com) for more info for more info. —

Keeping Entertainment LIVE!
 

TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED DAY

Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

Sarah Rice, Broadway's original Johanna of Sweeney Todd, will sing a Valentine's Day concert of songs from the operetta, classical and musical theatre repertoire, with Paul Jackel, in upstate New York, Feb. 14. - See more at: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/kiss-me-sweeney-todds-sarah-rice-sings-of-love-with-paul-jackel-feb.-14-111546#sthash.bYCP2Q2p.dpuf

On Feb. 16, Broadway legend Joel Grey will release his aptly titled book "Master of Ceremonies: A Memoir" before sitting down for a discussion and performance at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT. Before taking the stage, he confided truths about the personal identity struggles he dealt with before coming out. - See more at: http://playbill.com/news/article/being-gay-was-not-an-option-joel-grey-welcomes-us-into-his-private-life-386203#sthash.FrKUl6Xi.dpuf

KRISANTHI PAPPAS, BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL, and WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA!

Hello friends!

SONGWRITING NEWS
Krisanthi Pappas won 2nd place in the Billboard® World Song Contest!
This is for her song "You and Me by the Christmas Tree" in the Jazz Category.


Billboard link: http://billboardsongcontest.com/site/postings/19?section_id=1

Listen to the song: http://www.myspace.com/krisanthipappas

More info: http://www.krisanthi.com/pages/cdct/index.html
iTunes link:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/you-me-by-christmas-tree/id300243892?i=300243913
SPRING SHOWS
APRIL 16, 17, 18 - Krisanthi will be performing with the Bart Weisman trio in the fabulous Provincetown Cabaret Festival alongside such great entertainers as Dane Vannatter, Billy Stritch, Jim Caruso(Adam Kantor, Jim Caruso and Frankie James Grande pictured), Carol O'Shaughnessy and many more!
Go to the Cape and
make a fun weekend out of it - Tickets are on sale now!

http://www.ptown.org/CabaretFest.asp

MAY 8 - KRISANTHI PAPPAS has been asked to perform a couple of her original songs in
the New York Sheet Music Society's annual Songwriter's Showcase hosted by Sandi
Durell. The show features "the new standards being made today" and will be held
1:30 to 3:30 PM at Local 802 - Musicians’ Hall, 322 West 48th Street, NYC. Tickets
are $10. http://www.nysms.org/events.html

JUNE 16 - KRISANTHI PAPPAS's and her band will be performing a great show of the Gershwin Songbook (I Got Rhythm, Someone To Watch Over Me, Summertime, They Can't Take That Away From Me
and many more!) at the Company Theatre, Norwell, MA, 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15
http://www.companytheatre.com/specialevents.html



http://www.krisanthi.com


Brian Stokes Mitchell to Host Annual Tony Awards Party

By Andrew Gans
(SOURCE: PLAYBILL.COM)

Brian Stokes Mitchell to Host Annual Tony Awards Party

Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, who will offer a solo concert April 17 at Town Hall, will host the annual Tony Awards Party in Los Angeles.

Presented by the Actors Fund, the annual Tony bash will be held June 13 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.

The event will be produced and written by Marc Cherry (producer/creator of "Desperate Housewives") and David Rambo (producer/writer of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation").

The festivities begin at 3:30 PM with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner and the live Tony telecast from 5-8 PM. The presentation of the Julie Harris Lifetime Achievement Award will immediately follow. Winner of the annual award will be announced shortly.


Previous recipients of the Julie Harris Award include Chita Rivera, Tommy Tune, Jerry Herman, Julie Harris, Gwen Verdon, Charles Durning, Rita Moreno, James Earl Jones, Tyne Daly, Lauren Bacall, Carol Channing, Stockard Channing and Liza Minnelli.

The Skirball Cultural Center is located at 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd in Los Angeles, CA.

Brian Stokes Mitchell, recently seen in Guys and Dolls in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl, earned a Tony nomination for his performance in the title role of Man of La Mancha.
He won the 2000 Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards for his performance as Fred Graham/Petruchio in Kiss Me, Kate, and his other Broadway credits include lead roles in King Hedley II; Ragtime; Kiss of the Spider Woman; Jelly's Last Jam; Oh, Kay!; Mail; and the City Center Encores! mountings of Kismet, Do Re Mi and Carnival. Television audiences will be familiar with Mitchell's work from his roles on "Trapper John, M.D.," "Roots" and "Frasier." Mitchell was elected the 12th president of the Actors' Fund of America, and he has performed in concert halls and cabarets around the country. His Playbill Records CD is entitled "Brian Stokes Mitchell."

For more information visit www.actorsfund.org.


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


Send me your reviews and suggestions and I will put them in my next blog coming out next Saturday! Here's to an ARTS-filled week! 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

HERE IS WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING ABOUT MY WORK:
Dear Dana and Richard, I want to thank you for welcoming our group, Charisma, to the Iquana on Wednesday, April 7th. The warmth and acceptance of the crowd could not have been possible without the caring and supportive environment that you provide at the Iguana. Thank you so much for everthing. Love, Nina Grand






Well, what a treat last night was (4/7/10)! I so enjoyed singing at the Iguana. It's a very supportive community that Richard Skipper and Dana Lorge have created. Job well done! I'm looking forward to many more Wednesday nights on 54th Street....Many thanks to Richard and Dana for all their hard work!! This guy and doll are just terrific!!
xoxo,
Phyllis Molen







WI just wanna say that Wednesday night (4/710) was truly an event. I owned "cafe theater 88" on 42 st and 9 Ave. late 70s and early 80s I enjoyed myself so much last night, I can't begin to tell you! I am so happy to see a packed house like the one last night. May the future be a sell out all the time.
Joey Infante





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NYC Now a night out in NY to see a show at a VERY AFFORDABLE price!
Dana Lorge and I have put our OWN spin on the variety show format and are now hosting 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!
NOMINATED FOR TWO 2010 MANHATTAN ASSOCIATION OF CABARETS AND CLUBS AWARDS (MAC) FOR OUTSTANDING VARIETY SHOW AND OUTSTANDING HOSTS!
For more info, please call 845-365-0720 or visit _www.RichardSkipper.com_
RESERVATIONS A MUST!!!!!!!!
212-765-5454.
No one admitted before
7:30.

April 14th: Naomi Miller, Karen OberlinMARY LAHTIjoins us!

April 21st: Anaiza, Anthony Cheski, Henry Dee, Janice Hall, Rita Ellis Hammer, Sunny Leigh & I are doing a duet!, Sina Lewis, Jim Speake, Susan Eichhorn Young

April 28th: Bryan Anthony, Hector Coris, Kecia Craig, Sandra Davis, Rosemary Loar, Gretchen Reinhagen, and Frank Stern!

May 5th: Anton Van Der Merwe and Julie Reyburn

May 19th: Adrienne Haan, Barbara Gurskey, Bobbie Horowitz returns.

May 26th: Michelle Collier

June 2nd: D'Yan Forest and Tod Hall, Pam Palmieri




June 16th: 2010 Julie Reyburn, Lisa Raze returns!



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