Richard Skipper Celebrates Joshua Lance Dixon AND MORE!

It is the job that never started that takes longest to finish-J.R. R. Tolkien

Happy Saturday, January 5th, 2019!
January 5 is the fifth day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 360 days remaining until the end of the year.
I'm kicking off this week's blogs with an artist I highly recommend and you can catch him live and in person tonight at The Beach Cafe in NYC.
Today, Richard Skipper Celebrates Joshua Lance Dixon!

Where did the idea for your upcoming show come from? 
Pack of One was simply born out of the idea that I wanted to do something different than before. FLY UP! - my debut cabaret show, was very personal in an autobiographical way especially in my patter - whereas Pack of One is more

biographical and still feels personal, but only in relating to the personal stories I learned about the guys and singing the music - and this show barely scratches the surface of their (The Rat Pack’s) work.

Who are some of the artists that you enjoy hanging out with?  
Oh my... what a question. All of them. I learn so much from every artist I have the opportunity to hang with. I am attracted to artists that take risks and find the  courage to share their vulnerability.

What was your favorite subject in school? 

Choir. Is that a subject? That’s not a really a subject. It was an activity. I can honestly say joining the choir was the best thing I ever did. And it was by mistake. I wanted to join the band but my parents couldn’t afford an instrument - I wanted to play the trumpet. But joining the choir let me use and discover my voice. I was a painfully shy kid. I could barely communicate - especially in big groups of kids - I was so afraid of people, being the subject of a lot of bullying up to that point.

Singing in a choir - a forum of a big group of people - I let my guard down, I learned to listen, to blend - I began to discover that not everyone was scary - I began to come out of my shell so to speak.

Tell us your thoughts on the cabaret community...
Saved my life. Music saved me when I was young. Helped me discover I had voice. But the cabaret community helped me realize I had something to say with my voice. I remember the first time I saw a “cabaret performance.” It was Natalie Douglas singing  “Get Here” mad popular by Oleta Adams, at Brandy’s. I was blown away. I mean I already loved that song, but she turned it inside out - simply by singing the lyric from her unique perspective. Charging the words of a song I’d played on repeat 100’s of times, with her experience... channeling love... but it was more than that even... to me, it felt like I was witnessing what it felt like to be free... My heart cracked open.
I was forever changed. I would not do my first cabaret for another 12 years.

If you weren’t a singer, what profession would you choose?  
Acting! I guess I sort of do that when I sing. So, let me pick something else. It would have to be something where I could put my people pleasing skills to good work.

Turning something that’s generally looked upon as an negative and turn it into a positive… So, something where what I engage in comes from a space of love and service. Or... something totally different - Maybe a nurse? Or a Bikram Yoga Teacher.

What is your favorite book and why?
Goodness, I have a few...

My favorite series of books is Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling is a genius. She nails the battle of light and dark.

True love and redemption. The magic of those books and her writing go way beyond potions, spells, which craft, and wizardry.

And staying in the magic theme... The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

My favorite self-help books are by Lynn Grabhorn. “Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting: The Astonishing Power of Feelings” - I need to pull that one off the shelf and re-read it.
and I also really love The Four Agreements - by Don Miguel Ruiz

 If our entire world could master the four agreements - we would find peace quickly.

What makes you want to support the cabaret community?
I suppose love of our community. There are so many people I admire. The NYC cabaret community is something very special. if I can give back even an iota of what’s so freely been given to me... I would in a heartbeat.

If you could meet any person throughout History, who would you want to meet most? 
Princess Diana

What are your biggest challenges?
My own mind and Fear

What was your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve ever worn?  
When I dressed up as Harry Potter!

What are the unglamorous aspects of your career that the average person doesn’t realize? 
It’s work. You have to be very good at multitasking (which I am not). You also need to be your own personal assistant in all things.

What would you say is the weirdest thing about your routine? 

I don’t think there is anything weird in my routine... question: do you mean routine as in the show? Or do you mean routine as in daily life routines.  I suppose I don’t have weird things in my daily routine either… But so I can say I answered this question... I think the weirdest thing about my routine is that I was able to pull it together and figure it all out in the short amount of time that we built the show – I am very lucky - I might be the weirdest thing in my routine… is me.

Name one person you would like to see profiled in this series 
Natalie Arneson. Natalie, if you see this, please call me and let's make it happen!

That sounds absolutely perfect! Anything else we should mention? 
I can’t think of anything... except to look out for future performances of Pack of One as i get it ready to perform out of town! And a potential spin-off series I’ve been dreaming up... A Pack of One Night Stands. One night with Frank. One Night with Dean. One night with Sammy. Each night will feature a guest, maybe two... essentially building our own pack - then bringing back the whole pack for One Night of all their Christmas arrangements . Each night will also be a one night stand for something... haven’t figure out the benefit part of it all yet. Still working it all out in my mind. I have also been dreaming up my debut album and a brand new solo show, not Rat Pack related...

You don't have to go out of town to see Joshua Lance Dixon in Pack of One! Call The Beach Cafe in NY and reserve for tonight! Let him know I sent you! Click HERE for tickets.

And Keep in Mind...

January 10
If you've been unable to free up a Saturday to check out Shake Rattle N Roll Pianos show in Times Sq. - they are having a RARE Thursday night show on 1/10 at 10pm (doors open at 9)
Rattle and Hum West
306 W. 39th St.
Click HERE for your FREE tickets! (while supplies last)

January 11th:
The Erik Lawrence Trio featuring vocalist Marya Lawrence
Erik Lawrence - Saxophones and Flute
Cameron Brown - Bass

Ben Perowski - Drums
Beautiful Live Jazz
Sets at 8:00 and 9:30

Reservations are highly recommended
Maureen's Jazz Cellar in Nyack

January 15th:
Encore by popular demand! Jill Eikenberry, Golden Globe award winner most known for her starring role on the NBC drama “L.A. Law” and Obie award winner for the Off-Broadway plays Lemon Sky and Life Under Water, returns to Feinstein’s/54 Below in Here I Go Again! Expect songs from her life and her career, including works by Kurt Weill, John Kander, Peggy Lee, Janis Ian, Ricky Ian Anderson, and Joni Mitchell, as well as some exciting new

Jill Eikenberry

composers.  Order Tickets HERE

January 27
Matthew Saldivar, J. Elaine Marcos, Alton Fitzgerald White, More Round Out Fox’s Rent: Live Cast
A handful of stage veterans—including some Rent alums—will make appearances in Fox’s upcoming live presentation of the rock musical.

Matthew Saldivar, J. Elaine Marcos, and Alton Fitzgerald White

Rounding out the company are Matthew Saldivar (Bernhardt/Hamlet), J. Elaine Marcos (Gettin’ the Band Back Together), Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King), Bryce Ryness (Hair), Emerson Collins (Bravo’s The People’s Couch), Jennifer Leigh Warren (Marie Christine), Debra Cardona (On Your Feet!), Darius Crenshaw (Hello, Dolly!), Khori Petinaud (Moulin Rouge!), Mia DeWeese (The Lucky Ones), Benjamin Rivera (Moulin Rouge!), Robert Roldan (So You Think You Can Dance), Morgan Marcell

(Hamilton), Fred Odgaard (Hamilton), Tilly Evans-Krueger (The Lucky Ones), and recent So You Think You Can Dance winner Hannahlei Cabanilla, as well as dancers Jessica Lee Keller, Lenin Fernandez Jr., Nick Lanzisera, Sasha Dominique Mallory, and Ty Wells. (Source:Playbill.com)

Tony Award nominee Denée Benton was hitting the red carpet at the 2017 ceremony for her celebrated Broadway debut in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 when a mic-wielding celebrity interviewer asked how she chose her sparkly green-and-white leaf-embossed Oscar de la Renta gown.

Denée Benton and Josh Groban starred in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, for which both earned Tony nominations. CHAD BATKA

The Central Florida native, who made it to Broadway as leading lady Natasha in record-breaking follow-your-heart fashion, flashed her dazzling smile, performed a tasteful half-twirl and shared, “It was a journey, but this one just kind of spoke to us. It’s full of life. It’s green. I’m green. It’s time, you know?” Read MORE

Now, go and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return! Treat Them to Two Tix to Joshua Lance Dixon!!


********

Thank you all! Here's To a Great 2019! 

Richard Skipper has assembled a great cast to Celebrate and honor for the first edition of Richard Skipper Celebrates in 2019 . . . RICHARD SKIPPER has become synonymous with "feel good entertainment of the highest quality". For decades Richard has entertained thousands and celebrated the careers of many of Theatre Row’s finest and most honored stars… The afternoon will prove to be an event where all will arrive and leave with smiles! This will be similar to the old-fashioned TV specials and series where we get to chat with and honor these cabaret icons. 

Richard Skipper Celebrates Love Aquarian Style February 10th! Tickets Go On Sale January 10th!

I am excited about working with Kacey Fassett for the first time! 

SAVE THE DATE! Richard Skipper Celebrates Sunday, February 10, 2018 at 1:00PM The Laurie Beechman Theatre 407 West 42nd Street Downstairs at the West Bank Cafe New York, NY 10036  There is also a $20 food/beverage minimum per person. Russ Woolley Proudly Presents Richard Skipper Celebrates...Love Aquarian Style featuring Meg Flather, Lina Koutrokas, Rosemary Loar, Karen Mack, Stacy Sullivan, All under the Musical Direction of Christine Talbott with Kacey Fassett on sax, Adi Myerson on bass !  (ALL Aquarians!) You never know who you might see there and what might happen!  $30 Cover and $20 Minimum per person.  The afternoons are also made possible by Wright Bros. Real Estate. Do yourself a favor and CELEBRATE! 
A Few Audience Testimonials about Richard Skipper Celebrates

Sheree Sano

When Richard Skipper hosts the party is ON! He sparkles with a charm that is sincere, sophisticated and frequently HILARIOUS!! He asks excellent questions when he interviews guests that always lead naturally to fascinating answers and when he ad-libs with the audience he's amazingly quick-witted and endlessly entertaining. In my book, he's the Best of the Best - Always puts on a fabulous, happily satisfying show - I love him to bits!! Sheree Sano, NYC
Love Richard Skipper Celebrates. Looking forward to a new season.

Bea Sonnenshein, Sparkill, New York
No one can deliver a show like Richard Skipper.  His passion and enthusiasm along with his singing and a brilliant roster of performers ......knocked it out of the park! Thanks for being you, Richard Skipper! Judy Stewart, American Popular Song Society PS... Richard is The American Popular Song's good luck charm and I am looking forward to what he produces for us next June as well.
This Show Is Also Made Possible by  Wright Bros. Real Estate, Nyack New York

With grateful XOXOXs,

CallonDolly.com

Please LIKE (if you do!) and SHARE!

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!  
  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
This Blog is Dedicated to the Memory of Christine McGuire

 
 

Tamra Hayden, Chris Lemmon, Barbra Streisand...and MORE!

Happy July 5th!
I hope that you all had a great holiday weekend and that you are looking forward to a great week and an even greater month.
My holiday weekend consisted of dinners with great friends and seeing Gypsy starring the amazing Karen Ziemba at The Sharon Playhouse in Sharon, Connecticut. It was the first time I had ever been at this theatre.
It was a spur of the moment decision. We had talked about it but could never get around to settling on a date.

When we got up Monday morning with no real plans for the day, we decided to drive up for what was the last performance.
Glad we went. The Sharon Playhouse is a rustic theatre that brought me back to my early days in theatre doing summer stock. I believe I read somewhere that when I came to New York in 1979, there were over 175 regional Equity summer stock theatres in existence in the United States. Now, there are less than 75. That saddens me. 
Last week, I saw one of the greatest concerts in my lifetime, Dolly Parton. She was a bucket list performer. There have been so many in my lifetime that I regret that I never saw perform live. Frank Sinatra is one. I had tickets to see Sinatra and Shirley MacLaine at Radio City Music Hall in 1992. I was so excited. The day that we were scheduled to attend, we got an automated phone alert that Sinatra's concert had been cancelled that night due to pneumonia.
Two artists right there that I never got to see live. I keep hoping Shirley MacLaine will do at least one more cabaret or concert tour.
Today, in stead of focusing on the artists that I never saw or haven't seen, I want to focus on some upcoming performances that those of us who live in the tri-state area are lucky enough to see. If you have any trips scheduled to New York and surrounding areas, please check out these great artists.
You, however, don't have to be in New York to partake in great entertainment around the globe.

Chip Deffaa is going back to Korea today. They'll be doing his show "George M. Cohan Tonight!," starring the one-and-only Jon Peterson, with musical direction by Richard Danley. Chip wrote this show for Jon, and it's been done in many cities, in the United States and abroad, since they first did it Off-Broadway. And they like this show enough in Korea to bring it back--which makes this playwright/director very happy!

Natalie Douglas

It's that time of year!!! For their 8th consecutive summer, Natalie Douglas and Brian Nash will be back in Michigan, teaching, singing and generally having a fantastic time! Don't miss this particular evening with special guest the divine Kate Botello! and who knows what surprises!

And for those of you who wanna study with Natalie and Nash whilst they're in town, check out their Vocal Master Class the night before, at 6:30PM,TONIGHT July 5, 2016
All ages welcome!
Please bring sheet music to workshop a song with Natalie and Brian.
$20 fee for participants
Old Town Playhouse
148 E Eighth St Traverse City, MI
(231) 947-2210

Chris Lemmon

CHRIS LEMMON (of Glastonbury, CT) -Thursday, July 28, 2016 - 7pm -  at LI’s Cinema Arts Centre, Huntington:  Live Theater in Words and Music - first US Preview of London West End Production.
Just back from his critically-acclaimed three-week London West End debut in June, son Chris Lemmon becomes his twice Academy Award winning father Jack Lemmon in the first U.S. preview of his multimedia stage play Twist of Lemmon, which includes “Jack/Chris” performing more than a dozen of Jack’s favorite standards and their own original compositions on the Steinway,  along with clips and images.  (Based on Chris's acclaimed 2006 memoir.) Throughout the play, “Jack” regales the audience with stories of his life and career, re-enacts scenes from his greatest films and impersonates his famed co-stars, while musing on the complex but loving relationship he had with his son -  all couched in the lore of Hollywood’s Golden Age.  Directed by London’s Hugh Wooldbridge and sponsored by Steinway & Sons, Long Island.  Chris Lemmon conducts an audience Q&A afterwards. A gala reception follows with live jazz by guitarist Mike Soloway.

Tickets are $38 for members / $46 public, including reception.   Tickets available in advance at http://www.cinemaartscentre.org or at box office.  Cinema Arts Centre - 423 Park Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743 -

CHRIS LEMMON IS  JACK LEMMON in  TWIST OF LEMMON: A True Father/Son Story From the Golden Age of Hollywood

Thursday, July 28 at 7:00 pm - Two Acts with Intermission (120 min.), followed by Audience Q&A with Chris Lemmon  (20 min.) 

$38 Members | $46 Public – Includes  Gala Reception with Live Jazz Guitar by Mike Soloway.

Another great superstar is on the concert trail again. I have been lucky enough to see her three

times in concert. I don't think I can afford this time around. But I can afford her CD! Cannot wait! I just ordered mine through Amazon Prime!
Save the date and pick up Barbra's new album on August 26th! You can also pre-order the album now at:
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/StreisandENCOREama
Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/StreisandENCORE
Barbra's Music Store: http://smarturl.it/StreisandMusicStore
Barnes & Noble: http://smarturl.it/StreisandENCOREbn
Target: http://smarturl.it/streisandENCOREtarg.

The greatest gift those of us in the arts can give is to donate our arts for a worthy cause. There are several benefits coming up in response to the recent Orlando massacre. Here are a couple that I'm aware of.

By Command of TMISM Emperor XXV Tree and Empress XXX Sugar B. Real, The Imperial Court of New York Presents

RAISE YOUR VOICE II
A Benefit Concert for Orlando
Benefiting the One Orlando Fund

Hosted by Emperor X Gabriel Della Notte & Princess Royale Doris Dear

The Copa (268 West 47th Street)
Monday, July 11, 2016
Doors - 7:00 PM, Show - 8:00 PM
Cash Bar/Food Menu
Silent Auction


TICKET PRICING (MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "l.facebook.com" claiming to be www.icny.tix.com)
$50.00 - VIP Front Table Seating
$25.00 - Standard Seating
$15.00 - Standing Room

Speech by:
Larry Kramer (GMHC, The Normal Heart)


Performances by:
Carol Woods (Chicago)

Woods performing aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) in 2007

T Oliver Reed (Sister Act)
Crystal Kellogg (Finding Neverland)
Kate Rockwell (Legally Blonde)
Maree Johnson Baruch (Broadway)
DJ Chauncey Dandridge
Doris Dear (MAC Award Winner)
Robin Kradles
Ellia J. Garlands
Meg Flather (Hansen Award, and 2016 MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs Award winner)
Stacy Sullivan (Award Winning Cabaret Artist)
Sean Harkness (Multi Award Winning Guitarist)
Reina

Musical Director - Barry Levitt.
Speaking of Meg Flather, who is one of the featured entertainers, she is returning with her critically acclaimed Carly and Me on July 31st at 4PM at Don't Tell Mama. Reservations Highly Suggested.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 19: The outside marquee at Circle in the Square Theatre on April 19, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Steven A Henry/WireImage) Steven A Henry / WireImage

The cast and creative team from "Fun Home" will assemble for a one-night benefit concert version of the Tony Award-winning show on July 24 in Orlando for survivors and victims' family.  Read MORE
If you are in NYC on Sunday night, I will be hosting The Salon in the Ayes Have It. That is our theme. We will be at Etc. Etc. Restaurant and celebrating Peggy Eason's 70th Birthday. Please come with a favorite song to sing or even just to listen. Please contact me for more details. This is my only scheduled New York appearance for the summer. Same for Peggy Eason.  

On July 7^th from 6-7:30PM, Bobbie Horowitz is holding her  “Psychology of Color Workshop”.

It’ll run from 6 –7:30PM (participants will be able to catch a show!)  Attendees get vital knowledge about the major Color Families and the different effect each has on people. They each affect all people we’ve studied the same way!  You’ll learn you can take control of whether or not people will want to say “YES” to you the first 30 seconds of your meeting!  The price is only $50.00 (and only $45.00 for MAC, SAG/AFTRA and AEA members).  PLUS - one needs to take this  workshop only one time in your life! Once you “get it”- you've got it!  Attendees will learn how to choose the Color Family (for the clothes and accessories you wear and carry) that will serve you best to get a “YES!” in any specific situation! People don’t realize your brains are being affected by the color you’re looking at when others' making the decision to say “Yes” or “No” to you.   The attendees learn how to put yourselves in control of the situation before you’ve said a word.  Did you ever notice that police uniforms are usually Navy Blue? This is not an accident!  People can check out “Your Free Monthly Image Tip” at www.bobbiehorowitz.com. This month you’ll get a free tip about the Color Purple.

My featured artist of the day is Tamra Hayden. She will be appearing tomorrow night, July 7th, at Feinstein's 54 Below. 
From Broadway to the Blues, critics have called Tamra Hayden an 'emotionally rich, psychologically-detailed singer that can “reheat coffee" and 'outsizzle’ Peggy Lee.’ 
Tamra Hayden is a celebrated vocalist and accomplished multi-instrumentalist, playing piano, guitar, and viola. She has five solo albums to her credit, as well as dozens of musical collaborations. She has appeared on Broadway as Cosette in Les Miserables and as Texas in Cabaret. Off-Broadway performances have included

Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris, and she has toured nationally as Christine in Phantom Of The Opera, Hodel in Fiddler On The Roof opposite Theodore Bikel, and It Ain’t Nothing But The Blues. Tamra Hayden is versatile, spirited, and prolific.

This show features the music from Tamra Hayden’s latest CD, Love Is… Tamra celebrates the many facets of love with sexy jazz tunes such as: “Fever” and “Something’s Gotta Give,” rousing Broadway anthems such as “It All Fades Away” from Bridges of Madison County, and plenty of spontaneous hilarity to make for an extraordinary performance. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. 

You’ll fall in love all over again!

I sat down recently to get to know a little bit more about Tamra beyond the press releases and to give you a chance to get to know her better as well. I hope you enjoy.
Right after our exchange on Facebook, Tamra was cast as Aldonza in Man of La Mancha and has been in a whirlwind since then! She had to reschedule her 54 Below show, Love Is..., to TOMORROW NIGHT July 6th at 9:30 pm because it conflicted with the show schedule. 

What do you think it takes to succeed in this business?
I find that the nicest and most compassionate people make it to the top! Of course, a lot of grit and talent doesn't hurt. I believe if you have the passion to do something and you work hard with all your heart and never give up, you will eventually succeed!

When you see a bunch of talented people, why do you suppose one goes on to become a star while the others fall by the wayside?
I think it has a lot to do with timing. There are soooo many talented people in the World! So many that are great and deserving of a big break! Getting the right role at just the right time can mean everything! I think that is what helped me land my Broadway debut as Cosette in Les Miserables. I just happened to be the right age, look, and vocal type at just the right time. Of course, that didn't make me a star. But, it gave me a nice start to my career.

Why do you keep doing what you do?

I LOVE it! I love using music and creativity to spread peace, love and tolerance! To help people have cathartic release from what binds them up inside. We are in the midst of such insanity right now! I hope that I can use my gifts to serve humanity! That is all. That is everything!

What do you still want that you don't have now?
Well, I was recently gifted a Harp and a Mountain Dulcimer... so that is taken care of. Now, I just need plenty of time to learn how to play them! That would be nice... and a villa in Tuscany... is that too much to ask?

At what point, if ever, did you think of quitting?
I contemplate quitting quite often. Luckily those moments pass because I truly love what I do! It's just the business of the biz that gets to me. I keep my eye on my message and 'why' I do what I do. That motivates me and keeps me going!

What Wisdom would you like to offer my readers today?
Stay true to who you are and know that is enough. You are perfect as is!
 
Do you consider yourself competitive?
Yes, but not with other people. I like to reach my goals and accomplish what I've set out to do. But, never at the expense of someone else. At the end of the day, I just want to know that I've done my personal best. 
Buy Your Tickets HERE

http://www.tamrahayden.com

Instagram: @tamrahayden

http://twitter.com/tamrahayden

http://facebook.com/TamraHaydenMusic

https://www.youtube.com/user/TamraLIVE

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

With grateful XOXOXs ,

 

Check out my site celebrating the legacy of Dolly Gallagher Levi!

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!   

        

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