Cabaret Is Alive in NYC!

with George Marcy, Carol Lawrence and Patty Farmer

"Reading The Persian Room Presents is like a reservation for a ringside table at the world's elegant nightclub, complete with champagne cocktails and a jazz trio!"
-Julie Wilson

Happy Wednesday!

In the seventh day of cabaret month, I am happy to report that cabaret is alive and well. Tonight, at the Metropolitan Room, Marissa Mulder opens tonight in her show "illusions" at the Metropolitan Room. Tonight through the 10th at 7pm. 
Please call 212 206 0440 for reservations.

Craig Pomranz follows her at 9:30.  

 Dana Lorge continues to wow them at Wednesday Night at The Iguana with Cynthia Crane and a cast of thousands! 
It seems like every entertainer I have contacted about an event that I'm doing tonight has told me they are going to be singing at The Iguana! Good for them! 

March 11th @ 4:00 p.m. "A TOAST TO AVA GARDNER" is back at the Metropolitan Room for a special encore performance.
Sigali has been nominated for a 2012 MAC Award for best female vocalist.
***MAC voters pay a $5 cover

Inspired by the life of one of the 20th century’s most alluring screen goddesses, and drawing heavily from the American songbook, the set for this performance extends far beyond the music from Ava’s films, and reflects on her life as a femme fatale both on and off the screen.

IDO ALEXANDER, Musical director and Arranger SCOTT COULTER, Director ***TimeOut New York’s starred review of A TOAST TO AVA GARDNER stated that "Sigali has a name out of MAD Magazine and a voice and carriage right out of a vintage edition of Vogue." "Whether you have loved Ava Gardner for years, or if you are too young to have been introduced to her, this show is not to be missed." -NitelifeExchange.com Sigali Hamberger "Her delivery of "Two for the Road" is one of the most romantic I've heard, and it works especially well here, in the context of Gardner's marriage to Frank Sinatra . . .in "I'm a Fool to Want You," Hamberger's interpretation is brooding and incisive, made all the more so by musical director Ido Alexander's lush piano accompaniment." -Roy Sander, BistroAwards.com Gardner’s story is not an easy one to tell...but Sigali pull[s] it together with intelligence and an elegant charm... Here’s to Ava! Here’s to Sigali!” -Lynn DiMenna, Cabaret Scenes Magazine VISIT: www.SIGALI.com The Metropolitan Room 34 West 22nd Street (bet. 5th  and 6th Aves.) $15 cover/2 drink minimum ($5 Cover for MAC voters) RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED: (212)206-0440   Just want to let those who might be interested, that Sarah Rice and David Vernon are doing a half hour version of  HISTORY HERSTORY, Where Truth Lies Thurs, March 8 @ 9PM at: New York Ethical Cutlture Society Building,  2 West 64th Street  (SW corner @ Central Park West), 4th floor NYC Admission is FREE! History Herstory is about how 2 people can look at the same thing and see something completely different. Matthew Martin Ward, Piano Jonathan Russell, Jazz Violin Terese Genecco and Her Little Big Band Celebrate At The Iridium NYC! Not just the celebration of 3 years and over 70 performances as the longest-running nightclub/cabaret act on Broadway but also the CD release show! Join Terese and her little big band and special guest Robert Hicks (and surprise special guests) as they celebrate the release of Genecco's sophomore release. THE IRIDIUM NYC 1650 Broadway @ 51st St New York NY 10019 RESERVATIONS A MUST! 212.582.2121 www.TheIridium.com All shows broadcast worldwide via Livestream in real time! Go to: www.IridiumLive.tv to watch from home! More info: www.TereseGenecco.com CD's available for purchase online after March 20th on www.CDBABY.com, Amazon.com, iTunes, Spotify and more! The Little Big Band will be (on March 20) Barry Levitt on piano, Tom Hubbard on bass, Ray Marchica on drums, Mayra Casales on percussion, Sean Harkness on guitar, Cliff Lyons on sax, Kenny Lavender on trumpet, and Mark Miller on trombone. Special musical guest Doug Beavers will sit in on trombone as well. "Frisky, retro fun!" ~Time Out New York Magazine 2012 Back Stage Bistro Winner! (Just announced!) 2012 MAC Award Nominee for Major Artist AND Best Show Of The Year! 2010 MAC Award Nominee for Major Artist 2010 Out Music Award Nominee 2009 MAC Award Winner for Female Vocalist! 2008 MAC Award Winner for Recording! 2007 Back Stage Bistro Award for Best Tribute Show 2006 MAC Award Nominee for debut female 2003 Entertainer of the Year and debut winner in the San Francisco Bay Area Cabaret Competition   The 4th Session in a Series of 4 from Peter Burns of the UK  www.soulmusichq.com/earshot18.html Another Gala Saturday Evening @ Opia! 130 East 57th St. and Lex.  Reservations: 212-688-3939 March 10th Join Us in this beautiful room with Great Food, Great Ambiance and Charm!          Tony Middleton - vocals And just back from his successful Australian Tour!: Matt Baker on piano! Tom Pietrycha on bass! Jackie Williams on drums! 8:30pm to Midnight Music starts @ 9:00pm You won't want to leave!! Only a $5. Music Charge!

Interviewing Tony Butella of The Lettermen

Support LIVE entertainment, especially in the intimate setting of a cabaret room. The MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) Awards take place at BB King's on March 29th and next month, the 27th Annual Bistro Awards take place at The Gotham Comedy Club.

The legendary Dee Dee Bridgewater and Kaye Ballard are receiving awards.

I can't wait for that! Read here for a complete list of this year's recipients. 


Speaking of Kaye Ballard, she was the very first interview that Patty Farmer conducted for her incredible book The Persian Room Presents celebrating one of the jewels of New York's famed nightclub scene. Yes, cabaret is going strong, but there was a time where people dressed to go to a nightclub AND the entertainers were not self producers and promoters!

I wrote about the book before it came out when I was lucky enough to interview Patty Farmer. I feel that I made a friend in the process. You can re-read that blog HERE. I was invited to a special party last night celebrating this book. Tonight, March 7th 2012, the celebration continues with a book signing at Barnes and Noble 82nd and Broadway from 7 till 9PM. Patty will be joined on stage with Marge Champion, Barbara Van Orden, and Tony Butella of the famed group, The Lettermen. 

Marge is a good friend and I have written about her many times in my blogs. Many of the stories that I will refer to today are in Patty's book. I hope you'll join us tonight. IF you cannot make it, at least buy the book. You won't be able to put it down. Marge and Gower were newly married when they came to New York to open for Liberace at The Persian Room. Interestingly enough, I'm auditioning this afternoon to play Liberace in a workshop production on his life!


Marge told Patty and myself that they got a bigger reception and were asked back as headliners!


Tommy Tune told me that as a young dancer in New York, he couldn't really afford to go there but he used to fantasize about appearing there. By the time the timing was right for Tommy, it wasn't for The Persian Room. It was on its way out. The bankrupt New York in the mid 70s crippled New York nightlife and The Persian Room shut its doors for good in 1974. 

Tony Butella

Tony Butella of The Lettermen told me that although they had played everywhere, playing The Persian Room was a sign of arrival! They had been opening for Jack Benny. So Mr. Benny recording a welcoming announcement for them. 


Eve Plumb told me that she doesn't recall being at The Persian Room, she was too young. However, her father was Neely Plumb, a saxophonist who later worked as a recording executive and staff producer on music soundtracks for major film companies.So she was very familiar with many of the artists that played the Persian Room.

Carol Lawrence had one of the most acclaimed acts that every played The Persian Room. It was great to see her last night on the arm of her Bernardo from Broadway, George Marcy. They will be sharing the stage on Monday night at the Dancers Over 40 Event.

with George Marcy and Carol Lawrence

$30.00 tickets sold out and $50.00 tickets going fast for DO40 CARES: It's Not Where You Start, March 12th with Host Carol Lawrence and Guest Star Chita Rivera and the merry murderesses from the original CHICAGO! $100 seats are still available! Call telecharge now! 212-239-6200 At the Ailey Citigroup Theater/The Joan Weill Center for Dance, 405 West 55th St., NYC. For more information, call the DO40 Hotline, 212-330-7016 or visit our website, www.dancersover40.org.

Please join me tonight at 7PM at Barnes and Noble in NYC (82nd and Broadway) as I celebrate The Persian Room Presents with Tony Butella, Marge Champion, Barbara VanOrden,  AND Patty Farmer! Details here!

with Leslie Uggams

Leslie Uggams
Uptown Downtown

Musical Performance
The Tony and Emmy award-winning actress/singer performs selections from Uptown/Downtown, the new CD based on her award-winning musical autobiography. She will be joined in performance by Don Rebic, Steve Bargonetti and Ray Kilday.

Thursday March 08, 2012 7:00 PM

86th and Lexington Ave150 East 86th Street, New York, NY 10028, 212-369-2180

Special Instructions
Priority Seating with Purchase of Uptown Downtown.

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!

Tomorrow's blog will be... Charles Karel's Memories of Hello, Dolly!

Thank you, to all the mentioned in this blog!

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

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

Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

                                

This Blog is dedicated to ALL ARTISTS: Past, present and future and the gifts they give to the world!