The Salon Wrap Up for October 3, 2010: "Weather or Not"

Daryl Sherman

As New York begins its shift from Summer (with its heat and humidity) into Winter (with its rain, snow and cold), The Salon took an evening to discuss "Weather or Not." The evening was hosted by the shimmering, talented, funny pianist and vocalist Daryl Sherman. Daryl won the 2010 MAC Award for "Best Major Recording" and is a permanent fixture at the Waldorf Astoria Cocktail Terrace. She can be classy and traditional one moment, then sneak a twinkle and a musical joke in when you least expect it! As a co-host, she fluttered from singer to singer, adding praise, encouragement and jokes. She will be performing this Sunday at The Oak Room at the Algonquin as part of "1910 - It Was A Very Good Year" (songs associated with Artie Shaw, Frank Loesser, Kitty Carlisle), hosted by K.T. Sullivan, 7:30pm.

Daryl started The Salon with "Isn't It a Lovely Day To be Caught in the Rain," showing off her vocal jazz prowess and her deft piano skills in the instrumental bridge. Then, Richard Eisenberg brought in a poetic, Weill-esque departure from his normal, upbeat fare entitled "Winter Arrives." Tony Imgrund, who is now no longer a "newbie" to Salon, sang a medley of "Blue Skies" and "It's A Lovely Day Today," both by Irving Berlin. We then had a treat from foreign lands; Gabriela Bojorquez from Tijuana, Mexico, sang a bossa nova version of "Fly Me to the Moon" in both English and Spanish. This was her first time in New York, but it was obvious from her talent that she was no stranger to music, with her smooth vocals and beautiful interpretation!

Gabriela Bojorquez

We then were treated to another mix of languages, as Janice Hall came to sing "Ich Hab Noch Einen Koffer in Berlin (I Always Keep a Suitcase in Berlin)" in both English and German. Janice has a new show, "Grand Illusions: The Music of Marlene Dietrich," and if there's not a perfect meld of singer and inspiration, I don't know what it would be! The show will perform at the Metropolitan Room November 3 (9:30pm), November 6, 13, 21st (all at 4pm) and December 8 (9:30pm). Directed by Peter Napolitano with Paul Trueblood as Musical Director.

To whip us into a whirly frenzy, Dr. Sue brought in her new song, "Hurricane!" She has a CD entitled "Keys of Love" and will have a new variety show (dates to be announced) at the Lafayette Grill! After the Dr. sang, Dani Rhodes played piano and sang through her driving blues-rock song, "Right As Rain." Then, Michael Colby performed his own lyrics (with music by Jack Urbont) to "Soon We'll Be Home" from his musical Mrs. McThing. He will debut two new songs at the Iguana on November 3rd, and has a number of things in production at the moment!

Next, we had a double hail storm (of sorts) of Bill Zeffiro - first, he played piano and sang a completely brand new song entitled "The Final Daze," then he gave up his piano spot to Daryl Sherman and sang "As Long as We're in Love" (Dorothy Fields/ Jimmy McHugh)with her as a duet! Returning Sue Marcus Rauch then performed "Pennies From Heaven" with her proud son in the audience. She's working on a Cabaret show for next Spring and is currently performing in How to Succeed In Business in Matawon, NJ. After Sue, David Ballard sang the touchingly beautiful "A World Without You" from Children of Eden, then Sierra Rein was coaxed into belting out "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl. To round out the singing portion of the first half, Etceterette Erin Cronican showed her sexy-funny bone with "Everybody's Girl" from Steel Pier.

Sunday's Classical Corner with Mark Janas centered around Robert Schumann, who I had never heard of before but was instantly fascinated by as Mark talked about his Gemini personality, mental illness, and unique composer qualities. He wrote pieces that focused on two personalities: the outgoing vs. the introspective, and had a bipolar feel throughout much of his work. He was born in 1810, so technically this year is his 200th birthday! Mark performed Schumann's "Piano Concerto in A Minor" with a very unique twist: seeing as a complete orchestra could not fit comfortably in the Etcetera Etcetera dining room, Mark performed his part of the piano to a track on the "Music Minus One" CD, a learning tool meant to help budding pianists learn how to play their piano part along with a "karaoke" orchestra (or, as Mark referred to them, "The Short Notice Players"). It was a surreal experience to hear the orchestra play through the speakers, and then see Mark perform brilliantly (as always), even pausing and trilling for a moment ("any time now") and wait for the orchestra to catch up with him. Bravo!

After the break, Daryl took the piano for a short set of songs. She first performed a Henry Nemo piece entitled "'Tis Autumn," complete with wonderfully jazz "vocal-scat" birds. She then sang "Wendell's Cat," an original piece inspired by the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina which made all the humans in the audience a little teary-eyed. She completed her set with the classic "Come Rain or Come Shine" by Mercer and Arlen.

Salon Producer Tanya Moberly then sweetly sang "Raining in My Heart," a simple and classic period piece from Dames at Sea. After Tanya, fellow powerhouse Gretchen Reinhagen - with Tracy Stark at piano - rocked out "Me and Bobby McGee" from her Under The Covers show "Pearl." She and Tracy are starting a brand new class for 6 weeks starting October 18th, which will incorporate vocal, performance, patter, song interpretation - and all closing with a Cabaret performance in November. More info can be found here. After Gretchen sang, Tracy stayed at the piano to sing her own original piece called "Memory to Wear."

Sound Man Tommy Shull then took the piano bench and played another score work of his(from an as of now uncompleted film), which he entitled "Untitled - Ice 9." Madeline Kerns - a Broadway Broad if I've ever seen one! - showed us how it's done with the Ethel Merman favorite "I Got the Sun in the Morning." She will have a solo show at Don't Tell Mama soon! Next, Barry Lloyd (fresh from San Fransisco) played piano for himself on "I've Got Everything I Want," singing with rich baritone vocals. He has one show only here in New York, performing at the Metropolitan Room on October 11th, 9:30pm, with "A Humble Diseur." A Diseur is a male professional entertainer who performs monologues, so Barry will perform an eclectic collection of musical monologues. Daryl closed the evening with "Here's that Sunny Day." by jazz guitarist Barney Kessel.

Madeline Kerns

NEXT WEEK!

SALON, that unique, Bistro & MAC Award winning Weekly Open Mic Event created and hosted by Mark Janas returns to Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 - on Sunday, October 10th from 7-10:30PM.

The optional theme for the evening is “Color My World”.

Remember, any material, on or off theme, is always welcome at Salon.
...
Our Co-Host will be the Enchanting Shana Farr! Shana recently made her Feinstein's debut with “Whistling Away the Dark – A Tribute to Julie Andrews”. Shana is also a Designer and will be bringing her colorful jewels as well as her beautiful voice. For more information: www.shanafarr.com

SALON NEWSFLASH!

We are running a Special for the month of October. Bring two new people and get in for free! That's right! BRING TWO PEOPLE THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN TO SALON BEFORE AND YOUR ADMISSION IS FREE!

SALON is that Unique, Bistro & MAC Award Winning Weekly Open Mic Event created and hosted by Mark Janas and produced by Tanya Moberly at Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 - on Sundays from 7-10:30PM.

There will be a $10 cash cover at the door, collected by 'Etceterette', Sierra Rein and a $15 food/drink minimum (cash or credit) per person. (For further information visit www.etcrestaurant.com or call 212-399-4141). There are no reservations; seating is on a first come/ first served basis, with one intermission. Doors open and sign up begins with 'Etceterette', Erin Cronican at 6:15pm.

Salon continues every Sunday (EXCEPT October 31st, November 28th & December 5th) through December 19th!

October 17th:
Theme: The Great American Chorus Line – A Tribute to Gypsies Everywhere
Co-Host: Valerie Lemon

October 24th:
Theme: Demo Night/Recording Arts II
Co-Host: Annie Kozuch

October 31st: NO SALON

November 7th: Here Come the Holidays!
Co-Hosts: Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki

-Sierra Rein
The Blogette for The Salon
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