Friday, November 26, 2010

The Salon Wrap-Up for November 21, 2010: "Flower Power – Music of the 60's & 70's”


It was all flower, power, music, and love at The Salon on Sunday. "Flower Power - Music of the 60's and 70's" was the theme of the evening, allowing for some great rock n' roll, musical theater, and inspired new music. Co-hosts of the evening were Lennie Watts and Steven Ray Watkins, two of the three amazing singers (Scott Coulter being the high tenor third) currently performing in "3 Play - The 70's." This show (remaining performances at Don't Tell Mama November 29 and December 6 at 7pm, and Sunday, December 5 at 3pm) will feature "Doobie Brothers, Barry Manilow, Roberta Flack, the Bee Gees and other '70s faves." So this was the perfect evening for Lennie and Steven to co-host the evening (Scott had a performance of his own that evening). Of particular note for the night was that we had a family member of 60's music royalty in the audience - David Baez, Joan's nephew, was in attendance! We were completely full to the brim with singers, so there were no encores, and plenty of non-singers just there to eat good food and catch the talent.

Mark Janas introduced a personal touch - an 8x10 black and white glossy of himself in the 70's - curly hair, sunglasses, and all - and then introduced our co-hosts. Lennie and Steven (who took to the piano) then brought Julie Reyburn up to sing a trio with them on "Love Will Keep Us Together" by Captain & Tennille. "Woodstock worthy!" is how Mark described it after the huge applause died down. After this, Lennie introduced Adam Shapiro up, who then sang "One Tin Soldier." His upcoming show "No Chestnuts" will feature absolutely no Christmas carols (he promises) but a full set of holiday music - shows at The Duplex will be December 17th, 18th and 30th. We next heard the always charming Jane Glick, who sang "I Hear Bells." She will be presenting her own solo show two nights in 2011 - February 20th and 24th at the Metropolitan Room - so mark your calendars. After Jane, Stephen Hanks (new Board President of the Musical Mondays Theater Lab and new writer for Cabaret Scenes Magazine) sang Paul Simon's "Something So Right." His next performance will be December 19th, 1 pm, at the Laurie Beechman Theater.

Elaine St. George returned to us, singing "Louise," a song originally sung by Maurice Chevalier but also recorded by Ray Charles in the 1960's (Charles is the tribute subject of Elaine's show "InspiRAYtion," performing at the Metropolitan Room December 5th). Lynly Forrest then took to the microphone and sang "Nothing Really Happened" with Stephen Ray Watson at the piano. She brought her own 8x10 photo of herself in the 70's - remarkably younger than Mark! We then heard Richard Eisenberg's clever lyrics to his original song "All Good Things Must Come to an End," a song that could be applied to any time period including the heydays of the 60's and 70's. We then heard David Rigano sing a brand new song of his own, an alternatively sweet then hilarious song entitled "An Ode to Beauty." He is Assistant Director of the new play "Can I Really Date a Guy Who Wears a Yarmulke" - last performance is November 29 at 7:30pm. Marianne Berson then sang "Remember Summer" with pianist Rolf Barnes (who wrote this samba piece in the 1970's). Rolf stayed at the piano to play for singer Adrienne Metzinger, who is the Managing Director of the One World Symphony. In a beautiful soprano, she sang a legit-jazz version of "Any Place I Hang My Hat is Home," and although she said she was new to the Cabaret world, she sang in this intimate setting like a pro.

Annie Lebeaux - singer, pianist, composer, musical director - then grabbed the seat at the piano to sing a few songs. She's leaving for a long gig as a in-house piano player on a yacht in Key Largo, so we were certainly pleased that Mark asked her to sing two songs for the evening, before she left. She first sang a new song of her's in a Kingston Trio style entitled "Carry On," a song only two weeks old! She then encored with a Salon favorite, the Joni Mitchell parody (vocals included) entitled "Speed Dial." We then heard David Ballard, with the help of backup vocals by Tanya and Mark, sing the crowd-pleasing "Happy Together" - the entire audience was clapping and singing and swaying along. Shana Farr - with Steven Ray Watkins at the piano - next did a hilarious "girly" medley of Madonna, Barbie Girl, Marilyn Monroe, Shania Twain, and Broadway musical songs.

We then had a special spotlight for the evening - Julie Reyburn! She will be performing her summer show "Summer Nights...in November" at the Laurie Beechman November 28th at 7pm (Director Lennie Watts, Producer Fr. Jeff Hamblin, Music Director Mark Janas!) - check out her website www.juliereyburn.com for more details. She sang the rocking Beatles song "Oh, Darlin'" and the breathtaking Heisler and Goldrich song "Love Like Breathing" as only Julie could.

Mark Janas' Classical Corner connected the classical world (Beethoven, Mozart, Bach) with The Beatles, one of the most important and revolutionary musical groups in modern history. They reinvented each and every musical style, using the same revolutionary energy that Beethoven used in his day - to reinterpret progressions, taking loose influences from all modes of music and applying them to rock and roll. After Ed Sullivan introduced The Beatles to Television audiences, the world would never be the same again. They went from a quartet of rock musicians to recordings utilizing string quartets, orchestras, trumpets and new approaches to harmonics. Listen to "Eleanor Rigby" or "Michelle," and you will hear direct classical influences in both the structure and orchestration of the song. The Beatles - the music of which can now be downloaded at will through iTunes - proved that rock and pop musicians could create their own genre and use all modes of music in their work.

After the break, our co-hosts grabbed their own spotlights. Steven Ray Watkins sang and played the piano to Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets," a song he originally sang in his Under the Cover singthrough of John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Lennie Watts then joined Steven to sing "Honesty." Then Steven sang from their "3 Play" show, "On and On" by Stephen Bishop. Our Producer, Tanya Moberly, then brought some glorious 70's cheese with Kenny Loggins' "I Believe in Love." Tanya will sing for the Zani's Furry Friends benefit concert on Saturday November 27th, then her own "Theatre Songs" show December 14th with Mark Janas and Ritt Henn at Don't Tell Mama, 9:15pm. After Tanya, newcomer Daniel Wasserman (with Gil Bleich at the piano) gave us a break from rock and pop and sang "My Funny Valentine," a 1937 song by Rogers and Hart. Next, Marya Zimmet effortlessly sang Joni Mitchell's "All I Want," then Father Jeff Hamblin wowed us with a surreal performance - a pastor singing "Puff the Magic Dragon," complete with chorus singalong!

Dani Rhodes was on hand next to rock our world and prove she is instantly castable by singing "Black Boys" from the musical Hair. Bill Zeffiro then assisted Julie Reyburn on piano as she sang Zeffiro's original song "True." Stephen Wilde (playing guitar while Mark played piano) sang "Karma Police" by Radiohead. Marcy Richardson grabbed the stage to sing "My Ship" by Kurt Weill in a lovely mezzo soprano. She is performing in "Weill Wednesdays," December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 7:30-9:00 PM at Ella Lounge - Marcy teams up on these Wednesdays with singer Kate Mangiameli and pianist Carol Wong for these evenings, which feature the music of Kurt Weill in an informal, lounge style setting (No cover, no drink minimum, with half-priced specialty cocktails until 9 PM). You can watch video of this show here and read more about Marcy here. Then, Sierra Rein (me!) rocked out "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Carol King, with the proper accompanying audience call and response. To complete the evening, Lennie and Stephen encouraged full blown gospel rock audience singing - in multi-part harmony of course - to "Takin' it To The Streets" by the Doobie Brothers.

Next two Sundays (November 28th and December 5th) there will be NO SALON! Have a terrific Thanksgiving Day weekend!

We will see everyone two weeks from now on December 12th, when Raissa Katona Bennett will co-host the theme of "Six Degrees of Jerome Kern." So be prepared for some lush melodies, warm lyrics, and classic Broadway music. The week after that, December 19th, the theme will be "The Best of 2010," and the co-hosts will be the entire Salon Advisory Board! So, prepare what you consider your best material, or maybe the best new material written in 2010, or maybe a song from the role you are perfect for! Any interpretation, as well as off-theme work, is welcome!

-Sierra Rein
The Blogette for The Salon
Spelling mistakes? URL's I missed? Did I mess up? Please email me.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Update from Producer Tanya Moberly - No Salon 11/28 & 12/5!

THERE WILL BE NO SALON NOVEMBER 28TH OR DECEMBER 5TH.

SALON, that unique, Bistro & MAC Award winning Weekly Open Mic Event created and hosted by Mark Janas will return to Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 - on Sunday, December 12th from 7-10:30PM.

December 12th:
Theme: Six Degrees of Jerome Kern
Co-Host: Raissa Katona Bennett

December 19th:
Theme: The Best of 2010
Co-Hosts: The Salon Advisory Board!!

Visit our website www.markjanasthesalon.com and look for us on Facebook.

Here's some important information about the Salon you should know. The Salon is an ongoing open entertainment event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members. We are currently enjoying our new venue, Etcetera, Etcetera where there is a $10 COVER (cash) AND a $15 FOOD/BEVERAGE MINIMUM (cash or credit). You may sign up to perform starting at 6:15 by seeing one the evening's 'Etceterettes' to fill out a card with your name, the name of your song, whether it's a ballad or an up tempo,(up tempos and comic songs are greatly encouraged!) and any upcoming events you'd like the co-host to announce. Please remember that we do not present performers in order of sign-up and, due to our time restraints and other variables, filling out a card does not guarantee you will perform, but we do our very best to get you up! It is usually a good idea to bring a few different song choices to avoid duplication. All types of material including spoken word are welcome at the Salon but please limit your selections to three or four minutes in length and please bring clear, complete charts for Mark to read. Sitting on the piano is not allowed, nor is flash photography. If you would like to add a (or remove your) name from our list, e-mail me at tanyamoberly@juno.com.

Looking forward to seeing you all when we resume on Sunday, December 12th!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks,

Tanya

-Sierra Rein
The Blogette for The Salon
Spelling mistakes? URL's I missed? Did I mess up? Please email me.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Get out your mood rings! Update from Producer Tanya Moberly!

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, November 21st from 7-10:30PM. The optional theme for the evening is “Flower Power – Music of the 60's & 70's”.

Remember, any material, on or off theme, is always welcome at Salon.

Our Co-Hosts will be 2-Time MAC & Bistro Award winner, Steven Ray Watkins & multiple MAC, Bistro & Nightlife Award winner, (and current president of MAC), Lennie Watts! Lennie and Steve will be appearing with multiple MAC, Bistro & Nightlife Award winner, Scott Coulter in 3PLAY: THE 70s at DON'T TELL MAMA, 343 West 46th Street, NYC 10036 on November 22nd, November 29th & December 6th at 7pm and December 5th at 3pm. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made at donttellmamanyc.com or by calling (212)757-0788.

Our Salon Spotlight will feature the Bistro, MAC, Nightlife & Julie Wilson Award winner, Julie Reyburn! Julie will be returning to The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd St, NYC 10036, on Sunday, November 28th at 7pm with her show, “Summer Night...in November!” For reservations: 212-695-6909.

For those of you that participated in Demo Night Part II with Peter Millrose, you should have received an email with the mp3 link. Please email her at tanya@tanyamoberly.com
if there are any questions. If you have any further questions, contact Peter Millrose at 212-496-0444.

There will be a $10 cash cover at the door , collected by 'Etceterette/Blogette', 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 at 6:15pm with 'Etceterette', Shana Farr.

Salon continues every Sunday (Except November 28th & December 5th) through December 19th!


November 28th: NO SALON

December 5th: NO SALON

December 12th:
Theme: Six Degrees of Jerome Kern
Co-Host: Raissa Katona Bennett

December 19th:
Theme: The Best of 2010
Co-Hosts: Bill Zeffiro & a Super Special Surprise!

Visit our website at www.markjanasthesalon.com and look for us on Facebook!

Here's some important information about the Salon you should know. The Salon is an ongoing open entertainment event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members. We are currently enjoying our new venue, Etcetera, Etcetera where there is a $10 COVER (cash) AND a $15 FOOD/BEVERAGE MINIMUM (cash or credit). You may sign up to perform starting at 6:15 by seeing one the evening's 'Etceterettes' to fill out a card with your name, the name of your song, whether it's a ballad or an up tempo,(up tempos and comic songs are greatly encouraged!) and any upcoming events you'd like the co-host to announce. Please remember that we do not present performers in order of sign-up and, due to our time restraints and other variables, filling out a card does not guarantee you will perform, but we do our very best to get you up! It is usually a good idea to bring a few different song choices to avoid duplication. All types of material including spoken word are welcome at the Salon but please limit your selections to three or four minutes in length and please bring clear, complete charts for Mark to read. Sitting on the piano is not allowed, nor is flash photography. If you would like to add a (or remove your) name from our list, e-mail me at tanya@tanyamoberly.com

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, November 21st!


Thanks,


Tanya Moberly
Producer

-Sierra Rein
The Blogette for The Salon
Spelling mistakes? URL's I missed? Did I mess up? Please email me.

Monday, November 15, 2010

The Salon Wrap-Up for November 14, 2010 - "All God's Creatures"

Mrowr! Woof! Hello!

Now that you have become trilingual in how to greet our fellow creatures, it's time to wrap up this week's Salon! Sunday night was filled with animal magnetism, as the theme was "All God's Creatures." On hand to co-host the evening was noneother than Sarah Rice, originator of the role of Johanna (Sweeney Todd), Bistro Award winner (for her "Screen Gems" show last year) and fervent animal rights/rescue supporter. She will sing in "Love Makes the World Go 'Round," a benefit performance for Zani's Furry Friends on November 27th, 7pm at the Laurie Beechman. This show will feature Klea Blackhurst as host, John Babcock, Celia Berk, Phil Geoffrey Bond, Emily Buttner, Len Cariou, Michael Cone, Brain Gari, Anita Gillette, Janice Hall, Dana Lorge, Marilyn Michaels, Tanya Moberly, Marni Nixon, Craig Pomranz, Gretchen Reinhagen, Julie Reyburn, Sarah Rice, and others. JoAnn Yeoman directs and Tanya Moberly will Stage Manage. Mark Janas and Bill Zeffiro will provide accompaniment. Such a great lineup! Zani's Furry Friends is a non-profit organization which strives to rescue "companion animals from New York City's shelters where, unfortunately, they are at significant risk for euthanasia due to overcrowding." If you cannot be at the benefit performance, consider visiting Zani's website and learn how to help/donate in any way you can.

Mark Janas sported his elephants-and-horses-in-the-circus tie and regaled us with stories of his 2 weeks subbing in synth for the Ringling Brothers Circus (the animals were well cared for, in his estimate, although he did have to adjust to following the conductors every move in order to synch up with the action on the right measure!). Sarah was introduced, and immediately brought up fellow songbird Maureen Taylor to sing the absolutely gorgeous "The Flower Duet" Léo Delibes' opera Lakmé. With Rice's silvery soprano, and Maureen's rich mezzo, I got chills hearing their voices soar with impeccable French. It was a great start to the evening! Sarah then introduced funny lady Joan Jaffe, who sang the comedy song "The Spider and the Fly." Joan just finished directing Louisa Poster's show, is now directing and developing Bill Minife's new show, and will be producing her own solo show soon as well. We then heard Michael Colby, with wife Andrea Colby at the piano, sing a song specially written for the evening's theme, entitled "Him," about Maximus Colby (the "tall dark and hungry member" of the Colby family - a handsome black poodle!).

Bill Zeffiro, who was a friend of the amazing Kay Swift (who broke gender barriers by writing the first hit Broadway musical fully written by a woman), and sang one of her pieces, "The Cat Song," a hilarious piece about a female cat who doesn't want a second litter, thank you very much Tom Cat! Bill is having one of his plays read by the Sink or Swim Reperatory Theater next year - more information will surely come! After Bill, Richard Eisenberg showed his romantic side with a classically-written standard, "On A Night Like This" (inspired by a nice evening out in July this year). Janice Hall, sporting a leopard-print shirt, sang "The Cat," a German composition to which Janice added her original English lyrics! She purred and meowed her way through this sultry song, then reminded us of her "Grand Illusions" tribute show to Marlene Deitrich - this Sunday at 4pm, and on December 8th. We next heard Elaine St. George, a jazz singer with beautiful soprano trills, who sang "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin,'" a song which does mention elephants and cattle! Her choice of song comes from her own show "InspiRAYtion," a show dedicated to Ray Charles, which will be performed at the Metropolitan Room on December 5th (more information at her blog). Maureen Taylor next came to the mic to sing the beautiful "Will You" from Grey Gardens, a song that references larks and grey geese.

I (Sierra Rein) chose to bring some church music into The Salon, this time singing "All Things Bright and Beautiful" (lyrics "All things bright and beautiful/
All creatures great and small")...which then morphed into the sentiment "All Things Dull and Ugly" ("Each little snake that poisons/Each little wasp that stings" - lyrics by Monty Python). Sierra's caroling group, The Definitely Dickens Holiday Carolers, are available for holiday parties, business events this year (and her usual quartet is 4 out of 5 of Marquee Five, so you know it's quality)! After that diatribe against nature, Kathleen France brought her powerful blues rock vocals to "Baby, I Love Your Way." Kathleen is working on a Linda Rondstadt tribute show and is currently a writer for Nitelifeexchange.com.

We then had a spotlight treat - Hector Coris (former MAC Vice-President, winner of the 2010 MAC Award for Male Vocalist)! He is breaking our hearts by moving to Phoenix, Arizona in 2011 and is singing his final performance of "Life is Wonderful" tomorrow, Tuesday the 16th, at Don't Tell Mama. It's his final show, so book reservations if (IF?!?) you can attend! Hector sang two showstopping numbers, the first was the heartbreaking "Come Home," from Mark Janas and Peter Napolitano's show Pinochhio in Chelsea. The second was "Grin and Bear It," a humorously dark piece co-written by Hector Coris with Bill Zeffiro (now THAT's a great writing team). Hector assures me that he will continue his songwriting talens in Phoenix, so be on the lookout for his songs in the future. And speaking of Bill Zeffiro, he was up next to do a quick encore of "Animal Crackers."

The Classical Corner this week of course centralized on the concept of Animals, in particular how classical music sought to capture the movement of different animals, the sounds of animals, or sometimes both. He referenced "Alley Cat," "The Pink Panther Theme," Beethoven's "Pastoral," "Flight of the Bumblebee" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and Grofe's "Grand Canyon Suite" (a piece I loved as a child due to its version of the donkey's hee-haw and clopping gait). He also spoke through the musical suite "The Carnival of the Animals (Le carnaval des animaux)" by Camille Saint-Saëns. He quoted different parts of the suite (from the pompous "The Elephant" to "The Cuckoo in the Deep Woods.") Of particular interest was "Aquarium," which at the time of composition would have featured the glass harmonica (a more professional version of one's use of a finger, some water and one's wine glass). Another point of interest was the humorously titled "The Pianists," a jab on the human population which used running scales and piano "bumps" vigorously. Mark closed by playing the most famous of the suite's pieces, the lovely, flowing "The Swan."

After the break, Sarah Rice returned by singing in French again, this time from Francis Poulenc's "La courte paille" song cycle (about Puss in Boots). Referencing her typecasting in playing crazy ladies who sing about birds, she then trilled through the funny song "When I Was a Little Cuckoo." Finally, she spoke through the somber poem "Whispering," and achingly sang "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins. Then, Producer Tanya Moberly got set up with her guitar. In the meantime, we had a moment for the audience to share our pet's names (we heard Tinkerbell Killer, Zaphod, and Nocchi to name a few). Then Tanya accompanied herself on guitar to the tune of "The Puppy Song" by Harry Nilsson. She will be singing for the Zani's Furry Friends benefit on the 27th, and will bring her successful show "Theatre Songs" to Don't Tell Mama on December 14th at 9:15 (with Mark Janas at piano and Ritt Henn on bass).

It was then encores time! Elaine St. George returned to sing a uniquely phrased bossa nova-style "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," Michael Colby sang "I'll Stand By You" (lyrics by Colby, music by Paul Katz from the musical Tales of Tinsel Town.), "Pearls" written by Richard Eisenberg and sung by Joan Jaffe, Janice Hall sang "Want to Buy Some Illusions" from her "Grand Illusions" show, and Hector Coris deftly tripped through "As We Stumble Along" from Drowsy Chaperone. I brought in "In My Dreams," written by the late Jim Fradrich, and Kathleen France tore the roof off with a thunderous "Cry Me a River." Richard Eisenberg, always ready to tickle the dirty funny bones, sang a parody lyric about Viagra, and then Sarah Rice read the poem "From the Death of a Stray Cat," and then sang a hauntingly beautiful piece ("For Always" by John Williams from the movie A.I.) to end the evening's entertainment.

NEXT WEEK! Get out your headbands, bellbottoms and taste for Barry Manilow - the theme is "Flower Power – Music of the 60's & 70's"! Co-Hosts will be Lennie Watts, Scott Coulter & Steven Ray Watkins, and there will be a special Salon Spotlight on Julie Reyburn! Sing your favorite Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Manilow, Elton John, Eagles, Queen...or beyond!

Special thanks to Mariann Moery, who took pictures of The Salon throughout the evening!


Sierra disses the snakes and the hornets...


Mark Janas and Sarah Rice


Kathleen croons


Hector wails.


Elaine jazzes it up


Michael sings about a doggie!


-Sierra Rein
The Blogette for The Salon
Spelling mistakes? URL's I missed? Did I mess up? Please email me.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

The Salon Wrap-Up for November 7, 2010 "Here Comes the Holidays!"


It started to feel like the Holidays, what with the weather being colder - let alone looking like Christmas (apparently the moment the Halloween costumes are off the racks, the ornaments and fake snow are on display). To get us into the Holiday mood, songsters Sue Matsuki and Edd Clark co-hosted the evening's Salon, dubbed "Here Comes the Holidays!" It was a welcome warning, and they helped us through some traditional (and even some non-traditional) holiday fare. Mark kicked off the holiday flair by wearing an $8 plastic holiday tie! Nothing but class here at The Salon...! Actually, Peter Mark, Founding Artistic Director of Virginia Opera, and his wife Thea Musgrave (an opera, ballet and concerto composer in her own right) were in attendance, so The Salon did have quite a lot of class that evening!

Sue and Edd have a new show they're producing, "Sue and Edd's Fabulous Christmas Show," which will be at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd St, NYC 10036, 212-695-6909 on December 4th at 8pm, among other dates and venues. For more information, and to purchase/download their “Fabulous Christmas” CD: http://www.fabulouschristmas.com/. The duo - Edd with his operatic style and Sue with her smooth jazz vocals - started out the evening by singing "That Holiday Feeling." Next, songwriting couple Jennie Litt and David Alpher performed their adorably comedic holiday song "Christmas in the Doghouse." They'll be reintroducing their show "Composing Ourselves" after the holidays are fini, January 15th and the 29th, 2011 - more information to come! After Jennie and David, Stephanie Zagora (who claims "New Jersey is as rural as I want to be") sang the season-themed "Autumn in New York." Next, Tony Ingrum (singing in a rich, innocent tenor) performed the reverent "Mary, Did You Know?"

Bringing non-religious holiday cheer and heartfelt sincerity, Michael Colby sang his lyrics of "The Greater Gift," a song written with his wife, Andrea, and inspired by their 5 year old son at the time. Next, the lovely songstress Julie Reyburn sang a "holiday mashup" arranged by Mark Janas of "Carol of the Bells" and "Silver Bells." Julie is singing up a storm this holiday season, with performances at the Jim Fradrich DVD Party November 14th (solo and with Marquee Five), at The Benefit for Zani's Furry Friends - LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO 'ROUND
November 27th, at her solo performance "Summer Night...in November" November 28th at 7pm at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, at "Sondheim Unplugged" December 3, and is working on a Sondheim concert with director Miles Philips. Whew!!! After Julie, Steve "The Whistler" Herbst sang the antithetical song "I Don't Believe in Christmas," and then whistled Mozart's "The Queen of the Night" at Mark's behest. Steve has a CD "Broadway and Beyond", which is full of his whistling talent, for those who have yet to hear his unique skill!

Richard Eisenberg then took over the piano to sing and play - he is always up to writing new songs, this Bistro Award-winner! We then had another song-maestro, Bill Zeffiro, who brought in his favorite Holiday-rancor song "What the Hell, It's Christmas." He's performing each Tuesday night at La Mediterranée French Bistro at the piano, and is welcoming people to pop by to sing a song and drink something French! Next, our waiter David Ballard (who will be leaving for a short time soon to do the "Miracle on 34th Street" West Coast tour!) sang the belty "What Do I Need With Love" from Thoroughly Modern Millie. Bringing to the stage a future belty Broadway song, Sierra Rein (me!) sang "Start a Little War," a new song from new musical The Many Women of Troy, with composer Brian Allan Hobbs at the piano. The show is currently in development, and Sierra's directing a demo version with Brian at the moment for promotional use. The last singer of the first half was Liz Ulmer, who performed the lovely "Happiness." Liz, in addition to being a singer and dramaturg, is a Producer (NYMF's I Got Fired) and is now getting into lyric writing - snap her up, composers looking for lyricists!


This week's Classical Corner with Mark Janas had to do with rags! No, not the rags worn by little street urchins singing "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen." We're talking ragtime, the music labeled as scandalous for its time and which was made famous by Scott Joplin's compositions. Mark brought the genre back to its roots in the rhythms of slave music (the "Cakewalk," similar in texture to ragtime, apparently mimicd the practice of slave masters who demanded the slaves strut their stuff in dance in order to get a "treat" of cake), and spoke about how the music was thought to be connected with sex, booze, and the not-so-innocent nightlift. No wonder it became popular! Indeed, it became so popular that the scandal eventually wore off - the children's show Kukla, Fran and Ollie used the ragtime song "The Naked Dance" as it's theme song! Mark went on to introduce the poster composer of ragtime - Scott Joplin, who was classically trained and went on to codify the ragtime genre (although he often complained that ragtime was played too fast!). In ragtime, the bass figures have their own melodies while the right hand punches synchopated second melodies above them. Mark played many different ragtime songs, including "The Ragtime Dance," "The MapleLeaf Rag," the descriptive "The Wall Street Rag," and the uniquely named (and favorite of Mark's) "The Heliotrope Bouquet."

After the break, we were treated to a seasonal smorgasbord of seasonal delights, as Sue and Edd did a lovely medley of a number of songs, including "Warm as Winter," "It's Cold Enough to Snow" and one that I believe was called "Summer Leaves." We then heard Producer Tanya Moberly effortlessly sing "I Wish I Had a River," by Joni Mitchell. Tanya is also singing at the Zani's Furry Friends benefit along with Julie Reyburn and others, and will be bringing her "Theatre Songs" show back again soon. After Tanya, we saw songman Kevin McMullan perform an adorably sweet and sassy song by the late composer Jim Fradrich (from a Nancy Drew song cycle) entitled "Little Caboose, Come Home." Kevin is producing The James Fradrich Memorial Concert DVD Party at the Metropolitan Room this Sunday the 14th at 4pm. In attendance to sing will be Marquee Five (to sing as a group and as individuals - Julie Reyburn, Sierra Rein, Mick Bleyer, Vanessa Parvin, Adam West Hemming), and Joan Jaffe, Rob Langeder, Rosemary Loar, Sarah Rice, Maureen Taylor, Walter Willison, and Kevin McMullan himself. Donations ($20 suggested) will go towards the JAMES FRADRICH MEMORIAL SHOLARSHIP for Classical Pianists and Composers at Lawrence University, Jim's alma mater. Kevin is also continuing his run of "Twist of Fate" at the Laurie Beechman this month into next. After Kevin, pianist extraordinaire Matthew Ward banged fabulously on the keys, this time doing a mind-boggling medley of music - he called it a game to "count the quotes" - mostly to the tune of "I Got My Love to Keep Me Warm." Matthew will be performing with Christine Pedi in the show "There's No Business Like Snow Business" at the Laurie Beechamn, weekends in December!

We had some time for encores! Julie Reyburn expertly sang "Stardust" by Hoagie Charmichael. Steve Herbst whistled "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," with Mark accompanying on piano. Sierra Rein threw some Sondheim in with "Children Will Listen" from Into the Woods, and Richard Eisenberg revamped his "Color Blind Blues." Liz Ulmer threw in another Sondheim piece, "Marry Me a Little," then Tony Imgrund returned and sang "Do You Hear What I Hear?" We then had a true return as Bill Zeffiro brought back his popular new piece "The Final Daze," this time using the Salon to workshop a slow, bluesy version - and it worked! I still laugh at the lyric "My heart is stupid / Sometimes I'd like to pummel cupid." Sue and Edd took the stage back for one last song, a jazzy, comedic duet of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

NEXT SUNDAY! November 14th -
Sarah Rice (original Johanna from Sweeney Todd and a beautiful Cabaret artist), will co-host the evening, entitled "All God's Creatures" in honor of the Zani's Furry Friends Benefit that she and many Salon regulars will be performing in. Check out the website for Zani's Furry Friends and see the show at the Laurie Beechman on November 27th, and bring your cat, dog, pig, fish, whale, gnat, platypus, elephant, or alien-themed songs to the Salon (what, you don't have a platypus song in your repertoire?!?)!






-Sierra Rein
The Blogette for The Salon
Spelling mistakes? URL's I missed? Did I mess up? Please email me.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Update from Producer Tanya Moberly - “All God's Creatures”

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, November 14th from 7-10:30PM.

"A Stage for Stars and Fans Alike "- The Salon mentioned in the Wall Street Journal - Oct 13, 2010 !

The optional theme for the evening is “All God's Creatures”.

Remember, any material, on or off theme, is always welcome at Salon.

Our Co-Host will be the Incomparable Bistro Award Winning Sarah Rice. Sarah, the original Johanna in SWEENEY TODD, will be hosting LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND - A BENEFIT FOR ZANI'S FURRY FRIENDS at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd St, NYC 10036, 212-695-6909 on Saturday, November 27th at 7pm (doors open at 6pm). For more information: www.zanisfurryfriends.org.

Our Salon Spotlight will feature the Marvelous MAC Award Winning Hector Coris! Hector will be at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC 10036, (212) 757-0788, on Tuesday, November 16th at 7PM. For the rest of his busy schedule: www.hectorcoris.com.

There will be a $10 cash cover at the door , collected by 'Etceterette/Blogette', 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 at 6:15pm with 'Etceterette', Kathleen France.

Salon continues every Sunday (Except November 28th & December 5th) through December 19th!

November 21st:
Theme: Flower Power – Music of the 60's & 70's
Co-Hosts: Scott Coulter, Steven Ray Watkins & Lennie Watts
Salon Spotlight: Julie Reyburn

November 28th: NO SALON

December 5th: NO SALON

December 12th:
Theme: Six Degrees of Jerome Kern
Co-Host: Raissa Katona Bennett

December 19th:
Theme: TBA
Co-Hosts: Bill Zeffiro & a Super Special Surprise!

Visit our website at www.markjanasthesalon.com and look for us on Facebook!

Here's some important information about the Salon you should know. The Salon is an ongoing open entertainment event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members. We are currently enjoying our new venue, Etcetera, Etcetera where there is a $10 COVER (cash) AND a $15 FOOD/BEVERAGE MINIMUM (cash or credit). You may sign up to perform starting at 6:15 by seeing one the evening's 'Etceterettes' to fill out a card with your name, the name of your song, whether it's a ballad or an up tempo,(up tempos and comic songs are greatly encouraged!) and any upcoming events you'd like the co-host to announce. Please remember that we do not present performers in order of sign-up and, due to our time restraints and other variables, filling out a card does not guarantee you will perform, but we do our very best to get you up! It is usually a good idea to bring a few different song choices to avoid duplication. All types of material including spoken word are welcome at the Salon but please limit your selections to three or four minutes in length and please bring clear, complete charts for Mark to read. Sitting on the piano is not allowed, nor is flash photography. If you would like to add a (or remove your) name from our list, e-mail me at tanya@tanyamoberly.com

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, November 14th!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Producer
-Sierra Rein
The Blogette for The Salon
Spelling mistakes? URL's I missed? Did I mess up? Please email me.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Update from Producer Tanya Moberly! Tomorrow - “Here Come the Holidays!”

Hello Salon fans and singers! Great News!

I have a lovely update for those who attend Salon - David Ballard, who typically serves The Salon as waiter, charms the audience with his blue eyes and cheeky smiles, and sings in his beautiful clear-toned tenor voice, has booked a Holiday show!!! He'll be on the West Coast tour of "Miracle on 34th Street" this coming December, hitting the cities of Santa Barbara, Spokane and Vancouver. If you have friends or family in these cities, give them a headsup that some New York Salon talent is heading their way. Congrats to David!

And now, from Producer Tanya Moberly:

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, November 7th from 7-10:30PM.

"A Stage for Stars and Fans Alike "- The Salon mentioned in the Wall Street Journal - Oct 13, 2010!

The optional theme for the evening is “Here Come the Holidays!”

Remember, any material, on or off theme, is always welcome at Salon.

Our Co-Hosts will be Two Beloved Salon Family Members: Bistro Award winner Edd Clark and Multiple MAC Award (and Julie Wilson Award) winner Sue Matsuki! Sue and Edd's Fabulous Christmas Show will be at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd St, NYC 10036, 212-695-6909 on December 4th at 8pm, among other dates and venues. For more information, and to purchase/download their “Fabulous Christmas” CD: www.fabulouschristmas.com.

There will be a $10 cash cover at the door , collected by 'Etceterette/Blogette', 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', Liz Ulmer at 6:15pm.

Salon continues every Sunday (Except November 28th & December 5th) through December 19th!

November 14th:
Theme: All God's Creatures
Co-Host: Sarah Rice

November 21st:
Theme: Flower Power – Music of the 60's & 70's
Co-Hosts: Lennie Watts, Scott Coulter & Steven Ray Watkins

November 28th: NO SALON

December 5th: NO SALON

December 12th:
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: Raissa Katona Bennett

December 19th:
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: TBA

Visit our website at www.markjanasthesalon.com and look for us on Facebook!

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, November 7th!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Producer

-Sierra Rein
The Blogette for The Salon
Spelling mistakes? URL's I missed? Did I mess up? Please email me.