Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Salon Wrap-Up for November 20, 2011 "Stupid Love: Songs About Questionable Choices"

We were all bracing ourselves for this week’s Salon theme, which was “Stupid Love: Songs About Questionable Choices.” We were ready for anything: crazy love, desperate love, and love for things and/or people that are questionable all together. And what better way to kick off this event than to listen to our charming co-host, Laurie Krauz. She led off with what she called “the story of her life” -- “Just One Of Those Things.”
Laurie Krauz
Kicking off the 1st half of the open mic was Susan Hodgson who was glitzy in gold, singing the cheeky, “It’s Only a Broken Heart.” Next up was the always lovely Elaine St George, who sang the hilarious, “What’s Your Name?” a song that Lew Spence wrote for Bobby Short. Elaine is working on a new show that she’ll be unveiling in the spring -- but she won’t spill the beans about it just yet. Lisa Viggiano joined us next, singing the sultry and gorgeous, “A Nightingale Can Sing The Blues.”

Lisa Viggiano
Up next to the stage was Sunny Leigh, who sang the jazzy and dramatic, “This Can’t Go On.” Sunny is in the studio recording a new CD, which she’s hoping to release in February or March 2012. Arianna, festive in hat and sparkjly belt, was next, singing the fun Goldrich/Heisler story song, “Taylor The Latte Boy.” Jennie Litt came up joking that she had “no words of wisdom so I should just get on with it.” She brought her friend David Alpher to the piano and sang “Waiting” - which was just, plain lovely! Next we invited up Marianne Berson with Rolf Barnes, who performed “My Lover The Star.” Erin Cronican (your fearless blogette) sang the Jason Robert Brown classic, “Stars and the Moon.” And this evening’s Etceterette Maureen Taylor sang the lovely, “I Don’t Know Why, I Just Do.” She’s in the middle of prepping her show on Lauren Bacall, called “Too Marvelous” - which she’ll be performing December 11, 13 & 18 at the Metropolitan Room.

Maureen Taylor
Julie Reyburn was our Salon Spotlight, and who is making a pit stop at The Salon before premiering her new show, “Winter Songs” at Feinstein’s next week. She started her set with a gorgeous version of “Let It Snow” which morphed into “Come On Snow, Come Down.” Next in the set was, “The Other Side of Winter” - a song about what it’s like to be a mommy in the winter -- written by our very own Bill Zeffiro.

To start this week’s classical corner, Salon Host Mark Janas asked if anyone knew what the form of a sonata was. Naturally, we had several musicians in the house, who replied that Sonata form included: exposition, development, recapitulation and coda. And they typically have 3 movements - a quick one, a slow one, and then a quick one again. Mark demonstrated with Ludwig Van Beethoven’s 1st movement of the piano sonata in C major, “Opus 2, No. 3.”

Let me see if I can accurately describe what Mark talked about regarding sonatas. You have two characters in the first theme set, referred to as “Masculine & feminine.” There’s a transition until you “arrive at five” - the dominant section. Next, another transition happens where we’re led into a fight between a masculine and feminine themes. Mark demonstrated how the movement starts in the masculine theme and then the themes blend together, where the masculine theme is in the feminine key, and so on. The themes continue to intertwine as we head through the middle of the piece. Eventually, after the “recapitulation” we shift into a “redevelopment” and then into the finale where all of the keys and themes resolve. One of the ways Mark suggests listening to sonatas is to try to set aside the idea of “theme” and, instead” think of theme like characters. They all have their own drama and magic, which you can easily hear! I tell you, Classical Corner has made me a more avid listener of classical music, and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Salon Host, Mark Janas
The second half was just as lively as the first, with co-host Laurie Krauz opening with the heartbreaking and dark, “My Foolish Heart.” Next, she charmed us with “Route 66” - though not technically on theme, she did talk about being on musical theater tours for years and having what are affectionately called “show-mances.” So, this song is just as on theme as any we’ve seen! Laurie closed her set with the blues-y “Teach Me Tonight.”

Salon producer, Tanya Moberly, was next with a selection of her , um... 21 songs -- all matching the theme, by golly! This medley ranged with songs from classic musicals (“Adelaide’s Lament”) and contemporary musicals (“You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown“ and “Nobody’s Side”) to standards (“The Man Who Got Away”) and rock music (Pat Benatar!) What a wonderful environment the Salon provides to singers to try things out - Tanya affectionately calls it her Vocal Gym.

Next up was a lovely trio made up of Lea McKenna Garcia, Elisa Pupko and Salon newcomer Kate O’Phalen, who sang the group number, “It’s a Great Big World” from the film, “The Harvey Girls.” (We love group numbers at The Salon!) I have the great pleasure of singing with all of these ladies in the Actor-Own Musical Theater Collective, and I happen to know that they are all voice students with fellow Salon member, Carolann Sanita!
(from left) Elisa Pupko, Lea McKenna Garcia, Kate O'Phalen
Janice Hall came up the stage with the sultry, “Sand” written by Stephen Sondheim for a movie that was never made. She’s performing at Zani’s Furry Friends, produced by Salon member Sarah Rice. Click here to see a full list of singers and pianists, as well as ticketing details. Jane Glick was next at the mic with “The ‘God Why Don’t You Love Me’ Song”- she just finished her show “About Time” at The Metropolitan Room. We’re glad to have her back with us at The Salon! Salon cheerleader Barb Malley was next, singing the feisty Sondheim tune, “Could I Leave You.” We were thrilled to have Susan Winter with us, who sang the gorgeous and touching, “Goodnight, New York.” Her show, “Piano, Bass and Dreams” is being performed November 30, and December 5, 6, & 7.

Susan Winter
The lovely Danielle Erin Rhodes joined Nicholas Levin, singing his tune, “The Olives of Regret.” It is always such a pleasure to hear new material by our talented members, and it was certainly a topic that we could relate to. Stephen Wilde was next, with “I Could Be In Love With Someone Like You,” a song that was cut from Jason Robert Brown’s musical, “The Last Five Years.” David Gordon (another Salon newbie!) sang the gorgeous “Maria” from “West Side Story,” sans microphone! He’s an opera singer, but is slowly returning to his musical theater roots. Whatever style he sings, we were so thrilled to have this powerful singer with us!

David Gordon
We welcomed back Charles West who sang the Gershwin tune, “Treat Me Rough.” Charles still has one more show at Don’t Tell Mama on December 8 & 15. Melissa Heche started out with as story of a man who was hitting on her, and when she asked if he was married, he said, “Does it matter?” I’d say that’s a perfect segue into her song “Chain of Fools”! Lea McKenna Garcia was up next with a solo tune, “The Low-Down Down.” We were delighted to bring back Marissa Mulder, who crooned the heartbreaking, “My Romance” with Bill Zeffiro at the keys. Next up, Bill sang a number of his own, “Better Off Without You.” On Tuesday nights you can find Bill playing at La Mediterranee from 8pm-11pm, and he always welcomes singers to stop by! Closing out the night was the ever warm & funny, Laurie Krauz, with “How Deep is the Ocean.”
Bill Zeffiro
Before I close, I just want to mention that this week we’ve been guests at Etc Etc restaurant for 2 years. And what a wonderful two years it has been!

NEXT WEEK: The optional theme for the evening is “Don’t Mess With Texas” Bring along any song that talks about Texas, or even makes you think about their way of life. We also welcome songs that are off-theme. (Be sure to bring a second option, in case your song has already been reserved.) Our Co-Host will be the Fabulous Faye Lane! Faye won a Bistro and a MAC Award in 2010 for her critically acclaimed “Faye Lane’s Beauty Shop Stories”. For more information about this unique, on-going project written and performed by Faye: www.beautyshopstories.com.


-Erin Cronican
Blogette for The Salon
Spelling mistakes? URL's I missed? Please email me.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Update from Producer Tanya Moberly - November 28, 2011

SALON – that unique, MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING, Weekly Open Mic Event, created and hosted by Mark Janas returns to Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 – on Sunday, December 4th from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “Don't Mess With Texas!”

Our Co-Host will be the Fabulous Faye Lane! Faye won a Bistro and a MAC Award in 2010 for her critically acclaimed “Faye Lane's Beauty Shop Stories”. For more information about this unique, on-going project written and performed by Faye: www.beautyshopstories.com.

Our Salon Spotlight will feature Hanson Award Winner Angela Shultz! Angela is appearing in DO OVERS at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 West 46th St, NYC, www.donttellmamanyc.com . Her two remaining shows are Friday, Dec 2nd at 8:30pm and Tuesday, Dec 6th at 7:00pm. For more information: www.angelashultz.com.

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

Salon continues every Sunday (except December 18th, December 25th & January 1st):
December 11th:
Theme: Holiday Party
Co-Hosts: Definitely Dickens Carolers – Mick Bleyer, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein & Adam West Hemming
Salon Spotlight: Daryl Glenn, Alison Nusbaum & Ricky Ritzel

December 18th: NO SALON

December 25th: NO SALON

January 1st: NO SALON

January 8th:
Theme: Denial Is Not Just a River in Egypt
Co-Host: Kevin McMullan

End 2011 on a high note! Mark Janas and Andy Gale are once again offering their “Acting The Song” class, which will meet the first three Saturdays in December from noon until 4pm at Ripley Greer Studios, 520 Eighth Ave., Studio 10 A. The fee for the three sessions is $275 and enrollment is limited. For more information, contact Andy at 646-526-4376 or Mark at 646-246-5753.

Salon is an ongoing open entertainment event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members.

There is a $10 cash cover collected at the door and a $15 food/drink minimum (cash or credit) per person. (For more information about Etcetera, Etcetera's delicious menu:www.etcrestaurant.com.) There are no reservations; seating is on a first come/first served basis, Doors open and sign up begins at 6:15pm. The evening runs 7-10:30, withone intermission. If you would like to sign up to perform, see one the evening's 'Etceterettes' to fill out a card with your name, the name of your song, whether or notMark will be playing for you and any upcoming events you'd like to promote. We do not present performers in order of sign-up, however, indicating requests as clearly and as early as possible as far as time restraints are concerned always makes everything much more possible. ALWAYS BRING SEVERAL SONG SELECTIONS to avoid duplication. All types of material, on or off theme are always welcome at Salon. We enthusiastically welcome instrumentalists, poets, playwrights, essayists, comics, illusionists and performance artists. Please limit your selections to three or four minutes in length (including introductions). Please also bring clear, complete charts for Mark to read. Sitting on the piano is not allowed, nor is flash photography. Please turn off all noise making devices and give performers your undivided attention.

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

Thank you to our sponsors Dr. Garrett Bennett & Father Jeffrey Hamblin, MD!

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, December 4th!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Producer

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Update from Producer Tanya Moberly- November 22, 2011

THERE WILL BE NO SALON NOVEMBER 27TH.

SALON – that unique, MULTIPLE 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 4th from 7-10:30PM. (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

December 4th:
Theme: Don't Mess with Texas
Co-Host: Faye Lane
Salon Spotlight: Angela Shultz

Salon continues every Sunday (except December 18th, December 25th & January 1st):

December 11th:
Theme: Holiday Party
Co-Hosts: Definitely Dickens Carolers – Mick Bleyer, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein & Adam West Hemming
Salon Spotlight: Daryl Glenn, Alison Nusbaum & Ricky Ritzel

December 18th: NO SALON

December 25th: NO SALON

January 1st: NO SALON

January 8th:
Theme: Denial Is Not Just a River in Egypt
Co-Host: Kevin McMullan

In the meantime, come check out LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ‘ROUND An Evening of Song to Help Our Furry Friends - Saturday, November 26th at 7pm (doors open at 6:00) at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd Street, NYC. RESERVATIONS: 212-695-6909 or TKTS via SMARTTIX.COM or SmartTix by phone 212-868-4444. The evening boasts a star-studded cast (Len Cariou, Carole Demas, Marni Nixon) with several Salon members (Mark Janas, Tanya Moberly, Erin Cronican, Sarah Rice, Bill Zeffiro, Janice Hall) and will be Co-Hosted by Eric Michael Gillett & Sue Matsuki. For more information: www.zanisfurryfriends.org.

Also - Julie Reyburn will be appearing at Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency, 540 Park Avenue (at 61st Street), NYC, 212-339-4095, on Sunday, November 27th & Monday, November 28th at 8:30pm with Mark Janas as her Musical Director. For more information: www.juliereyburn.com.

And...End 2011 on a high note! Mark Janas and Andy Gale are once again offering their “Acting The Song” class, which will meet the first three Saturdays in December from noon until 4pm at Ripley Greer Studios, 520 Eighth Ave., Studio 10A. The fee for the three sessions is $275 and enrollment is limited. For more information, contact Andy at 646-526-4376 or Mark at 646-246-5753.

Salon is an ongoing open entertainment event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members.

There is a $10 cash cover collected at the door and a $15 food/drink minimum (cash or credit) per person. (For more information about Etcetera, Etcetera's delicious menu:www.etcrestaurant.com.) There are no reservations; seating is on a first come/first served basis, Doors open and sign up begins at 6:15pm. The evening runs 7-10:30, withone intermission. If you would like to sign up to perform, see one the evening's 'Etceterettes' to fill out a card with your name, the name of your song, whether or notMark will be playing for you and any upcoming events you'd like to promote. We do not present performers in order of sign-up, however, indicating requests as clearly and as early as possible as far as time restraints are concerned always makes everything much more possible. ALWAYS BRING SEVERAL SONG SELECTIONS to avoid duplication. All types of material, on or off theme are always welcome at Salon. We enthusiastically welcome instrumentalists, poets, playwrights, essayists, comics, illusionists and performance artists. Please limit your selections to three or four minutes in length (including introductions). Please also bring clear, complete charts for Mark to read. Sitting on the piano is not allowed, nor is flash photography. Please turn off all noise making devices and give performers your undivided attention.

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

Thank you to our sponsors Dr. Garrett Bennett & Father Jeffrey Hamblin, MD!

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, December 4th!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Producer

Friday, November 18, 2011

The Salon Wrap-Up for November 13, 2011 "The Marvelous 50s & 60s"

Things were feeling bubble-gummy and pop-py Sunday at The Salon where we celebrated music of the 1950s and 1960s. On hand were four fabulous ladies: Brittney Morello, Morgan Smith, Danielle Erin Rhodes and Lara Seibert who brought us tunes from the musical “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” They started with a fun, perfect harmony version of “Mister Sandman” complete with storytelling from the show.
The Marvelous "Marvelous Wonderettes"
First up in the Open Mic segment was Diane Carey with the smokey ballad, “On The Day You Leave Me.” Susan Hodgson was next in line with “Black Coffee” -- proof that we love off theme material (the song was written in 1948, after all!) Susan just finished a show, “A Bumpy Road to Love” in October, and will be reviving it in early 2012 at Don’t Tell Mama. Look out for it!

We were excited to welcome back Bobbie Horowitz, who charmed us with a comedic, New York themed, “Flatbush Serenade.” The Wonderettes filled in some of the choruses with fun harmonies from the audience seats. Next up, Terri Giviens (who has the distinguished title of “Tanya Moberly’s childhood babysitter”) entertained us with an upbeat and lovable “Old Devil Moon.”

Terri Giviens
Stephanie Zegorin then joined us on the stage with the Paul Simon song, “Feeling Groovy” -- reminding us to: “slow down, you move to fast, you’ve gotta make the moment last!” Next up was the well acted and energetic, “Lipstick on your Collar” with lead vocals by Brittney Morello and backups by the Wonderettes. Richie Eisenberg regaled us with his very own tune, “All Good Things Must Come To An End.” Four of Richie’s songs are being featured in the Winter Rhythms Festival at Urban Stages on December 7 (along with other Salon regulars.)

Elaine St George brought us the delicious, “How The Handle A Woman” from the Lerner & Loewe musical, “Camelot.” We encourage singers to try new material and experiment with pieces in a non-traditional way, and I can personally say this was a slam-dunk success. Very, very lovely work, Elaine!
Elaine St George
David Ballard asked Salon Producer Tanya Moberly to sing with him on “Happy Together” - lucky for us, the audience couldn’t help themselves and joined in during the chorus -- the clapping, oohing and ahhing were contagious!
Tanya Moberly & David Ballard
Erin Cronican (yours truly!) was next, with the Cindy Walker & Eddy Arnold tune, “You Don’t Know Me.” Etceterette Marnie Klar then performed a touching version of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” Salon co-host Morgan Smith, went from shy to vamp with“Secret Love,” revealing that the “secret” love was in fact Richie Eisenberg (who did not seem to mind one bit.) I believe there was a little bit of blushing involved.
Morgan Smith
Mark Janas, fearless host of The Salon, then started our exclusive Classical Corner with some thoughts about tempo, and what kind of effect it has on a musical compositions. He told us a story about using a metronome on a “ballade” that he had been working on. Via this experiment, he found that when trying to keep the same ongoing tempo, the song loses all it’s color, and in some sections it can be “deadly” because the tempo would be too fast (or too slow.) He then wondered -- could someone sing it and make that straight tempo work? The answer, in short? No. He also discovered that he had to play the piece more lightly to go as quickly as needed to keep up with the metronome. In addition, he wondered what kind of balance he needed to keep the tempo the same and yet give accents to important notes? He found this to be incredibly difficult. He tried it slow, he tried it fast... some things became really exciting and others just fell flat. His conclusion: tempo is a fluid thing for classical music, which is very different than what we hear in 50s and 60s music, which tends to find a tempo and dig in to keep it.
The Salon's distinguished host, Mark Janas
Mark then introduced Chopin’s “Ballade in A Flat Major, Opus 47” to illustrate how a musician can interpret tempo as the piece progresses. One thing that Mark noted, which we all found particularly inspiring: Part of being a good artist is not judging yourself while performing for others. Let THEM decide if you’re good or not -- that should only be your concern when you’re rehearsing, not when you're performing. What really counts is telling your story with poetry and passion. And Mark definitely did just that. It was remarkable!

After such an incredible first half, it was time to take a break!

The second set was kicked off with a medley of “Dream” and “Dream Lover” -- hilariously sung by the Wonderettes. Tanya Moberly then sang the adorable “Frank Mills” from the 1960s musical “Hair.” Barb Malley was next, singing “Hostess with the Mostes’” from “Call Me Madam” - she was a real trooper, considering she had a wee cold, We’re just so thrilled that Salon members love our event enough to come when getting over being under the weather (wow- that was clever! Think I’ll use that again sometime...)

Joining us next on the stage was Salon funny lady, Joan Jaffe, who teased us with some interpretive dance and her rendition of “Bagel & Lox.” There sure were a lot of New York themed songs in the air!

Joan Jaffe
Lara Seibert then sang the gorgeous and sultry “Maybe” with able assistance from her Wonderette pals. The Salon guests were amazed by such talent in one room! Frank Loman, who’s here on a 2 month stay from Britain, sang, “Evergreen” as a thank you to the cabaret community for being so welcoming to him. He’s going back to London to do some projects and then plans to be back in NYC in February to revive his show at Don’t Tell Mama. Janice Hall came to the stage with Matthew Martin Ward on piano, to sing the smart & lovely, “When In Rome.” She surprised us mid-song by offering us the man’s perspective in response (“Mala Femmina”) in Italian -- which Matthew promptly translated (in a hilariously dry manner, I might add.)
Matthew Martin Ward
Matthew Martin Ward then took over the next slot, saying he believes we neglected the important music of 1950s sitcoms! He went on to remind us of a few songs based on their intervals and themes, including the opening tune from “The Patty Duke Show.” The audience all joined in merrily -- Ahhh... the good ol’ days.

Harold Sanditen (a self-proclaimed Salon virgin!) brought us “The Way You Look Tonight.” Harold is also doing a show in England and will be bringing it back here in March. We’re so thrilled to have you here with us, Harold - please come back! MetroStar Challenge winner Marissa Mulder graced the stage with the sassy Bill Zeffiro on the keys, singing “Sunday, Monday, Always.” They are so, so charming together -- the audience just loved it.
Marissa Mulder
Bill them stayed at the piano and brought us his earnest and sentimental, “What The Hell, It’s Christmas” (Ok, so it wasn’t those things at all, but he had us in stitches!) Bill has a song being premiered on November 27 with Julie Reyburn, is playing for the Donald Smith Tribute on December 1, and also is performing on December 7th at the Winter Rhythms Festival. There’s no rest for the talented!

Salon charter member Stephen Wilde surprised us by actually being on theme (his words, not mine) with the wonderfully comic, “One More Minute“ with Mark Janas piping in backing vocals. My goodness - it was precious. The audience had tears, they laughed so hard! Carolann M Sanita (who brought her mom, who’s visiting NYC!) silenced the audience with the lovely and sweet, “I Sure Like The Boys.” Carolann just had her successful cabaret debut at The Triad on November 12 - lucky for us, she recorded the show and will be releasing a CD!

Charles West sang the showstopping 1954 tune,  “Gotta Have Me Go With You” from “A Star is Born”. He’s a company member in “The Fantasticks” and will be going on in the role of El Gallo on Thanksgiving - if you’re in town, be sure to check it out! The show was closed with our lovely c-hosts, The Marvelous Wonderettes, singing, “Thank You & Goodnight” - a wonderful ending to a wonderful evening!

NEXT WEEK: The optional theme for the evening is “Stupid Love – An Evening About Questionable Choices.” Bring along any song that makes you shake your head in disgust, or revel in your rebellion! We also welcome songs that are off-theme. (Be sure to bring a second option, in case your song has already been reserved.) Next week, your co-host is jazz vocalist Laurie Krauz. Our Salon Spotlight is Julie Reyburn.


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


Update from Producer Tanya Moberly- November 17, 2011

SALON – that unique, MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING, WeeklyOpen Mic Event, created and hosted by Mark Janas returnsto Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 – onSunday, November 20th from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “Stupid Love – An Evening About Questionable Choices.”

Our Co-Host will be Bistro & Multiple MAC Award Winner Laurie Krauz! Laurie will be appearing with the Daryl Kojak Quartet at SOMETHIN' Jazz Club, 212 E. 52nd St, NYC, (212) 371-7657/www.somethinjazz.com, on December 9th at 7pm. For more information: www.lauriekrauz.com.

Our Salon Spotlight will feature Nightlife, Bistro & Multiple MAC Award Winner Julie Reyburn! Julie will be appearing at Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency, 540 Park Avenue (at 61st Street), NYC, 212-339-4095, on Sunday, November 27th & Monday, November 28th at 8:30pm. For more information: www.juliereyburn.com. Remember, any material, on or off theme, is always welcome at Salon.

Salon continues every Sunday (except November 27th, December 18th, December 25th & January 1st):

November 27th: NO SALON

December 4th:
Theme: Don't Mess with Texas
Co-Host: Faye Lane

December 11th:
Theme: Holiday Party
Co-Hosts: Definitely Dickens Carolers – Mick Bleyer, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein & Adam West Hemming
Salon Spotlight: Daryl Glenn, Alison Nusbaum & Ricky Ritzel

December 18th: NO SALON

December 25th: NO SALON

January 1st: NO SALON

January 8th:
Theme: Denial Is Not Just a River in Egypt
Co-Host: Kevin McMullan

Salon is an ongoing open entertainment event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members.

There is a $10 cash cover collected at the door and a $15 food/drink minimum (cash or credit) per person. (For more information about Etcetera, Etcetera's delicious menu: www.etcrestaurant.com.) There are no reservations; seating is on a first come/first served basis, Doors open and sign up begins at 6:15pm. The evening runs 7-10:30, with one intermission. If you would like to sign up to perform, see one the evening's 'Etceterettes' to fill out a card with your name, the name of your song, whether or not Mark will be playing for you and any upcoming events you'd like to promote. We do not present performers in order of sign-up, however, indicating requests as clearly and as early as possible as far as time restraints are concerned always makes everything much more possible. ALWAYS BRING SEVERAL SONG SELECTIONS to avoid duplication. All types of material, on or off theme are always welcome at Salon. We enthusiastically welcome instrumentalists, poets, playwrights, essayists, comics, illusionists and performance artists. Please limit your selections to three or four minutes in length (including introductions). Please also bring clear, complete charts for Mark to read. Sitting on the piano is not allowed, nor is flash photography. Please turn off all noise making devices and give performers your undivided attention.

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

Thank you to our sponsors Dr. Garrett Bennett & Father Jeffrey Hamblin, MD!

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, November 20th!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Producer

Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Salon Wrap-Up for November 6, 2011 "And They Called It Puppy Love"

Hello, Salon Gents and Salonettes! This is your guest blogger, Candice Oden, here! What a great night this last Sunday! A great turnout of newbies and ... well, I won’t say “oldies.” ;) Our theme was “Puppy Love” -- and with the amazing and incomparable (not to mention completely lovely) Sarah Rice as our co-host for the evening, how could the night be anything less than great?

Sarah opened the show with the gorgeous “Love Is My Reason,” sung like absolutely no other, of course. Next up was Sunny Leigh with “The Desert Song.” Sunny filled us in on a couple of her upcoming ventures, including a performance in the Metropolitan Room in March, and she is working on a new CD!

Richard Eisenberg, one of our favorite lyricists, first teased us with all of the possible “on theme” songs he could have sung (one of Barb Malley’s frequent ploys, as well), but finally gifted us with the fantastic “Never Too Late.” Rich was quite coy with his news, but we do know that he is currently putting together a show -- we can’t wait, Rich!

Richard Eisenberg

The Salon’s favorite darling, Barbara Malley, followed. Barb said that she associated “puppy love” with “young love,” so she sang the very appropriate “I Just Found Out About Love” -- a song about a friend who met a boy at a friday night social (complete with picture frame to drive the sentiment home). So sweet. For those of you who don’t know, yet, Barb has a show this Sunday, the 13th, at 1pm at the West Bank Cafe at The Laurie Beechman Theatre! For reservations, call (212) 695-6909. You can also find out more info about the show (I Remember Brooklyn -- a benefit performance for the Jackie Robinson Foundation) by calling Barbara directly at (631) 804-3160. Best of luck with the show, Barb!

Stephanie Zagoran was disappointed about having to miss our Halloween Salon, so took the theme by the horns and brought a spooky Harold Arlen song (better late than never!), “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead!” A favorite!

Our next singer also stuck with the holiday theme. Bobbie Horowitz rang in Election Day with “The Vote Song.” Oh, and, by the way ... She wrote it! Bobbie is a Jackie of All Trades -- a fantastic performer, songwriter, producer, author, image consultant -- you name it! Bobbie has done it, can do it, and/or WILL do it. It was lovely meeting you, Bobbie!

Bobbie Horowitz

The magnificent Joey Infante changed things up with a reading (accompanied by Mike McDonald) that tugged at our heart strings:

If you can start your day without caffeine,
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a a friend's limited education and never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color, religion, or politics....
Then, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.
Anonymous

Be sure to see Joey at Don’t Tell Mama in Babalu on December 2nd!

Mike McDonald stayed at the piano (always a treat) and sang his version of “You Made Me Love You” -- a tribute to their dogs.


Up next was another one of our favorite songwriters, Nick Levin, who brought us an original and beautifully touching song (he joked that it was written when he was “a younger man”), “Somewhere Written In This Song.” ... [is ‘I Love You’] So lovely.

Nick Levin

Stephen Wilde, another tease telling us of a song he wouldn’t sing (but apparently sang it for his Jim Caruso’s Cast Party debut last Monday -- good work, Stephen!), sang a new song for him (and us), the moving, powerful, and totally fantastic “I Was Here” from The Glorious Ones.

Following Stephen, Carole Demas (looking as fantastic as ever -- who we all know and love as the original Sandy in Grease), gave us a rare treat -- complete in bathrobe and depression (noting that this song always hit a little too close to home), Carole gave us her “Raining on Prom Night” and “Sandra Dee Reprise” from Grease.

Carole Demas

Now, what person has to follow that? God bless them ... Oh, that’s right! ’Twas I, Candice Oden, who sang “Someone Like You” to thunderous applause, a standing ovation, and roses being tossed onto the stage. ... You’re right -- most of those did not happen, but I did sing “Someone Like You,” and you were all very kind. ;)

Maureen Taylor wrapped up the singers’ portion of Act I singin’ about bein’ a tomboy -- a feeling with which she is quite familiar -- in “One of The Girls Who’s One of The Boys.” A fantastic job, Maureen! In case anyone hasn’t heard, Maureen has coming up next month Too Marvelous!: A Glorious, Glamourous, & Not to Mention Amorous Tribute to Lauren Bacall. That will be at the Metropolitan Room on December 11th, 13th, and 18th -- mark your calendars!

Next it was time for Classical Corner -- always one of my favorite parts of the evening, and I’m sure not I’m not alone. The endlessly talented Mark Janas began, saying that he wondered how he could tie “puppy love” to music. Well, it’s sort of a first love type of thing, so what is that hooks you to music? What was it that hooked Mark Janas to music? The first thing (or person, rather) was Beethoven -- he loved the drama of his work -- particularly the dramatic pauses. He went on to note the pieces that are taught to and played by beginners -- the pieces that hook you -- and how we end up associating those specific pieces with, well, a beginner’s skill. When it comes to recitals, you will hear “Für Elise” an endless amount of times, always watching the students count (and watching Mark demonstrate is hilarious) the “dunna, dunna, dunna, dunna-nuh...s.” It turn, this melody has become slightly less than what the piece was originally intended to be. When taken out of a recital context, however, and when played by someone who has truly honed their craft, it is an incredibly beautiful piece. Mark proceeded to play this piece with the grace that we so often are neglected. It is something so beautiful to see when you watch pianists like Mark, masters of their craft, actually live through a piece. And that’s exactly what we saw.

Mark continued, telling us that there were a lot of pieces in A minor that he loved -- he would hear things and pick them out. His mother having planted music into his brain at a very early age with a collection of classical records (and his built-in genius), this was no problem for him. He took us through his childhood playing though key pieces that were a big part of his growing up, including Schubert’s Moments Musicaux, 3rd and 5th movements -- pieces that also sparkle when the hands are changed from a child’s to a crafted artist adult’s. Mark explained that A minor was so important to him growing up, most of his first pieces just sounded like Beethoven in A minor! But then, boy, we all certainly know what that’s like, right??? ;)

After asking if there were any requests, and the audience basically shouting “Chopin,” in unison, Mark enchanted everyone with Chopin’s Waltz in C-Sharp Minor. And, as an added treat, he gave us one last Minute Waltz, also know as “Petit Chien.” That’s right, “little dog.” And we wondered how he could tie Classical Corner to “Puppy Love.” ;)

** Intermission ***

And Sarah Rice was back to the stage! She first shared the story of when her cat died, and decided that she wanted to adopt an older cat (cuz no one ever wants ‘em) -- she found one that had been dropped at a kill shelter; and, while, it took some time for her newest family to get accustomed to the new environment (not trusting that these people were safe), its attitude gradually changed from scared and untrusting to, as Sarah put it, deciding he had traded up. :) She dedicated her next song, “And I Was Beautiful” by Jerry Herman, to her cat.

Sarah then entertained and, of course, wowed us with Bravura Variations (variations on “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”) involving a battle of “Ahs” against those magical fingers at the piano. So fantastic.
We then got to hear a “very serious” duet with Janice Hall -- the Rosini Cat Duet -- SO hilarious, and even more so when even THEY can’t hold it together.

And it came to pass ... Tanya Moberly was up! She sang “Meadowlark,” one of my favorite songs, and let me tell you -- it’s so wonderful when one of your favorite singers sings one of your favorite songs -- WONDERFULLY well. :) Fabulous, Tanya! Thank you! DO NOT miss her last show at Don’t Tell Mama next Monday, the 14th, Tanya Moberly Sings Ani DiFranco (with the amazing Erin Cronican on backup vocals). I repeat: do not miss it. ;)

It was then Jake Wesley Stewart, another newbie, who brought 1960-soul to 2011 with “Hard Times” ... on his iPad 2! Jake just landed a month singing at Swing 46, so get ready -- congrats, Jake!

Next, I was so happy that Elizabeth Tryon brought back her HILARIOUS arrangement of “O Mio Babbino Caro.” Elizabeth and Mark have been rehearsing this for the finals in WQXR’s Comedy and Classical Music Competition Tuesday on November 8th. WELL??? HOW DID IT GO??? :D And just to be clear, Elizabeth, you do not need a rehearsal as an excuse to perform this again in the future. ;)

Elizabeth Tryon

With another “how can you follow that moment,” Matthew Martin Ward stepped up to the plate and hit a home run with an original -- whilst talking shop with Mark Janas, of course (yes, during the song!). The hilarious and darling “I Hate The Piano” was a hit.

Bill Zeffiro was up next with another one of his hilarious originals -- this one inspired by the moment his now ex-wife asked about getting back together. Well, if you know Bill, you’re not surprised when he answered with ... “Have You Met You?” Another HILARIOUS SONG by Bill Zeffiro.

The incredible and incredibly lovely Melissa Mulder then joined Bill and enchanted everyone with “Disneyland.” She has a show next week and next month (November 16th and December 14th), Look To Your Heart, at the Metropolitan Room. She can also always be found at La Mediterranee with Bill on Tuesday nights.

It was then time for Robin Westle’s Salon debut. She started by sharing her version of “puppy love,” meeting Raissa Bennett. She then clarified that it was more of an “accausting”-type situation. But Raissa was her lovely self, and pointed her in the proper direction, giving her more confidence to sing -- and we were so happy she did! “Pet Me, Papa” was a hit! Thanks, Robin!

Raissa Katona Bennett next performed a new arrangement of “Ordinary Miracles.” Don’t forget that Raissa is hosting the the citywide songwriting contest! Submission is open until December 31st!

Raissa Katona Bennett

A wonderful theme that came to the evening was literal puppy love -- so many people, including Raissa and our fabulous co-host, Sarah Rice, are active in animal rights movements/activities. I have not mentioned, yet, the benefit on November 26th, Love Makes The World Go Round: An Evening of Song to Help Our Furry Friends. The benefit will be held at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, and 100% of the proceeds go to Zani’s Furry Friends. It’s going to be an amazing night of amazing talent for an amazing organization.

OK, back to The Salon!

Janice Hall sang the incredibly sexy German song “The Cat” -- about a two-legged cat -- but but together English lyrics. You know, for us less cultured folk. ;) Don’t miss her show at Urban Stages on Dec 6th!

Janice Hall

Sticking with the animal theme, Paul Kolecki crooned everyone’s favorite frog’s “It Ain’t Easy Being Green, followed by new-comer Charles West, who sang a song for his childhood dog, Chancy, his best friend. Charles will be at Don’t Tell Mama on November 16th, 17th, and 23rd, and December 8th and 15th.

And it was time to wrap up the show. Sarah Rice, one of theater’s most gifted and accomplished singer/actresses, slayed the audience with the hysterical “A Word on My Ear.” Or, as I like to call it, “I’m Tone Deaf.” It was a marvelous end to a an already fantastic evening. Thank you so much, Sarah.

Sarah Rice

NEXT WEEK: The optional theme for November 13th is “The Marvelous 50s & 60s!” Our co-hosts will be The Marvelous Wondrettes -- Brittney Morello, Danielle Erin Rhodes, Lara Seibert, and Morgan Smith! (These super-talented ladies were scheduled to co-host on August 28th, but there just happened to be a hurricane running through the city -- we’re so happy to finally have them!) Click here for more information about their production this last summer at Maine State Music Theatre (with the legendary Mark Janas as their musical director). Remember -- off-theme performances are welcome, too! And be sure to bring your book in case your song has already been taken. See you next Sunday! :)

- Candice
Guest Blogette for The Salon
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Friday, November 4, 2011

The Salon Wrap-Up for October 30, 2011 "Monster Masquerade"

What could be scarier than a snow storm in October? Why, Mark Janas’ The Salon on October 30! The crowd was in a festive mood and ready for frivolity. Mark opened with a hilarious spoof medley of songs from “Oklahoma” as Count Dracula (called, “Transylvania,” perhaps?) And why not? It was perfect for this week’s Halloween theme, “The Monster Masquerade.)

Mark Janas, all dressed up!
Our fabulous show was co-hosted by none other than Janice Hall, who arrived lovely in black lace. She kicked off the night with a comedic, “Werewolves of London” (complete with howling audience participation. Literally, howling.) Barb Malley (dressed up as an umpire) kicked off the open mic segment with, “Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball” from her current show, “I Remember Brooklyn.” Elaine St George came to the mic next, singing the lovely jazz standard, “I Never Have Seen Snow” (a little tongue in cheek, given our weekend!) Elaine just added 2 tracks to CD Baby that are available for purchase through her Facebook page (technology, ooh lala!) Mike McDonald then joined us at the piano with “Running Wild,” a song about 1922 Prohibition. His handsome partner, Joey Infante followed with “That Old Black Magic.” It’a always such fun seeing these guys dress up for our themes.
Joey Infante
Marnie Klar came next, bringing us the dramatic and touching, “I’d Give My Life For You.” David Ballard followed with “Everybody Says Don’t” from the Sondheim musical, “Anyone Can Whistle.” Your trusty Blogette (Erin Cronican) and Blogette In Training (Candice Oden) then kicked off a series of duets with “In His Eyes” from the ever monstrous “Jekyll & Hyde.” Erin and Candice are performing in a private reading of this very show on November 14. Etceterette Sarah Rice and Co-Host Janice Hall then sang the gorgeous, Celtic tune, “All Souls Night,” complete with a tambourine and bell to accentuate the lovely harmonies. Sarah is producing a benefit for Zani’s Furry Friends on November 26. 100% of the tickets price goes to puppies and kitties and other loving critters, so guests are being sought!

For tonight’s Salon Spotlight, Mark introduced Maine State Music Theater’s Executive Director, Steve Peterson. As many of us know, Mark is a Music Director for one show each season at Maine State, and was thrilled to spotlight the wonderful work that Maine State does (which included the effervescent show “The Marvelous Wonderettes” this past summer.) Steve said that this recent show brought him some nostalgia, so he started with a story of his youth as an actor in Logan, Utah and his audition for “The Invisible People.” As an 11 year old, he sang the song, “Secret Love” for this audition, having no idea what kind of song it really was -- and he then demonstrated his point with a special wink at Salon technician, Tommy Shull. Steve then introduced Brittany Morello who sang the powerful, “One Halloween” from “Applause.”
Steve Peterson, with an amused Tommy Shull
For this week’s Classical Corner, Mark introduced the concept of tension in spooky music. Mark said that there are a couple of elements which can make music seem spooky: Tense Intervals (which you hear in West Side Story quite a bit, especially in the song “Cool”), and drops in the melodic line (sadness can be shown by dropping the melody by half steps or with minor chords.) He also pointed out the Diminished 5th, where there’s a clash with the note that is naturally in the chord when any note is played. He gave the example of “Dies Irae,” the Latin Mass for the Dead, used by many composers, including France’s Camille Saint Saens.

Mark then told a story of being in grade school, when they had the kids listen to a piece of music. They told the students to draw their impression of what they were listening to while it was being played. So, Mark decided to experiment with a piece that’s meant for organ, by playing Camille Saint Saens’ “Danse Macabre” on the piano. Mark said this piece depicts a graveyard where the skeletons come out and play one night a year. The piece starts with the clock striking midnight, and then the music becomes more alive and swells much like a tarantella. There is a final frenzy which is interrupted by some light music which is reminiscent of a rooster crowing, and then the music takes on a sadness as the skeletons go back into their graves to sleep another year. What a treat (not trick) it was for us to learn so much about how songs are constructed.

As a last minute treat, Mark introduced Elizabeth Tryon who brought a ridiculously hilarious portrayal of “O Mio Babbino Caro”, conceived as a performance piece about a deranged opera accompanist who seeks to sabotage the singer by throwing multiple key changes and tempos at her. It was an upbeat end to a wonderful first set.
Mark making "demands" of his singer, Elizabeth Tryon
The second set was kicked off with a “Music of the Night” spoof called “Music of the Blight” by Mark Janas, complete with jokes during the musical interludes. If you’ve been to The Salon before, I don’t have to remind you that Mark is famed for his jokes. Janice Hall, fullfilling both parts of tonight’s theme -- Halloween and favorite roles -- started her set with a flawlessly sung “Kiss of The Spider Woman” from the show of the same name. She then sang another duet with Sarah Rice, a haunting and beautiful song about a black swan from “The Medium.” Janice Hall wrapped up her set with Stevie Nicks’ incredibly moving “Beauty And The Beast.”  (But, then, what Stevie Nicks songs aren’t moving?)  A job well done by Ms. Hall.
Janice Hall and Sarah Rice
Tanya Moberly started the open mic portion of the second set with the Sondheim-esque patter song, “The Writing On The Wall” about Lazarus. Tanya brought in a costume of her own... pants and a button down shirt...? Well, whatever she wears, she is dazzling. Be sure to see her next Monday, November 7, as she brings Jonatha Brooke’s songs to life at Don't Tell Mama -- if you love gorgeous female harmonies and haunting lyrics, you’ll love this show (as a disclaimer, I am also in this show!)  Lindsey Holloway then joined us with the gloomy, doomy, jazzy and snazzy, “Black Coffee.” The always adorable David Rigano then charmed us with his own “seasonal” tune, “I Wanna Be Daphne” about the bombshell from Scooby Doo. It’s also about something deeper - David was inspired by the controversy of the 5 year old boy who was derided for dressing up as Daphne last Halloween. Check out the video, which includes a link to the mom’s blog, who talked about her son’s desires. Amazingly, she made happy mention of David’s song in one of her blog posts. Congrats!

Tanya Moberly... in pants?
Carolann M Sanita wowed the audience into silence with “The Life I Never Led,” and sent chills up everyone’s spine with her incredible performance. Carolann is doing her cabaret debut on November 12 at The Triad, and let us know that she raised enough money to rent the space outright, thereby removing the 2 drink minimum. She also has a $5 discount for members of AEA/AFTRA/SAG and MAC , which brings the price from $15 to $10 per ticket. Lisa Viggiano, complete with witch's hat, brought in the ultimate monster ballad, “Defying Gravity.” Steve Peterson then came back to the mic (lucky us!) with a touching spoof of Annie’s “Tomorrow” (“I’m gonna lose weight, tomorrow...”) If you can believe it, Mr Peterson was, at one point, 120 heavier than he was on our stage. What a joy it was to have him with us- Steve, we’d love you at any weight! Steve then invite to the stage Mia Tepler, who blew us away with a stunning,“All That’s Known.” Maine State has an intern program to “give folks a stage that they may not have in life” - thanks to Steve for sharing that program with us tonight!

Carolann Sanita
Stephen Hanks regaled us with “On The Amazon” from the 1920s musical, "Mr. Cinders." He reminded us that his show, “The Fartiste”, is currently running Off Broadway. Another Stephen then came to the mic - this time it was board member Stephen Wilde, who brought back the fantastical, non-typecasting (really!) favorite, “Way Ahead of my Time” by Peter Mills, after which the audience erupted in cheers. Can someone please tell Stephen that we’d love his presence here each week? Sound guru Tommy Shull broke into The Salon with some very exciting news -- his band “Hey Guy” just got featured on the radio, with a personal shout out by the DJ who originally caught them at a live show at The Knitting Factory! And lucky us, he was able to play the song for us over the loudspeakers. We’re so thrilled for you Tommy. Congratulations!

Candice Oden then joined the mic with friend, Erin Cronican (aka me!) to sing the true-to-life “For Good” from “Wicked” (noting that they hope someday this show will be a part of “roles of days gone by.”) Peter Tedeski followed with a spoken word performance of “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe with eerie accompaniment by Mark Janas. Bill Zeffiro, dashingly decked out in a tuxedo, decided to do an uncharacteristic comedy number (ha!), bringing in Noel Coward’s “Louisa.” Bill just got done playing a sold out Coward show starring KT Sullivan and Emily Bergl at The Oak Room. We’re always delighted to have this cheery board member with us at The Salon.

Erin Cronican and Candice Oden
Mark introduced the next piece, a mash up of "American Tune" (Paul Simon) & "How Glory Goes" (Adam Guettel from “Floyd Collins”) which talks about the winter of your life and what’s beyond... sung by the always amazing Julie Reyburn. And wrapping up the show was co-host Janice Hall with the fun (and Transylvanian accented) “Vampire Surprise.”

NEXT WEEK: The optional theme for the evening is “Puppy Love” - bring along any song about animals, or those that make you feel like an animal! We also welcome songs that are off-theme. (Be sure to bring a second option, in case your song has already been reserved.) Next week, your co-host is Sarah Rice! Sarah is best known for originating the role of Johanna in the Broadway production of SWEENEY TODD. She will be appearing in LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND – A BENEFIT FOR ZANI’S FURRY FRIENDS on November 26th at 7pm at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd St, NYC (212) 695-6909. For more information: www.sarahrice.com.


-Erin
Blogette for The Salon
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