Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Salon Wrap-up for December 16, 2012 "It's A Family Affair"

Love was in the air this chilly Sunday, as we welcomed our Salon family to share in the last Salon of 2012. Our theme, appropriately, was A Family Affair.

Tonight’s co-host was the amazing, Melissa Errico. Melissa has starred in seven Broadway musicals (Tony Nomination for AMOUR) and released two major solo CDs: Blue Like That (EMI) and Lullabies and Wildflowers (VMG/Universal). She performed at The Kennedy Center opposite Raul Esparza in The Sondheim Celebration's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE and at City Center in Weill's ONE TOUCH OF VENUS. In 2010, she was nominated for Best Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for her work in the title role of George Bernard Shaw's CANDIDA. She also co-starred with Alec Baldwin in GIFT OF THE GORGON by Peter Shaffer, and reprised CAMELOT with Jeremy Irons for one-night only on Broadway at The Shubert Theater. Melissa has sung solo engagements at The Cafe Carlyle, The Algonquin's Oak Room and most recently at 54 Below. For more information: www.melissaerrico.com.

Co-Host, Melissa Errico
To start the evening, Melissa Errico invited her father, Michael, up to the piano to play for her, which really kicked off the theme with style! She started with an uplifting and gorgeous medley of “Staring Here, Starting Now” and “Watch What Happens.”First up for the open mic portion of the evening was Elaine St George with a jazzy and fun, “I Got Rhythm” with Matthew Martin Ward on piano. Elaine is doing her final performance of her Joni Mitchell show on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:30pm at Don’t Tell Mama. I can’t wait to see it! Next was Adam Shapiro (also with Matthew Martin Ward) with the perfect “family” song, the theme from Cheers, “Where Everybody Know Your Name.” Adam’s show, “Adam Shapiro’s Guide to the Perfect Breakup” has one final performance December 30 at 4:30pm at The Duplex. I’ll be there - hope you will be too!

We were thrilled to have Phil Hall with us, who brought a long with his some 12-13 of his students! The first of the night was Dolly Ellen Friedman, in a gorgeous sparkly holiday-inspired shirt, who started off by telling us something that her father told her: “Remember honey - it’s not the steak but the sizzle.” What perfect follow up is there, then, but to sing, “Razzle Dazzle” from Chicago? None, I tell you! Phil Hall ably accompanied on piano. We were glad to welcome back Lea McKenna-Garcia to The Salon (with Bill Zeffiro at the piano), bringing with her an emotional “Friendly Star.” Bill Newhall was next with a lovely “We’ll Be Together Again.”

Richie Eisenberg brought is his original tune, “Never Too Late.” Richie just had an evening of his song in Urban Stages’ Winter Rhythms Festival, “Smile on my Face: The Songs of Richard Eisenberg.” Rumor has it that he’ll be bringing the show back for at least one more show in late January/early February. Stay tuned for more details! Joann Sicoli brought us a very festive “A Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” Barb Malley, back from her 2 month hiatus due to a hip replacement surgery, came up in colorful sunglasses and a huge smile, and sang a swinging, “I’m Hip.” She received a rousing ovation from The Salon family - we’re so glad to have you back!

Ruth Carlin wrote this haunting and song for her mother a few years ago, “Door to Door.” Ruth will be having her debut CD launch show in spring 2013 - stay tuned for more about that! Natasha Castillo came back to The Salon with a song by intimate family duo, The Carpenters - with amazing support by Steven Ray Watkins, they performed a medley of “We’ve Only Just Begun”, “Close To You”, “Top of the World”, and “Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down.” Natasha brought in the holiday spirit by making home baked carrot cupcakes,which were huge hit!

Robin Kradles was next with the hilarious, “Lies of Handsome Men” with Steven Ray Watkins at the piano.Your blogette (moi!) Erin Cronican, with Matthew Martin Ward on the piano, brought us the song that closed her solo cabaret - “Christmas Lullaby” by Jason Robert Brown. After her debut at Winter Rhythms, she plans to bring back the show again in early 2013. She is also about to go into rehearsals for the play “A Lie of the Mind” in the role of Beth. Stay tuned for more details about both shows!

Tonight’s Etceterette Marnie Klar, with Matthew Martin Ward on piano, brought us the rock ballad, “Glitter in the Air” originally recorded by Pink. Marnie revealed that the song will be in her new solo show, which will be directed by Tanya Moberly, music directed by Jeff Cubeta, for 4 performances in April and May 2013. We can’t wait!

Tonight’s Salon Spotlight featured Jim Speake and Kim Grogg, with Steven Ray Watkins. They kicked off their set with, “A Wink and a Smile.” They then did a charming duo version of the jazz-inspired Disney song, “When I See An Elephant Fly” from Dumbo. They finished out the first half of the evening with a 3 Minute Version of the movie musical, “White Christmas” (you had to see it to believe it!)


Second Act

Our beautiful, talented and personable co-host, Melissa Errico, started her 3-song set with an emotional yet simple, “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” by Michel Legrand. Melissa then gave us a glimpse into her past by singing “The Boy Next Door” from Meet me in St Louis - a song she has been singing since the 6th grade (she revealed that her father used to play this song for her at her auditions.) She closed by commenting on the crazy events of the past few days in Newtown, remarking that she’s the mother of 3 young girls and helps to head up a mother’s group in downtown Manhattan. She revealed that no one really knows what’s going to happen as they send their kids to school tomorrow morning. She then gave us a somber and beautiful, “Not While I’m Around” from Sweeney Todd. To see a consummate performer, and a mother, sing this song from such a personal place was haunting. “Pray for peace.”

Tanya Moberly, Salon producer, sang this song from her Barbra Streisand show, “Mother” (written by John Lennon.) Tanya is bringing back her show, “Barbra Joan Streisand with Steven Ray Watkins” at Don’t Tell Mama - January 26 (5pm) and February 1 (7pm). There are discounts for Salon members - be sure to make reservations in advance! (I made mine for January 26!) Jamie Salzano gave us a charming, “Not This Christmas” written by Karen Mason and Brian Lasser. Kristoffer Lowe sang a pitch perfect, “Skylark.”

David Ballard, our trust server, sang the hilarious, “Way Ahead Of My Time” by local composer & lyricist, Peter Mills.David is currently a lyricist in the 2nd year of the BMI workshop - we’re so excited about the music he’ll be premiering for us in the weeks to come! Alyson Reim brought Phil Hall to the piano to play with her on the song, “I Cant Make You Love Me” (originally recorded by Bonnie Raitt.) Phil stayed at the piano as Diana Silva came to the mic, to sing their original tune, “Fado Blue.” Mary Lou Barber sang a little medley of “Buddy’s Eyes” and “Let It Snow” with Phil still at the keys. Mary Lou has her Johnny Mercer review show coming up on January & April 2013 - we hope she’ll be back to promote it!

Linda Sue Moshier sang, “River” by Joni Mitchell with a similar silky sweetness to her voice. Becca Yure wrote the wistful, “Jacqueline” for a woman she had met in France who became her family, whom she aspires to be. Christine Pedi, a special guest of Matthew Martin Ward, came in with a theory of what it would be like if there were Christmas Specials by Cher, Joan Rivers, Judy Garland (demonstrated by her always spot on impressions.) She then went into the holiday favorite, “Sleigh Ride.” She and Matthew have a show called, “There’s No Business like Snow Business” at the Laurie Beechman December 17 & 18 at 10:30pm.

Mathew Martin Ward played for us the “Homage to Hymnal 1940”, started in Advent and then invited the audience to call out traditional carols, and he would play some variation of them (starting with “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” then others.) Bill Zeffiro sang “What The Hell It’s Christmas.” He said that he wrote the song 4 years ago and has sung it with 3 other singers, but tonight he did the solo version. Erin Hill and her Psychodelic Harp brought us the gorgeous, original tune, “Silver Feet” with Melissa Errico on backups. Erin’s album has hit #1 on the world chart - we were in the presence of such greatness tonight!)

For Classical Corner, Mark Janas invited up Michael Errico, Melissa’s father, to the stage to play Debussy’s “La Plus Que Lente.” Next, he invited up Amy on cello and Ed on clarinet to play alongside the Mark in the “Clarinet trio in B Flat”, in honor of Beethoven’s 200th birthday. It was a gorgeous performance - I cannot believe we were so lucky to be able to share in it!

Chris Wade brought in 6 singers from his song cycle, “29 LIVES” who sang 3 tunes tune from their show. The show is being workshopped in an ongoing public series downstairs at the Huron Club in 2013. Check Chris out on Facebook for more details! And to finish out the evening, Melissa Errico lead the audience in a group version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

There is NO SALON December 23 & 30, 2012 (Happy Holidays!) We return January 6 with the theme, “Songs That Raised Me” with your co-host, Stephanie D’Abruzzo. Bring in any song that you remember from childhood, or about growing up. Of course, you can also bring in anything off-theme. We’ll see you then!
Our Jan 6 co-host, Stephanie D'Abruzzo!
In the meantime, if someone video-recorded your performance and you’d like us to know about it, please post the link in the comments section of this blog post. Thank you!


-Erin Cronican
Blogette for The Salon
Need anything? Please email me.

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - December 18, 2012

THERE WILL BE NO SALON DECEMBER 23RD OR DECEMBER 30TH.

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, January 6th from 7-10:30PM. (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

Salon will then continue every Sunday…

January 6th:
Theme: Songs That Raised Me
Co-Host: Stephanie D’Abruzzo

January 13th:
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: T. Oliver Reid

January 20th:
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: Lynly Forrest

Salon has been nominated for 2012 BroadwayWorld.com New York Cabaret Awards for Best Open Mic and Best Host! Click here to vote:

http://cabaret.broadwayworld.com/article/Nominations-Annouced-in-20-Categories-for-First-Ever-BWW-New-York-Cabaret-Awards-Cast-Your-Votes-NOW-20121107

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.etcetcnyc.com. A 20% gratuity is added to all checks.) There are no reservations; seating is on a first come/first served basis, Doors open and sign up begins at 6:15pm. The evening begins at 7:00, has a 15-minute break at 8:30 and ends promptly at 10:30. 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, January 6th!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Salon Wrap-Up for December 9, 2012 "Happy Hannakwanzmas!"

Happy Holidays, everyone!  It is I, Candice Oden.  I am so thrilled to A) be back at The Salon; and B) be able to contribute as Blogette this week.  I got to sit in for the beautiful and incredibly talented Erin Cronican, who, as most of you know, has been busier than a one-eyed cat watching nine mouse holes.  (That was the winner for my "busier than ..." phrase Google search. ;})  If any of you have not seen her cabaret show, yet, you have one more chance: "Great (Un)expectations" is playing Friday night at 9pm at Urban Stages.

Happy Hannakwanzmas!  This was our theme for Sunday night, December 9, and happy is exactly what it was.  A great evening full of a whole lotta talent and a whole lotta fun.  Our co-hosts could not have been better.  Edd Clark and Sue Matsuki started our evening with their hilarious and very clever Christmas Wish Medley (arranged by Paul Stephan), part of their "Sue & Edd's Fabulous Christmas Show."  And fabulous it is sure to be!  This pair gave us an evening full of laughs and gifted us with heart-felt sentiment just as quickly.  You can see their full show (and I highly recommend it) at Don't Tell Mama this Friday at 7pm, with special guests Three Tenors in Search of a (Christmas) Act!  For more info, go to www.donttellmamanyc.com.

Zach Wobensmith kept the fun and hilarity rolling with one of his originals, "Serious."  He had us rolling in the isles -- with his classic dry humor combined with such a beautiful voice, this is something we will be requesting him to reprise.  He has an upcoming performance in the "Cranky Cabaret" series that we won't want to miss. Allison Siko provided a lovely "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with Jim Lahti at the piano. The fabulous Mary Lahti crept up onto the stage immediately following to start the funniest parody of "Baby It's Cold Outside" that you will likely hear ... ever.  Mary played Allison's controlling mother who ended up drugging her daughter just so she would stay home with her. As if you weren't upset enough if you missed the evening! ;)  Good news for Mary, Jim, and us: Mary is working on her debut cabaret show with Jim for April of next year!

Patrick Newell graced us next with his first public performance in 2 years with "Anthem."  Sue Horowitz was next with her "Happy Hanukwismas" (look for her CD "Keys of Love," by the way), followed by Lauren Newell who sang a very touching and moving song called "Zoe's Goodbye."  This song was written by her friend Sean Stone for a new musical in the works.Richard Eisenberg came up next with his usual charm and gave us the hilariously bitter and somehow touching "What Good Is Christmas?"  DO NOT MISS the show if his music tonight at Urban Stages at 9pm!

After Richie was Kevin McMullan.  In probably my favorite performance of his I've seen to date, "The 12 Days After Christmas" (by Fred Silver) left the audience in stitches.  Beth Falcone was able to squeeze in two songs, "Happy Hannukwaanzwas" (Yes!  Our theme for the week!), in which we actually got to join in the fun, and a brand new and very moving song of hers called "The Best Of Christmas." Our resident singing server, David Ballard, sang a beautiful "Let It Snow" and kept us up to date on his most recent project: The day following The Salon, he joined his friend's student film playing a mad scientist!

Yours truly, Candice Oden, sang Milton Schafer's and Ira Levin's "He Touched Me."  My only news is the continuation of the from-the-ground-up production process of a new musical in which I'm performing by the incomparable Bobby Cronin and Allen Mogol, "'Til Death Do Us Part."  I am so excited to be a part of this -- the process itself is awesome enough, but I mean it when I say ... This show is going to be AWESOME. The beautiful and amazing Sarah Rice (our Etceterette for the evening) wrapped up the open-mic portion of the first act with a gorgeous version of "Once Upon A December" (by Ahrens and Flaherty), incorporating her theremin.  In case you've missed earlier tutorials, this amazing instrument was the first electronic instrument (before the guitar), and it's the only instrument in the world that you can play without touching it!  What?!

Classical Corner

Mark Janas, the genius of geniuses, let us in on his Classical Corner "troubles" -- you know, how he has to choose from typically five different ideas that flood that incredible brain of his. ;)  He got this Salon's idea during Handel's Messiah in church that morning.  It got him thinking about the incredible and positively essential element of articulation in order to play a piece even nearly as effectively as when it was composed.  In music, articulation is in the way you play/sing/sound a note.  However, it is not only how the note is struck or begun, but how it is ended, which is frequently a forgotten element.  The way you play a note and how long you hold it becomes paramount to how the music sounds.  This is incredibly apparent in Baroque music.  Mark played several examples of how Baroque music has been played, starting, naturally, with the "student" level and working his way up to giving us the gift of his skill level.  It was truly remarkable.  (Yep -- I said it.)  He explained how the music of that time did not have the technological "advancement" or mindset of todays instruments, like the simple pedals at the piano.  So the music was composed without that advancement in concept -- the clarity of notes was of great importance.  A lot of notes in all Baroque music were actually played about half the length.  A quarter note was played as an eighth note, etc. to emphasize the clarity of each note, specifically those held longer.  Yep, if you missed Sunday, you missed a good one!

Second Set

Our co-hosts were back!  The stunning Sue Matsuki gave us an absolutely beautiful and touching "An  Evening In December."  So, so lovely.  "Suzy Snowflake" was next -- but she was met by Sweeny Todd.  A hysterically terrifying performance by the duo that left the audience howling.  Edd Clark's gorgeous solo, "The Little Road To Bethlehem," followed that with such grace and ease.  It's clear why this astoundingly talented two paired up.

And the amazing Tanya Moberly was next!  She sang her favorite "Christmas song," "I Don't Remember Christmas," in classic Tanya fashion (see: amazing).  Watching Tanya Moberly perform is a masterclass in connecting with your work.  Gosh, I wonder why she's been nominated for a Broadway World Award for Best Musical Tribute Show ...  I am referring, of course, to her very recent cabaret performance singing the music of Babs.  She can also be seen tonight at Urban Stages at 7pm in "The Good Girl In Concert."

Marya Zimmet followed with her version of "Let It Snow," and Joan Jaffe (winner of a 2012 MAC Award) touched us all with the ever-identifyable "Christmas In New York." :)  And the song is correct, "[We] can't get enough Christmas in New York," can we? Alexa Smith sang "Bill" by Jerome Kern with a gorgeous voice and warm heart.  It was so lovely to have her talent with us.  Please keep coming, Alexa!

Ricardo Field followed up with "I'll Be Home For Christmas," and then it was time for THE Father Jeff Hamblin!  Our co-sponsor, full of, as always, light, love, and shtick :) , gave us a beautiful "In The Bleak Midwinter."  He also shared something else incredibly beautiful:  His parish has agreed that, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, anyone with an AEA or MAC membership without health coverage will be seen for psychiatric treatment free of charge.  Truly an amazing and generous gift.  On behalf of any of us that have had experience with PTSD (either ourselves or our loved ones), I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Aaaand who's next?  The one and only Matthew Martin Ward.  Matthew serenaded us with the hilarious titular Christmas song, "Christmas Card from a Hooker In MN" (by Tom Waitts).  Matt can be seen at Urban Stages tomorrow at 7pm doing the music of Doug Cohen and with Christine Pedi at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on December 16, 17, 18, and 27.

Ending the open-mic portion for the evening, Garrett McGrew sang one of my personal favorites, "Grateful" by John Bucchino.  And, finally, it was time for Matsuki and Clark to slay us again with "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

To all who were there on Sunday, thank you so much for your support and for sharing your gifts with us all.  To those who missed it ... well, and those who came ... I highly recommend this coming Sunday's Salon, December 16, with co-host Tony and Drama Drama Desk Award Nominee Melissa Errico! Melissa has starred in seven Broadway musicals (Tony Nomination for AMOUR) and released two major solo CDs: Blue Like That (EMI) and Lullabies and Wildflowers (VMG/Universal).  She performed at The Kennedy Center opposite Raul Esparza in The Sondheim Celebration's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE and at City Center in Weill's ONE TOUCH OF VENUS.  In 2010, she was nominated for Best Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for her work in the title role of George Bernard Shaw's CANDIDA. She also co-starred with Alec Baldwin in GIFT OF THE GORGON by Peter Shaffer, and reprised CAMELOT with Jeremy Irons for one-night only on Broadway at The Shubert Theater.  Melissa has sung solo engagements at The Cafe Carlyle, The Algonquin's Oak Room and most recently at 54 Below.  For more information:www.melissaerrico.com.

Our Salon Spotlight will feature 2-Time MAC Award Nominee Kim Grogg, BroadwayWorld Award Nominee Jim Speake and Multiple MAC and Bistro Award Winner Steven Ray Watkins!  Kim & Jim & Steven will be delighting us with selections from their fabulous LETTERS TO SANTA show.  For more information:>www.kimgrogg.com / www.jimspeake.com

And that's a wrap!  Special thanks to Tommy Shull on lights and sound, our friends at Etc Etc Restaurant, and Salon Sponsors Dr. Garrett Bennett and Fr. Jeff Hamblin.  Have a great week and weekend, everyone!

-Candice Oden
Blogette for The Salon
Need anything?  Please email me.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - December 1, 2012

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 2nd from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “It’s Instrumental.”

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

Our Co-Host will be winner of numerous competitions, grants, and awards – including a National Endowment for the Arts Professional Training Grant – Ed Gilmore! Ed has been a featured artist with orchestras and chamber music ensembles around the world, and has performed locally with the New York Chamber Orchestra, Little Orchestra Society, and the New York Pops, among others. Currently a member of the Quintet of the Americas, Gilmore served as a core member of the University of Chicago Contemporary Chamber Players for 10 years, and has appeared with several leading new music ensembles, including the Da Capo Chamber Players and Speculum Musicae.

Salon continues every Sunday …

December 9th:
Theme: Happy Hannakwanzmas!
Co-Hosts: Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki

December 16th:
Theme: A Family Affair
Co-Host: Melissa Errico
Salon Spotlight: Kim Grogg & Jim Speake w/Steven Ray Watkins

December 23rd: NO SALON (Christmas)

December 30th: NO SALON (New Year’s)

Salon has been nominated for 2012 BroadwayWorld.com New York Cabaret Awards for Best Open Mic and Best Host! Click here to vote:

http://cabaret.broadwayworld.com/article/Nominations-Annouced-in-20-Categories-for-First-Ever-BWW-New-York-Cabaret-Awards-Cast-Your-Votes-NOW-20121107

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.etcetcnyc.com. A 20% gratuity is added to all checks.) There are no reservations; seating is on a first come/first served basis, Doors open and sign up begins at 6:15pm. The evening begins at 7:00, has a 15-minute break at 8:30 and ends promptly at 10:30. 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 Facebook!

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

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, December 2nd!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer