Saturday, March 31, 2012

Update: Raissa Katona Bennett added as Spotlight at The Salon April 1st!

Broadway alum and MAC Award-winner Raissa Katona Bennett has been added to tomorrow night's roster in the Salon Spotlight! Sunday afternoon, David Caldwell and Raissa will be putting the finishing touches on her CD with Robin Batteau, who plays violin.  They will then come to The Salon afterward along with Producer Ron Abel, who has written one of the spotlit songs from her upcoming CD!



-Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Please email me.

The Salon Wrap Up for March 25, 2012 - "The Rat Pack"

Salon was super-charged to swing and have the snapping on the twos and fours, as the theme of the evening was "The Rat Pack." On hand to keep us swinging was a duo of hip ladies who could have easily stepped between Dean and Frank and sing and drink and banter with them - Terese Genecco and Shaynee Rainbolt! Terese is lead singer of The Little Big Band, which plays a long-running nightclub act on Broadway at the Iridium. As a couple, Terese and Shaynee won a 2012 Bistro Award for their Russ Garcia 95th Birthday Show. They were also both nominated individually for 2012 MAC Awards - and on March 29th, Terese and the Little Big Band won for Show of the Year and she won for Major Artist! Their CD, "Live at the Iridium" has been released (and it's just fantastic) and is available on CD Baby, Amazon, and at their show on April 17th at the Iridium.  Shaynee and her Quartet will be performing on Friday, April 13th at Ashford and Simpson's Sugar Bar, 254 West 72nd St. NYC, 212-579-0222. Sets at 8 and 9:30pm. For more information: www.teresegenecco.com / www.shayneerainbolt.com.

Producer Tanya made sure we were all settled and introduced Bill Zeffiro to the piano.  Mark Janas was in the hospital in preparation for brain surgery (more information on the update - he's fine! - here), and Bill would be sitting in for Mark for the evening.  Terese then came to the mic to sing "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" in coincidental honor of Mark, with Shaynee looking on.  Then Shaynee, in a lovely powder-blue dress (her "Pan Am look," as she claimed) sang a tender "Fly Me to the Moon."  The two of them then took over co-hosting duties, riffing off of each other and amusingly becoming the "Statler and Waldorf" of the evening, according to Bill.   Shaynee then introduced Frank Loman to the stage, who sang the classic "The Man that Got Away" in an urgent vamp.  He will perform "Dangerous Cabaret - Frank Loman sings Bucchino, Kahr, and Sondheim" at Don't Tell Mama on April 4th and 12th, 7:30pm.  Bobbie Horowitz then sang her original "Planning a Vacation," her sweet love poem to the joys of returning to New York City.  Next, we had a Salon Debut with Vanessa Noveck, who was accompanied vocally by Tony Imgrund.  Vanessa is a dancer new to singing, and sang Frank Sinatra's hit "Something Stupid" with Tony in simple harmony and adorable, sweet, innocence.  Welcome, Vanessa!  Tony then stayed at the mic to flawlessly sing "Maria" from West Side Story - it was almost like he was named Tony just to sing the role of "Tony", it was pitch and moment perfect!
Terese swings it into gear, with Shaynee looking on.
Vanessa Noveck and Tony Imgrund
Richard Eisenberg was next, performing his "Would You Like...?" which normally demands the sweet sounds of a female voice to duet with him.  Well, he chose Bill Zeffiro as the "chick" in the duet, and the two of them performed the most amazingly cute and funny version of the song possible, including improv'd interjections by the "old gavone" Bill himself.  Elaine St. George sang the swinging "That Green Dress," and teased us with the information that she'll be bringing a new show, "Take Me as I Am," at the Metropolitan Room in June.  Next, the fedora-wearing Mick Bleyer (who was not only here to sing a song in preparation for a Cabaret callback on Thursday, but who was here to raise a glass with me for my birthday!), gorgeously sang "Why Should I Wake Up?"  Maureen Taylor performed the beautiful David Friedman ballad "He Comes Home Tired" in her gorgeous, mature mezzo. David Ballard then sang the gut-tickling "I Believe" from The Book of Mormon - this song was perfect casting for his high tenor and totally believing blue eyes.  We then heard from Becca Yure, a friend of mine (we performed as nuns in The Sound of Music in California).  Becca is a singer-songwriter who is now performing her set of original songs around New York - she sang the song "Butterfly," accompanying herself on guitar.  Then I - Sierra Rein, with fedora on head - got to sing "Pet Me, Papa," from the movie version of "Guys and Dolls" (it had Frank Sinatra in it, see?!?), but not before getting serenaded with a Birthday song from the entire Salon!  Then Arianna (also in a fedora!) sang "One For My Baby" in a sultry, breathy soprano tone.  She is busy at Ellen's Stardust Diner (so she sings nightly on Broadway folks!) and is in rehearsals for the show "13 Fat Girls and a Dead Cat," a one-act which will be a part of The Roy Arias Studio Theater's Spring Festival in April 2012.

Bill Zeffiro then had his "Zeffiro's Corner," this time quickly giving the lyrics of Sammy Cohen a spin.  He wrote countless special lyrics for the Rat Pack guys - Sinatra, Dean, etc - and Bill had the honor to play for Sammy in the past.  Apparently, Cohen wrote these lyrics "once through the typewriter," making them both honestly biting and sometimes imperfect.  But they were always unique and funny and perfectly pitched to match the style and personality of the singer.  For Frank Sinatra, Bill showed us, he wrote new lyrics to "Let's Fall in Love," which included the line "all the Orthodox and the Goyim," and for Dean he wrote a parody of "Almost Like Being in Love," only this time it opened up with "What a day this has been / I've had whiskey, scotch and gin..."  Bill played bits and pieces of a number of these songs, then closed with "I Love Vegas" (a la "I Love Paris") and Sammy's take on "That's Amore."  After the applause for Bill died down, Tanya announced the Act I break and also that she had just spoken with Mark, who was at the hospital.  Mark had found a piano in a lobby or conference area in the hospital and held his own "Salon" along with the other patients, staff members, and visiting family members and friends!  With just his own memory of songs and the voices of others, he held his own court, and actually made $32 dollars in tips! We were thrilled by this information, and happy that Mark kept the spirit of music in his heart and his practice all the way through his hospital experience.
Becca Yure on guitar
Arianna croons
Arianna, Sierra and Mick, the Fedora Rat Pack
Bill Zeffiro hits the keys, with a little something on the rocks.
After the break, Tanya brought everyone back to their seats and re-introduced the co-host Shaynee Rainbolt, who sang "I've Got a Crush on You" in a smooth, jazzy voice (and a curtsey to close the song after!). With all the cocktails on hand necessary for a "Rat Pack" night, she introduced Terese, who performed Bill Zeffiro's "Universal Truth" (which happened to have won the MAC Award for Special Material on Thursday as well!).  During the instrumental break, Terese joked "we usually have a big horn section, but tonight we have Bill Zeffiro!" Then Tanya Moberly, Producer and now 2012 MAC Award winner for The Salon (that's three consecutive years!), sang "My Funny Valentine."  Lou Iacovino (who is "definitely Italian," Terese says) sang "Witchcraft."  Then Joan Jaffe, who took home the 2012 MAC Award for Best Musical Comedy Performer on Thursday, performed "You Make Me Feel So Young" in a perfectly peppy and fun way.  She had a funny story about Joe Francis, who stood in for Frank Sinatra in a commercial shoot.  Apparently during the set-up, Joe did his best Frank Sinatra impression, the cameras capturing him all the while.  When Frank came on set, he took one look at the footage of Joe and his impersonation, took one look at Joe and calmly said, "I can do that." 

Shaynee sings as Terese looks on
Funny lady/MAC Winner Joan Jaffe
We then heard the gorgeous Janice Hall, who sang "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered." Although Janice said "The Rat Pack is not really my strength, although I am half Italian," she had nothing to apologize for on Thursday at the MAC Awards, where she won for Female Vocalist!  On April 18th, Janice will bring back her show "I'd Rather Be Doing This" at the Metropolitan Room, and can be seen Off-Broadway in "My Occasion of Sin," which runs until April 15th at Urban Stages, 259 W. 30th St.  Next, we heard Metrostar winner Marissa Mulder, who sang Arthur Schwartz's "Rhode Island Was Meant for You," a song Frank Sinatra never sang but the earnest lyrics easily could have been.  Stephen Hanks sang "The Tender Trap" next - his first two reviews for BroadwayWorld.com are up and has a review of Terese Genecco's Third Anniversary show and her new CD as well.  He will also be directing his first cabaret show - Billie Williams at the Metropolitan Room on June 8 and 15th.  After Stephen, Marnie Klar then sang the lovely "That's All."

"That's All" from Marnie Klar
Stephen Hanks
The sunny Marissa Mulder
Terese then finished out the evening with "I've Got You Under My Skin," giving a shout out to Mark Janas, who needed our thoughts, prayers, and for us to "do do that Voodoo at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning," which is when the surgery would take place Monday morning.  Shaynee jumped in to sing "Night and Day," asking Bill Zeffiro to "do that again, Zeff" ("I love being called Zeff!" Bill exclaimed) to close out the evening.

TOMORROW'S SALON - SUNDAY, MARCH 29th! The optional theme for the evening is “These Foolish Things - Fools in Love, Class Clowns or Any Kind of Fool or Foolish”.   **PLEASE NOTE: Parody songs are still encouraged, but the competition has been postponed.** Our Co-Host will be the Matson and Bistro Award Winning Singer/Songwriter/Actor/Producer D.C. Anderson! For more information: www.dcanderson.net. Our Guest Host/Pianist will be David Caldwell! David is a theatrical music director as well as composer/lyricist.  So, bring your foolish, funny, silly or bitingly ironic songs tomorrow! See you there!

Reminder that there is NO SALON on April 8th as it is Easter - have your fill of chocolate and return to The Salon on April 15th.

I grabbed a copy of Terese's CD that night
Shaynee in powder blue
Terese Genecco and Bill Zeffiro
-Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Please email me.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - March 30, 2012

From Producer Tanya Moberly:
Hi Everyone,

I am proud to report that Salon won the MAC Award for Best Open Mic for the third year in a row! Thanks to everyone for being part of our Salon Family.

Mark Janas has been moved out of Intensive Care and into a regular room at New York Presbyterian Hospital. They will be moving him into a rehab facility within the hospital complex in the next day or two where he'll remain for 7-10 days. Once he has made that move, he will be ready and eager for visitors.

Thanks again for all your love and support.

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer
 
-Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Please email me.

THE SALON WINS THE 2012 MAC AWARD FOR OPEN MIC!

The Salon has won the 2012 MAC Award for Open Mic - the MAC Awards were held last night, March 29th, at B.B. King's on 42nd street in New York City! 

Soon, you can check out macnyc.com for more news and a complete list of winners!

-Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Please email me.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - March 27, 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, April 1st from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “These Foolish Things - Fools in Love, Class Clowns or Any Kind of Fool or Foolish”.   **PLEASE NOTE: Parody songs are still encouraged, but the competition has been postponed.**


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

Our Co-Host will be the Matson and Bistro Award Winning Singer/Songwriter/Actor/Producer D.C. Anderson! D.C.'s theatre credits include THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway and touring productions of MARTIN GUERRE, THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBY and PIPPIN. He has 9 solo CD's and has produced (along with Marguerite Pritchard and Dennis Drake) CABARET NOEL: A BROADWAY CARES CHRISTMAS (1993), and IN MY ROOM (2010), a 20 artist recording featuring folk/Americana/acoustic singer/songwriters to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. For more information: www.dcanderson.net.

D.C. Anderson
 Our Guest Host/Pianist will be David Caldwell! David is a theatrical music director as well as composer/lyricist. His All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten is based on the book by Robert Fulghum. He also collaborated in the creation of Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas (based on Robert Fulghum's writing) and Magic to Do, an evening of Stephen Schwartz's songs. He conducted the American premiere of Stephen Schwartz's Children of Eden, and played in the pit of Les Miserables on Broadway. He is also on the faculty of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

David Caldwell
 Salon continues every Sunday (except April 8th)...

April 8th: NO SALON

April 15th:
Theme: Kooky, Zany, Silly – The Great Comedians of Stage and Screen
Guest Host/Pianist: Ricky Ritzel
Co-Host: Alison Nusbaum

April 22nd:
Theme: Tough Guys and Dangerous Dolls
Guest Host/Pianist: Steven Ray Watkins
Co-Host: Billie Roe

April 29th:
Theme: Love's What We'll Remember
Co-Hosts: MSM Students

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 or the current co-host 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 the pianist 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 and Father Jeffrey Hamblin, MD!

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, April 1st!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Producer

P.S. If you would like to remove your name from or add a name to our mailing list please email Tanya.

-Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Please email me.

Monday, March 26, 2012

A Special Message & Update re: Mark Janas from Producer, Tanya Moberly - March 26, 2012

It was announced at last night's Salon that Mark Janas would be in surgery today, Monday at 10am, to remove a small pea-shaped growth which was impeding on his brain stem. This was causing facial paralysis and other issues.  However, although it technically carried the ominous description of "brain surgery," his surgeon did assure us that the procedure was routine.

And although Bill Zeffiro took over to host the Salon for the evening, Mark actually managed to find a piano at the hospital and hold his own Salon, raising the spirits of patients, their friends and family members, and staff with music and song!

Thank you all for all of your prayers, love and support. Mark is out of surgery, and although heavily sedated, is completely coherent. Tanya will follow up with a full surgeon's report as soon as she has one. But she just came from the hospital and wanted to let you know that he's okay and sends his love and gratitude to each and every one of you.

If you would like to contact him, the best way is through Facebook.

Heal well, Mark! Come back to The Salon soon!
-Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Please email me.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

The Salon Wrap Up for March 18, 2012 - "Coping Mechanisms"

At the top of The Salon on Sunday night, we were greeted with the image of a blonde woman in high heels claiming "I am not Mark Janas." Producer Tanya Moberly took to the opening introduction reins, coping humorously with the fact that Mark Janas was out for the evening! She also coped by having the wonderful Matthew Martin Ward sit in at the piano all night, and coped even further by having the hilarious, gloriously-voiced Kenneth Gartman to co-host (who recently finished his debut show “Not Like The Other Cavemen” at Don't Tell Mama). Indeed, there was a lot of coping going on, as the theme was "Coping Mechanisms." And whether thru humor, tears, alcohol, or high sustained notes, we all pulled through the evening with flying colors!

Kenneth Gartman
Kenneth introduced the theme with the fervent "Someone Else's Skin" from the musical "Catch Me If You Can." Tanya was first introduced to Kenneth from the Tudor City Greens Concert series, and fell in love with his flawless tenor voice and presence (and we did that night as well). Next, Cathy Taylor (who finished a show at the Metropolitan Room last November and who is working on new material TBA) sang what she called "a bit of coping commentary and a little vocal nosh." This biting political parody was dedicated to the US Congress since, as Cathy herself put it, "the best way to cope is to do nothing at all." We then heard from funny Adam Shapiro, who brought in the full lyrics to "Where Everybody Knows Your Name," commonly known as the Theme from Cheers. Some of those lyrics were never heard by this crowd before, and it was glorious to sing along with the lyrics! Adam is excited to be a part of two upcoming Showcases - TONIGHT for Sue Matsuki's "People You Should Know Better...Comics in the House" version March 24th at Don't Tell Mama's, 6pm PLUS he's been asked to perform for Richard Eisenberg's showcase on May 6th, 1pm at the Laurie Beechman. Sally Darling was next in her Salon debut, singing the saucy "Madeira, M'Dear" our first alcoholic-related coping song of the evening. Her show "I'm a Stranger to Myself," will be at Don't Tell Mama with Matthew Martin Ward at the piano, May 6th at 5pm and May 11th at 7pm. We then added a SECOND master whistler to our Salon alumni - the fabulous Luc Vitry stepped to the mic to whistle "Non se piu cosa son, cora faccio" (I hope I typed that right) from Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro." He is preparing for the International Whistler's Convention in April, and coming to the Salon was his way of "coping" with his upcoming (and hopefully winning!) performance. Break lips, Luc!

Sally Darling
Luc Vitry
The always savvy Bobbie Horowitz then sang, performing her original "It Ain't Right," proving that it's not a good idea to double cross her! Her Slim, Strong, Sexy Seminar will take place tomorrow, March 25th from 1:30-3:30 at the Unity Center. We then heard spitfire Barb Malley, singing the ultimate Black Widow song (there's at least one way to cope within a marriage!) "To Keep My Love Alive." You can catch Barb on a commercial selling insurance, by the way. We then had a rare treat - Olga Slavine, a Russian classical pianist, sat at the keys and performed Mikhail Glinka's "Skylark," a beautiful, sweet and innocent song arranged as a full classical piece. Glinka was the father of Russian classical music, and it was an honor to hear one of his works performed so lovingly - this simple, folk-sy ballad was combined with bouts of amazingly complicated musical runs, which Olga effortlessly maneuvered. It was gorgeous! After Olga we heard Marnie Klar sing a Nick Levin original song, "At Last" (words by Nan Selle) with the composer at the piano. This song was the title song of Marcus Simeon's CD, and is now sung at weddings, to Nick's excitement. Next sung our own David Ballard, performing the heartwrenching "You Gotta Die Sometime," the "coping with death" song from "Falsettos." Then I (Sierra Rein) stepped up to sing "Thanks a Lot But No Thanks," a Comden/Green/Previn song about coping with COPIOUS amounts of attention by unwanted suitors...what's a girl to do?!
Olga Slavine
Ahem...next, we had Susan Winter in our SALON SPOTLIGHT! Susan is a renowned singer and teacher and a MAC and Bistro award winner. She introduced her set with the thought that we all have to dream to cope with the world; she, as she confessed, is "a life-time dreamer." Her first song was "I'm Becoming My Mother," a funny song about the direct influence of our parents from the inside out. She's working on her new Mother's Day show, "If It's Not One Thing, It's Your Mother," and is currently crowdsourcing mother stories for her patter - if you have a good one, contact her! She then sang a beautiful combination of "Stop Time" and "If He Walked into My Life," about a mother's issues coping with how her son is growing up. She then closed her set with the hot "The Other Side of the Tracks," which brilliantly included a quote of "Some People" from "Gypsy" mixed in.

Susan Winter
Our Classical Corner, led by Matthew Martin Ward, centered around his involvement with the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation, for which he's a pianist. Duncan invented her own vocabulary of dance to reflect the natural lines of the human body, danced barefoot, and even spent time prone on the floor during her dances. She also enjoyed choreographing to Chopin and Brahms. In playing these classical pieces for the Foundation, Matthew noted that dancer "made sense" to him - they breathe, phrase, and listen in the same way a singer or pianist relates to the music. The same "psychic muscle" that Matthew uses to play the piano seemed to be the same muscle Duncan used to dance. The subtext of the music was expressed much in the same way as an actor would. Matthew first played a Chopin Mazurka "Opus 33 No 3", which had an upbeat waltz, a little hop-step on the second beat. He also played Chopin's "Butterfly Etude," which he did not play at concert tempo - the big moments are meant to be filled for the dancer's sake, and to play for dancers is to allow their physical expressions to have their full moments. He ended with Liszt's "Opus 32, No 5", which Duncan choreographed to express the story of shots being fired into a crowd of striking workers. It was monotonous, claustrophobic, roiling, dark and feverish.

Classical Corner with Matthew
After the break, Kenneth Gartman stepped up to sing his co-host featured set. Kenneth has a beautiful and versatile tenor voice, and a musical-theater sensibility of acting through the lyric. He started his set out with "Cry," a crowd-pleasing 50's do-wop song. With apologies to Weight Watchers, Kenneth then sang "I Eat," an incredibly funny piece about eating to cope with the troubles of the world. He finished up by singing "Sam That's Okay," another uniquely funny song about coping, this time about finding solace in the self-help section of Barnes and Noble. One of the lyrics contained the phrase "stop 'should'-ing all over yourself," which I immediately wrote down as both hilarious and life-affirming. The entire audience quickly got the "That's Okay" chorus and rallied themselves to sing along with Kenneth.

Producer Tanya Moberly (hey, she's nominated for a MAC Award for The Salon!) took to the mic next, singing the unwavering "I Resolve." Sunny Leigh poignantly sang "Ten Cents a Dance" - her CD release performance of "Believe in Love" at the Triad (with Barry Levitt on piano and a great collection of band members) will take place tomorrow, March 25th at 3pm. Next, Richard Eisenberg (remember, his showcase will be on May 6th, 1pm, at the Laurie Beechman - further performers TBA) sang "It's Never Too Late," an original song of his that combined both his "cynicism and optimism" in one! We then heard from 2012 MAC Nominee Joan Jaffe, who sang "Too Old to Die Young." Joan is part of the filming of a documentary, hopefully to be released soon, and is excited for her MAC nomination of her most recent comedy show. Lou Iacovino performed next, singing the swinging "The Best is Yet to Come." Returning to The Salon was Scott Evan Davis, performing his original "More Than Just Sundays" at the piano, which was sung by baritone Joshua Dixon. Scott's CD, "Cautiously Optimistic," was conceived as a compilation of songs regarding acceptance, moving forward, and dealing with the issues and complications of life. He then sang "I Am" from the CD as a solo piece (you'll catch the opening and closing musical motif from this song on his website).

Sunny Leigh
Scott Evan Davis
With Ricky Ritzel at the piano, our next singer was Alison Nusbaum, who sang "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina." She is a 2012 MAC Nominee for her cabaret solo debut, and is debuting her new show, "Ladies: a Raucous Homage to Mel Brooks' Broads" at Don't Tell Mama on April 24 and 27 at 9:30 and April 30 at 7pm. If her performance of "Don't Cry For Me" (which I will not describe, as it would ruin the affect next time) has any inkling, I can only imagine the comedic brilliance to be discovered in her new show. After Alison, we welcomed Marnie Klar back to the mic to sing the powerful acceptance ballad, "Maybe I Like It This Way" from "Wild Party." With a tan and apparently a book full of photographs at home, Kevin McMullan returned to the Salon stage after a trip to India - he will actually take up residence there for half a year at a time, to teach music 3-5 months out of the year - such exciting news! He sang "Say That We're Sweethearts Again," a funny patter song sung by a man in denial about the state of his romance (never a good way to cope with a broken heart, believe me). Kenneth Gartman concluded the evening to sing "Blow Me," a comedy song that had the audiences in stitches with it's clever sexual imagery. Kenneth told us that he is working on a Fall show to celebrate his home state of Texas, the "state that won't go away" and should not be confused as a Southern state, he claimed. Looking forward to it, Kenneth! It was a great evening, and I hope everyone walked out feeling a bit better about themselves.

Kevin McMullan
Kenneth closes the night!
TOMORROW! The optional theme for the evening is “The Rat Pack”.   Our Co-Hosts will be the Multiple MAC and Bistro Award Winners Terese Genecco and Shaynee Rainbolt! Their most recent win is as a couple - a 2012 Bistro Award for their Russ Garcia 95th Birthday Show. They are also both nominated individually for 2012 MAC Awards. Shaynee and her Quartet will be performing on Friday, April 13th at Ashford and Simpson's Sugar Bar, 254 West 72nd St. NYC, 212-579-0222. Sets at 8 and 9:30pm. For more information: www.teresegenecco.com / www.shayneerainbolt.com.

-Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Please email me.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - March 20, 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, March 25th from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “The Rat Pack”. The Rat Pack originated in the 1950's with Humphrey Bogart as it's leader, but became legendary in the 1960's with members Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford. So bring in any of the fabulous tunes these boys made famous!

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

Our Co-Hosts will be the Multiple MAC and Bistro Award Winners Terese Genecco and Shaynee Rainbolt! Their most recent win is as a couple - a 2012 Bistro Award for their Russ Garcia 95th Birthday Show. They are also both nominated individually for 2012 MAC Awards. Terese and her Little Big Band will be celebrating her 3rd year as the Longest Running Nightclub Act on Broadway with a CD Release Show TONIGHT, March 20th at The Iridium, 1650 Broadway at 51st St. NYC, 212-582-2121. Sets at 8 and 10p. Shaynee and her Quartet will be performing on Friday, April 13th at Ashford and Simpson's Sugar Bar, 254 West 72nd St. NYC, 212-579-0222. Sets at 8 and 9:30pm. For more information: www.teresegenecco.com / www.shayneerainbolt.com.

Salon continues every Sunday (except April 8th)...

April 1st:
Theme: These Foolish Things (Fools in Love, Class Clowns or Any Kind of Fool or Foolish) AND Salon will be holding it's First Annual Song Parody Competition! Judges and Prizes TBA.
Co-Host: D.C. Anderson

April 8th: NO SALON

April 15th:
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: Alison Nusbaum

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 Facebook!

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

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, March 25th!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Producer

-Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Please email me.

Friday, March 16, 2012

The Salon Wrap Up for March 11, 2012 "One Hit Wonders"

To produce a hit in the music business, it might take a combination of talent and savvy. Other times, it's a mix of having the right sound at the right time, or perhaps being so unique an idea that the audience marvels at the novelty of it. Kim Grogg, the co-host of Sunday night's Salon, has made a unique stamp of her own in her recent show, "One-Hit Wonder Woman," which has been nominated for a 2012 MAC Award. Kim has come to the Cabaret world via the Musical Theater world - her first solo show was "Dusty Springfield - Stay Awhile." On Sunday at The Salon, she guided us through the Theme of "One Hit Wonders," starting out by introducing her backup singers, Rain Collazo and Wendy Russell, her music director Steven Ray Watkins.  Then they all energetically blasted through a "Wonder Woman Theme" intro into "Breakout."
Kim Grogg, Rain Collazo and Wendy Russell
We then heard from the young Michael Lloret, who worked with Mark Janas, Andy Gale, (and the members of Marquee Five!) at the Buckhill Skytop Music Festival last year, and is now going to the East Stroudsburg University in PA. He crooned beautifully through Harbury & Lane's "Old Devil Moon" in a smooth and easy way - a great job for a Salon debut! Next was Elaine St. George, sweetly singing "It Might Be You." Elaine is putting together a Metropolitan Room show, "Take Me as I Am," with plans to open in June! Stephanie Zagoren then sang "Can't Help Lovin' That Man of Mine" from a show "full of one-hits," Jerome Kern's 1927 "Show Boat." Sunny Leigh then sassily sang through "Harper Valley PTA" - she will have a CD release party of original music at the Triad on March 25th with Barry Levitt at the piano along with a 5-piece band of great musicians. We then heard Edie Stokes (who loves songs and all things Irish) sing "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" and Kim inquired whether Edie was Irish. "The more I know people the more Irish I seem," Edie smartly replied. Next, Barb Malley sang "This is My Song" and "Smile," which, combined, equals two-hit wonders by Charlie Chaplin.

Michael Lloret
Richie Eisenberg, composer and future showcase-er at The Laurie Beechman (May 6, 1pm), sang his original "Smile on My Face," an upbeat and happy song! Then MAC Award nominee Joey Infante (for his show "Babalu") sang "Besame Mucho" with Michael McDonald at the piano. This is his mom's favorite song, which he dedicated to her.  We then heard "Who Knows" by Bobby Gentry from Lynly Forrest, with Steven Ray Watkins at the piano. Lynly is MAC-nominated for her show, "Paid in Full," and while she is busy with this award season, she's also busy getting married next Saturday! Steven Ray Watkins stayed at the piano to play his brilliantly funny yet earnestly jazzy arrangement of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" for singer Billie Roe, whose show "Dangerous Women: Life in Film Noir" has garnered her a MAC nomination in the Female Vocalist category. She is also the winner of a 2012 Bistro Award in the "Theme Show" category. Our glorious waiter, David Ballard, next sang "Take a Chance on Me" (no, not the ABBA version, but from the musical "Little Women."). Then, composer Scott Evan Davis sat at the piano to introduce his song "Walk A Little Slower," which came about as a Mother's Day gift. It was sung by Sierra Rein and Joshua Dixon, who would later reprise it as part of Davis' "Cautiously Optimistic" CD part at Don't Tell Mama on Weds 14th. Etceterette Maureen Taylor then sang "Loose Ends," and made us happy by letting us know that her Lauren Bacall show would be re"Taylor"ed and brought back again in the future.
Billie Roe shows her Poker Face
Lynly Forrest
The Salon Spotlight for the evening was the young, handsome, and gloriously voiced baritone Amadeus Lundberg, who is hailed as the "Tango King of Finland." Amadeus is known in Finland as the Tango King for winning the Tangomarkkinat Tango contest in 2009 - his winning song "Onnemme kyyneleet" can be found on his 2010 album, "Anastasia." For the spotlight, he jazzily performed the classic "New York, New York" (which was quite adorable with his accent), thrummed through his low notes on "In the Ghetto," then robustly sang the classic "Grenada," which made quite a number of heads and hips sway along with him!
Swoon-worthy Amadeus Lundberg
For Classical Corner, Robert Schwartz (whom Mark had met in college!) took over the 88 keys to play Liszt's "Ballade #2". Now, Robert during his college years won the highest level of piano competitions when he was a Freshman - his technique and musical ability on the piano has won him an incredible amount of respect. And it was a hush of respect from the audience that night as Robert played what he called Liszt expression of the "commuting between Heaven and Hell." The audience was rapt throughout the piece, giving off little "mmnnh's" and "ahhhh's" as he reach a new, more expressive moment. A standing ovation met Robert as he finished the Ballade, putting a great ending stamp on the first half of the evening.
Robert Schwartz romances the keys
After the break, Kim Grogg grabbed the mic at the top of the second half and re-introduced her backup singers, Rain Collazo and Wendy Russell, to the stage and Steven Ray Watkins back to the piano. Rain Collazo and Wendy Russell are fantastic singers in their own right, which was evident as they all sang "Life is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me)" by Joey Levine/The Reunion, a song filled with hot, rapid-delivered lyrics. Next, we got a huge treat - Kim's sidekick Booking Manager (or "BM") Man, whose real identity we learned was Don't Tell Mama's Booking Manager, Sidney Myer! He sang the 1958 one-hit wonder "Volare" in Italian with as much sweet gusto and humor as the stage could handle! Kim then returned with Rain and Wendy to sing a huge Love Medley to the One Hit Wonder phenomenon, including "Party All The Time," "I'm too Sexy," "Kung Fu Fighting," "Black Betty," and "Groove is in the Heart." Some were presented in their original arrangements, and some were re-constructed to give the audience a new take on an old favorite. Kim then finished her Act II set with a lyric version of "Brandy, You're a Fine Girl."

The dapper Sidney Myer
Steven Ray Watkins adds his vocals
The BIRTHDAY GIRL Tanya Moberly (her big day was on Monday the 12th) sang "Birthday" by Meredith Brooks, and we all sang the HB song (with a presented carrot cake) for her. We then had a treat from Bobbie Horowitz, who brought out a tribute to BM Man himself, Sidney Myer - her lyrics to the tune of "Modern Major General" were so sweet! Her "Dress to Get Yes!" workshop is available, as well as her "Slim Sexy" Workshop, which will take place again on March 25th at Unity Center on 58th street.  Marnie Klar then sang the thoughtful country song "If I Were Brave" by Shawn Colvin.
Joe Regan, Jr. sang the melancholy ballad "That's Him Over There," and was proud to claim himself a new writer for the Times Square Chronicles as well as Cabaret Scenes. MAC nominated Janice Hall (for her Marlene Dietrich show) sang Cole Porter's "The Laziest Gal in Town" with Matthew Martin Ward playing piano. She is excited to have introduced her latest show, "I'd Rather Be Doing This" to audiences recently, and was thrilled to announced that she will be performing in her Off-Broadway debut (without singing!) in Monica Bauer's "My Occasion of Sin" at urbanStages, March 16th thru April 15th. 
Tanya gets a sweet smile and treat via David Ballard
Janice Hall lounges like a lazy gal should.
On stage next was Marissa Mulder, who just finished her show "Illusions" at the Metropolitan Room, sang "Paper Moon" with Bill Zeffiro at the piano. Her lovely, soft, wistful vocals fit her ballad version of this song beautifully. Bill Zeffiro stayed at the piano to sing "The Woman for the Man" from "It's a Bird, It's a Plane It's Superman." Bill is not only nominated for one of his original songs, but can also be seen hitting the keys at La Mediterrannee Bistro each Tuesday night. Then, MAC/Bistro winner and current MAC nominee Gretchen Reinhagen (with Steven Ray Watkins at the piano) performed "That's the Way I Always Heard it Should Be" by Carly Simon.  Bob Diamond (who is directed by Gretchen Reinhagen in his show "This Funny World," March 22nd and April 29th 7pm at Don't Tell Mama) sang the ballad/anthem "Fifty Percent."

Sierra Rein (yours truly) then sang the Gershwin/Hammerstein/Harbach ditty "Vodka," which she will soon use in the audition circuits. In addition to Scott Evan Davis' show,  I am spending time with my vocal group Marquee Five on their next brand-new set. Wendy Russell then stepped into the spotlight to sing the touching "I Like Him" from "Drat the Cat" - she will have her own jazz-themed show on May 19th in Brooklyn Heights. Next, Rain Collazo (and Steven Ray Watkins accompanying her) ripped through an amazing gospel-belted version of "Tainted Love." We then went to "A Quiet Thing" as sung Beth Sambur (accompanied by Bill Zeffiro). Kim, Rain, Wendy and Steve then closed the evening with a "BIG ONE HIT MEDLEY," consisting of titles like "Turn the Beat Around," "Midnight in the Oasis," "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" "Walkin' on Sunshine," and even had a little of the Macarena dance mixed in. It was a wonderful night!

Ladies in Red (Kim Grogg, Rain Collazo and Wendy Russell) belt it out!
THIS SUNDAY the 18th! The optional theme for the evening is “Coping Mechanisms” (I refrain judgement on the correlation between this theme, beer, and St. Patrick's Day weekend). Our guest Host/Pianist will be Matthew Martin Ward, since Mark will be away for the evening. Our Co-Host will be Kenneth Gartman, who just finished his debut show “Not Like The Other Cavemen” at Don't Tell Mama. And the Salon Spotlight will be the lovely Susan Winter: MAC and Bistro Award Winner who is once again nominated for a 2012 MAC Award for Female Vocalist.

Remember, Mark Janas and Andy Gale are once again offering their “Acting The Song” class, which will meet THIS SATURDAY, March 17th from 12-3:30pm at Etcetera, Etcetera, 352 West 44th St, NYC. The fee for the single class is $90. For more information, contact Andy at 646-526-4376 or Mark at 646-246-5753.

See you Sunday!

-Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Please email me.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - March 14, 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, March 18th from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.

The optional theme for the evening is “Coping Mechanisms”.

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

Our Guest Host/Pianist will be Matthew Martin Ward! Matthew is currently Musical Director for Janice Hall's “I'd Rather Be Doing This” at The Metropolitan Room, for which he co-wrote the title song. For more information, look for Matthew on Facebook.

Our Co-Host will be Kenneth Gartman! Kenneth just finished his debut show “Not Like The Other Cavemen” at Don't Tell Mama. For more information about his busy schedule as a Pianist, Vocal Coach and Musical Director: www.kennethgartman.com.

Our Salon Spotlight will feature Susan Winter! Susan is a MAC and Bistro Award Winner and is once again nominated for a 2012 MAC Award for Female Vocalist. For more information: susanwintersings.com.

Mark Janas and Andy Gale are once again offering their “Acting The Song” class, which will meet for one more Saturday, March 17th from 12-3:30pm at Etcetera, Etcetera, 352 West 44th St, NYC. The fee for the single class is $90. For more information, contact Andy at 646-526-4376 or Mark at 646-246-5753.

Salon continues every Sunday (except April 8th)...

March 25th:
Theme: The Rat Pack
Co-Hosts: Terese Genecco & Shaynee Rainbolt

April 1st:
Theme: These Foolish Things (Fools in Love, Class Clowns or Any Kind of Fool or Foolish) AND Salon will be holding it's First Annual Song Parody Competition! Judges & Prizes TBA.
Co-Host: D.C. Anderson

April 8th: NO SALON

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 Facebook!

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

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, March 18th!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Producer

P.S. If you would like to add your name to our mailing list please email Tanya.

-Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Please email me.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - March 8, 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, March 11th from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “One Hit Wonders”. That can apply to a pop tune, a song from a Broadway show from a 'one hit show' writing team or a song related to some kind of singular success story, fictional or non.

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

Our Co-Host will be 2012 MAC Award Nominee Kim Grogg! Kim has been nominated for Best Female Vocalist for her “One Hit Wonder Woman” show and will be bringing her Wonderful Entourage to Salon: Stevie Ray Watkins on Piano, Rain Collazo & Wendy Russell on Vocals and Special Guest Sidney Myer!

Our Salon Spotlight will feature “The Tango King of Finland” Amadeus Lundberg! http://www.en.amadeuslundberg.com/.

Classical Corner will feature Robert Schwartz, a Multiple Award Winning, San Francisco based concert pianist, playing Liszt!

Mark Janas and Andy Gale are once again offering their “Acting The Song” class, which will meet on Saturdays March 10th & March 17th from 12-3:30pm at Etcetera, Etcetera, 352 West 44th St, NYC. $90 for one class; $160 for both. For more information, contact Andy at 646-526-4376 or Mark at 646-246-5753.

Salon continues every Sunday (except April 8th)...

March 18th:
Theme: Coping Mechanisms
Guest Host/Pianist: Matthew Martin Ward
Co-Host: Kenneth Gartman
Salon Spotlight: Susan Winter

March 25th:
Theme: The Rat Pack
Co-Hosts: Terese Genecco & Shaynee Rainbolt

April 1st:
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: D.C. Anderson

April 8th: NO SALON

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, March 11th!


Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Producer