Mark Janas - The Salon: 2014

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - December 31, 2014

SALON IS NOW OFFERING A VIDEO SERVICE
Stephen Bustmante is our new in-house videographer offering professional, website & YouTube ready video clips for anyone who is interested. The cost is $20 in cash per song – payable in advance at sign-up. If you wish to participate, just let one of The Etceterettes know. This service is completely optional.

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 sponsor Dr. Garrett Bennett!

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

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - December 18, 2015

THERE WILL BE NO SALON DECEMBER 21ST OR DECEMBER 28TH.

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 4th from 7-10:30PM. (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

January 4th
Theme: Living In The Moment
Co-Host: Champagne Pam

Salon will then continue every Sunday…

January 11th
Theme: Life Inside & Out
Co-Host: Richard Skipper
Salon Spotlight: BROADSWAY

January 18th
Theme: Just Go To The Movies
Co-Hosts: Raisssa Katona Bennett & Kenneth Gartman

January 25th
Theme: Optimism vs Pessimism
Co-Host: Kristoffer Lowe

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

SALON IS NOW OFFERING A VIDEO SERVICE
Stephen Bustmante is our new in-house videographer offering professional, website & YouTube ready video clips for anyone who is interested. The cost is $20 in cash per song – payable in advance at sign-up. If you wish to participate, just let one of The Etceterettes know. This service is completely optional.

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 sponsor Dr. Garrett Bennett!

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

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Sunday, December 14, 2014

The Salon Wrap-Up for December 14, 2014 - "To Wit: Songs: That Are Clever"

December 14, 2014

Theme: “To Wit: Songs That Are Clever”

Our Co-Host was Multiple MAC & Bistro Award Winner Jeff Harnar! Jeff has performed all over the country and on television, as well as in 21 of The Cabaret Conventions. He recently finished a critically acclaimed run of OUR TIME – SULLIVAN & HARNAR SING SONDHEIM at The Laurie Beechman Theater and his solo recordings “The 1959 Broadway Songbook,” “Because of You: Fifties Gold,” “Sammy Cahn All the Way” and “Dancing in The Dark” are available on P.S. Classics. For more information: www.jeffharnar.com

First his first song, Jeff sang a lively, “I’m Throwing A Ball Tonight.” In his mid-show set, he brought the house down with “Put ‘Em In A Box” and a hilarious medley of songs from Oklahoma! in the style of Stephen Sondheim. For his final song of the evening, he sang the witty, wordy and wonderful, “Can Can (Or Too Marvelous For Words).”

Co-Host Jeff Harnar

Quick Wrap: Classical Corner

What is wit in music? Founder & host Mark Janas says that there can certainly be a sense of humor in music, usually based on the element of surprise. A couple of Schubert songs came to Mark’s mind when thinking of the theme so he played excerpts from them: the “Moments Musicaux” F Major and F Minor Movements.

He was also thinking of the Chopin Etude known as the Butterfly Etude (because the pianist’s hand looks like a butter fly fluttering on the keys.) Mark said that the end of the song probably has the most witty ending in classical music, which he aptly demonstrated.

He then told some witty stories about Brahms. Brahms went to dinner at a wealthy man’s home and Brahms was someone who didn’t like it when people put things on “for show.” The host made an excuse to leave the room, went through a little door at the end of the dining room, and then returned with a dusty bottle of wine which seemed to have added cobwebs for effect. The host poured the wine and said, “This is the Brahms of the wine cellar,: and Brahms quipped, “Better bring the Beethoven.”

Mark then talked about Bach’s “D Major Fugue” which has a witty intelligence that conjures up powdered wigs, silk & stockings, and people taking bows. He talked about the structure of fugues (most notably themes) and he shared with us a segment of the song to illustrate how the theme is expressed over and over in different ways.

He then closed Classical Corner by playing Chopin’s “Ballade in A Flat Major.”

Roster of singers for the evening (in order of appearance):

Click link to visit the performer’s website, when available.

All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.

Jeff Harner (with Alex Rybeck on piano)

Richie Eisenberg (with Alex Rybeck on piano)

Jim Speake

Virginia Hill

David Ballard

Ira Lee Collings

Alan Yashin

Ann Dawson

Rob Davis (with Alex Rybeck on piano)

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and musicians: Mark Janas and Alex Rybeck.

And thank you to Gill Alexandre on lights and sound, our videographer Steve Bustamante, and our amazing waitstaff (David Ballard and team!) who always handles the demands of a full house with aplomb!

Upcoming shows:

Ongoing: Matthew Martin Ward plays on Mondays at the West End Lounge, 955 West End Ave, NYC.

Ongoing: Bill Zeffiro plays every Tuesday from 9-11pm at La Mediterranee, 947 Second Avenue (at 50th St), NYC.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014 (9pm) - Bill Zeffiro plays piano (with special guest singers Zach Wobensmith and Anna Marie Sell) at La Mediterranee, 947 Second Avenue (at 50th St), NYC.

Friday, January 9, 2015 (7pm) - Tanya Moberly is bringing a new series of shows called, “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of pianist - this date has Mark Janas) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, January 14, 2014 (6:45pm) - Rob Davis is doing his solo cabaret debut at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 (7pm) - Tanya Moberly is bringing a new series of shows called, “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of pianist - this date has Mark Janas) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, January 25, 2015 (3pm) - Barb Malley is bringing back her show “Eat! Drink! Be Merry” to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, February 15, 2015 - Robin Kradles is bringing a brand new show “Heart Throb” to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, February 20, 2015 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly is bringing a new series of shows called, “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of pianist - this date has Sean Harkness) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015 (7pm) - Barb Malley is bringing back her show “Eat! Drink! Be Merry” to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 (7pm) - Tanya Moberly is bringing a new series of shows called, “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of pianist - this date has Sean Harkness) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, March 20, 2015 (7pm) - Tanya Moberly is bringing a new series of shows called, “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of pianist - this date has Ritt Henn) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly is bringing a new series of shows called, “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of pianist - this date has Ritt Henn) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, April 29, 2014 (7pm) - Ann Dawson is bringing her new show, “Traveling Solo” to the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Sunday, May 31, 2014 (4pm) - Ann Dawson is bringing her new show, “Traveling Solo” to the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Next Week’s Salon

We have a break for the next 2 Salons - NO SALON December 21 or 28.

We’ll be back on January 4 with the theme, “Living In The Moment” with co-host, Champagne Pam. We’ll see you then!

Erin Cronican

Blogette for The Salon

(Updates? Changes? Email me.)

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - December 9, 2014

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 14th from 7-10:30PM. (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “To Wit – Songs That Are Clever.”

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

Our Co-Host will be Multiple MAC & Bistro Award Winner Jeff Harnar! Jeff has performed all over the country and on television, as well as in 21 of The Cabaret Conventions. He recently finished a critically acclaimed run of OUR TIME – SULLIVAN & HARNAR SING SONDHEIM at The Laurie Beechman Theater and his solo recordings “The 1959 Broadway Songbook," "Because of You: Fifties Gold," "Sammy Cahn All the Way" and "Dancing in The Dark" are available on P.S. Classics. For more information: www.jeffharnar.com

Salon continues every Sunday (except December 21st & December 28th)…

December 21st – NO SALON

December 28th – NO SALON

January 4th
Theme: Living In The Moment
Co-Host: Champagne Pam

January 11th
Theme: Life Inside & Out
Co-Host: Richard Skipper
Salon Spotlight: BROADSWAY

January 18th
Theme: Just Go To The Movies
Co-Hosts: Raisssa Katona Bennett & Kenneth Gartman

January 25th
Theme: Optimism vs Pessimism
Co-Host: Kristoffer Lowe

SALON IS NOW OFFERING A VIDEO SERVICE

Stephen Bustmante is our new in-house videographer offering professional, website & YouTube ready video clips for anyone who is interested. The cost is $20 in cash per song – payable in advance at sign-up. If you wish to participate, just let one of The Etceterettes know. This service is completely optional.

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 sponsor Dr. Garrett Bennett!

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

Thanks,
Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Sunday, December 7, 2014

The Salon Wrap-Up for December 7, 2014 - "What The Hell"

December 7, 2014

Theme: “What The Hell”

I have to say, it’s so wonderful to walk into Etc Etc restaurant each week to take in a full evening of entertainment by some of the top performers in all of cabaret. I count myself very, very lucky and I think I can speak for our guests tonight by saying this is a valued artistic institution!

Our Co-Hosts tonight were 2-Time MAC Award Winner Marissa Mulder & 5-Time MAC Award Winner Bill Zeffiro! Marissa just appeared in LIVING STANDARDS at Urban Stages on December 5. Bill will be at La Mediterranee – 947 Second Avenue (at 50th St) – every Tuesday from 9-11pm until the end of time. For more information: www.marissamulder.com / www.billzeffiro.com / www.lamediterraneeny.com

Marissa and Bill opened the show with one of the most charming duets on the cabaret circuit (written by Bill himself): “What The Hell (It’s Christmas).” For their mid-show set, Marissa gave us a luscious “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, followed by a simple, contemplative, “The Very Thought Of You.” For their final set of the evening, Bill first sang his iconic tune, “New York Song,” then he and Marissa closed out the night with a charming and playful, “Me and My Shadow.”

Co-Host Marissa Mulder

Co-Host Bill Zeffiro

Our Salon Spotlight featured BROADWAY FOUR - Michael Osso, Thomas Dieter, Tom Guthrie & Dana Steer (with music director James Horan!) BROADWAY FOUR will be appearing at Stage 72 – 158 West 72nd St, NYC – on December 17th at 9:30pm.

They did 3 beautiful arrangements of pop songs with a Broadway flair (they even got a little bit of Broadway into the mix!) Their set included:

1) Beautiful (Carole King)

2) Grown Up Christmas / Somewhere

3) Josh Groban Medley

For more information about this great group, visit www.broadwayfour.com

Quick Wrap: Classical Corner

Mark started by opening up a thick book of music and got right into playing Bach’s “Partita I Praeludium” in B Flat. He said that initially he thought about doing the whole segment about Bach, but that wasn’t really a "what the hell" theme. He started thinking, “What the hell IS classical music?” which led him to a memory of when he was in school. He and his friends would find out how many random songs they could string together.

Inspired by this memory, he invited up all of the pianists in the room (Bill, Matthew and James) to have a little pianist play-along. Mark first laid out the rules - Mark said he would choose classical pieces on the fly and connect them in strange ways (maybe throw in some pop music, maybe throw in a few jokes.) At any point, a pianist could cut in and take over the improvisation.

And...Dear Me! There were all kinds of things thrown, including “The Butterfly Etude”, “The Pink Panther Theme”, “And All That Jazz”, “Bewitched Bother & Bewildered”, and many others - culminating in an 8 HAND (4 pianist) version of “New York New York.” What a thrilling display of spontaneity and musicianship!

Roster of singers for the evening (in order of appearance):

Click link to visit the performer’s website, when available.

All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.

Bill Zeffiro and Marissa Mulder

Bennett Silverstein

Adam Shapiro

Lea McKenna-Garcia

Lisa Yaeger

Matthew Martin Ward (also on piano)

David Ballard

Erin Cronican

Kathleen France

Broadway Four - Michael Osso, Thomas Dieter, Tom Guthrie & Dana Steer (with James Horan on piano)

Tanya Moberly

Bobbie Horowitz

Courtney Marie Wilkins

Angela Leone

Rob Davis

Zach Wobensmith (with Bill Zeffiro on piano)

Abbie Waxman

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and musicians: Mark Janas, Bill Zeffiro, Matthew Martin Ward, and James Horan.

Upcoming shows:

Ongoing: Matthew Martin Ward plays on Mondays at the West End Lounge, 955 West End Ave, NYC.

Ongoing: Bill Zeffiro plays every Tuesday from 9-11pm at La Mediterranee, 947 Second Avenue (at 50th St), NYC.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014 (9:30pm) - David Ballard is appearing in a brand new show “True North” (directed by Tanya Moberly) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 (7pm) - Adam Shapiro is appearing in “Nothing Normal” (directed by Peter Napolitano, with Erin Cronican on vocals) as a part of the Winter Rhythms Festival at Urban Stages, 259 W 30th St, NYC.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 (9:30pm) - David Ballard is appearing in a brand new show “True North” (directed by Tanya Moberly) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Saturday, December 13, 2014 (3pm) - Adam Shapiro is producing and starring in “The Lovers, The Dreamers and Jim: The Music of Jim Henson,” with Special Guest Zach Wobensmith (and others), as a part of the Winter Rhythms Festival at Urban Stages, 259 W 30th St, NYC.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014 (9:30pm) - BROADWAY FOUR - Michael Osso, Thomas Dieter, Tom Guthrie & Dana Steer with music director James Horan - will be appearing in their newest show at Stage 72, 158 West 72nd St, NYC.

Sunday, December 28, 2014 - Lisa Yaeger will be appearing in “An Evening with Judy Garland” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Sunday, February 15, 2014 (5:30pm) - Bennett Silverstein is appearing in his Tony Bennett tribute show, “Bennett sings Bennett” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, February 22, 2014 - Kathleen France and Dawn Derow are bringing back their show, “Revolution” to The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street, NYC.

Sunday, March 15, 2014 - Kathleen France and Dawn Derow are bringing back their show, “Revolution” to The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street, NYC.

Next Week’s Salon

Next week we’ll be back with the theme, “To Wit - Songs That Are Clever.” Your co-host will be Jeff Harnar. We’ll see you then!

Erin Cronican

Blogette for The Salon

(Updates? Changes? Email me.)

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - December 3, 2014

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

The optional theme for the evening is “What The Hell.”

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

Our Co-Hosts will be 2-Time MAC Award Winner Marissa Mulder & 5-Time MAC Award Winner Bill Zeffiro! Marissa will be appearing in LIVING STANDARDS at Urban Stages – 259 West 30th St, NYC 10001 – on December 5 that 7:00 and Bill will be at La Mediterranee – 947 Second Avenue (at 50th St), NYC 10022 – every Tuesday from 9-11pm until the end of time. For more information: www.marissamulder.com / www.billzeffiro.com / www.lamediterraneeny.com

Our Salon Spotlight will feature BROADWAY FOUR - Michael Osso, Thomas Dieter, Tom Guthrie & Dana Steer! BROADWAY FOUR will be appearing at Stage 72 – 158 West 72nd St, NYC 10023 – on December 17th at 9:30pm. For more information: www.broadwayfour.com

Salon continues every Sunday (except December 21st & December 28th)…

December 14th
Theme: To Wit – Songs That Are Clever
Co-Host: Jeff Harnar

December 21st – NO SALON

December 28th – NO SALON

January 4th
Theme: Living In The Moment
Co-Host: Champagne Pam

January 11th
Theme: Life Inside & Out
Co-Host: Richard Skipper
Salon Spotlight: BROADSWAY

January 18th
Theme: Just Go To The Movies
Co-Hosts: Raisssa Katona Bennett & Kenneth Gartman

January 25th
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: Kristoffer Lowe

SALON IS NOW OFFERING A VIDEO SERVICE
Stephen Bustmante is our new in-house videographer offering professional, website & YouTube ready video clips for anyone who is interested. The cost is $20 in cash per song – payable in advance at sign-up. If you wish to participate, just let one of The Etceterettes know. This service is completely optional.

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 sponsor Dr. Garrett Bennett!

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

Thanks,
Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - November 26, 2014

THERE WILL BE NO SALON NOVEMBER 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, December 7th from 7-10:30PM. (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

December 7th
Theme: What The Hell
Co-Hosts: Marissa Mulder & Bill Zeffiro
Salon Spotlight: BROADWAY FOUR (Michael Osso, Thomas Dieter, Tom Guthrie & Dana Steer)

Salon will then continue every Sunday (except December 21st & December 28th)…

December 14th
Theme: To Wit – Songs That Are Clever
Co-Host: Jeff Harnar

December 21st – NO SALON

December 28th – NO SALON

January 4th
Theme: Living In The Moment
Co-Host: Champagne Pam

January 11th
Theme: Life Inside & Out
Co-Host: Richard Skipper
Salon Spotlight: BROADSWAY

January 18th
Theme: Just Go To The Movies
Co-Hosts: Raissa Katona Bennett & Kenneth Gartman

January 25th
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: Kristoffer Lowe

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

SALON IS NOW OFFERING A VIDEO SERVICE
Stephen Bustmante is our new in-house videographer offering professional, website & YouTube ready video clips for anyone who is interested. The cost is $20 in cash per song – payable in advance at sign-up. If you wish to participate, just let one of The Etceterettes know. This service is completely optional.

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 sponsor Dr. Garrett Bennett!

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

Thanks,
Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Monday, November 24, 2014

The Salon Wrap-Up November 23, 2014 - "That Holiday Feeling"

November 23, 2014

Theme: “That Holiday Feeling”

It's the week of Thanksgiving, so what better way to kick off the season than to bring in cabaret's favorite holiday duo!

Tonight’s Co-Hosts were Bistro Award Winner Edd Clark & 3-Time MAC Award Winner Sue Matsuki! SUE & EDD’S FABULOUS CHRISTMAS will be at Don’t Tell Mama – 343 West 46th St, NYC 10036 – on December 4th at 7pm & December 7th at 3pm. For more information: www.eddclark.com / www.suematsuki.com

Edd and Sue kicked off the evening with a rousing duet, “That Holiday Feeling” (so THAT’S how they got the theme!) For their mid-show set, Sue started with the country inspired tune, “I Know What Santa’s Getting for Christmas” (with some assistance from the audience!) She and Edd continued with a touching medley of “After the Holiday” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” To close the set, Edd sang a lively, “The Very Best Time of Year.” At the end of the night, Edd and Sue gave us a bossa-nova-esque “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” (which Mark Janas capped with one more verse to that the audience could sing along.) The holidays are upon us, and we are cheered! :)

Co-Hosts Edd Clark and Sue Matsuki

Our Salon Spotlight featured the talented songwriter and performer, Robert Yarnall (with pianist Fred Thaler and special guest, Salon Charter Member, Kristin Maloney!) Robert will be appearing in YARNALL DESIRES at The Laurie Beechman Theater – 407 West 42nd St, NYC 10036 – on December 1st at 7pm. For more information: www.robertyarnall.com

For his first song, Robert brought us a hilarious, “Why Would I Ever (Come Back)” as the character, Jesus. His second song was the powerful and uplifting, “Making the Most of My Day.” To close the set, Robert asked Kristin Maloney to come up to sing his original tune, “Changing” (which was inspired by the movie, “Pleasantville.”) It was such a beautiful song, and wonderfully delivered by Kristin.

Salon Spotlight Robert Yarnall

Quick Wrap: Classical Corner

When Mark Janas thought about this week’s classical corner, he knew he wanted to play Brahms. So he contacted one of his favorite violinists, Bradley Bosenbeck, and asked him if he happened to like Brahms sonatas. Bradley said he loved them, and the performance was made!

The chose to play parts of Brahms Sonata in D Minor, chamber music which Mark called “gypsy.” They started by playing a little of the opening to illustrate how the themes and structure impact the music. Mark and Bradley then played through the 1st movement to roaring applause. Mark then teased us by saying that he would, someday, play through the rest of the piece but for now they would play some snippets from Movement 2 and Movement 3 to let us know what’s in store. It was stunning! But at the last moment Mark relented and let us all hear the last movement of the piece - powerful, moving and chilling. What a treat!

Roster of singers for the evening (in order of appearance):

Click link to visit the performer’s website, when available.

All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.

Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki

Natasha Castillo

Nancy Seabold (also on piano)

Bob Diamond

Bobbie Horowitz

Dana Lorge

Edward Herson (also on guitar)

Nicholas Levin (also on piano)

Anna Marie Sell (with Bill Zeffiro on piano)

Bill Zeffiro (also on piano)

David Ballard

Erin Cronican

Zach Wobensmith (with Adam Shapiro)

Robert Yarnall

Tanya Moberly

Barb Malley

Minda Larsen

Ira Lee Collings

Richard Eisenberg

Adam Shapiro

Matthew Martin Ward (also on piano)

Rob Davis

Tom Toce (with Matthew Martin Ward in piano)

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and musicians: Mark Janas, Fred Thaler, Bradley Bosenbeck, Matthew Martin Ward, Nancy Seabold, Edward Herson, Nicholas Levin, and Bill Zeffiro.

Upcoming shows:

Ongoing: Matthew Martin Ward plays on Mondays at the West End Lounge, 955 W End Ave, NYC.

Monday, November 24, 2014 (7pm) - Bobbie Horowitz announced that she is being honored with a show “This Is Your Life, Bobbie Horowitz,” with musical direction by Bill Zeffiro and featuring Dana Lorge and other fabulous singers at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Monday, December 1, 2014 (7pm) - Robert Yarnall will be appearing in “Yarnall Desires” at The Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 West 42nd St, NYC.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 (7pm) - Bill Zeffiro is co-hosting & music directing “A Tribute To Bing Crosby” (with special guest Anna Marie Sell, among others) as a part of the Winter Rhythms Festival at Urban Stages, 259 W 30th St, NYC.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014 (7pm) - Erin Cronican is appearing in “Cole Mining: The Lyrics of Stephen Cole” (with music by various composers, including Matthew Martin Ward!) as a part of the Winter Rhythms Festival at Urban Stages, 259 W 30th St, NYC.

Thursday, December 4, 2014 (7pm) - Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki are doing their show “Sue & Edd’s Fabulous Christmas” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Thursday, December 4, 2014 (9:15pm) - Natasha Castillo is appearing in Lennie Watts’ show at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, December 5, 2014 (7pm) - Bill Zeffiro is playing & music directing the show, “Marissa Mulder in Living Standards” as a part of the Winter Rhythms Festival at Urban Stages, 259 W 30th St, NYC.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is bringing her new show “Matters of the Heart” (with music director Matthew Martin Ward) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, December 7, 2014 (3pm) - Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki are doing their show “Sue & Edd’s Fabulous Christmas” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, December 7, 2014 (5pm) - Bob Diamond is doing his show “As Time Goes By” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, December 7, 2014 (4pm) - Anna Marie Sell is appearing in her solo cabaret debut, “Goodnight Soldier: Songs of the Second World War” (with music direction by Bill Zeffiro) at The Triad/Stage 72, 158 W 72nd St, NYC.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014 (9:30pm) - David Ballard is appearing in a brand new show “True North” (directed by Tanya Moberly) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 (7pm) - Bob Diamond is doing his show “As Time Goes By” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 (9:30pm) - David Ballard is appearing in a brand new show “True North” (directed by Tanya Moberly) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Thursday, December 11, 2014 (7pm) - Minda Larsen is appearing in “Johnny Mercer: Trav’lin Light” (directed by Peter Napolitano) at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Next Week’s Salon

THERE IS NO SALON 11/30/14.

The following week, December 7, we’re thrilled to have co-hosts Bill Zeffiro and Marissa Mulder, with the theme “What The Hell.” Our Salon Spotlight will be the BROADWAY FOUR (Michael Osso, Thomas Dieter, Tom Guthrie & Dana Steer). We’ll see you then!

Erin Cronican

Blogette for The Salon

(Updates? Changes? Email me.)

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - November 12, 2014

THERE WILL BE NO SALON NOVEMBER 16TH.

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, November 23rd from 7-10:30PM. (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

November 23rd
Theme: That Holiday Feeling
Co-Hosts: Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki
Salon Spotlight: Robert Yarnall

Salon will then continue every Sunday (except November 30th)…

November 30th – NO SALON

December 7th
Theme: What The Hell
Co-Hosts: Marissa Mulder & Bill Zeffiro
Salon Spotlight: Broadway Four

December 14th
Theme: To Wit – Songs That Are Clever
Co-Host: Jeff Harnar

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

SALON IS NOW OFFERING A VIDEO SERVICE
Stephen Bustmante is our new in-house videographer offering professional, website & YouTube ready video clips for anyone who is interested. The cost is $20 in cash per song – payable in advance at sign-up. If you wish to participate, just let one of The Etceterettes know. This service is completely optional.

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 sponsor Dr. Garrett Bennett!

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, November 23rd!

Thanks,
Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Sunday, November 9, 2014

The Salon Wrap-Up November 9, 2014 - "Happiness Is..."

November 9, 2014

Theme: “Happiness Is...”

To start the evening, Salon founder and host, Mark Janas, asked the audience to share shows they’d seen recently that made them happy. (Among them, Ben Rimalower and Adam Shapiro were lauded!)

Tonight’s Co-Host was Marnie Klar. Marnie will be doing her final performance of HOME with Steven Ray Watkins, Matt Scharfglass & Terese Genecco at Don’t Tell Mama – 343 West 46th St, NYC 10036 – on November 12th at 9:30pm. For more information: www.marnieklar.com

For the first song of the evening, Marnie sang a fun yet poignant, “Lying.” In her mid-show set, she gave us a tender and heartfelt, “What Do I Do?” She followed that with “Consequence of Sounds” by Regina Spektor (with “percussion” by Mark Janas) and “100 Years” by Five for Fighting. She closed the show with the incredible audience pleaser, “Happy” (by Pharrell) with backup singers Mark Janas, Janice Hall, and yours truly. :)

Co-Host Marnie Klar

Our Salon Spotlight featured MAC, Bistro & Nightlife Award Winner Carolyn Montgomery-Forant! Carolyn will be at The Laurie Beechman Theater – 407 West 42nd St, NYC 10036 – in VISIBLE PHOENIX November 21st, December 22nd, March 13th, April 10th & May 8th. All shows at 7pm. For more information: www.carolynmontgomeryforant.com

Carolyn started her set with a very touching, “Make Me a Kite.” Her next song was a charming, original piece, “Lady Phoenix.” She finished with another original song, inspired by the infamous posters that hung in gyms across the nation which pictured two differently-sized women and the question, “Would you rather be a mermaid or a whale?” I’m so glad that someone is taking this topic on in a fun (and direct) way. It's sorely needed (no pun intended!)

Salon Spotlight Carolyn Montgomery-Forint

Quick Wrap: Classical Corner

Mark started out by saying, “So... happy? (and then played a bit of “Happy Talk” from South Pacific.) He mentioned that today is the anniversary of two historic events - 25 years ago (1989) the Berlin Wall fell, and Mark played a bit from Beethoven’s 9th in commemoration. The 2nd event was not quite a “happy” - the anniversary of Kristallnacht (Crystal Night), a night when throughout Germany & Austria the military action was so intense that broken glass was strewn across the city. It’s rumored that the evening left 91 dead, 30 committed suicides, and 30,000 arrested, but Mark thinks that numbers may be much higher.

What do either of these things have to do with happiness? Mark talked about how music is something that is drawn forth from musicians/composers and can be a way to find solace. He mentioned the French composer Olivier Messiean, who was arrested and thrown into a concentration camp. Even that could not stop him from composing - he wrote a song for the only 4 in their possession: piano, violin, cello, clarinet - “Quatuor pour la fin du temps” (or Quartet for the End of Time) - which was first performed in the concentration camp for prisoners and the guards.

Next, Mark started talking about what makes music sound happy:

1) Major chords

He talked about how one kind of one chord can sound universally happy, which all comes down to the physics of sounds - overtones. When you play a string, you hear 2 octaves and a 3rd note (which is the 5th, in the middle.) his chord is intrinsic to sound - every single sound has a major chord

2) Minor chords

Minor chords sound sad because of the tension - hidden within in a minor chord is the major chord which creates dissonance.

Modes - Mark talked about how the Greeks really started exploring chords and their structure, and these chords ended up with Greek names (Ionian, Dorian, etc)

3) Tempo and Articulation

Mark talked about the term ”allegro” which indicates a fast, peppy, bright tempo and literally means “cheerful” in Italian. A song’s tempo and articulation can give “happy” music a sense of bounciness and ebullient.

A few tunes that Mark played as examples:

Prelude in C major (Bach - Ave Maria)

Butterfly Etude (Chopin)

E minor Prelude (Chopin)

Raindrop Prelude - inspired by the patter of rain on a windowsill (Chopin)

To close the night, Mark mentioned that Keys and Mood of the composition also make a big difference. He encouraged the singers to think about all of these areas as they construct their shows.

Roster of singers for the evening (in order of appearance):

Click link to visit the performer’s website, when available.

All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.

Marnie Klar

Bobbie Horowitz

Richie Eisenberg

Ira Lee Collings

Matthew Martin Ward

Rob Davis (with Bill Zeffiro)

Bill Zeffiro

Ann Dawson (with Don Rebic)

Christine Reisner Rebic (on voice & violin, with Don Rebic)

David Ballard

Erin Cronican

Janice Hall

Carolyn Montgomery-Forant

Tanya Moberly

Nick Miller

Richie Eisenberg (encore)

Rob Davis (encore)

Ira Lee Collings (encore)

David Ballard (encore)

Matthew Martin Ward (encore)

Erin Cronican (encore, with Matthew Martin Ward)

Janice Hall (encore)

Christine Lavin

Daniel Cainer (also on piano)

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and musicians: Mark Janas, Matthew Martin Ward, Don Rebic, Christine Reisner Rebic, Daniel Cainer, and Bill Zeffiro.

Upcoming shows:

Ongoing: Matthew Martin Ward plays on Mondays at the West End Lounge, 955 W End Ave, NYC.

Friday, November 21, 2014 (7pm) - Carolyn Montgomery-Forant will be performing in “Visible Phoenix” at The Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 West 42nd St, NYC.

Sunday, November 23, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is bringing her new show “Matters of the Heart” (with music director Matthew Martin Ward) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 (7pm) - Bill Zeffiro is co-hosting & music directing “A Tribute To Bing Crosby” as a part of the Winter Rhythms Festival at Urban Stages, 259 W 30th St, NYC.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014 (7pm) - Erin Cronican is appearing in “Cole Mining: The Lyrics of Stephen Cole”, music directed by Matthew Martin Ward as a part of the Winter Rhythms Festival at Urban Stages, 259 W 30th St, NYC.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is bringing her new show “Matters of the Heart” (with music director Matthew Martin Ward) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014 (9:30pm) - David Ballard is appearing in a brand new show (name TBD - directed by Tanya Moberly) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 (7pm) - Adam Shapiro is appearing in “Nothing Normal”, (with Erin Cronican on vocals) as a part of the Winter Rhythms Festival at Urban Stages, 259 W 30th St, NYC.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 (9:30pm) - David Ballard is appearing in a brand new show (name TBD - directed by Tanya Moberly) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Saturday, December 13, 2014 (3pm) - Adam Shapiro is producing and starring in “The Lovers, The Dreamers and Jim: The Music of Jim Henson,” with Special Guest Erin Cronican (and others), as a part of the Winter Rhythms Festival at Urban Stages, 259 W 30th St, NYC

Monday, December 22, 2014 (7pm) - Carolyn Montgomery-Forant will be performing in “Visible Phoenix” at The Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 West 42nd St, NYC.

Next Week’s Salon

THERE IS NO SALON 11/16/14.

The following week, November 23, we will kick off the winter season with “That Holiday Feeling” featuring co-hosts Sue Matsuki and Edd Clark. Our Salon Spotlight will be Robert Yarnall. We’ll see you then!

Erin Cronican

Blogette for The Salon

(Updates? Changes? Email me.)

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - November 5, 2014

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, November 9th from 7-10:30PM. (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “Happiness Is…”

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

Our Co-Host will be Marnie Klar! Marnie will be doing her final performance of HOME with Steven Ray Watkins, Matt Scharfglass & Terese Genecco at Don’t Tell Mama – 343 West 46th St, NYC 10036 – on November 12th at 9:30pm. For more information: www.marnieklar.com

Our Salon Spotlight will feature MAC, Bistro & Nightlife Award Winner Carolyn Montgomery-Forant! Carolyn will be at The Laurie Beechman Theater – 407 West 42nd St, NYC 10036 – in VISIBLE PHOENIX November 21st, December 22nd, March 13th, April 10th & May 8th. All shows at 7pm. For more information: www.carolynmontgomerforant.com

Salon continues every Sunday (except November 16th & November 30th)…

November 16th – NO SALON

November 23rd
Theme: That Holiday Feeling
Co-Hosts: Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki
Salon Spotlight: Robert Yarnall

November 30th – NO SALON

December 7th
Theme: What The Hell
Co-Hosts: Marissa Mulder & Bill Zeffiro
Salon Spotlight: Broadway Four

December 14th
Theme: To Wit – Songs That Are Clever
Co-Host: Jeff Harnar

SALON IS NOW OFFERING A VIDEO SERVICE
Stephen Bustmante is our new in-house videographer offering professional, website & YouTube ready video clips for anyone who is interested. The cost is $20 in cash per song – payable in advance at sign-up. If you wish to participate, just let one of The Etceterettes know. This service is completely optional.

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 sponsor Dr. Garrett Bennett!

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, November 9th!

Thanks,
Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Monday, November 3, 2014

The Salon Wrap-Up for November 2, 2014 - "Love Takes Many Forms"

November 2, 2014

Theme: “Love Takes Many Forms”

To open the evening, Founder/Host Mark Janas burst to the stage and said, “Love Takes Many Forms? More like TALENT takes many forms!” What better way to start this kind of evening with a little bit of love?! Mark then introduced our amazing Producer, Tanya Moberly, who lovingly gave us the structure and agenda for the evening. She then turned it back over to Mark, who officially ushered in The Salon by introducing our special guest performers!

Our Co-Host was the Dottie Burman Award Winning Singer/Songwriter Amy Engelhardt! Amy will be appearing in TUNE IN TIME: New York City’s Favorite Musical Theatre Game Show at The York Theatre – 619 Lexington Avenue, NYC 10022 – on October 28th & November 11th – both shows at 7:30 - and also in THE PEZ SHOW at The Actors Comedy Studio in Los Angeles on November 21st at 8:00. For more information: amy-engelhardt.blogspot.com

For the first song of the evening, Amy sang Jill Sobule’s “I’m So Happy” (which she infused with a few lyrics about The Salon!) For her mid-show set, Amy gave us 3 original tunes (one of which she accompanied herself on piano!): the hilarious “How Did This Thing...?, as well as “Like Me” and “Ounce of Hope.” She closed tonight’s show with a powerful “Boston Beguine” (hello, high B flat!) by Sheldon Harnick.

Co-Host Amy Engelhardt

Our Salon Spotlight featured Ira Lee Collings (with Woody Regan on piano.) Ira just finished his critically acclaimed show OFF THE CHARTS at Don’t Tell Mama. For more information, look for Ira on Facebook.

Ira started his set with new lyrics for “I Will Survive.” He then took us on a charming journey with “He Touched Me’ (written by Milton Schafer and Ira Levin for the musical Drat The Cat!) He finished his set by telling a story about growing up gay and his relationship with the church (hint: he was Baptist.) He finished with a very moving, “No Matter What Happens.”

Salon Spotlight Ira lee Collings

Quick Wrap: Classical Corner

For today’s Classical Corner, Mark Janas, started with some strains from Bach’s “Minuet in G Major” (also known as “The Lover’s Concerto.”) As we know, there are so many opera and classical songs about love, so Mark started to talk a little but about the similarities between love pieces. One difference. he said, can be in the intervals between notes. He played a little bit of Tchaikovsky, “The Love Story”, and the “Romeo & Juliet” movie theme to demonstrate the Minor 6th interval. But just as he got started down that path, Mark said, “But then I thought about it, and music theory is kind of boring, right?” Ha!

After the laughter died down, Mark walked us through his thought process of what to talk about today (related to the theme) and he said, “You know what would be fun? I want to know what YOU think is the epitome of love in classical music.” And whaddya know, our Etceterrette Adam Shapiro had gone around earlier in the night to do a little poll of our patrons. Puccini was brought up as a favorite, so Mark played a bit from La Boheme (where Rodolfo sings to Mimi) - “Que Gelida Manina.”

Love is all over opera, of course, so when Mark got the suggestion of Carmen, he invited up Minda Larsen (on the fly!) to come up to sing a snippet “Habanera” (complete with audience help to sing the chorus, “Prends Garde A Toi!”

Next, he decided to play “E Flat Nocturne” by Chopin, calling it “something soaring and simple.” Something to note: If THAT is simple, I would marvel at what we would call complex! Maybe it’s SIMPLY that he makes it look so easy... :)

Love in music has a sense of mood and flowing melody. So naturally, Mark reached out to one of his fellow classical cohorts who is fluent in mood & melody, Matthew Martin Ward, who came up to play “Wid Mung” a piece by Schumann (which he said had been transcribed for the piano by Liszt!)

With that, Mark released the group to our 15 minute intermission, where the audience got to bask in the love. :)

Roster of singers for the evening (in order of appearance):

Click link to visit the performer’s website, when available.

All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.

Amy Engelhardt

Minda Larsen

Barb Malley

Rob Davis

Sheree Sano (on piano as well!)

Mary Sue Daniels (with Woody Regan)

Stella Pulo (with Woody Regan)

Woody Regan

David Ballard

Ira Lee Collings

Sally Darling (with Matthew Martin Ward)

Matthew Martin Ward

Baano (with Woody Regan)

Steve Bustamante (with Adam Shapiro and Erin Cronican on backups)

Ronni Faust

Leni Tabb

Ann Dawson

Richie Eisenberg
Susan Kasluga

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and musicians: Mark Janas, Matthew Martin Ward, Sheree Sano, Woody Regan, and Amy Engelhardt.

And thank you to Gil Alexandre on lights and sound, our videographer Steve Bustamante, our incredible Etceterrette Adam Shapiro (and me!), and our amazing waitstaff, David Ballard (and team!)

Upcoming shows:

Ongoing: Sheree Sano is the regular happy hour pianist at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Ongoing: Matthew Martin Ward plays on Mondays at the West End Lounge, 955 W End Ave, NYC.

Saturday, November 8, 2014 (4pm) - Sue Hodgdon is bringing back her show, “I Could Go On Singing: The Songs of Judy Garland”, (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, November 9, 2014 (4pm) - Adam Shapiro is appearing in “Nothing Normal”, (with Erin Cronican on vocals), at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 (7:30pm) - Amy Engelhardt will be appearing in TUNE IN TIME: New York City’s Favorite Musical Theatre Game Show at The York Theatre – 619 Lexington Avenue, NYC.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014 (9:30pm) - Marnie Klar is bringing back her show, “Home”, (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday November 14, 2014 (7pm) - Tanya Moberly is appearing in Dana Lorge’s Variety Show at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Sunday, November 16, 2014 (7pm) - Minda Larsen is doing her Johnny Mercer show at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Thursday, November 20, 2014 (7pm) - Lynn Henderson is having her CD Release Party at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Friday, November 21, 2014 (8:00pm) - Amy Engelhardt will be appearing in “The Pez Show” at The Actors Comedy Studio in Los Angeles.

Sunday, November 23, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is bringing her new show “Matters of the Heart” (with music director Matthew Martin Ward) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, November 30, 2014 (4pm) - Mary Sue Daniels and Woody Regan are performing in “Groovin’ on a Sunday Afternoon” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is bringing her new show “Matters of the Heart” (with music director Matthew Martin Ward) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014 (9:30pm) - David Ballard is appearing in a brand new show (name TBD - directed by Tanya Moberly) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 (9:30pm) - David Ballard is appearing in a brand new show (name TBD - directed by Tanya Moberly) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Thursday, December 11, 2014 (4pm) - Minda Larsen is doing her Johnny Mercer show at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Thursday, December 18, 2014 - Caroline Kearney is appearing in “Bernie’s ‘Sing Your Heart Out’ Showcase” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Thursday, January 15, 2015 (7pm) - Sue Hodgdon is bringing back her show, “I Could Go On Singing: The Songs of Judy Garland”, (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Next Week’s Salon

Next week we’ll be back with the theme, “Happiness Is...” Our Co-Host will be Marnie Klar. Our Salon Spotlight will be Carolyn Montgomery-Forant. We’ll see you then!

Erin Cronican

Blogette for The Salon

(Updates? Changes? Email me.)

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - October 30, 2014

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

The optional theme for the evening is “Love Takes Many Forms.”

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

Our Co-Host will be Dottie Burman Award Winning Singer/Songwriter Amy Engelhardt! Amy will be appearing in TUNE IN TIME: New York City’s Favorite Musical Theatre Game Show at The York Theatre – 619 Lexington Avenue, NYC 10022 – on October 28th & November 11th – both shows at 7:30 - and also in THE PEZ SHOW at The Actors Comedy Studio in Los Angeles on November 21st at 8:00. For more information: www. amy-engelhardt.blogspot.com

Our Salon Spotlight will feature Ira Lee Collings! Ira just finished his critically acclaimed show OFF THE CHARTS at Don’t Tell Mama. For more information, look for Ira on Facebook.

Salon continues every Sunday (except November 16th & November 30th)…

November 9th
Theme: Happiness Is…
Co-Host: Marnie Klar
Salon Spotlight: Carolyn Montgomery-Forant

November 16th – NO SALON

November 23rd
Theme: That Holiday Feeling
Co-Hosts: Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki
Salon Spotlight: Robert Yarnall

November 30th – NO SALON

December 7th
Theme: What The Hell
Co-Hosts: Marissa Mulder & Bill Zeffiro
Salon Spotlight: Broadway Four

December 14th
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: Jeff Harnar

SALON IS NOW OFFERING A VIDEO SERVICE
Stephen Bustmante is our new in-house videographer offering professional, website & YouTube ready video clips for anyone who is interested. The cost is $20 in cash per song – payable in advance at sign-up. If you wish to participate, just let one of The Etceterettes know. This service is completely optional.

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 sponsor Dr. Garrett Bennett!

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

Thanks,
Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Sunday, October 26, 2014

The Salon Wrap-Up for October 26, 2014 - "Magic: Black, White or Otherwise"

October 26, 2014

Theme: “Magic: Black, White or Otherwise”

Our amazing founder & host, Mark Janas, and producer, Tanya Moberly, welcomed us to a spooky and festive Salon! It was a raucous event with a sold-out crowd, and I can’t help but admit that I was excited to see a plastic pumpkin on the piano with candy inside it. :) At the risk of taking the cliche too far, there were very few tricks in a sea of treats!

Our Co-Hosts were MAC & Bistro Award Winner Janice Hall & MAC Award Winner Adam Shapiro! Janice will be heading to Des Moines in December to perform in yet another opera and Adam will be at The Metropolitan Room – 34 West 22nd St, NYC 10010 – on November 9th at 4pm repeating his 54 Below debut show NOTHING NORMAL. For more information, visit www.adamshapiro.net and look for Janice on Facebook.

For the first song of the evening, Adam and Janice came to the stage dressed as Morticia and Gomez from The Addams Family and did a charming rendition of “This Is Halloween” (complete with clever choreography!) For their mid-show set, Janice started with “The Voice” (dressed as Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty” - a clever pairing, I think!) Adam followed that with “Let It Go”(complete with a braided blonde wig, lady makeup, tossed confetti, a fabulous cape, and lots & lots of sequins - there may or may not have been a strip tease involved!) They finished with a tongue in cheek, Disney-fied “Bosom Buddies” with perfect patter for their costumes. For the final show of the night they sang an amazing medley (with amended lyrics) of “Hijo de la Luna”/ “Trick or Treat” / “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off” / “Black & White.” The full-to-the-seams crowd burst into applause, not only because of the talent but in appreciation for the care and joy they put into crafting their hosting engagement. This was WELL worth the cover charge alone, and there was 3 more hours of talent to be had!

Co-host Adam Shapiro

Co-host Janice Hall

Update: October 27 - Just found these videos of the event, posted by Adam on YouTube!

Our Salon Spotlight featured MAC, Bistro & Nightlife Award Winner Daryl Glenn! Daryl doesn’t have any shows coming up. He’s bringing back his show, “Daryl Sings Steve (Sondheim)” - check him out on Facebook for more details!

Daryl (joined by Karen Dryer on piano) started his set by setting up a selection of props, which he drew from for his songs, “The Blob” (single maraca, kazoo); “Halloween Theme: Name That Tune” (iPhone, and candy for the prizes he gave out!); and a bluesy “Haunted” (sans props, because he had his fantastic voice!)

Salon Spotlight Daryl Glenn

Quick Wrap: Classical Corner

For today’s Classical Corner, founder Mark Janas introduced us to classical pianist, Sam Bagala. He invited up to play Chopin’s “C#Minor Nocturne” (fitting, as Mark told us that October 17 was the anniversary of Chopin’s birth!) It was powerful and had the audience enthralled. I only wish we could have heard more - he was wonderful!

Roster of singers for the evening (in order of appearance):

Click link to visit the performer’s website, when available.

All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.

Adam Shapiro and Janice Hall

Maureen Taylor

Lynn Henderson

Corinna Sowers Adler

Richie Eisenberg

Karen Elizaga

Willy Falk

Josephine Sanges (with John Cook)

Barb Malley (with Ricky Ritzel)

Joan Jaffe (with Annie LeBeaux)

Annie LeBeaux

David Ballard

Erin Cronican

Marnie Klar

Daryl Glenn (with Karen Dryer)

Tanya Moberly

Sue Hodgdon

Jim Speake

Ira Lee Collings

Edie Stokes (with Barry Levitt)

Bob Simonello (with Barry Levitt)

Susan Oliver

Jackie Hashimoto

Lou Iacovino

Gary Crawford (with Barry Levitt)

Frans Bloem

Charles Baran

Sally Darling

Dawn Derow

Susan Kasluga

Nicholas Levin

Paul Kolecki

Anna Marie Sell (with Bill Zeffiro)

Bill Zeffiro

Zach Wobensmith

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and musicians: Mark Janas, Bill Zeffiro, Barry Levitt, Ricky Ritzel, Annie LeBeaux, John Cook, Nicholas Levin, Paul Kolecki.

And thank you to Gil Alexandre on lights and sound, as well as our waitstaff (David Ballard and team!) who handled the demands of a full house with aplomb!

Upcoming shows:

Monday, October 27, 2014 (7-9pm) - Sarah Rice and Matthew Martin Ward are producing a weekly open mic, with only a $7 cover! West End Lounge, 107th & West End Ave, NYC.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014 (6:30pm) - Dawn Derow is appearing in “Revolution” at the Duplex, 61 Christopher St, NYC.

Saturday, November 1, 2014 (4pm) - Corinna Sowers-Adler is performing her show, “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Saturday, November 1, 2014 (7pm) - Stearns Matthews is appearing in “Spark” at the Duplex, 61 Christopher St, NYC.

Sunday, November 9, 2014 (6:30pm) - Dawn Derow is appearing in “Revolution” at the Duplex, 61 Christopher St, NYC.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 (6:30pm) - Dawn Derow is appearing in “Revolution” at the Duplex, 61 Christopher St, NYC.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 (9pm) - Bill Zeffiro is playing at La Mediterranee, with singers Anna Marie Sell and Zach Wobensmith, 947 2nd Ave, NYC.

November 8-January 14, 2015 (select days and times) - Anna Marie Sell is appearing in “The Velvet Oratoria” with Untitled Theater Company No 61 at The Bohemian National Hall, 321 E 73rd St, NYC.

Sunday, November 9, 2014 (4pm) - Adam Shapiro is appearing in “Nothing Normal”, (with Erin Cronican on vocals), at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Sunday, November 9, 2014 (6pm) - Edie Stokes is bringing back her show, “A Jazzy Rendezvous,” (with music director Barry Levitt) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014 (9:30pm) - Marnie Klar is bringing back her show, “Home”, (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday November 14, 2014 (7pm) - Tanya Moberly is appearing in Dana Lorge’s Variety Show (with Barry Levitt on piano) at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Sunday November 16, 2014 (7pm) - Josephine Sanges is appearing in “Color Me Blue” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Thursday November 20, 2014 (9:30pm) - Charles Baran is appearing in “Songs for a New State of Mind” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Thursday, November 20, 2014 (7pm) - Lynn Henderson is having her CD Release Party at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Sunday, November 23, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is bring her new show “Matters of the Heart” (with music director Matthew Martin Ward) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

December 2014 - Sean Patrick Murtagh will be performing a Christmas show in San Francisco.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 (4:30pm) - Stearns Matthews is appearing in “Spark” at the Duplex, 61 Christopher St, NYC.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is bring her new show “Matters of the Heart” (with music director Matthew Martin Ward) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, December 7, 2014 (4pm) - Anna Marie Sell is appearing in her first solo cabaret (with Bill Zeffiro on piano) at Stage 72, 158 W 72nd St, NYC.

Next Week’s Salon

Next week we’ll be back with the theme, “Love Takes Many Forms.” Our Co-Host will be Amy Engelhardt. Our Salon Spotlight will be Ira Lee Collings. We’ll see you then!

Erin Cronican

Blogette for The Salon

(Updates? Changes? Email me.)