Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - August 26, 2014

THERE WILL BE NO SALON AUGUST 31ST.

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

September 7th
Theme: Girl Talk – A Night Of Song Honoring Women
Co-Host: Doris Dear
Salon Spotlight: Sunny Leigh

Salon will then continue every Sunday (except September 14th, September 28th, October 12th & October 19th)…

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.

September 14th – NO SALON


September 21st
Theme: The Time Of Our Lives
Co-Host: Kevin Dozier
Salon Spotlight: Barb Malley & Ricky Ritzel

September 28th – NO SALON

October 5th
Theme: War & Peace
Guest Host: Steven Ray Watkins
Co-Hosts: Dawn Derow & Kathleen France
Salon Spotlight: Jim Speake

October 12th – NO SALON

October 19th – NO SALON


October 26th
Theme: Magic - Black, White & Otherwise (costumes encouraged!)
Co-Hosts: Janice Hall & Adam Shapiro

November 2nd
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: Amy Engelhardt
Salon Spotlight: Ira Lee Collings

November 9th
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: Marnie Klar

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, September 7th!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Monday, August 25, 2014

The Salon Wrap-Up for August 24, 2014 - "Six Degrees of Leonard Bernstein"

August 24, 2014
Theme: “Six Degrees of Leonard Bernstein”

Tonight was Salon's annual celebration of the birth of the great composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein.  Bernstein was born on August 25th, 1918, and went on to a prodigal career as one of the greatest musicians of the twentieth century. Among his memorable works are On the Town, Wonderful Town, Candide, and the immortal West Side Story. Salon host Mark Janas had the privilege of working with Bernstein many years ago, and is full of priceless anecdotes about the man and his music.

Our co-host tonight was Multiple MAC, Bistro, Nightlife & Julie Wilson Award Winner Julie Reyburn. Julie is well-known to Saloners, although her appearances with us have been fewer as her family has grown larger. It was a pleasure to have her back!

Mark and Matthew Martin Ward opened the proceedings with a two-handed arrangement of the Overture from Candide, and then Julie took the stage to sing Bernstein's hilarious "What a Movie!" from Trouble in Tahiti, with tropical backup by Adam Shapiro, Mark, and Matthew Martin Ward.

Julie's set in the second half of the show featured "The Folks Who Live on the Hill," (beautifully interwoven in the accompaniment with Bernstein's "Build My House"), the comic gem "The Boy From...", and the Maria-Anita duet  from West Side Story, together with Salon producer Tanya Moberly.

Salon Spotlight: Adam Shapiro

Our spotlight tonight fell on Adam Shapiro, who will be making his debut at 54 Below on September 2nd. Adam is one of the stars of HBO's film "The Normal Heart," and his 54 Below show, entitled, "Nothing Normal," explores the word "normal" and what it may or may not mean. Accompanied by Matthew Martin Ward, Adam gave us a terrific mash-up of Fats Waller and Whitney Houston, an original song by Matthew Martin Ward and Peter Napolitano, "I'd Rather Be Doing This," and Bernstein's "I Can Cook, Too," from On the Town.

Quick Wrap: Classical Corner

Mark's Classical Corner tonight was devoted to the intricate and brilliant quintet from West Side Story. With the help of Matthew Martin Ward, Adam Shapiro, Janice Hall, Julie Reyburn, Rex Gillit, and David Ophein, Mark deconstructed the piece, highlighting the various vocal lines and meters, and explaining how Bernstein put it all together. After hearing all the separate themes, we put it all together, and the result was exhilarating.


Roster of singers for the evening (in order of appearance):
(click link to visit the singer’s website, when available)
Richard Eisenberg
Nancy Seabold
Gladys Nilsen
Elizabeth Schwartz
Ira Lee Collings
Adam Shapiro (Salon Spotlight)
Matthew Martin Ward
Janice Hall
Rob Davis
Kathy Biehl
Sabrina Chap, Noah Diamond, and "I'll Say She Is" ensemble

 Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and musicians: Mark Janas, Matthew Martin Ward, Sabrina Chap, Steve Bustamante.

Upcoming shows and appearances:


Monday, August 25, 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.

Wednesday, August 27th, 2014 (7:00 pm)- Elizabeth Schwartz will be doing her solo show, "It Must Have Been Moonglow," at The Metropolitan Room, 34 W 22nd St, NYC.

Monday, September 1, 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, September 2, 2014 (9:30pm) - Adam Shapiro has his debut at 54 Below with, “Nothing Normal” (directed by Peter Napolitano, and featuring Erin Cronican on backing vocals) at 54 Below, 254 W 54th St, NYC.

Friday, September 5, 2014 (7:00pm) Susan Hodgdon performs her Judy Garland show, "I Could Go On Singing," at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Monday, September 8, 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.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014 (6:30pm) - Salon producer Tanya Moberly and tonight's Etceterette Maureen Taylor will be appearing in the Parks Concert Series, along with Salon regulars Adam Shapiro and Erin Cronican, at Tudor City Greens, NYC.

Monday, September 15, 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.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014 (7pm) - Ira Lee Collings is remounting his show, “Ira Lee Collings Sings Off The Charts” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, September 21, 2014 (3pm) - Ira Lee Collings is remounting his show, “Ira Lee Collings Sings Off The Charts” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Monday, September 22, 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.

Friday, September 26, 2014 (8-10 pm) - Salon producer Tanya Moberly will be appearing on "The Falling Of The Leaves: A Concert of Songs by Dan Furman," at the Klavierhaus in Le Parker Meridien Hotel, NYC.

Monday, September 29, 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.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 (7pm) - Ira Lee Collings is remounting his show, “Ira Lee Collings Sings Off The Charts” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, October 5, 2014 (4pm) - Ira Lee Collings is remounting his show, “Ira Lee Collings Sings Off The Charts” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Monday, October 6, 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.

Monday, October 13, 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.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 (7pm) - Marnie Klar is bringing back her show “Home” (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Monday, October 20, 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.

Saturday, October 25, 2014 (7pm) - Barb Malley is appearing in a brand new show, celebrating her birthday and honoring Cabaret Cares, at Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

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.

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.

Sunday, November 16th, 2014 (4:00pm) - Julie Reyburn will take part in the MAC Songwriter Showcase, at Baruch Performing Arts Center – 55 Lexington Avenue, NYC.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014 (7:00pm) - Julie Reyburn will be part of the lineup for SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED at 54 Below, 254 West 54th St NYC.


COMING UP NEXT AT SALON

AUGUST 31ST: NO SALON!

Next Salon is on September 7, 2014. The theme is "Girl Talk-A Night of Song Honoring Women."

Our co-host will be Doris Dear, and the Salon Spotlight will be Sunny Leigh.


Janice Hall
Co-Blogette for The Salon
(Updates? Corrections? Email us)

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - August 20, 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, August 24th from 7-10:30PM. (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is
“Six Degrees of Leonard Bernstein.”

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

Our Co-Host will be Multiple MAC, Bistro, Nightlife & Julie Wilson Award Winner Julie Reyburn! Julie will be appearing in the MAC Songwriter Showcase at Baruch Performing Arts Center – 55 Lexington Avenue, NYC, 10010 - on November 16th at 4pm – and also in SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED at 54 Below – 254 West 54th St NYC, 10019 – on November 25th at 7pm. For more information: www.juliereyburn.com

Our Salon Spotlight will feature MAC Award Winner Adam Shapiro! Adam will be making his 54 Below debut with NOTHING NORMAL – 254 West 54th St NYC, 10019 – on September 2nd at 9:30. For more information: www.54below.com or www.adamshapiro.net.


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 continues every Sunday (except August 31st, September 14th, September 28th, October 12th & October 19th)…

August 31st – NO SALON

September 7th
Theme: Girl Talk – A Night Of Song Honoring Women
Co-Host: Doris Dear
Salon Spotlight: Sunny Leigh

September 14th – NO SALON

September 21st
Theme: The Time Of Our Lives
Co-Host: Kevin Dozier
Salon Spotlight: Barb Malley & Ricky Ritzel

September 28th – NO SALON

October 5th
Theme: War & Peace
Guest Host: Steven Ray Watkins
Co-Hosts: Dawn Derow & Kathleen France
Salon Spotlight: Jim Speake

October 12th – NO SALON

October 19th – NO SALON


October 26th
Theme: Magic - Black, White & Otherwise (costumes encouraged!)
Co-Hosts: Janice Hall & Adam Shapiro

November 2nd
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: Amy Engelhardt
Salon Spotlight: Ira Lee Collings

November 9th
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: Marnie Klar

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, August 24th!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Sunday, August 17, 2014

The Salon Wrap-Up for August 17, 2014 - "Celebrating 9 Years of Salon!"

August 17, 2014
Theme: “It’s Our Birthday! Celebrating 9 Years of Salon.”

The love was in the air as we ushered in the beginning of The Salon’s 10th Year! Here to honor The Salon, (and to co-host!) were the hard working and effervescent Etceterettes: Erin Cronican, Shana Farr, Janice Hall, Marnie Klar, Candice Oden, Sarah Rice, & Adam Shapiro. (Unable to attend, but in our thoughts, were Etceterettes Dawn Derow, Lorinda Lisitza, Jaye Maynard, Marissa Mulder, Sierra Rein, Maureen Taylor & Zach Wobensmith.)

As a gift to Salon members, longtime supporter David Gillam handmade disco ball ornaments!

Our Salon Anniversary Gift, handmade by David Gillam!

Quick Wrap: Classical Corner

Salon Founder, Mark Janas, started Classical Corner by playing 2 small musical segments, asking if we recognized them. After several people offered their guesses, he revealed that they were parts of the first two movements of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in honor of our 9th Anniversary, a piece which included (what were rare for the time) 9th chords. Mark played through several sections (including the well-known “Ode To Joy”) and gave a running commentary about what we were hearing and how common or rare this kind of music was at the time it was written. He also talked about the 9/8 time signature, which he distinguished from 3/4 or 6/8 time. Popular songs in 9/8 are “Send In The Clowns” and “The Impossible Dream.” I don’t think I’ve had a more interesting or inspiring music theory lesson!

To close out Classical Corner, he invited up Matthew Martin Ward to improvise using 9th chords and 9/8 time signature. He asked the audience to suggest a song or theme from which to improvise, and Tanya (producer extraordinaire) suggested the ever appropriate musical, Nine. Mark and Matthew switched off several times, and then ended the improvisation with a haunting, 4-handed collaboration that erupted into a standing ovation as we head into the intermission.


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

(click link to visit the singer’s website, when available)


Lou Iacovino
Richie Eisenberg
Peter Napolitano
Mark Levy
Sally Darling
Matthew Martin Ward
Annie Lebeaux
Ruth Carlin
Ira Lee Collings
Bob Diamond
Susan Oliver
Robert Yarnall
Janice Hall
Michael Fairbairn
Billie Roe
Jeff Cubeta
Steve “The Whistler” Herbst
Eli Wise

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and musicians: Mark Janas, Matthew Martin Ward, Steve Bustamante, Eli Wise, and Jeff Cubeta.


Upcoming shows:

Monday, August 18, 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, August 19, 2014 (7pm) - Michael Fairbairn is doing a benefit for Save The Children at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly is bringing back her show “I Love NY Songwriters” to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, August 22, 2014 (8pm) - Erin Cronican is appearing in a benefit reading of the play, Rubble, for the Provincetown Theater in MA, starring alongside Bruce Vilanch and Jerry Adler.

Monday, August 25, 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.

Monday, September 1, 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, September 2, 2014 (9:30pm) - Adam Shapiro has his debut at 54 Below with, “Nothing Normal” (directed by Peter Napolitano, and featuring Erin Cronican on backing vocals) at 54 Below, 254 W 54th St, NYC.

Monday, September 8, 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, September 9, 2014 (7pm) - Bobbie Horowitz hosts an evening of her songs, “Shows To Go Ya” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014 (9:30pm) - Minda Larsen is doing her show “Johnny Mercer Trav’lin’ Light" (directed by Peter Napolitano) at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Monday, September 15, 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.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014 (7pm) - Ira Lee Collings is remounting his show, “Ira Lee Collings Sings Off The Charts” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, September 21, 2014 (3pm) - Ira Lee Collings is remounting his show, “Ira Lee Collings Sings Off The Charts” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, September 21, 2014 (3pm) - Lou Iacovino is appearing in his debut solo show at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Monday, September 22, 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, September 29, 2014 (7pm) - Bobbie Horowitz hosts an evening of her songs, “Shows To Go Ya,” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Monday, September 29, 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.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 (7pm) - Ira Lee Collings is remounting his show, “Ira Lee Collings Sings Off The Charts” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, October 5, 2014 (4pm) - Ira Lee Collings is remounting his show, “Ira Lee Collings Sings Off The Charts” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Monday, October 6, 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.

Monday, October 6, 2014 - Joan Jaffe is appearing in a staged reading of the new musical, “Million Dollar Bet” in NYC.

Saturday, October 11, 2014 - Joan Jaffe is appearing in an open mic cabaret hosted by Bobbie Horowitz at the Unity Center, NYC.

Sunday, October 12, 2014 (4pm) - Susan Oliver is doing her show “”My Foolish Heart” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Monday, October 13, 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.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 (7pm) - Marnie Klar is bringing back her show “Home” (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 (7pm) - Susan Oliver is doing her show “”My Foolish Heart” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Thursday, October 16, 2014 (7pm) - Bobbie Horowitz hosts “Bobbie Horowitz Strikes Accord” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Monday, October 20, 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 21, 2014 - Shana Farr will be performing at the Cabaret Convention!

Wednesday, October 22, 2014 (7pm) - Susan Oliver is doing her show “”My Foolish Heart” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Saturday, October 25, 2014 (7pm) - Barb Malley is appearing in a brand new show, celebrating her birthday and honoring Cabaret Cares, at Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

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.

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.

Sunday, November 23, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is premiering a new show, with music director Matthew Martin Ward, at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Saturday, November 29, 2014 - Joan Jaffe is appearing with Sarah Rice in a benefit for Zany’s Furry Friends. More details soon!

Sunday, December 6, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is premiering a new show, with music director Matthew Martin Ward, at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.


Next Week’s Salon

Next week our optional theme is “Six Degrees of Leonard Bernstein” (in honor of his birthday!) Our Co-host will be Julie Reyburn. Our Salon Spotlight will be Adam Shapiro. I’ll be taking the week off (as I am off to do a benefit in Provincetown!) but I’ll be cheering you on from afar!


Erin Cronican
Blogette for The Salon
(Updates? Changes? Email me.)

Sunday, August 10, 2014

The Salon Wrap-Up for August 10, 2014 - "In or Out of Our Comfort Zone"

August 10, 2014
Theme: “In or Out of Our Comfort Zone”

“I will believe the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is.”

This is a quote that Adam Shapiro shared after hearing it on a recent retreat he attended, and I think it perfectly sums up what is amazing about the ability to share ourselves. Each Sunday The Salon is such a wonderfully warm and creative respite from the cruel, hard world, and a place where we can create something with one another. I know I speak for many of our Salon members when I say how grateful I am to able to sing with you all each and every week.

Our theme was “In or Out of Our Comfort Zone” and many of tonight’s songs were prefaced with stories of challenge and triumph. Our Guest Host/Pianist was Multiple MAC, Bistro & Dottie Burman Award Winning Musician, Singer/Songwriter, Conductor, Arranger & Recording Artist Tracy Stark! Tracy has worked with Lesley Gore, Phoebe Snow, Karen Black, Tovah Feldshuh, Tonya Pinkins & Marni Nixon, among many others. She has performed at the finest as well as the sleaziest venues around the world and also on numerous television shows. For more information www.tracystark.com

Guest Host Tracy Stark
Our Co-Host was Jason Morris! Jason is best known as a performer/producer for numerous causes including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Marfan Foundation, The Sickle Cell Disease Association & The Trevor Project. For more information, look for Jason on Facebook.

Co-Host Jason Morris

Quick Wrap: Tracy’s Corner

Tracy Stark, an accomplished songwriter (who’s currently putting together her next album!) charmed us with a set of original songs:

1) “Hungry” - Inspired by a friend of hers who was dating a guy only to find out he was “dating” about 14 other women.

2) “Mr Moon” - in honor of tonight’s Super Full Moon!

3) “Right Where I Belong” - A BEAUTIFUL ballad


Roster of singers for the evening (in order of appearance):
(click link to visit the singer’s website, when available)

Jason Morris
Ira Lee Collings
Lou Iacovino
Richie Eisenberg
Jennylind Parris
Kristoffer Lowe
Sally Darling
Matthew Martin Ward
Marcia Roney
Kathleen Stuart
Bill Zeffiro
Leah Jennings

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and musicians: Tracy Stark & Matthew Martin Ward, Jeff Cubeta.

Upcoming shows:

Monday, August 11, 2014 (8:30-11pm) - Bill Zeffiro can be seen performing throughout the evening with Candice Oden at Millesime, 92 Madison Ave (at 29th St), NYC.

Monday, August 11, 2014 - Leah Jennings and Kristoffer Lowe have made it to the Top 9 in the Metrostar Competition, and can be seen competing at Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014 (6:30pm) - Marnie Klar and Tanya Moberly can be seen at “The Parks Concert Cities” at The South Park at Tudor City, Corner of East 41st St & Tudor City Place (near 2nd Ave), NYC.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly is bringing back her show “I Love NY Songwriters” to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, August 22, 2014 (8pm) - Erin Cronican is appearing in a benefit reading of the play, Rubble, for the Provincetown Theater in MA, starring alongside Bruce Vilanch and Jerry Adler.

Saturday, August 30, 2014 (7pm) - Jason Morris is appearing (with Kathleen Stuart as a featured singer) in “Musically Yogic” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014 (9:30pm) - Adam Shapiro has his debut at 54 Below with, “Nothing Normal” at 54 Below, 254 W 54th St, NYC.

Sunday, September 21, 2014 (3pm) - Lou Iacovino is appearing in a show at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 (7pm) - Marnie Klar is bringing back her show “Home” (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014 (7pm) - Kristoffer Lowe is bringing back his show “Waiting For The Light To Shine” 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 (9:15pm) - Kristoffer Lowe is bringing back his show “Waiting For The Light To Shine” to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, November 23, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is premiering a new show, with music director Matthew Martin Ward, at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, December 6, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is premiering a new show, with music director Matthew Martin Ward, at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.


Next Week’s Salon

Next week we celebrate our 9th Anniversary! Our Co-Hosts will be our fabulous Etceterettes - you won’t want to miss this star-studded evening, I promise. :)


Erin Cronican
Blogette for The Salon
(Updates? Changes? Email me.)

Sunday, August 3, 2014

The Salon Wrap-Up for August 3, 2014 - "You're Getting On My Nerves"

August 3, 2014
Theme: “You’re Getting On My Nerves – People, Places & Things That Irritate”

We were so excited to find ourselves filled to the brim for this week’s Salon! Long time Salon member, Annie Lebeaux, noted this week’s theme, “You’re Getting on My Nerves” and quipped, “We’re packed - a lot of people must need to blow off some steam!”

Our Guest Host/Pianist was MAC & Bistro Award Winner Barry Levitt! Broadway: “Catskills On Broadway” & “Swinging On A Star”. Off-Broadway: “Little Shop Of Horrors”, “Taking My Turn”, “Back In The Big Time” & “A Match Made In Heaven”. Cabaret clients include Ben Vereen, Bernadette Peters, Faith Prince, Eartha Kitt, Nell Carter, Margaret Whiting, Rosemary Clooney, Melba Moore, Julie Wilson, Connie Francis, Marilyn Michaels, Gabrielle Stravelli, Marcus Simeone, Terese Genecco & Dana Lorge.

Guest Host Barry Levitt!
Our Co-Host was Multiple MAC Award Winner Dana Lorge! Dana will be bringing her Monthly Variety Show with Barry Levitt back to The Metropolitan Room – 34 West 22nd St, NYC 10010 - Fridays August 8th, September 12th, October 10th, November 14th & December 12th. All shows at 7:00. For more information: www.metropolitanroom.com.

Co-Host Dana Lorge
Quick Wrap: Barry’s Corner

Barry started his special set by thanking and honoring all of the pianists who have supported their fellow artists tonight, and to Mark Janas who has made The Salon such a special place for performers to share their art. He then got down to business and, from memory, played two glorious tunes:

“Here’s That Rainy Day” by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen from Carnival in Flanders.

“There is No Greater Love” by Isham Jones.


Roster of singers for the evening (in order of appearance):
(click link to visit the singer’s website, when available.)

Dana Lorge
Edie Stokes
Elliot Zwiebach
Kevin McMullan
Doris Dear
Sunny Leigh
Susan Oliver
Warren Schein
Josephine Sanges
Annie LeBeaux
Matthew Martin Ward
Sally Darling
David Ballard
Janice Hall
Richie Eisenberg
Jackie Hashimoto
Madelaine Warren
Bob Simonello
Susan Jeffries
Lou Iacovino
Gary Crawford
Mikel Mataro
Kati Neiheisel
Jennylind Parris
Whitney Chapman
Amy Beth Williams

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and musicians: Barry Levitt, Matthew Martin Ward, Annie LeBeaux, Tex Arnold, John M Cook.

And thank you to Gil Alexandre on lights and sound and our videographer Steve Bustamante!


Upcoming shows:

Monday, August 4, 2014 - Janice Hall can be seen in a reading of a new musical, “That Way” (written by Barry Levitt) at Urban Stages on W 30th St, Chelsea.

Monday, August 4, 2014 (7pm) - Jennylind Parris is competing in the Metrostar Competition at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014 (7pm) - Susan Hodgdon is bringing back her show “I Could Go On Singing” (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014 (7pm) - Amy Beth Williams is bringing back her show “Crazy To Love You” (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Thursday, August 7, 2014 - Janice Hall can be seen in a Tribute to Elaine Stritch at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Friday, August 8, 2014 (7pm) - Dana Lorge hosts “The Dana Lorge Variety Show” (with Barry Levitt on piano, featuring Nadia Danielle at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Monday, August 11, 2014 - Kati Neiheisel is performing in a Cabaret Performance Workshop hosted by Helen Baldassare at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly is bringing back her show “I Love NY Songwriters” to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, August 22, 2014 (8pm) - Erin Cronican is appearing in a benefit reading of the play, Rubble, for the Provincetown Theater in MA, starring alongside Bruce Vilanch and Jerry Adler.

Labor Day Weekend, 2014 - David Ballard is appearing in Into The Woods on Fire Island.

Friday, September 12, 2014 (7pm) - Dana Lorge hosts “The Dana Lorge Variety Show” (with Barry Levitt) on piano at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Thursday, September 18, 2014 (7pm) - Sunny Leigh is having a birthday/CD release party for “Another Dream” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Saturday, September 21, 2014 (7:30pm) - Whitney Chapman can be seen in “That’s Life” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, September 22, 2014 (7:30pm) - Whitney Chapman can be seen in “That’s Life” at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Thursday, September 25, 2014 (7pm) - Doris Dear can be seen in her debut show, “Girl Talk” at the Triad, 158 W 72nd St, NYC.

Sunday, October 5, 2014 (7pm) - Doris Dear can be seen in her debut show, “Girl Talk” at the Triad, 158 W 72nd St, NYC.

Friday, October 10, 2014 (7pm) - Dana Lorge hosts “The Dana Lorge Variety Show” (with Barry Levitt) on piano at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Saturday, October 11, 2014 - Joan Jaffe is appearing in Bobbie Horowitz’s show, “It Shows To Go Ya” at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Sunday, October 12, 2014 (4pm) - Susan Oliver is doing her show at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 (7pm) - Marnie Klar is bringing back her show “Home” (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 (7pm) - Susan Oliver is doing her show at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Thursday, October 16, 2014 (7pm) - Bobbie Horowitz hosts “Bobbie Horowitz Strieks Accord” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Monday, October 20, 2014 (7pm) - Susan Jeffries can be seen in “Its Not Me, It’s You” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014 (7pm) - Susan Oliver is doing her show at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Saturday, October 25, 2014 (7pm) - Barb Malley is producing and performing in a Cabaret Cares Birthday Event at Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 W 42nd 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) - Dana Lorge hosts “The Dana Lorge 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.

Sunday, November 23, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is premiering a new show, with music director Matthew Martin Ward, at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, December 6, 2014 (5pm) - Sally Darling is premiering a new show, with music director Matthew Martin Ward, at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, December 12, 2014 (7pm) - Dana Lorge hosts “The Dana Lorge Variety Show” (with Barry Levitt) on piano at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.


Next Week’s Salon

Next week our optional theme is "In and/or Out of Your Comfort Zone." Our Guest Host will be Tracy Stark. Our Co-Host will be Jason Morris.

See you next week!


Erin Cronican
Blogette for The Salon
(Updates? Changes? Email me.)