The Salon Wrap-Up for April 26, 2015 - "Connection"

April 26, 2015

Theme: “Connection”

Connection is a huge part of the human experience, and a wonderful goal of most Cabaret artists - a connection to the audience, to the material, and drawing a line between them in an entertaining way.  The theme this week was a stellar one, and we had an audience exemplary of old connections (and a few new ones were created too in the process!)

We had a true treat on Sunday, as our multiple co-hosts were The Manhattan School of Music cast of Discover Opera, with the Head Co-Host the effervescent Andy Gale who, along with Mark Janas, directed the Spring Cabaret for Discover Opera, "Connection."  They performed this at the Manhattan School of Music last Wednesday, so we were thrilled to watch them recreate a majority of the songs from the show up on our Salon stage!  

The Cast of Discover Opera!

As we had a bevvy of Co-Hosts, they provided a wonderful Salon Spotlight, and Mark Janas deferred his usual Classical Corner time so we could hear more of these fantastic young singers.  Another treat was the incorporation of standup bass by Nick Miller and trumpet by Ryan Casperson in a number of songs!  They started out as a group to sing a fully-voiced and tight-harmony version of "I'm in the Mood for Love," and throughout the evening they sang solos, duets, and trios ranging from the youthfully endearing "Taylor, The Latte Boy" (Anna Mayo) to an expertly arranged "Everybody Says Don't" (Ryan Casperson) to a three-part showcase version of "The Girl in 14G" (Stephanie Johnson, Alexandra Clint and Anna Mayo) to the gorgeous "Sorry-Grateful" (Martin Case, Juan Melo, Nick Miller and Vincent Law).  Other standouts included "Lonely Town" (Vincent Law), "Love Look Away" (Matilyn Obregon), "Unexpressed" (Michael Anderson), "Some Things are Meant to Be" (Alexandra Clint), "Inolvidable" (sung in English and Spanish by Juan Melo), and the heart-wrenching "Smile/Make Someone Happy" (Nick Miller).  They began the second act with a Company-sung version of "Travel" by Shire and Maltby, Jr, and at the end performed an ensemble "For Good" from Wicked, closing out a wonderful evening of cabaret!

And talk about a magical Connection, we also saw a touching moment worthy of mention: the celebration of the 29th Anniversary to the day of Ira Lee Collings and his beau Owen!

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.

MSM's Company
Barb Malley
Bobbie Horowitz
Adam Shapiro
Vincent Law
Matilyn Obregon
Ryan Casperson
Anna Mayo
Paul Kolecki
Nicholas Levin with singer Adam Shapiro (with Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Matthew Martin Ward (with self on piano)
David Ballard
Sierra Rein
Juan Melo
Stephanie Johnson / Alexandra Clint / Anna Mayo
Martin Case / Juan Melo / Nick Miller / Vincent Law
Alexandra Clint / Michael Anderson / Ryan Casperson / Anna Mayo
MSM's Company
Michael Anderson
Alexandra Clint
Nick Miller
Tanya Moberly
Ira Lee Collings
Joe Gimpel
Charlotte Patton
Robyn McCorquodale (self at the piano)
Jaye Maynard (with Matthew Martin Ward at the piano)
Kai Hoffman
Benjamin Newmayer
Christine Pedi (with Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
MSM's Company

Special thanks to all of tonight’s musicians: Mark Janas, Matthew Martin Ward, Paul Kolecki, Robin McCorquodale, Ryan Casperson, and Nick Miller.

And thank you to Gill Alexandre on lights and sound and to our amazing waitstaff!

Salon Presents: 

Wednesday, May 27, 2015 (7:00pm and 9:30pm) - Salon Presents Jaye Maynard in "Bird Amongst the Blossom: A Tribute to the Blossom Dearie Songbook," at Etcetera Etcetera, 352 West 44th St, NYC.

Upcoming shows:

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

Ongoing: Bill Zeffiro plays every Monday from 9-11pm at La Mediterranee, 947 Second Avenue, NYC, Tuesdays at Millesime, 92 Madison Ave, NYC, and Wednesdays at La Rivista, 313 W 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015 (9pm) -  Robyn McCorquodale presents her singer-songwriter skills in "Diary of a Piano Girl" at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd St., NYC.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 (9pm) - Kai Hoffman brings her show "Hot Rockin' Diva" direct from London to The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly with Steven Ray Watkins in "Songs I Feel Like Singing" at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Saturday, May 2, 2015 (4pm) - Nicholas Levin has an evening of his music, “Somewhere In This Song” at The Metropolitan Room 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Saturday, May 2, 2015 (6:00pm) - Sierra Rein will start the evening out at Charles Baran's new showcase at Room 53, 314 W 53rd St., NYC.

Wednesday, May 16, 2015 - Jaye Maynard sings her Blossom Dearie Songbook at The Hotel Rex, San Francisco.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015 - Bobbie Horowitz presents "It's Just a Number" at the Metropolitan Room, honoring Edyth Eisenberg.

Thursday, May 28, 2015 - Charlotte Patton in "Celebrating Men (Bless Their Hearts)" at the Metropolitan Room, NYC.

Saturday, June 13, 2015 (1pm) - Adam Shapiro in "Nothing Normal" (with Erin Cronican on vocals) at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 (7:00pm) - Ira Lee Collings in "Gay Since 1935: a Gay Geezer's Odyssey" at Don't Tell Mama, NYC.

Monday, June 22nd, 2015 (7:00pm) - Ira Lee Collings in "Gay Since 1935: a Gay Geezer's Odyssey" at Don't Tell Mama, NYC.

Next Week’s Salon

Charlotte Patton, with all her thoughts on the male gender, will Co-Host The Salon, with the theme "Celebrating Men"!  On hand to be a Salon Spotlight will be The Fine Whine: Stephanie Hedges-Thomas, Margaret Kelly Murphy and Rebecca Kendall.

Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Catch a mistake or update needed? Email me

The Salon Wrap-Up for April 19, 2015 - "Gone With the Wind- Longing For The Past"

April 19, 2015

Theme: “Gone With the Wind- Longing For The Past”

I think I’ve said this before but I’ll say at again - I love coming to The Salon. I have made some of the most dear and wonderful friends, get to listen to the best talent in the city, and get to share a little of my storytelling, all packed within a short 3.5 hours on a Sunday night. How lucky are we?

This week our co-host was the always charming, Metrostar winning, MAC Award nominated, Lauren Stanford. She began the show by introducing the evening’s theme, “Gone With the Wind- Longing For The Past”” and then sang a fun and rousing duet with friend, Rick Skye - “Hello Bluebird.” At the start of the 2nd half, Lauren invited Kathleen Stuart back to the stage to sing another duet, “Dream a Little Dream/Over The Rainbow” (with Kathleen on ukelele), a nostalgic mashup from a girl from Kansas (Lauren) and a girl from Hawaii (Lauren.) She followed that by a touching, “She Used to be Mine” by Sara Bareilles, who has written a new musical based on the film, “Waitress.” She then perked up the room with a sweet and hopeful, “The Trolley Song.” To seal this evening of nostalgia, Lauren gave us “I Had Ball” (which has people cheering the moment the recognizable opening notes were heard!)

Our effervescent Co-Host, Lauren Stanford!

Our Salon Spotlight featured Susan Garson (with Daryl Kojak on piano.) Susan had a powerful and touching set, starting with “Jail of Hearts”, followed by the ballad “Where Do I Start” and a humorously delivered, “You Can Have My Husband.” Susan will be appearing in WHERE DO I START? at Stage 72 – 158 West 72nd St, NYC 10023 – on April 28th at 7pm and at The Metropolitan Room – 34 West 22nd St, NYC 10010 – on May 6th at 7pm. For more information: www.stage72.com / www.metropolitanroom.com

Salon Spotlight: Susan Garson

Quick Wrap: Classical Corner

Ah, Nostalgia... Mark Janas, our amazing host, started by playing a few strains of the theme from “Gone With the Wind” which made us all a little wistful. What makes Mark nostalgic? College. He said, “I had fun with music back then - making music, seeing concerts. You know, you had everything in front of you then.” He talked about “drop the needle” moments in class where his teachers would play a record and drop the needle, and the students would have to name the symphony, movement, composer, etc. In order to memorize all of this kind of information the students would make up lyrics to the songs to would help them remember. He demonstrated a few of the lyrics and songs, which had the audience in stitches.

Mark went on to talk about quarter tone music, music that has quarter tone intervals. He talked about how some pieces were written for two pianos tuned slightly differently so that quarter tones would be possible. Mark then gave us a demonstration of some of the atonal qualities of that music. He then pulled out a stack of “nostalgia” music from his past and started playing snippets of a a few of the tunes that moved him:

- Wagner's "Prelude to Tristan and Isolde" (considered one of the first atonal compositions)

- "Three Gymnopedies" by Satie (a song that influenced much of the music of the band, Chicago)

- "Valse" in B Minor by Chopin (a waltz he used to play as a kid)

- Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata

- Claire de Lune by Debussy

- Rachmaninoff's Second Concerto

- "The Rustle of Spring" by Singing

- “Melodies To Remember” by Chopin (and actual, written medley of Chopin songs)

All of the songs above evoked a sense of longing and remembrance, and it was fun to travel down memory lane with Mark, who always has great stories!

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.

Lauren Stanford and Rick Skye

Rick Skye

Barb Malley

Tym Moss

Richie Eisenberg

Anna Marie Sell

Ira Lee Collings

Sally Darling

Nicholas Levin (accompanying self on piano)

Robin Westle

Kathleen Stuart

David Ballard

Erin Cronican

Sarah Rice

Susan Garson (with Daryl Kojak on piano)

Rob Davis (with Daryl Kojak on piano)

Ariel Teitel

Steve Bustamante (accompanying self on guitar)

Kevin McMullan

Nancy Seabold

Zach Wobensmith

Charles Baran

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and guitarists: Mark Janas, Daryl Kojak, Nicholas Levin, Kathleen Stuart, Steve Bustamante.

And thank you to Gill Alexandre on lights and sound, our amazing waitstaff who always handle the demands of a full house with grace and style, and Steve Bustamante who is providing video footage for people interested in that service!

Salon Presents: 

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 (8:00pm & 10:00pm) - Salon Presents David Ballard in "True North" at Etcetera Etcetera, 352 West 44th St, NYC. Directed by Tanya Moberly, with Joseph Olsen at the piano. (and then stay after to celebrate David's Birthday!!!)

Wednesday, May 27, 2015 (7:00pm and 9:30pm) - Salon Presents Jaye Maynard in "Bird Amongst the Blossom: A Tribute to the Blossom Dearie Songbook," at Etcetera Etcetera, 352 West 44th St, NYC.

Upcoming shows:

Ongoing: Sarah Rice in a solo performance on Concert Window (online), Saturday nights at 7pm - go to www.concertwindow.com, then search for Sarah Rice.

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

Ongoing: Bill Zeffiro plays every Monday from 9-11pm at La Mediterranee, 947 Second Avenue, NYC, Tuesdays at Millesime, 92 Madison Ave, NYC, and Wednesdays at La Rivista, 313 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 musicians - this date has Ritt Henn) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Thursday, April 23, 2015 (9:30pm) - Charles Baran in "Recipes For Disaster" at The Metropolitan Room 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Sunday, April 26, 2015 (3pm): Tym Moss in “Little House on the Fairy” at the West End Lounge, 955 West End Ave, NYC.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015 (7pm) - Susan Garson in "Where Do I Start?" at Stage 72, 158 West 72nd Street, NYC. Directed by Tanya Moberly, Musical Direction by Daryl Kojak.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly with Steven Ray Watkins in "Songs I Feel Like Singing" at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Saturday, May 2, 2015 (6:00pm) - Charles Baran is hosting a brand new showcase at Room 53, West 53, NYC.

Saturday, May 2, 2015 - Nicholas Levin has an evening of his music, “Somewhere In This” at The Metropolitan Room 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015 (7pm) - Susan Garson in "Where Do I Start?" at The Metropolitan Room 34 West 22nd Street, NYC. Dir. Tanya Moberly, Musical Direction by Daryl Kojak.

Saturday, May 9, 2015 - Rick Skye as Liza in an ongoing Judy & Liza show at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015 (7pm) - Erin Cronican featured in "The Diva Selections" hosted by Robin Kradles at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Saturday, May 23, 2015 (4pm) - Nancy Seabold in “Love And How It Grows You, Story Two” at The Metropolitan Room 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015 (7pm) - Robin Westle in "Robin's Nest" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd Street, NYC.

Saturday, June 13, 2015 (1pm) - Adam Shapiro in "Nothing Normal" (with Erin Cronican on vocals) at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Saturday, June 13, 2015 (4pm) -  Bennett Silverstein in “Bennett Sings (Tony) Bennett” at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 (7:00pm) - Ira Lee Collings in "Gay Since 1935: a Gay Geezer's Odyssey" at Don't Tell Mama, NYC.

Saturday, June 20, 2015 - National Arts Club tribute to Michael Colby's book "The Algonquin Kid."

Monday, June 22nd, 2015 (7:00pm) - Ira Lee Collings in "Gay Since 1935: a Gay Geezer's Odyssey" at Don't Tell Mama, NYC.

Next Week’s Salon

We have a very special event next Sunday, when the students from the Manhattan School of Music will be co-hosting. The theme “Connection” will be brought to you by Mike Anderson, Brittany Bellacosa, Martin Case, Ryan Casperson, Alexandra Clint, Kayla Fuentes, Stephanie Johnson, Vincent Law, Anna Mayo, Juan Melo, Nick Miller & Mattie Obregon.

Erin Cronican

Blogette for the Salon

(Updates? Changes? Email me)

The Salon Wrap-Up for April 12, 2015 - "Spring Has Sprung!"

April 12, 2015
Theme:  Spring Has Sprung!

Spring has finally sprung in NYC, and singers of all types sprang to the Etcetera Etcetera stage this past Sunday! Our wonderful co-host was the fiery Cynthia Crane, known for her collection of CDs, writings, and her newsletter entitled "Crane's Clarion." Cynthia began the evening with the hilarious "Anything Goes," only this time replacing Cole Porter's lyrics for updated Facebook and Kardashian-infused ones.  For her second act mini-showcase, Cynthia sang a darker version of "How Can Love Survive?" in honor of her tumultuous experience with Bernie Madoff.  Then, to honor the centennial celebration of Frank Sinatra, she sang the sultry "Just As Though You Were Here." To finish her set, she sang the witty "Ev'rything I Buy Was Made In China."  Completing her stay as co-host, Cynthia finished the evenings' celebration with John Denver's pensive "Some Days Are Diamonds."

Cynthia Crane, Spring Incarnate

 Quick Wrap: Classical Corner 

To Mark Janas, the theme of Spring brought about the feeling of French music, in particular of the French composer Emmanuel Chabrier.  Chabrier, who was the first of his peers to begin collecting Impressionistic art, was considered a bit ahead of his time. According to composer friends and subsequent music historians, he changed the course of harmony in French music.  A large group of diverse composers of his time loved him, although he has not become a household name like Chopin or Debussy. To help him illustrate Chabrier's brilliance, Mark invited his Music School of Manhattan student Nick Miller to sing three pieces. Miller has a gorgeous baritone, by the way, and effortlessly navigated these songs. He started with "Villanelle des petite canards," a satirical song in which Chabrier compared the waddling ducks to the gossiping and charmingly noisy country folk he knew.  Next, Nick sang "Les cigales," a calmer and more peaceful song about an afternoon calmly listening to the cicadas of the night.  To round out the Classical Corner, he sang "Ballade des gros dindons," which took a satirical jibe against the upperclass, this time comparing them to the prideful, pompous poultry of turkeys:

"The stout turkeys, they cross fields

with a step solemn and untroubled,

at dawn, at dusk,

stupidly march in a line,

before the shepherdess who sings,

humming an old tune,

they go in docile procession,

the stout turkeys!"

Salon Spotlight

Our wonderful waiter of most evenings, David Ballard, was our Salon Spotlight this week, having prepared for his Salon Presents show "True North" with Joseph Olson at the piano, directed by Tanya Moberly.  He began with "5 1/2 Minutes" by Kerrigan and Lowdermilk.  Secondly he sang the mega-panick'd "One By One By One" from the musical "Ordinary Days" by Adam Gwon. Then he showed off his sweet tenor voice on the haunting "Two Strangers."

David Ballard

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.

Cynthia Crane

Bobbie Horowitz

Barbara Malley

Marnie Klar

Susan Garson

Michael Colby

Ira Lee Collings

Jaye Maynard

Charles Baran

Lianne Marie Dobbs

Michael Cicetti

Robyn McCorquodale (self on Piano)

Sierra Rein

Adam Shapiro

Nick Miller

Tanya Moberly

Eve Eaton

Heather Haddad

Kevin McMullen

Lauren Stanford
Steve Bustamante (self on Guitar)

Jennifer Roberts

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and musicians: Mark Janas, Robyn McCorquodale and Steve Bustamante.

And thank you to Gill Alexandre on lights and sound, and our amazing waitstaff!!!

Salon Presents: 

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 (8:00pm & 10:00pm) - Salon Presents David Ballard in "True North" at Etcetera Etcetera, 352 West 44th St, NYC. Directed by Tanya Moberly, with Joseph Olsen at the piano. (and then stay after to celebrate David's Birthday!!!)

Tuesday, April 28, 2015 (7:00pm and 9:30pm) - Salon Presents Jaye Maynard in "Bird Amongst the Blossom: A Tribute to the Blossom Dearie Songbook," at Etcetera Etcetera, 352 West 44th St, NYC.

Upcoming Shows:

Wednesday, April 8, 2015 (7:00pm) - Robyn McCorquodale in "Diary of a Piano Girl," celebrating her CD "Sleep With Angels," Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 42nd Stree, NYC.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 (7:00pm) - Robyn McCorquodale in "Diary of a Piano Girl," celebrating her CD "Sleep With Angels," Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 42nd Stree, NYC.

Friday, April 17, 2015 (7:00pm) - Tanya Moberly in "Songs I Feel Like Singing" with Steven Ray Watkins at the piano, Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, April 18, 2015 (5:00pm) - Eve Eaton in "Back to Billy: A Love Affair 30 Years in the Making," Directed by Lennie Watts/Music Direction by Steven Ray Watkins, Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 (7:00pm) - Robyn McCorquodale in "Diary of a Piano Girl," celebrating her CD "Sleep With Angels," Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 42nd Stree, NYC.

Thursday, April 23, 2015 (9:30pm) - Charles Baran in "Recipes For Disaster" at The Metropolitan Room 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015 (7pm) - Susan Garson in "Where Do I Start?" at Stage 72, 158 West 72nd Street, NYC. Dir. Tanya Moberly, Musical Direction by Daryl Kojak.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015 (7:00pm) - Robyn McCorquodale in "Diary of a Piano Girl," celebrating her CD "Sleep With Angels," Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 42nd Street, NYC.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 (7:00pm) - Eve Eaton in "Back to Billy: A Love Affair 30 Years in the Making," Directed by Lennie Watts/Music Direction by Steven Ray Watkins, Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, May 2, 2015 (6:00pm) - Sierra Rein (and more) in Charles Baran's showcase at Room 53, West 53, NYC.

Saturday, May 2, 3015 (4:00pm) - Adam Shapiro (and more!) in "Somewhere in This Song - The Music and Lyrics of Nicholas Levin," at The Metropolitan Room 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015  (7pm) - Susan Garson in "Where Do I Start?" at The Metropolitan Room 34 West 22nd Street, NYC. Dir. Tanya Moberly, Musical Direction by Daryl Kojak.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 (7:00pm) - Eve Eaton in "Back to Billy: A Love Affair 30 Years in the Making," Directed by Lennie Watts/Music Direction by Steven Ray Watkins, Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC. 

Saturday, May 16, 2015 - Jaye Maynard brings her show "Bird Amongst the Blossom: A Tribute to the Blossom Dearie Songbook" to the San Francisco Society Cabaret.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015 (7:00pm) - Bobbie Horowitz presents "It's Just a Number" at The Metropolitan Room 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Saturday, June 13, 2015 - Adam Shapiro in "Nothing Normal", at The Metropolitan Room 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 (7:00pm) - Ira Lee Collings in "Gay Since 1935: a Gay Geezer's Odyssey" at Don't Tell Mama, NYC.

Thursday, June 18, 2015 - National Arts Club tribute to Michael Colby's book "The Algonquin Kid."

Monday, June 22nd, 2015 (7:00pm) - Ira Lee Collings in "Gay Since 1935: a Gay Geezer's Odyssey" at Don't Tell Mama, NYC.

Next Week's Salon:

Our Salon Spotlight will be Susan Garson! And out co-host will be Lauren Stanford on the theme "Gone With The Wind: Longing For The Past."

Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Catch a mistake or update needed? Email me

The Salon Wrap-Up for March 29, 2015 - "Come Hell or High Water"

March 29, 2015

Theme: “Come Hell or High Water: Songs With Urgency”

Let’s start by give THREE CHEERS to The Salon, which just took home its 6th MAC Award, this year for the 2015 Best Recurring Series. We also want to acknowledge the long-time Salon members and past co-hosts who won awards or were nominated. (Scroll to the bottom of this post for the full list!)

Our Co-Host this evening was the effervescent Ira Lee Collings, and what a following he had! The room was filled to the brim with his supporters and fellow singers who were all there to give The Salon a try - we were so excited to have such a vibrant energy from these curious visitors. Ira was accompanied on the piano by the skillful and charming, Woody Regan.

Ira dedicated the first song of the evening to his partner Owen, and with tears in his eyes sang, “You are So Beautiful.” I immediately teared up as well as I saw the immense love I shared between them. He followed that song by saying that he was convinced that some of the tunes written in the USA must have been done while under the influence of marijuana, even back before the advent of rock & roll. He went on to sing, “The Moon is Blue/A Dreamer’s Holiday” and after certain lyrics (like “Climb aboard a butterfly an' take off on the breeze”) he would hilariously mimic inhaling marijuana. He was not incorrect - some of those lyrics are a little loopy!

At the start of the 2nd half, Ira began his set with a story about growing up in Indiana and discovering he was gay. It was through that lens that he sang, “Loverman, Where Can You Be?” To close the set and with the use of a bundled up scarf as a visual aide, he next sang, “Hurry, It’s Lovely up Here.” For the final song of the evening, Ira gave us a lively and, true to theme, "urgent" rendition of “Nothing Can Stop Me Now!”

Your co-host, Ira Lee Collings!

Quick Wrap: Classical Corner

On November 1, 1923 Paul Wightman put together a concert of songs by various composers, and after its success he went about getting composers for the next concert in February 12, 1924. He asked George Gershwin to write something - something that was a kind of jazzy concerto - but Gershwin blew it off. After all, there were only 3 months between that night and the concert in February. But on January 4, 1924 he noticed an advertisement in the paper that said that George Gershwin was debuting a new song at the February concert, so he knew he needed to get to work. With that, he wrote, “Rhapsody in Blue.” Mark read a quote by Gershwin about the inspiration for the piece - here is what Mark read:

“It was on the train with its steely rhythms, its rattle-ty bang, that is so often so stimulating to a composer - I frequently hear music in the very heart of the noise... And there I suddenly heard, and even saw on paper, the complete construction of the Rhapsody, from beginning to end. No new themes came to me, but I worked on the thematic material already in my mind and tried to conceive the composition as a whole. I heard it as a sort of musical kaleidoscope of America, of our vast melting pot, of our unduplicated national pep, of our metropolitan madness. By the time I reached Boston I had a definite plot of the piece, as distinguished from its actual substance.”

After reading that quote, Mark - completely from memory - played the entire piece. It was brilliant! People were cheering, clapping, standing, and yelling, “BRAVO!”- all so well-deserved. It’s also worth noting that tonight we had a very special guest in the audience - Mark’s father, who has never heard Mark *seriously* play the piano. (The story goes that Mark grew up with his stepfather so this is the first opportunity his father has had to hear Mark’s immense talents.) It was a treat to sit and watch Mark’s father watch his son - he was utterly spellbound, with mouth partially agape and head nodding to the beat, as Mark played those ivories with ease. I feel so lucky to have been a witness to such love and grace.

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.

Ira Lee Collings (with Woody Regan on piano)

Barb Malley

Carly Ozard

Sheree Sano

Eric Benjamin Gordon (accompanying himself on guitar)

Lynn McCann (with Woody Regan on piano)

Roseann Sheridan (with Woody Regan on piano)

Ed Vincent (with Woody Regan on piano)

EJaye Tracey (with Woody Regan on piano)

Sally Darling (with Matthew Martin Ward on piano)

Matthew Martin Ward (accompanying himself on piano)

Rosemary Loar (with Frank Ponzio on piano)

Erin Cronican

Dawn Derow

Woody Regan

Tanya Moberly (with Ritt Henn on guitar)

Meryl and Wade Newbern (with Wade on piano)

Adam Shapiro

Jaye Maynard

Rob Davis

Richie Eisenberg

Winston Samuels

Steve Bustamante

Mick Bleyer

Vivian Landau (with Woody Regan on piano)

Rian Keating (with Woody Regan on piano)

Bill Galarno (with Woody Regan on piano)

Janet Sullivan (with Woody Regan on piano)

Sonnyia Stephens (with Woody Regan on piano)

Ladd Boris (with Woody Regan on piano)

Evelyn Simon (with Woody Regan on piano)

Stella Pulo (with Woody Regan on piano)

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and guitarists: Mark Janas, Woody Regan, Matthew Martin Ward, Ritt Henn, Frank Ponzio, Wade Newbern, and Eric Benjamin Gordon.

And thank you to Gill Alexandre on lights and sound, our amazing waitstaff who always handle the demands of a full house with grace and style, and Steve Bustamante who is providing video footage for people interested in that service!

Upcoming shows:

Ongoing: Sheree Sano plays on Fridays and Sundays (5-9pm) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

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

Ongoing: Bill Zeffiro plays every Monday at Millesime, 92 Madison Ave, NYC and Tuesday from 9-11pm at La Mediterranee, 947 Second Avenue (at 50th 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 musicians - this date has Ritt Henn) to Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Thursday, April 2, 2015 - Rosemary Loar in “Sting-Chronicity” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 (7pm) - Woody Regan in “Cowardly Swann” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015 (7pm and 9:30pm) - Jaye Maynard in Salon Presents: "Bird Amongst the Blossom: A Tribute to the Blossom Dearie Songbook" at Etcetera Etcetera.

Friday, April 29, 2015 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly with Steven Ray Watkins in "Songs I Feel Like Singing" at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, May 2, 2015 (7pm) - Woody Regan in “Cowardly Swann” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Sunday, May 9, 2015 (4pm) - Dawn Derow in LEGIT (with Mark Janas on piano) at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015 (7pm) - Erin Cronican featured in "The Diva Selections" hosted by Robin Kradles at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, May 19, 2015 (9:30pm) - Dawn Derow in LEGIT (with Mark Janas on piano) at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Saturday, May 20, 2015 - Rosemary Loar in “Sting-Chronicity” at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015 (7pm) - Dawn Derow in LEGIT (with Mark Janas on piano) at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Saturday, June 13, 2015 (1pm) - Adam Shapiro in "Nothing Normal" (with Erin Cronican on vocals) at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Next Week’s Salon

We will be OFF next week for Easter - so stay home and enjoy your evening! The following week, April 12, we’re return with the theme: “Spring Has Sprung!” Your Co-Host will be Gabrielle Stravelli and the Salon Spotlight will be David Ballard. We’ll see you then!

Erin Cronican

Blogette for the Salon

(Updates? Changes? Email me)

MAC AWARD WINNERS AND NOMINEES FROM THE SALON

The Salon is proud to be the recipient of the 2015 MAC Award for Best Recurring Series. 

It’s no wonder that The Salon is a MAC Award winner 6 years in a row - look at th caliber of talent that graces our stage each week! Below we recognize those MAC Award Winners and Nominees who have been long-time Salon performers or co-hosts:

FEMALE VOCALIST

Nominated: SHANA FARR, KIM GROGG, SUSAN WINTER

MALE VOCALIST

Winner: STEARNS MATTHEWS

Nominated: ADAM B. SHAPIRO, JIM SPEAKE

MAJOR ARTIST

Winner: STACY SULLIVAN

Nominated: ERIC MICHAEL GILLETT, MARISSA MULDER

CELEBRITY ARTIST

Winner: MARK NADLER

NEW YORK DEBUT - FEMALE

Winner: CELIA BERK

Nominated: RAIN COLLAZO, LAUREN STANFORD

NEW YORK DEBUT - MALE

Winner: KRISTOFFER LOWE
Nominated: JOSHUA DIXON

IMPERSONATION/CHARACTERIZATION/DRAG ARTIST

Winner: REV ROGER ANTHONY YOLANDA MAPES

DUO/GROUP

Winner: TED STAFFORD AND LORINDA LISITZA

Nominated: ERIC COMSTOCK AND BARBARA FASANO,

REVUE

Winner: REVOLUTION, Produced by and starring Dawn Derow and Kathleen France

Nominated: DIRTY LITTLE SONGS, Produced by Carolyn Montgomery-Forant and Eric Michael Gillett.

SHOWS TO GO YA AND OTHER SONGS BY BOBBIE HOROWITZ, songs written or co-written by Bobbie Horowitz

EMCEE - RECURRING SERIES/SPECIAL PRODUCTION

Nominated: DANA LORGE

ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTALIST

Nominated: MATT SCHARFGLASS

RESTAURANT/HOTEL LOUNGE INSTRUMENTALIST

Winner: BILL ZEFFIRO

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Winner: TRACY STARK

Nominated: RICK JENSEN, BARRY LEVITT, STEVEN RAY WATKINS

DIRECTOR

Winner: ERIC MICHAEL GILLETT

Nominated: PETER NAPOLITANO

RECORDING (LaMott Friedman Award)

Winner: STEARNS MATTHEWS

Nominated: CELIA BERK “You Can't Rush Spring”

SONG

Nominated: Scott Evan Davis - SAVE ME THE ROSE

COMEDY/NOVELTY SONG

Winner: Amy Wolk - THE BRIT SONG

Nominated: Scott Evan Davis - JUST A WORD

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners!