Sunday, January 29, 2017

The Salon Wrap-Up for January 29, 2017 - "Great Expectations"

The room darkened, the piano belted a thunderous intro, and we all were excited to expect some fabulous music last night. And our prospects were met with enthusiasm! "Great Expectations" was the theme, and our with your Co-Host, Wendy Scherl, the runner-up of the MetroStar competition this past year. She took the theme to the starting line by belting out the vampy and swingin' "They Just Keep Movin' the Line" from the musical TV series Smash. For her Act II set, she revealed how much her return to cabaret (and getting very close in MetroStar) meant to her; she sang the free-flowing "A Way Back to Then" with this in mind. With romance in mind, Wendy then sang the wistful "Where've You Been?" as recorded by Kathy Mattea (co-written by Jon Vezner and Don Henry). She then flipped into a different kind of "great expectation" by singing the comedic marching song "Viagara in the Water," which painted *quite* an interesting number of images in the audience's mind. At the end of the evening, she performed a song David Friedman's anthem to being nice to one another, "We Can Be Kind," which included a lovely singalong chorus by the end.


Wendy Scherl
Wendy Scherl will perform a yet-untitled show on April 28th, May 11th, May 24th, and June 15th, 2017, and will also open with a short set of songs for the 2017 MetroStar winner David Baida on March 8th and April 24th (7pm both shows) - all shows at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.

Salon Spotlight: Marta Sanders

Marta Sanders burst on to the stage, bringing with her the vivaciousness that earned her MAC and Bistro Awards, as well as a coveted role in the original cast of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.  With a low and sultry alto, she started with the hilariously vampy "Hunk on the Bus." Taking a sharp turn into loveliness, she then sang a healing and sweeping "What a Wonderful World." She then introduced the theme of her new show, "Follow Me," which features songs inspired by all the travel throughout the years. Beyond the experiences, she explained, what's more important is to discover the person you became through it. Marta then went into the the epic "I'm Still Here" from Follies.
Marta Sanders
Marta's show "Follow Me" will take place on February 2nd, 11th, 16th, and 25th (all at 7pm) with musical direction by John McMahon, direction by Mark Nadler and Debra Zalkind, at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.

Quick Wrap - Classical Corner
Mark got a call from a good friend of his, David Shenton (pianist and violinist extraordinaire), that he'd be at Salon, and Mark jumped at the idea of having David perform for Classical Corner.

Bedrich Smetana was a Czek composer (1824-1884) who wrote a lot of patriotic music, including the orchestral wonder Má vlast, his first fully orchestral piece. The Vltava movement (aka "The Moldau/My Country") of this work is beautifully orchestrated and translates well to violin and piano. Smetana was proud of his homeland, and David wanted to play something on behalf of his Dentist. She is from Iran and has been in the US for 20 years after fleeing persecution in her homeland. In the spirit of wanting to preserve some pride in our nation, David and Mark played violin and piano, respectively, in two parts of the piece. 

Upon thunderous applause, they then sight-read (!) the second movement of Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Opus 22 for violin and piano, by early1800s romantic Polish composer Henryk Wieniawski  (who is well known for his violin literature). It was marvelous, and indicative of their enormous musicianship to have sight-read it so well.

Roster of performers for the evening (in order of appearance):
Click link to visit the performer’s website or other links, when available.
All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.


Co Host: Wendy Scherl
Bobbie Horowitz
Lynda Rodolitz
Marnie Klar
Natasha Castillo
Jerome Weinstein
Ira Lee Collings
Richard Becker
Robin Westle
Adam Shapiro
Elaine Mitchell (with David Shenton at the piano)
David Ballard
Sierra Rein
Jaye Maynard
Salon Spotlight: Marta Sanders
Classical Corner: Mark Janas and David Shenton
BREAK
Co Host: Wendy Scherl
Tanya Moberly
Kit
Barbara Malley
Emily Ellet
Cathy Cavender
Susan Mack
Richard Eisenberg
Susan Neuffer
Angela Leone
Jen Bradley
Co Host: Wendy Scherl

Special thanks to tonight’s musicians: Mark Janas and David Shenton!

And thank you to Becky Balin on lights and sound, and our amazing waitstaff who always handle the demands of a full house with grace and style, and James Eden, tonight's videographer.

Ongoing Shows: 

Monday nights (7pm): Opera Open Mic at Shanghai Mong with Mark Janas and Matthew Martin Ward, 30 West 32nd Street, NYC. www.shanghaimongnyc.com

Upcoming Shows:

Thursday, February 2, 2017 (7pm): Marta Sanders in "Follow Me," with musical direction by John McMahon, Direction by Mark Nadler &; Debra Zalkind at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.

Tuesday, February 7th, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly (and more!) in Cabaret Scenes benefit concert at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.

Saturday, February 11, 2017 (4pm): "Lynda Rodolitz is Off Her Rocker" performs at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, February 11, 2017 (7pm): Marta Sanders in "Follow Me," with musical direction by John McMahon, Direction by Mark Nadler and Debra Zalkind at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.

Thursday, February 16, 2017 (7pm): Marta Sanders in "Follow Me," with musical direction by John McMahon, Direction by Mark Nadler and Debra Zalkind at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.

Friday, February 24, 2017 (7pm): Ira Lee Collings and John Cook in "Simply Ira Lee: Through the Looking Glass-Warts and All! An 80th "GAY GEEZER" Celebration" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, February 25, 2017 (7pm): Marta Sanders in "Follow Me," with musical direction by John McMahon, Direction by Mark Nadler and Debra Zalkind at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.

Monday, February 27, 2017 (7pm): Robin Westle in "The Adventures of Taffy Longvue" with Director Eric Michael Gillett and music director Andrew David Sotomayor, at the Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 W 42nd St, New York. 

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 (7pm): Barbara Malley is bringing back her show, "OMG! Am I a Diva?" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC, benefitting American Rivers.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Amy Beth Williams in "Carried Away" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Friday, March 3, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Nilsson With Weber" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will open with a short set of songs for the 2017 MetroStar winner David Baida at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.

Thursday, March 9, 2017 (7pm): Robin Westle in "The Adventures of Taffy Longvue" with Director Eric Michael Gillett and music director Andrew David Sotomayor, at the Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 W 42nd St, New York. 

Friday, March 10, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings the Blues with Ian Herman" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (7pm): 
Tanya Moberly directs Amy Beth Williams in "Carried Away" 
at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.


Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (7pm):
Adam Shapiro in "Guide to the Perfect Breakup" at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.


Friday, March 17, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Rickie and Joni with Ritt Henn" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, March 19, 2017 (3pm): Susan Neuffer in "Apocalypse Wow" with Director Lennie Watts, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Monday, March 20, 2017 (7pm): Bobby Horowitz presents "It's Just a Number," with Mark Janas, Tanya Moberly, Julie Reyburn, and honoring Shawn Moniger, Carol Ostrow, and the Choir of St. Clement's Church's (and Salon Producer) honoring Father Jeff Hamblin.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 (7pm): Kit is appearing for one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 (7pm): Richard Becker brings a new show, "Gambling for Love," to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, March 31, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Kenny Loggins with Steven Ray Watkins" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Sunday, April 9, 2017 (7pm): Richard Becker brings a new show, "Gambling for Love," to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Monday, April 24, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will open with a short set of songs for the 2017 MetroStar winner David Baida at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Friday, April 28, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will perform a yet-untitled show May 23th, and June 15th, 2017, at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Thursday, May 11, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will perform a yet-untitled show at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017 (9:30pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Friday, May 19, 2017: Jaye Maynard in the choir performance of "Art Mob."

Friday, May 20, 2017: Jaye Maynard in the choir performance of "Art Mob."

Friday, May 21, 2017: Jaye Maynard in the choir performance of "Art Mob."

Tuesday, May 23, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will perform a yet-untitled show at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.

Thursday, June 15, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will perform a yet-untitled show at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.

We will NOT be back next week, as there is NO SALON on February 5, 2017. Instead, we'll be returning on February 12, 2017 with the theme "Fun & Fancy Free," with Guest Co-Host Bret Shuford and a Salon Spotlight featuring the triple-threat Meg Flather, Rosemary Loar & Tracy Stark.

Ciao for now!

Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon

Urg did I screw up? Email me a correction!

Sunday, January 22, 2017

The Salon Wrap-Up for January 22, 2017 - "Transformation"

There was a lot of love and support in the room as a great group of arts lovers chose to make music on inauguration lazy Sunday evening. Mark Janas started by acknowledging those who attended the Women's March in DC and in New York City.

Our Co-Host was Bistro Award & Mama’s Next Big Act Winner Joshua Lance Dixon! Joshua started us off with a touching medley of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz and "Corner of the Sky" from Pippin. To kick off his mid-show, three song set, Joshua started with a seamless and bold medley of Cole Porter's "Experiment" (from Nymph Errant) and Jefferson Airplane's, "White Rabbit." He then slowed things down a bit with "I've Got You Under My Skin." From a young age, Joshua said he knew that he loved to escape but the things hat saved his life was music. So he shared a role he's been able to play twice, by singing, "I'm Coming Out of My Shell" from the musical, My Year with Frog and Toad. He closed the show with the stunning story song, "Next" by local composer, Scott Evan Davis. 

Joshua will be bringing his show PACK OF ONE to Don’t Tell Mama – 343 West 46th St, NYC 10036 – February 17th at 7pm, February 18th at 4pm, February 24th at 7pm & February 25th at 4pm. For more information: www.donttellmamanyc.com.

Our Co-Host: Joshua Lance Dixon

Our Salon Spotlight featured Jerry Phelps, Elliot Roth & Karen Thompson! This musical trio will be bringing NO EVIL – A CABARET OF RESISTANCE to The Duplex – 61 Christopher St, NYC 10014 – February 17th at 9:30pm & February 26th at 6:30pm.

For the first song of their set, Jerry took the lead (with Karen and Elliot on backing vocals) for a smooth and powerful, "For What It's Worth." Next up, Elliot gave us the luscious Ray Charles tune, "Danger Zone" while accompanying himself on the piano. To close their set, it was Karen's turn to wow the crowd, with a profound rendition of Ani DiFranco's,  "32 Flavors."

For more information about the show and to buy tickets: www.theduplex.com


Our Salon Spotlight: Jerry Phelps, Elliot Roth and Karen Thompson!

Quick Wrap - Classical Corner

Mark Janas, Salon founder, said that as he thought about the theme, a bunch of different ideas came to mind. But then he thought, what could be more transformational than performing songs related to the inauguration? And with that, he also thought that improvising these songs with different styles of music might really evoke the Transformational theme! So he invited Matthew Martin Ward and Richard Eisenberg to the piano to improvise with him. He started with "My Country Tis Of Thee (America)" - the song took shape with several different styles as the pianists switched off, sometimes with two pianists playing at once. The song then segued into other American patriotic tunes - it was truly magical!


Roster of performers for the evening (in order of appearance):
Click link to visit the performer’s website or other links, when available.
All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.


Co Host: Joshua Lance Dixon
Kit
Edie Stokes
Barbara Malley
Jerome Weinstein
Louisa Lee Poster
Ira Lee Collings
Rian Keating
Frans Bloem
David Gillam
Bob Diamond (with Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Matthew Martin Ward (also on piano)
David Ballard
Erin Cronican
Salon Spotlight: Jerry Phelps, Elliot Roth & Karen Thompson
Classical Corner: Mark Janas, Matthew Martin Ward, Richard Eisenberg
BREAK
Co Host: Joshua Lance Dixon
Tanya Moberly
Richard Eisenberg
Amy Beth Williams
Angela Leone
Carly Ozard
Co Host: Joshua Lance Dixon


Special thanks to tonight’s musicians: Mark Janas, Elliot Roth, Richard Eisenberg and Matthew Martin Ward.

And thank you to Gil Alexandre on lights and sound, and our amazing waitstaff who always handle the demands of a full house with grace and style, and James Eden, tonight's videographer.


Ongoing Shows: 

Monday nights (7pm): Opera Open Mic at Shanghai Mong with Mark Janas and Matthew Martin Ward, 30 West 32nd Street, NYC. www.shanghaimongnyc.com

Monday & Wednesday nights (8pm): Bill Zeffiro performs weekly at La Rivista, 313 West 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday nights : Louisa Lee Poster performs with the Rick Bogart Trio at Toshi's Living Room (in the Flatiron Hotel), NYC.


Upcoming Shows:

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 (7pm): Bob Diamond is bringing back, "The Gift of Love" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, January 27, 2017 (7pm): Ricky Ritzel's Broadway presents Barbara Malley, Bob Diamond, and more in a concert of "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Monday, January 30, 2017 (7pm): Erin Cronican and Candice Oden are performing alongside Broadway greats in the Ziegfeld Society's annual gala at Birdland, 315 West 44th St, NYC.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 (7pm): Bob Diamond is bringing back, "The Gift of Love" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, February 12, 2017 (4pm): Edie Stokes will be performing her show, "LoveFest in Duet" at Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 (7pm): Barbara Malley is bringing back her show, "OMG! Am I a Diva?" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC, benefitting American Rivers.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Amy Beth Williams in "Carried Away" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

March 2017: Keep your eyes open for an announcement of dates for Rain Keating's next show, "Woman Songs" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, March 3, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Nilsson With Weber" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Friday, March 10, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings the Blues with Ian Herman" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (7pm): 
Tanya Moberly directs Amy Beth Williams in "Carried Away" 
at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.


Friday, March 17, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Rickie and Joni with Ritt Henn" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017: Kit is appearing for one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, March 31, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Kenny Loggins with Steven Ray Watkins" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017: Save the date for Sally Darling's new show (music directed by Matthew Martin Ward) at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017 (9:30pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.


We will be back next week with the theme,"Great Expectations" with your Co-Host, Wendy Scherl. 

See you then!

Erin Cronican
Blogette for The Salon

Do you see a change/addition you need me to make? Email me!

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

The Salon Wrap-Up for January 15, 2017 - "By The Book"

With the theme of "By The Book," one would think of strict adherence to rules. However, rules were broken and stretched and thrown out the window this past Sunday, as Tommy J. Dose brought his signature bari-tenor brilliance and fantastic hosting skills to the Salon stage. Tommy is the 2016 MAC Award Winner for Best Piano Bar Vocalist, and could be seen hitting glorious notes (sung with a mixture of opera and musical theater vocals) at Don't Tell Mama. His take on the theme was to sing songs about storytelling, narratives and the tales we try to tell when we want to have an affect on the world and on the future. He started out by singing the soaringly romantic "Almost Like Being in Love" from Brigadoon, a show steeped in myth and legend. For his Act II set, Tommy sang a song originally cut from his show "by. the. book."; "I Was Here" from the musical The Glorious Ones by Flaherty & Ahrens. This song features an actor questioning "what are we hoping for?", and trying to figure out what he will leave behind for history to know him by. He then went into Into the Woods'  "Giants in the Sky," a story-driven song featuring Tommy's beautiful and pitch-perfect tenor notes. He also reavealed that his descended from giants, being a relative of Angus MaCaskill, a 7'10'' real-life "giant" who used to tour with Tom Thumb. He finished his mid-show set with "If I Sing" from Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever, a moody song also cut from his show, but perfectly in tune with the theme. At the end of the evening, Tommy spoke of the importance of storytelling, and how "the most important story to tell is your own, even if you don't know how it ends... and then sang "How it Ends" from the story-centric musical Big Fish.


Tommy J. Dose
Tommy can be seen in "by. the. book." directed by Lennie Watts with musical direction by Nate Buccieri on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 7:00pm, at Don't Tell Mama (343 W. 46th Street, NYC). This is a repeat of his debut cabaret from last Fall. Go to www.donttellmamanyc.com for more information or call (212) 757-0788. $15 cover/two drink minimum (Cash only); MAC members get $10 ticket cover price.

Our Salon Spotlight: Mark Hartman


The Salon Spotlight was Bistro and MAC-Award winner singer-pianist Mark Hartman, whose show "Late Breaking Stories" will play at The Laurie Beechman Theatre on Thursday, January 19th at 7:00pm. After singing "Short People" by Randy Newman, which brought a lot of ironic chuckles, he revealed at the piano that in his new show "I don't want to be terribly entertaining...I want to do something that means something." In fact, in his current show, he's bringing in artists who have purpose, like Natalie Douglas, Ricky Alan Saunders, Nicholas Rodriguez and Nilan Johnson. Along with himself on piano, Mark will be joined by John Miller on bass, Jerome Jennings on drums. To complete his set, Mark sang the late George Michael's "One More Try" with fiery gospel piano accompaniment, and then asked the audience "anyone depressed?" After a few murmurs of agreement from us, Mark went into the positive "Beautiful City" with full-chorded rock blues piano break. For more information on "Late Breaking Stories," visit his event on Facebook.

Mark Hartman


Quick Wrap - Classical Corner

The Classical Corner featured a friend of mine and stellar young Opera singer, Heather Bobeck. Tomorrow, Wednesday January 17th at around 2pm, Heather will be singing in the Regional level of the Metropolitan Opera Competition at Merkin Hall at 129 West 67th Street, NYC. In preparation for her entry, Heather sang a combination from La sonnambula by Vincenzo Bellini of "Ah! non credea mirarti" and "Ah! non giunge uman pensiero." At first, her character is a sleepwalker, dazed and singing about her rejected lover and the flowers in her hands while walking across a treacherous bridge. Once on the other side, she breaks out of her reverie, and finds her lover on the other side with a ring for her; she then sings her absolute joy and happiness in her newfound love. On a side note, Mark revealed that he used to be a sleepwalker as a child, and once locked his father out of a room with the door chain!

Heather Bobeck
Roster of performers for the evening (in order of appearance):
Click link to visit the performer’s website or other links, when available.
All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.

Co Host: Tommy J. Dose
Kit
David Gilliam 
Bob Diamond (with Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Sally Darling (with Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Matthew Martin Ward (self on piano)
David Ballard
Sierra Rein
Marnie Klar
Classical Corner: Heather Bobeck
Salon Spotlight: Mark Hartman (self on piano)
BREAK
Co Host: Tommy J. Dose
Jen Bradley
Nick Miller
Steve Bustamante (self on guitar)
Encores:
Sally Darling
Barb Malley
Bobbie Horowitz 
Kit
David Ballard
Heather Bobeck
Co Host: Tommy J. Dose

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

And thank you to Becky Balin on lights and sound, and our amazing waitstaff who always handle the demands of a full house with grace and style, and Steve Bustamante, tonight's videographer.

Ongoing Shows: 

Monday nights (7pm): Opera Open Mic at Shanghai Mong with Mark Janas and Matthew Martin Ward, 30 West 32nd Street, NYC. www.shanghaimongnyc.com

Upcoming Shows:

Monday, January 16, 2017 (7pm) - Bobbie Horowitz is continuing her series, "It's Just a Number" at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.

Thursday, January 19, 2017 (7pm): Mark Hartman & more in "Late Breaking Stories" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Friday, January 20, 2017 (7pm): "Sondheim Unplugged" featuring music from Assassins and more, with appearance by Sierra Rein as part of Marquee Five. Feinstein's 54 Below, 254 W 54th St, NYC.

Sunday, January 22, 2017 (2:30pm):
 Nick Miller in Bronx Opera's "Sire John in Love" for ARE Opera at Kaye Playhouse, Hunter College, NYC.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 (7pm): Bob Diamond is bringing back, "The Gift of Love" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, January 27, 2017 (7pm): Ricky Ritzel's Broadway presents Barbara Malley, Bob Diamond, and more at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC. 

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 (7pm): Bob Diamond is bringing back, "The Gift of Love" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 (7pm): Barbara Malley is bringing back her show, "OMG! Am I a Diva?" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC, benefitting American Rivers.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Amy Beth Williams in "Carried Away" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Friday, March 3, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Nilsson With Weber" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Friday, March 10, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings the Blues with Ian Herman" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (7pm): 
Tanya Moberly directs Amy Beth Williams in "Carried Away" 
at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.


Friday, March 17, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Rickie and Joni with Ritt Henn" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017: Kit is appearing for one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, March 31, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Kenny Loggins with Steven Ray Watkins" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017: Save the date for Sally Darling's new show at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017 (9:30pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

NEXT SUNDAY! The theme will be "Transformations" with Co-Host and current Cabaret Scenes cover-boy Joshua Lance Dixon. Joshua won the 2016 competition of Mama's Next Big Act and became NiteLife Person of the Week for it! Feel free to bring songs about growing up, finding a new love or new life direction, or perhaps songs from a musical version of Metamorphosis (it exists!). 


- Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Did you find an "oopsie"? Email me about it!

Sunday, January 8, 2017

The Salon Wrap-Up for January 8, 2017 - "Second Chances"

We were welcomed back to the 2017 Salon Open Mic by our founder, Mark Janas. He said something so true and simple: "It's the start of a crazy year, but Salon will keep us sane." Yes it will!

Our theme tonight was "Second Chances" - a theme which inspires all kinds of ideas. It could be about second chances in love, work, or life, or giving a song a second chance, or repeating a theme. It was exciting to hear how many creative choices were brought to the table - how I love being a part of this amazing community!

Our Co-Host was the elegant Deborah Stone, with pianist Woody Regan! Deborah kicked off the night by charming us with "Shy" from Once Upon a Mattress. For her mid-show set, she started with a gentle and amusing, "Garbage." She continued with a delicate medley of "I'm Old Fashioned" with "Simple Little Things." She finished this set with the hilarious patter song, "Chief Cook and Bottle Washer." For the final song of the evening, Deborah sang a lovely and contemplative, "In My Life" while accompanying herself on the acoustic guitar. It was a fitting end to an inspiring evening.

Deborah will be at Don’t Tell Mama – 343 West 46th St, NYC 10036 – in STILL EXACTLY WHERE I BELONG on January 14th at 4pm. For more information: www.donttellmamanyc.com

Co-Host Deborah Stone
Our Salon Spotlight featured Sue Matsuki with Greg Toroian on piano! To start the three-song set, Sue wooed us with her velvety mezzo with, "Devil May Care." After the applause died down, Sue reminded us that in the wake of the tragedies and difficulties our world faces, every moment should be embraced, and then sang an apropos, "Here's To Life." She finished her set with a charming and swinging, "Too Young for the Blues."

Sue & Greg will be celebrating their 23rd year of making music together at Don’t Tell Mama – 343 West 46th St, NYC 10036 – in THE PILE OF TUNES ON THE SIDE OF THE PIANO on January 20th at 7pm and in LOVE STORIES on February 18th at 7pm. For more information: www.donttellmamanyc.com

Salon Spotlight Sue Matsuki!

Quick Wrap - Classical Corner

Mark started by playing the opening notes of "Almost Real" from The Bridges of Madison County by Jason Robert Brown (which I happened to sing this very evening.) He began to talk about how the beginning of this song has a distinctly classical feel, where JRB layers both classical and folk themes together and repeats them again and again. He said that it reminded him of the Italian "passacaglia" where the bass is repeated - a second chance of sorts!

To continue his point, he invited up Maria Fernanda Brea to sing Elvira's aria, "Qui La Voce" from Bellini's I Puritani. In the song she thinks that her lover has taken another lover and has deserted her. In the end she discovers she's incorrect - he has been away as a revolutionary. But by the time she discovers this she has already lost her mind - no second chance possible. It was a thrilling performance by this talented young lady.

Maria than sang several folk songs from her home country of Venezuela with the help of her father, Fernando, who accompanied her on the guitar. It was a heartfelt and stunning performance - we were so lucky to have her here with us again!


Roster of performers for the evening (in order of appearance):
Click link to visit the performer’s website or other links, when available.
All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.


Co Host: Deborah Stone (with Woody Regan on piano)
Rian Keating (with Woody Regan on piano)
Ira Lee Collings
Bob Diamond
Kit
Jerome Weinstein (with Greg Toroian on piano)
Joan Jaffe (with Bill Zeffiro on piano)
Charles Baran
David Ballard
Erin Cronican
Kathleen France
Salon Spotlight: Sue Matsuki (with Greg Toroian on piano)
Classical Corner: Maria Fernanda Brea (with special guest, Fernando Brea - her father - on guitar)
BREAK
Co Host: Deborah Stone (with Woody Regan on piano)
Tanya Moberly
Bobbie Horowitz
Barbara Malley
Angela Leone (with Bill Zeffiro on piano)
Bill Zeffiro (also on piano)
Ailan
Zach Wobensmith
Mikeala Simon
Amanola Bressler
Madeleine Blossom
Co Host: Deborah Stone (also in guitar)


Special thanks to tonight’s musicians: Mark Janas, Woody Regan, Greg Toroian, Deborah Stone and Bill Zeffiro.

And thank you to Gil Alexandre on lights and sound, and our amazing waitstaff who always handle the demands of a full house with grace and style, and James Eden, tonight's videographer.


Ongoing Shows: 
Monday nights (7pm): Opera Open Mic at Shanghai Mong with Mark Janas and Matthew Martin Ward, 30 West 32nd Street, NYC. www.shanghaimongnyc.com

Monday & Wednesday nights (8pm): Bill Zeffiro performs weekly at La Rivista, 313 West 46th St, NYC.

Upcoming Shows:

Thursday, January 12, 2017 (6:30pm): Bill Zeffiro's musical, "Houdini Among The Spirits" is being presented as a reading at Five Angels Theater, 789 10th Avenue, NYC.

Saturday, January 14, 2017 (4pm): Deborah Stone is presenting her show "Still Exactly Where I Belong" (with music director Woody Regan) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Monday, January 16, 2017 (7pm)Bobbie Horowitz is continuing her series, "It's Just a Number" at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.

Friday, January 20, 2017: Sue Matsuki is beginning a monthly series, "Coming Home to Mama" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, January 20, 2017: Ira Lee Collings is appearing in "Fifteen Minutes of Fame" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 (7pm): Bob Diamond is bringing back, "The Gift of Love" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 (7pm): Bob Diamond is bringing back, "The Gift of Love" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, February 18, 2017: Sue Matsuki is continuing her monthly series, "Coming Home to Mama" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, February 25, 2017: Joan Jaffe is appearing in Parnell's Spotlight Night (with music director Bill Zeffiro) at Parnell's, 350 E 53rd Street, NYC.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 (7pm): Barbara Malley is bringing back her show, "OMG! Am I a Diva?" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017: Kit is appearing for one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.


We will be back next week with the theme,"By The Book" with your Co-Host, Tommy J Dose. 

See you then!

Erin Cronican
Blogette for The Salon

Do you see a change/addition you need me to make? Email me!
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