The Salon Wrap-up for December 16, 2012 "It's A Family Affair"

Love was in the air this chilly Sunday, as we welcomed our Salon family to share in the last Salon of 2012. Our theme, appropriately, was A Family Affair.

Tonight’s co-host was the amazing, Melissa Errico. Melissa has starred in seven Broadway musicals (Tony Nomination for AMOUR) and released two major solo CDs: Blue Like That (EMI) and Lullabies and Wildflowers (VMG/Universal). She performed at The Kennedy Center opposite Raul Esparza in The Sondheim Celebration's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE and at City Center in Weill's ONE TOUCH OF VENUS. In 2010, she was nominated for Best Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for her work in the title role of George Bernard Shaw's CANDIDA. She also co-starred with Alec Baldwin in GIFT OF THE GORGON by Peter Shaffer, and reprised CAMELOT with Jeremy Irons for one-night only on Broadway at The Shubert Theater. Melissa has sung solo engagements at The Cafe Carlyle, The Algonquin's Oak Room and most recently at 54 Below. For more information: www.melissaerrico.com.

Co-Host, Melissa Errico

To start the evening, Melissa Errico invited her father, Michael, up to the piano to play for her, which really kicked off the theme with style! She started with an uplifting and gorgeous medley of “Staring Here, Starting Now” and “Watch What Happens.”First up for the open mic portion of the evening was Elaine St George with a jazzy and fun, “I Got Rhythm” with Matthew Martin Ward on piano. Elaine is doing her final performance of her Joni Mitchell show on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:30pm at Don’t Tell Mama. I can’t wait to see it! Next was Adam Shapiro (also with Matthew Martin Ward) with the perfect “family” song, the theme from Cheers, “Where Everybody Know Your Name.” Adam’s show, “Adam Shapiro’s Guide to the Perfect Breakup” has one final performance December 30 at 4:30pm at The Duplex. I’ll be there - hope you will be too!

We were thrilled to have Phil Hall with us, who brought a long with his some 12-13 of his students! The first of the night was Dolly Ellen Friedman, in a gorgeous sparkly holiday-inspired shirt, who started off by telling us something that her father told her: “Remember honey - it’s not the steak but the sizzle.” What perfect follow up is there, then, but to sing, “Razzle Dazzle” from Chicago? None, I tell you! Phil Hall ably accompanied on piano. We were glad to welcome back Lea McKenna-Garcia to The Salon (with Bill Zeffiro at the piano), bringing with her an emotional “Friendly Star.” Bill Newhall was next with a lovely “We’ll Be Together Again.”

Richie Eisenberg brought is his original tune, “Never Too Late.” Richie just had an evening of his song in Urban Stages’ Winter Rhythms Festival, “Smile on my Face: The Songs of Richard Eisenberg.” Rumor has it that he’ll be bringing the show back for at least one more show in late January/early February. Stay tuned for more details! Joann Sicoli brought us a very festive “A Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” Barb Malley, back from her 2 month hiatus due to a hip replacement surgery, came up in colorful sunglasses and a huge smile, and sang a swinging, “I’m Hip.” She received a rousing ovation from The Salon family - we’re so glad to have you back!

Ruth Carlin wrote this haunting and song for her mother a few years ago, “Door to Door.” Ruth will be having her debut CD launch show in spring 2013 - stay tuned for more about that! Natasha Castillo came back to The Salon with a song by intimate family duo, The Carpenters - with amazing support by Steven Ray Watkins, they performed a medley of “We’ve Only Just Begun”, “Close To You”, “Top of the World”, and “Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down.” Natasha brought in the holiday spirit by making home baked carrot cupcakes,which were huge hit!

Robin Kradles was next with the hilarious, “Lies of Handsome Men” with Steven Ray Watkins at the piano.Your blogette (moi!) Erin Cronican, with Matthew Martin Ward on the piano, brought us the song that closed her solo cabaret - “Christmas Lullaby” by Jason Robert Brown. After her debut at Winter Rhythms, she plans to bring back the show again in early 2013. She is also about to go into rehearsals for the play “A Lie of the Mind” in the role of Beth. Stay tuned for more details about both shows!

Tonight’s Etceterette Marnie Klar, with Matthew Martin Ward on piano, brought us the rock ballad, “Glitter in the Air” originally recorded by Pink. Marnie revealed that the song will be in her new solo show, which will be directed by Tanya Moberly, music directed by Jeff Cubeta, for 4 performances in April and May 2013. We can’t wait!

Tonight’s Salon Spotlight featured Jim Speake and Kim Grogg, with Steven Ray Watkins. They kicked off their set with, “A Wink and a Smile.” They then did a charming duo version of the jazz-inspired Disney song, “When I See An Elephant Fly” from Dumbo. They finished out the first half of the evening with a 3 Minute Version of the movie musical, “White Christmas” (you had to see it to believe it!)

Second Act

Our beautiful, talented and personable co-host, Melissa Errico, started her 3-song set with an emotional yet simple, “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” by Michel Legrand. Melissa then gave us a glimpse into her past by singing “The Boy Next Door” from Meet me in St Louis - a song she has been singing since the 6th grade (she revealed that her father used to play this song for her at her auditions.) She closed by commenting on the crazy events of the past few days in Newtown, remarking that she’s the mother of 3 young girls and helps to head up a mother’s group in downtown Manhattan. She revealed that no one really knows what’s going to happen as they send their kids to school tomorrow morning. She then gave us a somber and beautiful, “Not While I’m Around” from Sweeney Todd. To see a consummate performer, and a mother, sing this song from such a personal place was haunting. “Pray for peace.”

Tanya Moberly, Salon producer, sang this song from her Barbra Streisand show, “Mother” (written by John Lennon.) Tanya is bringing back her show, “Barbra Joan Streisand with Steven Ray Watkins” at Don’t Tell Mama - January 26 (5pm) and February 1 (7pm). There are discounts for Salon members - be sure to make reservations in advance! (I made mine for January 26!) Jamie Salzano gave us a charming, “Not This Christmas” written by Karen Mason and Brian Lasser. Kristoffer Lowe sang a pitch perfect, “Skylark.”

David Ballard, our trust server, sang the hilarious, “Way Ahead Of My Time” by local composer & lyricist, Peter Mills.David is currently a lyricist in the 2nd year of the BMI workshop - we’re so excited about the music he’ll be premiering for us in the weeks to come! Alyson Reim brought Phil Hall to the piano to play with her on the song, “I Cant Make You Love Me” (originally recorded by Bonnie Raitt.) Phil stayed at the piano as Diana Silva came to the mic, to sing their original tune, “Fado Blue.” Mary Lou Barber sang a little medley of “Buddy’s Eyes” and “Let It Snow” with Phil still at the keys. Mary Lou has her Johnny Mercer review show coming up on January & April 2013 - we hope she’ll be back to promote it!

Linda Sue Moshier sang, “River” by Joni Mitchell with a similar silky sweetness to her voice. Becca Yure wrote the wistful, “Jacqueline” for a woman she had met in France who became her family, whom she aspires to be. Christine Pedi, a special guest of Matthew Martin Ward, came in with a theory of what it would be like if there were Christmas Specials by Cher, Joan Rivers, Judy Garland (demonstrated by her always spot on impressions.) She then went into the holiday favorite, “Sleigh Ride.” She and Matthew have a show called, “There’s No Business like Snow Business” at the Laurie Beechman December 17 & 18 at 10:30pm.

Mathew Martin Ward played for us the “Homage to Hymnal 1940”, started in Advent and then invited the audience to call out traditional carols, and he would play some variation of them (starting with “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” then others.) Bill Zeffiro sang “What The Hell It’s Christmas.” He said that he wrote the song 4 years ago and has sung it with 3 other singers, but tonight he did the solo version. Erin Hill and her Psychodelic Harp brought us the gorgeous, original tune, “Silver Feet” with Melissa Errico on backups. Erin’s album has hit #1 on the world chart - we were in the presence of such greatness tonight!)

For Classical Corner, Mark Janas invited up Michael Errico, Melissa’s father, to the stage to play Debussy’s “La Plus Que Lente.” Next, he invited up Amy on cello and Ed on clarinet to play alongside the Mark in the “Clarinet trio in B Flat”, in honor of Beethoven’s 200th birthday. It was a gorgeous performance - I cannot believe we were so lucky to be able to share in it!

Chris Wade brought in 6 singers from his song cycle, “29 LIVES” who sang 3 tunes tune from their show. The show is being workshopped in an ongoing public series downstairs at the Huron Club in 2013. Check Chris out on Facebook for more details! And to finish out the evening, Melissa Errico lead the audience in a group version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

There is NO SALON December 23 & 30, 2012 (Happy Holidays!) We return January 6 with the theme, “Songs That Raised Me” with your co-host, Stephanie D’Abruzzo. Bring in any song that you remember from childhood, or about growing up. Of course, you can also bring in anything off-theme. We’ll see you then!

Our Jan 6 co-host, Stephanie D'Abruzzo!

In the meantime, if someone video-recorded your performance and you’d like us to know about it, please post the link in the comments section of this blog post. Thank you!

-Erin Cronican

Blogette for The Salon

Need anything? Please email me.

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - December 18, 2012

THERE WILL BE NO SALON DECEMBER 23RD OR DECEMBER 30TH.

SALON – that unique, MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING, Weekly Open Mic Event, created and hosted by Mark Janas will return to Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 – on Sunday, January 6th from 7-10:30PM. (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

Salon will then continue every Sunday…

January 6th:
Theme: Songs That Raised Me
Co-Host: Stephanie D’Abruzzo

January 13th:
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: T. Oliver Reid

January 20th:
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: Lynly Forrest

Salon has been nominated for 2012 BroadwayWorld.com New York Cabaret Awards for Best Open Mic and Best Host! Click here to vote:

http://cabaret.broadwayworld.com/article/Nominations-Annouced-in-20-Categories-for-First-Ever-BWW-New-York-Cabaret-Awards-Cast-Your-Votes-NOW-20121107

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 Face Book!

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

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, January 6th!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

The Salon Wrap-Up for December 9, 2012 "Happy Hannakwanzmas!"

Happy Holidays, everyone!  It is I, Candice Oden.  I am so thrilled to A) be back at The Salon; and B) be able to contribute as Blogette this week.  I got to sit in for the beautiful and incredibly talented Erin Cronican, who, as most of you know, has been busier than a one-eyed cat watching nine mouse holes.  (That was the winner for my "busier than ..." phrase Google search. ;})  If any of you have not seen her cabaret show, yet, you have one more chance: "Great (Un)expectations" is playing Friday night at 9pm at Urban Stages.

Happy Hannakwanzmas!  This was our theme for Sunday night, December 9, and happy is exactly what it was.  A great evening full of a whole lotta talent and a whole lotta fun.  Our co-hosts could not have been better.  Edd Clark and Sue Matsuki started our evening with their hilarious and very clever Christmas Wish Medley (arranged by Paul Stephan), part of their "Sue & Edd's Fabulous Christmas Show."  And fabulous it is sure to be!  This pair gave us an evening full of laughs and gifted us with heart-felt sentiment just as quickly.  You can see their full show (and I highly recommend it) at Don't Tell Mama this Friday at 7pm, with special guests Three Tenors in Search of a (Christmas) Act!  For more info, go to www.donttellmamanyc.com.

Zach Wobensmith kept the fun and hilarity rolling with one of his originals, "Serious."  He had us rolling in the isles -- with his classic dry humor combined with such a beautiful voice, this is something we will be requesting him to reprise.  He has an upcoming performance in the "Cranky Cabaret" series that we won't want to miss. Allison Siko provided a lovely "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with Jim Lahti at the piano. The fabulous Mary Lahti crept up onto the stage immediately following to start the funniest parody of "Baby It's Cold Outside" that you will likely hear ... ever.  Mary played Allison's controlling mother who ended up drugging her daughter just so she would stay home with her. As if you weren't upset enough if you missed the evening! ;)  Good news for Mary, Jim, and us: Mary is working on her debut cabaret show with Jim for April of next year!

Patrick Newell graced us next with his first public performance in 2 years with "Anthem."  Sue Horowitz was next with her "Happy Hanukwismas" (look for her CD "Keys of Love," by the way), followed by Lauren Newell who sang a very touching and moving song called "Zoe's Goodbye."  This song was written by her friend Sean Stone for a new musical in the works.Richard Eisenberg came up next with his usual charm and gave us the hilariously bitter and somehow touching "What Good Is Christmas?"  DO NOT MISS the show if his music tonight at Urban Stages at 9pm!

After Richie was Kevin McMullan.  In probably my favorite performance of his I've seen to date, "The 12 Days After Christmas" (by Fred Silver) left the audience in stitches.  Beth Falcone was able to squeeze in two songs, "Happy Hannukwaanzwas" (Yes!  Our theme for the week!), in which we actually got to join in the fun, and a brand new and very moving song of hers called "The Best Of Christmas." Our resident singing server, David Ballard, sang a beautiful "Let It Snow" and kept us up to date on his most recent project: The day following The Salon, he joined his friend's student film playing a mad scientist!

Yours truly, Candice Oden, sang Milton Schafer's and Ira Levin's "He Touched Me."  My only news is the continuation of the from-the-ground-up production process of a new musical in which I'm performing by the incomparable Bobby Cronin and Allen Mogol, "'Til Death Do Us Part."  I am so excited to be a part of this -- the process itself is awesome enough, but I mean it when I say ... This show is going to be AWESOME. The beautiful and amazing Sarah Rice (our Etceterette for the evening) wrapped up the open-mic portion of the first act with a gorgeous version of "Once Upon A December" (by Ahrens and Flaherty), incorporating her theremin.  In case you've missed earlier tutorials, this amazing instrument was the first electronic instrument (before the guitar), and it's the only instrument in the world that you can play without touching it!  What?!

Classical Corner

Mark Janas, the genius of geniuses, let us in on his Classical Corner "troubles" -- you know, how he has to choose from typically five different ideas that flood that incredible brain of his. ;)  He got this Salon's idea during Handel's Messiah in church that morning.  It got him thinking about the incredible and positively essential element of articulation in order to play a piece even nearly as effectively as when it was composed.  In music, articulation is in the way you play/sing/sound a note.  However, it is not only how the note is struck or begun, but how it is ended, which is frequently a forgotten element.  The way you play a note and how long you hold it becomes paramount to how the music sounds.  This is incredibly apparent in Baroque music.  Mark played several examples of how Baroque music has been played, starting, naturally, with the "student" level and working his way up to giving us the gift of his skill level.  It was truly remarkable.  (Yep -- I said it.)  He explained how the music of that time did not have the technological "advancement" or mindset of todays instruments, like the simple pedals at the piano.  So the music was composed without that advancement in concept -- the clarity of notes was of great importance.  A lot of notes in all Baroque music were actually played about half the length.  A quarter note was played as an eighth note, etc. to emphasize the clarity of each note, specifically those held longer.  Yep, if you missed Sunday, you missed a good one!

Second Set

Our co-hosts were back!  The stunning Sue Matsuki gave us an absolutely beautiful and touching "An  Evening In December."  So, so lovely.  "Suzy Snowflake" was next -- but she was met by Sweeny Todd.  A hysterically terrifying performance by the duo that left the audience howling.  Edd Clark's gorgeous solo, "The Little Road To Bethlehem," followed that with such grace and ease.  It's clear why this astoundingly talented two paired up.

And the amazing Tanya Moberly was next!  She sang her favorite "Christmas song," "I Don't Remember Christmas," in classic Tanya fashion (see: amazing).  Watching Tanya Moberly perform is a masterclass in connecting with your work.  Gosh, I wonder why she's been nominated for a Broadway World Award for Best Musical Tribute Show ...  I am referring, of course, to her very recent cabaret performance singing the music of Babs.  She can also be seen tonight at Urban Stages at 7pm in "The Good Girl In Concert."

Marya Zimmet followed with her version of "Let It Snow," and Joan Jaffe (winner of a 2012 MAC Award) touched us all with the ever-identifyable "Christmas In New York." :)  And the song is correct, "[We] can't get enough Christmas in New York," can we? Alexa Smith sang "Bill" by Jerome Kern with a gorgeous voice and warm heart.  It was so lovely to have her talent with us.  Please keep coming, Alexa!

Ricardo Field followed up with "I'll Be Home For Christmas," and then it was time for THE Father Jeff Hamblin!  Our co-sponsor, full of, as always, light, love, and shtick :) , gave us a beautiful "In The Bleak Midwinter."  He also shared something else incredibly beautiful:  His parish has agreed that, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, anyone with an AEA or MAC membership without health coverage will be seen for psychiatric treatment free of charge.  Truly an amazing and generous gift.  On behalf of any of us that have had experience with PTSD (either ourselves or our loved ones), I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Aaaand who's next?  The one and only Matthew Martin Ward.  Matthew serenaded us with the hilarious titular Christmas song, "Christmas Card from a Hooker In MN" (by Tom Waitts).  Matt can be seen at Urban Stages tomorrow at 7pm doing the music of Doug Cohen and with Christine Pedi at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on December 16, 17, 18, and 27.

Ending the open-mic portion for the evening, Garrett McGrew sang one of my personal favorites, "Grateful" by John Bucchino.  And, finally, it was time for Matsuki and Clark to slay us again with "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

To all who were there on Sunday, thank you so much for your support and for sharing your gifts with us all.  To those who missed it ... well, and those who came ... I highly recommend this coming Sunday's Salon, December 16, with co-host Tony and Drama Drama Desk Award Nominee Melissa Errico! Melissa has starred in seven Broadway musicals (Tony Nomination for AMOUR) and released two major solo CDs: Blue Like That (EMI) and Lullabies and Wildflowers (VMG/Universal).  She performed at The Kennedy Center opposite Raul Esparza in The Sondheim Celebration's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE and at City Center in Weill's ONE TOUCH OF VENUS.  In 2010, she was nominated for Best Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for her work in the title role of George Bernard Shaw's CANDIDA. She also co-starred with Alec Baldwin in GIFT OF THE GORGON by Peter Shaffer, and reprised CAMELOT with Jeremy Irons for one-night only on Broadway at The Shubert Theater.  Melissa has sung solo engagements at The Cafe Carlyle, The Algonquin's Oak Room and most recently at 54 Below.  For more information:www.melissaerrico.com.

Our Salon Spotlight will feature 2-Time MAC Award Nominee Kim Grogg, BroadwayWorld Award Nominee Jim Speake and Multiple MAC and Bistro Award Winner Steven Ray Watkins!  Kim & Jim & Steven will be delighting us with selections from their fabulous LETTERS TO SANTA show.  For more information:>www.kimgrogg.com / www.jimspeake.com

And that's a wrap!  Special thanks to Tommy Shull on lights and sound, our friends at Etc Etc Restaurant, and Salon Sponsors Dr. Garrett Bennett and Fr. Jeff Hamblin.  Have a great week and weekend, everyone!

-Candice Oden
Blogette for The Salon
Need anything?  Please email me.

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - December 1, 2012

SALON – that unique, MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING, Weekly Open Mic Event, created and hosted by Mark Janas returns to Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 – on Sunday, December 2nd from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “It’s Instrumental.”

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

Our Co-Host will be winner of numerous competitions, grants, and awards – including a National Endowment for the Arts Professional Training Grant – Ed Gilmore! Ed has been a featured artist with orchestras and chamber music ensembles around the world, and has performed locally with the New York Chamber Orchestra, Little Orchestra Society, and the New York Pops, among others. Currently a member of the Quintet of the Americas, Gilmore served as a core member of the University of Chicago Contemporary Chamber Players for 10 years, and has appeared with several leading new music ensembles, including the Da Capo Chamber Players and Speculum Musicae.

Salon continues every Sunday …

December 9th:
Theme: Happy Hannakwanzmas!
Co-Hosts: Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki

December 16th:
Theme: A Family Affair
Co-Host: Melissa Errico
Salon Spotlight: Kim Grogg & Jim Speake w/Steven Ray Watkins

December 23rd: NO SALON (Christmas)

December 30th: NO SALON (New Year’s)

Salon has been nominated for 2012 BroadwayWorld.com New York Cabaret Awards for Best Open Mic and Best Host! Click here to vote:

http://cabaret.broadwayworld.com/article/Nominations-Annouced-in-20-Categories-for-First-Ever-BWW-New-York-Cabaret-Awards-Cast-Your-Votes-NOW-20121107

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 sponsors Dr. Garrett Bennett & Father Jeffrey Hamblin, MD!

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

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - November 19, 2012

THERE WILL BE NO SALON NOVEMBER 25TH.

SALON – that unique, MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING, Weekly Open Mic Event, created and hosted by Mark Janas will return to Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 – on Sunday, December 2nd from 7-10:30PM. (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

Salon will then continue every Sunday …

December 2nd:
Theme: It’s Instrumental
Co-Host: Ed Gilmore

December 9th:
Theme: Happy Hannakwanzmas!
Co-Hosts: Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki

December 16th:
Theme: A Family Affair
Co-Host: Melissa Errico
Salon Spotlight: Kim Grogg & Jim Speake w/Steven Ray Watkins

December 23rd: NO SALON (Christmas)

December 30th: NO SALON (New Year’s)

Salon has been nominated for 2012BroadwayWorld.com New York Cabaret Awards for Best Open Mic and Best Host! Click here to vote:

http://cabaret.broadwayworld.com/article/Nominations-Annouced-in-20-Categories-for-First-Ever-BWW-New-York-Cabaret-Awards-Cast-Your-Votes-NOW-20121107

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 Face Book!

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

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

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - November 15, 2012

SALON – that unique, MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING, Weekly Open Mic Event, created and hosted by Mark Janas returns to Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 – on Sunday, November 18th from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “Animal Magnetism.”

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

Our Co-Host will be MAC & Bistro Award Winner Sarah Rice! Sarah will be bringing A Benefit for Zani’s Furry Friends back to the Laurie Beechman Theatre – 407 West 42nd St, NYC, 212-695-6909 – on Saturday, November 24th at 7:00. For more information: www.westbankcafe.com / www.zanisfurryfriends.org.

Our Salon Spotlight will feature Tony Award Winner Len Cariou! Len has two more performances at 54 Below – 254 West 54th St, NYC – on November 19th at 7:00 & November 26th at 7:00. For more information: www.54below.com / www.lencariou.com.

November 25th: NO SALON (Thanksgiving)

Salon then continues every Sunday …

December 2nd:
Theme: It’s Instrumental
Co-Host: Ed Gilmore

December 9th:
Theme: Happy Hannakwanzmas!
Co-Hosts: Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki

December 16th:
Theme: A Family Affair
Co-Host: Melissa Errico
Salon Spotlight: Kim Grogg & Jim Speake w/ Steven Ray Watkins

December 23rd: NO SALON (Christmas)

December 30th: NO SALON (New Year’s)

Salon has been nominated for 2012 BroadwayWorld.com New York Cabaret Awards for Best Open Mic and Best Host! Click her to vote:

http://cabaret.broadwayworld.com/article/Nominations-Annouced-in-20-Categories-for-First-Ever-BWW-New-York-Cabaret-Awards-Cast-Your-Votes-NOW-20121107

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.comand look for us on Face Book!

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

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

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

The Salon Wrap-Up for November 4, 2012 "Lowered Expectations"

First of all, let me extend my heartfelt thoughts and wishes for those who were adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy this week - from those who had difficulty with power, damage and health issues, down to those whose paychecks were affected by being unable to travel to work. It was a tough week, but us East Coasters made it through with amazing grace.

Co-Host, Bill Zeffiro

We were thrilled to be back among our Salon family, as we ushered in the week’s theme, “Lowered Expectations.” Sitting at the piano and manning the mic as Co-Host was composer, music director and 2-time MAC award winner, Bill Zeffiro. When he’s not at Salon or playing for greats such a KT Sullivan, Bill can be found at La Mediteranee every Tuesday evening from 9-11:30pm. No cover or minimum (though, they’ll certainly encourage you to buy a glass of their wonderful French wine!)

Bill Zeffiro started off our evening with his original tune, “Lower Your Expectations.” Natasha Castillo started the open mic portion of the evening with the pop tune, “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her.” She has her debut show coming up at The Duplex this Saturday, November 10 at 7pm, and also has a show Friday, November 16 at 7pm. Get out to support our newer cabaret artists!

Sean Patrick Murtagh brought his lovely and powerful bass vocals to the Wildhorn song, “Only Love” from The Scarlet Pimpernel. Kevin McMullan sang “I Don’t Want To Know” from Jerry Herman’s Dear World. Charlotte Patton asked Bill Zeffiro to come to the piano and sang the salsa inspired, “My Attorney Bernie.” Charlotte will be appearing at The Metropolitan Room on Election night with a group of singers singing patriotic tunes while the ballot counts are being shown on big screens. $5 cover 1 drink minimum - show your country pride!

Bistro Award-winning Parker Scott was next with Bill Zeffiro, singing “Anthem” from Chess. And it’s an appropriate song for our pianist, given that Mark Janas revealed that Bill was the president of his high school chess club.! Sunny Leigh was next, with Barry Levitt at the piano, singing the classic “Lost In The Stars.” Sunny is having an innovative, private “living room salon” performance on December 16 4pm - it’s limited to 30 people, so get your reservation in now!

Barry stayed at the piano to play for Joey Infante, who sang a spirited and dance-in-your-seat inducing, “El Cumbanchero.” Joey just started rehearsing with Barry for a show he’ll be putting up at the Metropolitan Room in May 2013. We can’t wait! David Gillam was next, reading from his very first published book, “Gingertown” while host Mark Janas improvised some underscoring that perfectly matched the mood of the story. If you’re interested in buying this amazing hardcover, 215 page fully illustrated book, you can buy it at The Salon every week ($28), or buy it online at www.gingertown.com.

David Ballard, our wonderful server, brought in hilarious, original tune, “A Song About Your Baby.“ Erin Cronican (yours truly) sang the oddly hopeful tune, “I Will Be Loved Tonight” from I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Erin just announced her brand new season with her theater company, The Seeing Place. Details here. Adam Shapiro, tonight’s Etceteron, sang the hilarious, “Hey, Let’s Be Friends,” which is from his brand new show, “Adam Shapiro’s Guide to the Perfect Breakup.” The show runs Thursday, November 8 (7pm) at The Duplex, as well as November 15 (7pm) and December 30 (4:30pm). I can’t wait to see it!

Tonight’s Salon Spotlight was none other than the talented (and funny!) Stearns Matthews. He started his 3 song set with “He Touched Me”, famously sung by Barbra Streisand. His second song of the set was the patter-filled song, “A Corset Can Do A Lot For a Lady.” HIs final song of the set was “I Am What I Am” from La Cages Aux Folles. Stearns has a show coming up, “The Importance of Being Stearnsest,” at Don’t Tell Mama on November 6 at 8:30pm, November 19 at 7pm and December 16 at 6pm. Be sure to check it out!

Classical Corner

Mark Janas, Founder and Host of The Salon, was thrilled to introduce Sarah Rice as our Classical Corner performer. Sarah came in with the most incredible instrument, the theremin - the first electronic instrument and it’s the only instrument in the world that you can play without touching it. You’ve probably hear it in all of those old space movies (before they has synthesizers) - Marni Nixon told Sarah that she actually did film dubbing as a theremin because there were so few people who could play it in the 50s and 60s (!) At its high pitches, it has a sound like a musical saw, or like a radio being tuned but without the static. At its low pitches it sounds a little like an animal cooing, howling or mewing. Sarah said that the pitch of the instrument changes very easily based on its environment - if you breath heavily, if the static electricity changes around you, or even if you are shaky due to a few too many cocktails, it can change the sound drasticaly. As we listened to Sarah play this amazing instrument for three songs, I was taken back to the various silent movies I’ve watched, as there must have been theremins played. Special thanks to Matthew Martin Ward, who provided beautiful accompaniment on the piano.

Second Set

Bill Zeffiro was back for the second set with gusto! For his first song, he sang the perfectly on-theme tune, “Better Than Nothin’” His second tune was, “A Voice in the Blur.” HIs last song was what he called his obligatory Italian song, “La Comedia e Finita.” All three songs were Bill Zeffiro originals, which either originated at The Salon or The Algonquin. We’re honored and thrilled!

Salon Producer, Tanya Moberly, (who, according to Bill Zeffiro is “The straw that stirs the drink”) sang the heart breaking, “Holding To The Ground” from William Finn’s Falsettos. Tanya has her show “Tanya Lorraine Moberly sings Barbra Joan Streisand with Steven Ray Watkins” at Don’t Tell Mama - 2 more shows are coming up Nov 14 and Dec 4. All shows are at 7pm. There are discounts for Salon members - be sure to make reservations in advance. Gary Crawford was next, with Barry Levitt on keys, singing the Rodgers & Hart song, “Falling In Love With Love.”

Barry stayed at the piano as Susan Hodgdon sang the lovely, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” Susan is bringing back her show, “On The Bumpy Road to Love” on December 8 at Don’t Tell Mama. Only a $5 cover, directed by Peter Napolitano and music directed by Barry Levitt. Lou Iacovino was next with the classic, “Cry Me A River.” Salon Board Member, Nick Levin, followed Lou with his hilarious parody, “When Sunny Gets Nude” to the tune of “When Sunny Gets Blue.”

Jon Weber, on viola, was joined by our amazing lighting & sound technician Tommy Shull, on piano, as they played the haunting, original song by their band, Hey Guy, called “Us.” Joan Jaffe was charming, as usual, with her unique take on Murray Grand’s, “Hungry”. Joan wrote & directed “Quirky Show” which performs this Wednesday, November 7. On Saturday there’s a special screening on 74th and Broadway for “Steps” with the cast and crew - and she’s in it!

Matthew Martin Ward brought Sarah Rice to the stage, and they together (with Matthew on keys and Sarah on voice) performed the song, “Autumn at the Automat” a rare Tom Jones & Harvey Schmidt song. Audience participation was required with some “cha cha cha”s and through the musical interludes whistling.

David Arthur Bachrach (with Bill Zeffiro on piano) sang a rousing version of “Bandstand Boogie” which got the whole audience snapping along. You can see David Arthur in “Three Sisters” as the doctor, Chebutykin. Stay tuned for more info. Bill stayed at the piano and invited up Ellen Bullinger who sang a gorgeous, “Not Exactly Paris.” Ellen’s next gig is through the piety of Singers Concert at Pier 9 with the Ed Vokita Trio November 13.

Matthew Martin Ward was next with his clever, “No Leading Lady” to the tune of “Luck Be A Lady.” Matthew was proud to announce that songs from his musical “Lady in Penthouse B” will be performed at Urban Stages as a part of Winter Rhythms Festival, December 5 at 7pm. Richie Eisenberg sang the once every 4-year political tune, “Grand Old Game.” And co-host Bill Zeffiro closed up the evening with a poignant, “I’ve Still Got New York.”

Special thanks to Tommy Shull on lights and sound tonight, our friends at Etc Etc restaurant, and Salon Sponsors Dr Garrett Bennett and Father Jeff Hamblin.

Next week's co-host, Lennie Watts

Steven Ray Watkins

Next week, we’re welcoming as co-host, Lennie Watts with Steven Ray Watkins. The optional theme for next week is Making Arrangements. Bring in any clever arrangement of a song you love, or sing a song about planning. 

In the meantime, if someone video-recorded your performance and you’d like us to know about it, please post the link in the comments section of this blog post. Thank you!

We’ll see you then!

-Erin Cronican

Blogette for The Salon

Need anything? Please email me.

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - October 31, 2012

SALON – that unique, MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING, Weekly Open Mic Event, created and hosted by Mark Janas returns to Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 – on Sunday, November 4th from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “Lowered Expectations.”

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

Our Co-Host will be 2-Time MAC Award Winning Songwriter & Entertainer Extraordinaire Bill Zeffiro! You can catch Bill at La Mediterranee – 947 Second Avenue (50th/51st), NYC, 212-755-4155 - every Tuesday night from 9–11:30pm through the year 2046. For more information: www.lamediterraneeny.com.

Our Salon Spotlight will feature 2-Time MAC Award Nominee Stearns Matthews! Stearns will be at Don’t Tell Mama – 343 West 46th St, NYC, 212-757-0788 / www.donttellmamanyc.com – November 6th at 8:30pm. November 19th at 7pm & December 16th at 6pm. For more information: www.stearnsmatthews.com.

Salon continues every Sunday …

November 11th:
Theme: Making Arrangements
Co-Host: Lennie Watts with Steven Ray Watkins

November 18th:
Theme: Animal Magnetism
Co-Host: Sarah Rice

November 25th: NO SALON (Thanksgiving)

December 2nd:
Theme: It’s Instrumental
Co-Host: Ed Gilmore

December 9th:
Theme: Happy Hannakwanzmas!
Co-Hosts: Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki

December 16th:
Theme: A Family Affair
Co-Host: Melissa Errico
Salon Spotlight: Kim Grogg & Jim Speake w/Steven Ray Watkins

December 23rd: NO SALON (Christmas)

December 30th: NO SALON (New Year’s)

Melissa Errico will be at 54 Below – October 30th, October 31st, November 1st & November 2nd. All shows at 8:30pm.www.54below.com (storm damage permitting)

ALSO – Mark Janas & Andy Gale are once again offering their class ACTING THE SONG. There are 3 Saturdays left - Nov 3rd, Nov 10th & Nov 17th - 1-4pm at Etcetera, Etcetera. The price is $80 per class and you can take one or take all. For more information and registration, contact Andy Gale atandy.gale@rcn.com / 646-526-4376.

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 Face Book!

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

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

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

The Salon Wrap-Up for October 21, 2012 "L, M, N, O, P - Songs From The Middle Of The Alphabet."

I came into Sunday night with the alphabet running through my head. And not because I was coming from the East side of the East Village, but because of tonight’s theme at this week’s Salon - 

“L, M, N, O, P - Songs From the Middle of the Alphabet.” From entering our space at Etc Etc, I would tell that the evening promised a ton of fun!

Co-host, Nina Hennessey

Our co-host was Broadway Veteran Nina Hennessey. Nina has been seen in the Broadway casts of WOMAN OF THE YEAR, DREAMGIRLS, CATS, LES MISERABLES and the revival of BYE, BYE BIRDIE. She started by saying that without the letters L, M, N, O, P , you wouldn’t have the lyrics to a song - and followed that with “Without a Song” from the musical play, Great Day.

Edie Stokes started off the open mic portion with the Harold Arlen/Yip Harburg classic, “Last NIgt When We Were Young.” Last year, Edie’s show was named one of the top 10 shows of 2011 by the Times Square Chronicles. We were excited to welcome back Tony Imgrund, who sang “Maria” from West Side Story, which he sang for his mother who was in town from Nebraska.

Jackie Kristel sang an adorable “The Alphabet Song.” She has a debut show at Don’t Tell Mama called “A Girl You Should Know” with 2 more dates October 26 and December 7, with Tracy Stark as her music director. Barb Malley was next, and true to her word she came dressed up for Halloween (since she’ll be missing next week’s Salon due to a hi replacement surgery.) She sang a medley of “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights / Your Cheating Heart” as Wendy, the Tavern Maid. Barb will be back in about 6 weeks when she will be able to climb that stairs again. We wish you a speedy recovery!

Carly Ozard brought in a contemplative telling of “Landslide” made famous by Stevie Nicks. Natasha Castillo was next with the pop infused anthem from Footloose - “Let Hear It For The Boy.” Natasha has a show, “Anything but Ordinary,” coming up at The Duplex - November 2, 10, and 16 with Steven Ray Watkins and directed by Lennie Watts. Richie Eisenberg was next with “Now That I Know,” a beautiful and lilting waltz. We’re proud to announce that Richie’s music was just featured in The Salon’s cabaret series, Salon Presents, on October 24 - if you missed it, you have one more chance at Winter Rhythms at Urban Stages on December 13. Come out and show some love to these wonderful singers (Erin Cronican, Rob Langeder, Stacie Perlman and Adam Shapiro.)

Lou Iacovino was next (with Barry Levitt on the keys) singing “Learning the Blues.” On December 1 at 2pm, Lou will be the special guest performer at his friend, Jeannie’s, show at Don’t Tell Mama. Stay tuned for more details! Barry stayed at the piano and invited up Sunny Leigh, who sang a swinging “Lucky To Be Me.” On Tuesdays, you can see Sunny at 8pm at Dana Lorge & Barry Levitt’s new home - The Iridium!

Julia Klot, our youngest guest at The Salon tonight (12 years old!), took her seat at the piano and played & sang her original composition, “Apologies.” It was incredible. Julia has a show, “Introducing Julia Klot” coming up at the Metropolitan Room on November 4 at 1pm. She also has a CD available. Please get out there and support the next generation of singer-songwriters!

Annie LeBeaux brought in “Speed Dial,” an original song which explained what Joni Mitchell’s career would have been like if it started now instead of in the 1960s (in a tune very similar to “Woodstock.”) This might be my favorite song I’ve heard Annie do. Classic and wonderful! David Ballard, our dedicated server, sang a haunting “Losing My Mind” from Follies. Yours truly, Erin Cronican, sang “Quiet” from Jonathan Reid Gealt’s Forward. Adam Shapiro introduced us to “Never Before, Never Again” a song from The Muppets. He’s singing it at his sister’s wedding next weekend. Adam has a show coming up - “Adam Shapiro’s Guide to the Perfect Breakup” November 8 & 15 and December 30 at The Duplex. Can’t wait to see it!

Classical Corner

Mark Janas started Classical Corner by emptying his pockets into two silver buckets. He then talked about all of the ideas he had related to the theme. He’s always wanted to do something on pedaling. He also thought about teaching us about the golden mean, as well as covering composers that matched the letters in the theme - Liszt, Mendelssohn, Offenbach, Puccini, etc. He then came up with the idea of pairing a musical type with a composer, and allowing the audience to choose which one they wanted to hear. So, he wrote down a bunch of words on pieces of paper, and separated types of musical compositions into one group and composers into another group. He took those pieces of paper from his pocket and put them in the buckets. From there, he asked Salon members to draw from the bucket, and he would play something related to what was on the piece of paper.

Here’s what he did:

1st Choice

Composer: Chopin

Type: Nocturne

Song: Mark blended the two ideas and played Chopin’s C Minor Nocturne (with a very dramatic middle section)

2nd choice

Type: Mazurka

Mark played a Mazurka Polish dance - Mazurka in B Flat by Chopin. He explained that this type of music is in three, but one of the beats is always stretched (usually the 2nd)

3rd choice

Composer - Mendelssohn

Mark played, “Songs Without Words” which was considered a hunting song because it was full of horn sounds from fox hunts.

4th choice

Composer: Schubert

For this, Mark played “Moment Musical, Number 3 in F Minor.”

5th choice

Composer: Puccini

For the final piece, Mark played Che Gelida Manina’s “What Cold Hands,” the big tenor aria at the end of Act One of La Boheme.

Second Set

Nina Hennessey our fearless co-host, was back with a warm and earnest 3-song set, opening with, “Sometimes I’m Happy.” She followed that with a charming, “Girl Talk” and finished her set with “Morning” by Al Jarreau.

Salon Producer, Tanya Moberly was next, with a beautiful “Just Once” from The Fantasticks. David Gillam did a reading of his brand new children’s book, “Gingertown” a non-religious story about a little girl at Christmastime, which Mark Janas underscored beautifully. If you’re interested in buying this amazing hardcover, 215 page fully illustrated book, you can buy it at The Salon every week ($28), or buy it online at www.gingertown.com.

William T Zeffiro, Jr was next (overly format, n’est pas?) bringing in his original “My Kind Of Guy” (a song he wrote for Marissa Mulder.) After the song was done, Nina quipped, “It’s kind of bleak” to which Bill retorted - “Bleak! You ought to hear my bleak stuff!” Bill can be seen every Tuesday at La Mediterranee at 7pm, and he can also be seen at The Salon as co-host on November 4! (Lucky us!)

Matthew Martin Ward started by playing a song from The Electric Company, “Without an S, a song would be an “ong,” - which the audience really enjoyed. He then said he didn’t remember anything else, and moved on to the wonderfully complex and dramatic 1940s standard, “The Midnight Sun” by Lionel Hampton. You can see Matthew on October 27 at Birdland with Sarah Rice, Mark Janas and Janice Hall. Matthew is also doing musical direction & arrangements for a show called, “Hopelessly In Love: The Lyrics of Tom Toce” directed by Peter Napolitano - Oct 28, Nov 3 & 10 at 4pm at the Metropolitan Room. Be sure to check it out!

Parker Scott sang a rousing and powerful “The Streets of Dublin” from A Man of No Importance by Stephen Flaherty and Lynne Ahrens. Jaye Maynard was back with the hilarious and jazz infused, “I’m Hip” (made famous by Blossom Deary) which had all kinds of “hip” improv-ed which really suited Jaye’s acting chops. Jaye has a show "Bird Amongst the Blossom," a tribute to the first Blossom Dearie Songbook, on Oct 28 at 1pm at the Laurie Beechman.

Father Jeff Hamblin, The Salon’s generous sponsor, sang a rousing, “There Will be Bluebirds Over the White Cliffs of Dover.” Father Hamblin acknowledged that Thanksgiving is coming up and many people don’t have a place to go to share the holiday. So, his church, Christ Church Bay Ridge (Brooklyn) has a Pre-Thanksgiving celebration that everyone is invited to. On Saturday, November 17 at 6:30pm, folks will be having a family gathering around the fireplace, and our very own Mark Janas will be playing some tunes on the piano. More details can be found here.

In honor of Barbara Cook’s birthday this week, Tyler Kent sang “Nearness of You” a Hoagy Carmichael tune. The last song of the evening was by none other than our co-host, Nina Hennessey, who sang a tribute to Marvin Hamlisch, a dear friend and mentor since she was the age of 25 - “Through the Eyes of Love: The Theme from Ice Castles.” It was touching and emotional end to a wonderful night.

Special Thanks to Gil Alexandre for his help on lights and sound tonight!

Next week’s theme is “All Souls Night” - please feel free to come dressed up for Halloween! Our co-host will be the illustrious, Janice Hall.

Next week's co-host, Janice Hall!

We’ll see you then! In the meantime, if someone video recorded your performance and you’d like us to know about it, please post the link in the comments section of this blog post. Thank you!

-Erin Cronican

Blogette for The Salon

Need anything? Please email me.

Update from Producer, Tanya Moberly - October 23, 2012

SALON – that unique, MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING, Weekly Open Mic Event, created and hosted by Mark Janas returns to Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 – on Sunday, October 28th from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “All Souls Night.”

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

Our Co-Host will be MAC and Bistro Award Winner Janice Hall! Janice will be appearing in ALL SOULS NIGHT with Sarah Rice and David Vernon at Birdland – 315 West 44th St, NYC, (212) 581-3080 – Saturday, October 27th at 5:00pm. For more information: www.birdlandjazz.com.

Salon continues every Sunday …

November 4th:
Theme: Lowered Expectations
Co-Host: Bill Zeffiro
Salon Spotlight: Stearns Matthews

November 11th:
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: TBA

November 18th:
Theme: Animal Magnetism
Co-Host: Sarah Rice

November 25th: NO SALON (Thanksgiving)

December 2nd:
Theme: It’s Instrumental
Co-Host: Ed Gilmore

December 9th:
Theme: Happy Hannakwanzmas!
Co-Hosts: Edd Clark & Sue Matsuki

December 16th:
Theme: A Family Affair
Co-Host: Melissa Errico
Salon Spotlight: Kim Grogg & Jim Speake with Steven Ray Watkins

December 23rd: NO SALON (Christmas)

December 30th: NO SALON (New Year’s)

Melissa Errico will be at 54 Below – October 30th, October 31st, November 1st & November 2nd. All shows at 8:30pm.www.54below.com 

AND – On Wednesday, October 24th SALON PRESENTS: “SMILE ON MY FACE: THE SONGS OF RICHARD EISENBERG” featuring Erin Cronican, Rob Langeder, Stacie Perlman & Adam Shapiro. The evening is directed by Peter Napolitano with musical direction by Barry Levitt. Shows at 7pm & 9:30pm. (Doors will open at 6pm & 8:30pm) $20 cash cover at the door ($10 for MAC) / $15 food/beverage minimum – cash or credit. For reservations: tanya@tanyamoberly.com / 646-637-2806.

ALSO – Mark Janas & Andy Gale are once again offering their class ACTING THE SONG. There are 4 consecutive Saturdays left - Oct 27th, Nov 3rd, Nov 19th & Nov 17th - 1-4pm at Etcetera, Etcetera. The price is $80 per class and you can take one or take all. For more information and registration, contact Andy Gale at andy.gale@rcn.com / 646-526-4376.

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 Face Book!

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

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, October 28th!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

Update From Producer, Tanya Moberly - October 20, 2012

SALON – that unique, MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING, Weekly Open Mic Event, created and hosted by Mark Janas returns to Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 – on Sunday, October 21st from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.)

The optional theme for the evening is “L, M, N, O, P – Songs from the Middle of the Alphabet.”

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

Our Co-Host will be Broadway Veteran Nina Hennessey! Nina has been seen in the Broadway casts of WOMAN OF THE YEAR, DREAMGIRLS, CATS, LES MISERABLES and the revival of BYE, BYE BIRDIE. She will be appearing in Cabaret Cares 7 with Eric Michael Gillett and Friends on Wednesday, October 17th at 7pm at the Laurie Beechman Theatre – 407 West 42nd St, NYC, 212-695-6909. For more information: www.ninahennessey.com.

Salon continues every Sunday …

October 28th:
Theme: All Souls Night
Co-Host: Janice Hall

November 4th:
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: TBA

November 11th:
Theme: TBA
Co-Host: TBA

November 18th:
Theme: Animal Magnetism
Co-Host: Sarah Rice

ALSO – On Wednesday, October 24th SALON PRESENTS: “SMILE ON MY FACE: THE SONGS OF RICHARD EISENBERG” featuring Erin Cronican, Rob Langeder, Stacie Perlman & Adam Shapiro. The evening is directed by Peter Napolitano with musical direction by Barry Levitt. Shows at 7pm & 9:30pm. (Doors will open at 6pm & 8:30pm) $20 cash cover at the door ($10 for MAC) / $15 food/beverage minimum – cash or credit. For reservations: tanya@tanyamoberly.com / 646-637-2806.

AND – Mark Janas & Andy Gale will once again be offering their class ACTING THE SONG for 5 consecutive Saturdays 1-4pm at Etcetera, Etcetera beginning October 20th. The price is $80 per class and you can take one or take all. For more information and registration, contact Andy Gale at andy.gale@rcn.com / 646-526-4376.

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 Face Book!

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

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday, October 21st!

Thanks,

Tanya Moberly
Salon Producer

The Salon Wrap-Up for October 14, 2012 "Freedom Songs"

We had a reprieve from the cold this Sunday evening as we welcomed in the 2nd Salon of October 2012. The theme was “Freedom Songs” - songs that make you want to stand up and fight for your beliefs or just open up and allow thoughts and ideas to flow freely.

Co-Host Natalie Douglas

Our Co-Host was Bistro, Nightlife and Seven-Time MAC Award Winner Natalie Douglas! Natalie will be appearing in The 23rd Annual Cabaret Convention at Rose Hall at Lincoln Center – Broadway at 60th St, NYC – Friday, October 19th at 6pm. www.mabelmercer.com She will also be bringing her show FREEDOM SONGS: ELECTION EDITION to Birdland – 315 West 44th St, NYC – Monday, October 22nd at 7pm: www.ticketfly.com 

Natalie Douglas started with Neil Young’s classic tune, “After The Gold Rush.” She recounted someone once asking Mr Young what his inspiration for the song was, and he said he had no idea. So, Natalie proposed that the song was about “the freedom that you find when you…uh… light up a joint?” Ha!

Sunny Leigh started by saying, “If you really want to be free, you have to tell someone what’s on your mind.” She then kicked off the open mic portion of the evening with the original tune,“This Can’t Go On” - written by Sunny Leigh and Barry Levitt. You can see Sunny at “Tuesdays @ The Iguana” happening on Tuesday at 8pm at the Iridium. Barb Malley was next complete in spiritually gorgeous gown with the spiritually gorgeous song “Wade in the Water.”

Stephanie Zagorin brought us a lovely “A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing.” Adam Shapiro is back from doing Ragtime in Boston, and sang one of my favorite songs of his, “One More Minute” by Weird Al Yankovic. He explained that sometimes freedom can be a really, long-time-coming, break up. Adam has a show coming up - “Adam Shapiro’s Guide to the Perfect Breakup” November 8 & 15 and December 30 at The Duplex.

Kesinee Haney, a newbie to The Salon and visitor to New York City, brought us a classic song about finding salvation - “Blow Gabriel Blow” from Anything Goes. Mark Cotter, with his music director, Christian Duhamel, introduced us to “Morris Was Nice” by Murray Brand “about equality, of sorts.” Mark has a show coming up at the Metropolitan Room on October 17 & 25 at 9:30pm.

Annie LeBeaux started her song by saying, “This song is about freedom from a cruise to hell” - her very own, “Let Me Off The Boat.” Annie is music directing a new show called Digital Dilemmas at Theatre For The New City through October 21. Erin Cronican, your Blogette, sang “Come Down From The Tree” - a song that was cut from Once On This Island. Your Etceterette for the evening, Shana Farr (and Julie Wilson award winner) sang the Kern & Hammerstein classic, “All The Things You Are.” She has an album coming out in November - visit her website (linked above) for more details!

Our next singer, Richard Skipper (known for his 20+ tribute show for Carol Channing) is writing about his experiences in a brand new book. To whet our whistles, he gave us a brief history lesson on Hello Dolly and those who have played her. He dedicated tonight’s performance to all of the Dolly’s and his new friends, and especially Mark Janas - with “Before The Parade Passes By.”

Richard then introduced us to our Salon Spotlight for the evening, Pamela Luss! Pamela will be appearing with Houston Person at The Metropolitan Room – 34 West 22nd St, NYC, 212-206-0440 /www.metropolitanroom.com – Saturday, October 20th at 7pm, Thursday, November 15th at 9:30pm and Saturday, November 17th at 9:30pm.

Pamela came to the stage with pianist, Brandon McCune. For her first song of the set, she sang “Baby, Don’t You Quit Now” by Mercer & Rowles. Delightfuly, her next song was the theme from the TV series, “Bewitched” - with an amazing jazz interlude by Brandon. Pamela finished out her set with the Leslie & Michael Gore’s touching and simple, “Out Here On My Own.”

Classical Corner

Tonight at The Salon we welcomed musician, Kalle Toivio, a doctoral student in Manhattan School of music and organist at Mark’s church. We were lucky enough that, for Classical Corner, he’s going to played a piece by Jean Sibelius “Finlandia.” Kalle explained that he has two important ladies in his life that were turning 95 this year - his grandmother, and the country of his heritage, Finland. The musical piece was written at a time of oppression, about 20 years before Finland became an independent country in December 1917. This piece is so popular in Finland that it is like a 2nd national anthem, so how fitting a tribute for tonight’s theme. It was wonderful!

Second Set

To usher in the second set, Mark Janas welcomed to the stage our charming co-host, Natalie Douglas, and her esteemed music director, Mark Hartman. They began her set with a classic Nina Simone “show tune for which there is no show yet” - “Mississippi God Damn.” For her second song, she encouraged the audience to join in with her as she sang the 60s era anthem, “Get Together.” For the last song of the set, she brought us an audience participation medley of “Look for the Union Label” and “If I Had a Hammer.”

Salon Producer, Tanya Moberly, brought in the lovely Sondheim ballad, “Anyone Can Whistle” from the musical of the same name. Tanya just opened her show, “Tanya Lorraine Moberly sings Barbra Joan Streisand with Steven Ray Watkins” at Don’t Tell Mama - 3 more shows are coming up Oct 18, Nov 14 and Dec 4. All shows are at 7pm. There are discounts for Salon members - be sure to make reservations in advance.

David Ballard brought in the hilarious, “Way Ahead Of My Time” by Peter Mills. Parker Scott sang a gorgeous, “Amazing Grace”. Parker will be doing the Metropolitan Room again in February - keep your eyes peeled for the date in the new year! Kevin McMullan was next with something “uptempo and off topic” - the fun and dramatic “Chubby Charlie” by Andy Preiboy.

Marvin Parks was next with the iconic Barbra Streisand song, “Smile.” Marvin has a CD out called, “The Very Thought of You.” We were delighted to invite up Nina Hennessey, who just so happens to be next week’s co-host! She sang a tender, “Quiet Thing” from Flora The Red Menace.

We were thrilled to witness the next musical number - 2 Marks, 4 Hands: Mark Hartman started the improvised session with a one-fingered “Mary Had A Little Lamb” which Mark Janas caught on with right away, making it more classical in nature. Mark Hartman then took it in more of a honky-tonk direction. It went back and forth in theme, from Pachelbel, to something more patriotic, to something that even sounded a bit Billy Joel inspired. It was amazing!

For the final song of the evening, co-host Natalie Douglas brought the house down with, “American Tune.”

Special Thanks to Gil Alexandre for his help on lights and sound tonight!

Next week’s theme is “L, M, N, O, P - Songs from the middle of the alphabet.” Have fun with this one - make it creative! Our co-host will be Nina Hennessey.

Next week's Co-Host Nina Hennessey

We’ll see you then! In the meantime, if someone video recorded your performance and you’d like us to know about it, please post the link in the comments section of this blog post. Thank you!

-Erin Cronican

Blogette for The Salon

Need anything? Please email me.

The Salon Wrap-Up for October 7, 2012 "Anything Goes"

It was the first chilly night of the season, but it was all warmth at The Salon, where the quirky theme, “Anything Goes” was fully in effect! Our co-host was the illustrious and silky-voiced, Tanya Holt.

Co-host Tanya Holt

Tanya kicked off the evening with a playful rendition of, “Frim Fram Sauce” made famous by the Nat King Cole Trio. Luckily, we have amazing food at venue, Etc Etc, because I got pretty hungry after hearing that song! Salon regular, Lou Iacovino, was the first to the mic, singing the charming classic, “I Can’t Believe I’m Losing You.” Lou will be singing a few songs with his friend Jeannie in a new show at Don’t Tell Mama on December 1 - stay tuned for more details!

Bobbie Horowitz said there were lots of mommies in the audiences that should listen closely to her original song: “Shows Ta Go Ya” - as usual, her lyrics were clever and had the audience in stitches! Natasha Castillo sang a heartfelt, “Brave.” This newcomer is growing and growing as a performer, and it has been wonderful seeing it happen here at The Salon! Natasha has a show, “Anything but Ordinary,” coming up at The Duplex - November 2, 10, and 16 with Steven Ray Watkins and directed by Lennie Watts.

Dana Lorge started by saying that her song, a rare love song, was being dedicated to “a man in the back who I’ve been flirting with, and then bait and switched us with the hilarious, “No Shit.” Bob Diamond sang the beautiful waltz, “When I Grow Too Old To Dream.” In December, Bob will be performing at The Mansion in NJ, and in February he’ll be bringing back his show to Don’t Tell Mama. Jackie Kristel, accompanied by Tracy Stark, sang the charming, “Joshua Noveck.” Jackie just did debut show at Don’t Tell Mama called “A Girl You Should Know.” She has two more dates: October 26 and December 7.

Tracy stayed at the piano and Gretchen Reinhagen came to the mic, introducing us to the charming original song, “Little Saturn,” with music by Tracy Stark / lyrics by Michael Quinn. We love it when writers & talented performers show off new material at The Salon. Thanks, ladies! Jennifer Sheehan came up to show off “You Make Me Laugh,” a tune that she’ll be performing at the Metropolitan Room this month in “Hopelessly In Love: The Lyrics of Tom Toce.” The show is directed by Peter Napolitano and musically directed by Matthew Martin Ward (who played for her this evening.)

Janice Hall wowed the crowd as always, with a simple and charming, “Have You Ever Crossed Over to Sneden’s.” Janice is having a great time in DC rehearsing “James Joyce’s The Dead.” Wish we could take the whole Salon crowd to see it! Erin Cronican, you very own blogette, sang “Someone Else’s Story” from the musical, Chess. Your Etcerette, Maureen Taylor, was next with a glorious, “Migratory V” from Myths and Hymns by Adam Guettel.

Salon Spotlight - Corinna Sowers Adler

We were thrilled to have Corinna Sowers Adler with us as tonight’s Salon Spotlight. She has a show coming up next week “By Request” - the way to works is that people could email her with a special request of what to sing, and include a reason why the song was important to them. So, Corinna decided to sing two songs from the show (but you have to see the show to hear the stories!)

Corinna started with “The Singer” - a unique and quirky song, much like the career of many singers! The next song was a song that can only be sung a couple of weeks out of the year - Frank Wildhorn’s “When Autumn Comes.” As Corinna started the final song of the set, she explained she got 3 requests for this song, so she says she pretty much had to do it! So, for her first time ever, she performed “Meadowlark” for an audience -- and it was for us!

Classical Corner

Salon founder and host, Mark Janas, started Classical corner by saying he thought it would be fun to see what happens if we invent Classical Corner together. He started by asking folks in the audience to name their favorite composer.

The first that was shouted out was “Pachelbel’s Canon” a composer AND piece of music. Mark said that, for him, this piece brings up the idea of variations… but since it also reminds him of weddings he’d opt out for this classical corner. Barber was suggested next. Mark said that he studied the Barber concerto in college but got severe tendonitis so he wouldn’t try it today. Chopin was next, and at first mark said that he played Chopin too often at The Salon, but he said he might play something later. I suggested Wagner, and for a bit he talked about the Ring Cycle.

Finally someone suggested Erik Satie, someone whose music he happened to bring with him. Satie used to get together with a french composer in a sort of artist’s salon. Satie was one of the first minimalists before Phillip Glass, his music was avant grade for its time because of it’s spareness. To illustrate, Mark played, “Three Gymnopedies No 1.”

Next up, Mark talked about Chopin’s Etudes (French for studies, technical exercises for pianists) and how they got nicknames based on how they sounded. Mark played the “Octave” Etude in B Minor, the “Ocean” Etude in C Minor (that sounded so much like the ocean) and the playful “Butterfly” Etude in G Flat.

For the final piece of the evening, Mark brought us Bach’s “The Well Tempered Clavier” Fugue in D Major. Like our theme ”Anything Goes”, there was a time when rhythms and keys were less strict. Mark mentioned that he learned from Christopher Hogwood that if baroque music didn’t dance, it died. It was oriented to the music of the dance, and if you can find THAT, you find the heart of the music. The dotted notes (1/8th and 1/16ths) were often taken with a grain of salt- they were a little bit longer with the shorter note even shorter (with a little lift), which caused the people in powdered wigs to get up and do pirouettes - the music mimicking the lifts of dance and changing positions. Mark admitted that his interpretation would probably be seen as going to far, but as the theme is Anything Goes, he decided to ‘er rip! And the piece was phenomenal. :)

Second Set

Tanya Holt, an amazing vocal storyteller, started her set with “The Very Thought Of You” with amazing accompaniment by Mark Janas. Next up was the classic, “Mr Bojangles “- a touching story song about a homeless man. Her final song of the set was “Daddy-o” - the song promises to “teach Daddy-O, gonna teach you the blues” - Tanya certainly taught it to us tonight!

Salon Producer, Tanya Moberly, brought in the classic, “I Get A Kick Out Of You” from Cole Porter’s Anything Goes. Tanya just opened her show, “Tanya Lorraine Moberly sings Barbra Joan Streisand with Steven Ray Watkins” at Don’t Tell Mama - 3 more shows are coming up Oct 18, Nov 14 and Dec 4. All shows are at 7pm. There are discounts for Salon members - be sure to make reservations in advance.

Stephanie Zagoren was next with “Autumn in New York” - one of the lovelier songs I’ve heard Stephanie do. We’re so glad to have her with us! Barb Malley charmed us with the adorable, “It Amazes Me.” She gave us a special warning - she bought a Halloween costume before discovering that she would be having hip surgery on October 25. So, she’ll be wearing her costume to The Salon on October 21 - I can’t wait!

Joann Sicoli was next with the classic, “The Birth of the Blues.” She’ll be visiting family in Italy and while there she will be doing two shows - how I wish I could be there with her! David Ballard with a lovely ballad, “You Walk With Me.” Teresa Fischer Invited up her accompanist and arranger, Andrew David Sotomayor and they performed the original tune, “Crayola Doesn’t Make A Color For Your Eyes.” This song is on her Debut CD, called Let It Go.

Bill Zeffiro, Salon Board member and all around jolly man, started out with one of the classics, “Imagine” by John Lennon… but then it morphed into a sardonic derivation of that classic. Lianne Marie Dobbs brought her classic, deep tones to “Plenty of Time” by “Kander & Ebb”. Lianne has her debut solo show coming up - “Everything Old is New Again” October 22nd, 9:30pm at the Metropolitan Room. Be sure to check it out!

Marissa Mulder, 2011 MetroStar winner, sang, “It Never Was You.” She is bringing back her show “Illusions” one more time, October 25 at the Metropolitan Room on Tuesday at 7pm - it’s also a CD release show, as CDs of the show will be available after the show! Jaye Maynard was next with “Hey John”, a song written for John Lennon. She is doing a show, “Bird Amongst The Blossom- A Tribute to the Blossom Dearie Songbook” at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, October 23 at 7pm and October 28 at 1pm. What a wonderful idea!

Joan Jaffe was next with “Too Old To Die Young.” Joan has a show coming up - “Joan Jaffe’s Manha-ha-ha-ttan” at the Abingdon Theater as a part of their Sunday Series, October 14 at 7pm. Our final song of the evening was sung by our amazing co-host, Tanya Holt - “Laughing Masters.”

News: We were excited to have from friends from Cabaret Scenes with us for the evening, writing up some thoughts on our Open Mic for their readers. We'll post the article when it publishes. 

Special Thanks to David and Samuel for their fabulous service at Etc Etc, Tommy Shull on lights/sounds, and all of our awesome Salon family members.

Next week's co-host, Natalie Douglas

Our Co-Host will be Bistro, Nightlife and Seven-Time MAC Award Winner Natalie Douglas! Natalie will be appearing in The 23rd Annual Cabaret Convention at Rose Hall at Lincoln Center – Broadway at 60th St, NYC – Friday, October 19th at 6pm. www.mabelmercer.com She will also be bringing her show FREEDOM SONGS: ELECTION EDITION to Birdland – 315 West 44th St, NYC – Monday, October 22nd at 7pm. www.ticketfly.com For more information: www.nataliedouglas.com.

Our Salon Spotlight will feature Pamela Luss! Pamela will be appearing with Houston Person at The Metropolitan Room – 34 West 22nd St, NYC, 212-206-0440 /www.metropolitanroom.com – Saturday, October 20that 7pm, Thursday, November 15th at 9:30pm and Saturday, November 17th at 9:30pm. For more information: www.pamelaluss.com.

Next week's theme is, “Freedom Songs.” Sing a song that makes you feel free or makes you yearn for freedom. Remember, any material, on or off theme, is always welcome at Salon.

We’ll see you then! In the meantime, if someone video recorded your performance and you’d like us to know about it, please post the link in the comments section of this blog post. Thank you!

-Erin Cronican

Blogette for The Salon

Need anything? Please email me.