Mark Janas - The Salon: October 2016

Monday, October 31, 2016

The Salon Wrap-Up for October 30, 2016 - "Dreams, Nightmares & Fantasies"

It was a spooky, fun-filled evening of fright at this year's Halloween Salon! Even the torrential down pouring of rain could not keep the scary guests from gathering on All Hallow's Eve ~ Donald Trump & his Dominatrix, Dracula, Annie, Batman, a kooky Skeleton, a Black Cat, a Hunchback, Cruella de Vil and Cinderella were just some of the characters in attendance. Co-Hosted for the third year in a row by Janice Hall & Adam Shapiro, Salon-goers have come to expect great, creative holiday songs and dramatic costume changes! Mark Janas was tinkling away on the ivories, teaching us about tritones and playing Camille Saint-Saens DANSE MACABRE to set the mood for our ghostly guests.

Our horrifying political climate this year seemed to be enough to scare people, and the show opened with Donald Trump (looking a bit orange after hitting the tanning booth), who made several appearances throughout the evening.

Highlights of the night included Kit's version of the Rogers & Hart classic from Pal Joey, "Bewitched, Bothered, & Bewildered" complete with the updated lyrics, "She's a Ghoul and don't I know it...", Keni Fine's "Ballad of Donnie Trump", a take-off of the Ballad of Sweeney Todd, with beautifully sung backups by Sarah Rice, where Donnie is the "Demon Grabber of Easy Street", and Richard Eisenberg's "Pagan Rites" which got everyone in a tizzy, wanting to go back to the good 'ol days of terror. Bill Zeffiro (or shall I call him Batman?), recently had his mother pass away, and paid a lovely tribute to her by singing her most requested song from his repertoire, "Nina." Our producer Tanya Moberly, featured in the November/December issue of Cabaret Scenes Magazine, did an amazing version of "The Miller's Son." A great night was had by all!

Adam Shapiro makes all of his own costumes every year, which could rival professional costume designer's pieces on Broadway. This year he played Cinderella, transforming from the run-down, tattered cleaning girl, into the beautiful bearded princess. Like Wonder Woman, with one spin - he is TRANSFORMED!

Eerie Classical Corner

Mark Janas, our Salon host, set the stage for spooky by bringing in Matthew Martin Ward on piano & Sarah Rice on the theremin to this weeks Classical Corner. This eerie instrument creates sounds similar to the human voice and works with hand movements between two antennas that use electromagnetic frequency to create sound. Featured on many science fiction movie scores, this wacky instrument can bend the pitch to make a ghostly sound.

Their set list included:

"Dreamcatcher" - by Niki Matheson & Rolf Lovland

"Vocalise" - by W. Kilar, from the movie The 9th Gate, starring Johnny Depp
"She Moved Through The Fair" - a Traditional song (Anonymous)

Ironically, Matthew Martin Ward came dressed this year as the highly well-known song composer...ANONYMOUS! :)

The Co-Hosts ended the night by accidentally wearing the SAME DRESS! Oh well, not everything can be perfect...and as I'm sure the audience was taking votes on who wore it better, the two belted out their final number, and totally KILLED IT! Bwahhhh Hahhhhh Hahhhh Hahhhhhhhhh.............................!

Janice Hall

Kit

Todd Monroe

Keni Fine

Richard Eisenberg

Mark Watson

David Ballard

Edie Stokes

Sally Darling (with Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Matthew Martin Ward (also on piano)

Classical Corner - Sarah Rice (with Matthew Martin Ward on Piano)

Angela Leone

Mary Lahti

Special thanks to tonight’s musicians: Mark Janas, Matthew Martin Ward, Sarah Rice and J.Q. Whitcomb.

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

Ongoing Shows:

Monday nights (7pm): Opera Open Mic at Shangai 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:

Wednesday, November 2, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, November 4, 2016 (7pm): Amy Beth Williams is bringing her show "Carried Away" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, November 6, 2016 (12:30-2:30pm): David Kenney's Radio Show, "Everything Old is New Again" featuring Tanya Moberly, David Hajdu, Karen Oberlin, and Jacob Storms. http://www.oldisnew.org

Friday, November 18, 2016 (7pm): Marcus Simeone's CD Release Party: Together - A Celebration of Music, Friends, & the Miranda Family. Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd St, NYC.

Saturday, November 19, 2016 (4pm): Lynda Rodolitz is bringing her show "Lynda Rodolitz Is Off Her Rocker" (music directed by Steven Ray Watkins) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 (7pm): Lynda Rodolitz is bringing her show "Lynda Rodolitz Is Off Her Rocker" (music directed by Steven Ray Watkins) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, December 4th, 2016 (7pm): A Miranda Holiday ~ Kitty Skrobela releases her long awaited Christmas CD: A New York Holiday, featuring her family of artists & friends. At the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 (7pm): Marnie Klar is bringing back her show "Tuned In" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, December 11, 2016 (7pm): Urban Stages Winter Rhythms Concert ~ From All Of Us To All Of You: Seasonal Songs & Disney Too! Come hear Salon friends at this great concert series lasting from December 1-11th. Winter Rhythms Concert Series information can be found on their website www.urbanstages.org at Urban Stages, 259 West 30th St, NYC.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016: Sally Darling is appearing in "Totally Noel [with a bit of Sally]", with music director Matthew Martin Ward, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016: Matthew Martin Ward is playing with Christine Pedi at 54 Below, 254 W 54th St, NYC.

November 6th there is NO SALON, however, we will return Sunday, November 13th with the theme ~ Twisted Broadway, with Co-Hosts BLUE JUPITER (Diana Preisler, Marty Gasper, Jonathan Minkoff & Jeff Washburn), and with Salon Spotlight: Ritt Henn.

See you then!

Kathleen France

~ your sometimes Blogette! :)

Monday, October 24, 2016

The Salon Wrap-Up for October 23, 2016 - "Out Of This World"

What a wonderful fall evening to be spent making music! Mark Janas, our loving Founder and Host, bounded to the stage to introduce the evening. He started out with a gift for everyone in the audience - a free copy of the cast recording of the new musical, "Abie's Island Rose" with music by Doug Kastsaros, Lyrics by Richard Engquist & Frank Evans, and Book by Ron Sproat. I can't wait to make mine home to take a listen!

Our Co-Host was Dottie Burman Award Winning Singer/Songwriter Amy Engelhardt! She started the evening by sitting down at the piano and admitting that she is from New Jersey (she said it seemed important that we knew that going in!) She then appropriately sang her bluesy, uncomfortably true comedy ode, "Bridge and Tunnel Baby." For her mid show set, she started with an adorably dorky and charming, "This Better Be Good." She followed that with a gentle and optimistic, "Satellite." The cap the set, she sang "The Man That Got Away" - but not the version you know. It was a fantastic, original tune filled with clever quotes that lament the aggrevation of losing a man. To close the evening, she gave us a completely wonderful (and completely wrong) honky tonk, "How Did This Thing Get In Me?" (You get to decide what the title refers to...)

TUNE IN TIME, New York’s Hit Musical Game Show (produced by Amy) returns to The York Theatre - 619 Lexington Ave. @54th St, NYC – October 31st at 7pm. Also, Amy returns to Don’t Tell Mama – 343 West 46th St, NYC 10036 – in her new show THINGS ARE LOOKING UP October 29th at 7pm. For more information: www.amyengelhardt.com

Co-Host Amy Engelhardt!

Our Salon Spotlight featured Lynda Rodolitz, with Steven Ray Watkins on piano! She started with the hilarious, patter song, "The Last Great Waltz." She moved on to a cheeky yet moving, "A Sorta Love Song." She finished her three song set with an incredible mash-up she created of...wait for it... "Santa Baby" and "Rose's Turn", called "Santa's Turn."

Lynda will be back at Don’t Tell Mama – 343 West 46th St, NYC 10036 – with LYNDA RODOLITZ IS OFF HER ROCKER” November 19th at 4pm & November 22nd at 7pm. For more information: www.donttellmamanyc.com

Our Salon Spotlight Lynda Rodolitz!

Quick Wrap - Classical Corner

Mark Janas, host of Salon, didn't waste any time in introducing us to his special guest for the evening. Heather Bobeck, a stunning operatic soprano, came to the stage to share a couple of other-worldly numbers. Before she started, he revealed that Heather just won the Metropolitan Opera's District competition, and she now moves on to Regional Finals - if she wins this one, she goes to Nationals.

Heather sang three flawless songs for us this evening. I was so rapt that I didn't take many notes. Suffice it to say, the audience leapt to its feet the second she finished. Here is her set list:

Vincenzo Bellini - aria from "I Capuleti e i Montichi"
Giuseppe Verde - aria from "Rigoletto"
Franz Schubert - aria from "Nacht und Träume"

Classical Corner Guest: 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.

Amy Engelhardt (also on piano)
Bobbie Horowitz
Jerome Weinstein
Deborah Zecher
Paul Kaplan
Barbara Malley
Sally Darling (with Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Matthew Martin Ward (also on piano)
David Ballard
Erin Cronican
Jaye Maynard
Tanya Moberly (with Steven Ray Watkins on piano)
Lynda Rodolitz (with Steven Ray Watkins on piano)
Classical Corner - Heather Bobeck
Amy Engelhardt - mid show set (also on piano)
Bryan Blaskie (also on piano)

Richard Eisenberg

Angela Leone
Adam B Shapiro

Amy Engelhardt

Special thanks to tonight’s musicians: Mark Janas, Amy Engelhardt, Steven Ray Watkins, Matthew Martin Ward, and Bryan Blaskie.

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

Monday, October 24, 2016 (7pm): Sallie Jo Hadley is performing her new show (directed by Adam B Shapiro) at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016 (9:30pm): Janice Hall is performing alongside Sarah Rice in "All Souls Night," with music director Matthew Martin Ward, at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 (7pm): Amy Beth Williams is bring her show "Carried Away" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, October 29, 2016 (7pm): Amy Engelhardt is bringing her newest show, "Things Are Looking Up," to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, October 30, 2016 (7pm): Erin Cronican is performing at Michael Colby's birthday celebration at the Triad, 158 W 72nd St, NYC.

Monday, October 31, 2016 (7:30pm): Amy Engelhardt is producing TUNE IN TIME, New York’s Hit Musical Game Show at The York Theatre, 619 Lexington Ave, NYC.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, November 4, 2016 (7pm): Amy Beth Williams is bringing her show "Carried Away" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Monday, November 7, 2016 (8pm): David Ballard is performing with the NY Gay Men's Chorus, in an evening headlined by guest performer Chita Rivera, at Carnegie Hall, NYC.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016 (7pm): Angela Leone is bringing back her show, "All My Tomorrows" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, November 10, 2016 (7pm): Paul Kaplan is debuting his show "Teacher Traveler Artist Singer" (directed by Tanya Moberly) at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, November 11, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Monday, November 14, 2016 (7pm): Bobbie Horowitz's hosts the newest version of "It's Only A Number" the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016 (7pm): Amy Beth Williams is bringing her show "Carried Away" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, November 18, 2016 (7pm): Amy Beth Williams is bringing her show "Carried Away" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, November 19, 2016 (4pm): Lynda Rodolitz is bringing her show "Lynda Rodolitz Is Off Her Rocker" (music directed by Steven Ray Watkins) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 (7pm): Lynda Rodolitz is bringing her show "Lynda Rodolitz Is Off Her Rocker" (music directed by Steven Ray Watkins) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 (7pm): Marnie Klar is bringing back her show "Tuned In" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, December 9, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, December 9, 2016 (7pm): Matthew Martin Ward is presenting a revival of his musical, "The Lady in Penthouse B", starring Erin Cronican and Adam B Shapiro, at Urban Stages' Winter Rhythms Festival, 259 West 30th St, NYC.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016: Sally Darling is appearing in "Totally Noel [with a bit of Sally]", with music director Matthew Martin Ward, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016: Matthew Martin Ward is playing with Christine Pedi at 54 Below, 254 W 54th St, NYC.

Next week we return with our special Halloween-themed Salon - "Dreams, Nightmares & Fantasies" (costumes encouraged!) with your Co-Hosts, Adam Shapiro and Janice Hall.

See you then!

Erin Cronican
Blogette for The Salon

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

Sunday, October 16, 2016

The Salon Wrap-Up for October 16, 2016 - "Carried Away"

Through wind...sleet...hail...rain...and electrical difficulties, The Salon will come through! We kicked off tonight's Salon with a stunning display of teamwork and ingenuity as our team worked with a lighting deficiency. But as founder and host Mark Janas reminded us -- "We could do this in the DARK if we had to!" And THAT's the collaborative spirit that is always present at our weekly Salon.

Our Co-Host was Bistro & Hanson Award Winner Amy Beth Williams! She introduce the theme, Carried Away, she started the evening with a cheeky, chatty, song of the same name - "Carried Away" (with backing vocals by Mr. Janas himself.) For her mid-show set, Amy enchanted us with her glorious soprano on a medley of, "Whistling Away the Dark" and "Crazy World." She then told a dark and fantastical story with the song, "Windmills of Your Mind." She completed the three-song set with a saucy, bossanova-esque "Invisible." For the final song of the night, Amy sang a delicate and moving, "It's A Lovely Day Tomorrow" by Irving Berlin.

Amy Beth will be at Don’t Tell Mama – 343 West 46th St, NYC 10036 – with her new show CARRIED AWAY October 26th, November 4th, November 15th & November 18th. All shows at 7pm. For more information: www.amybwilliams.com / www.donttellmamanyc.com

Our Co-Host Amy Beth Williams

Tonight's Salon Spotlight featured Dan Ruth! With Dan we were treated to a unusual and exciting segment - a spoken word performance excerpted from his solo show, A LIFE BEHIND BARS. He took us on a personal journey through bars, dating, disappointment and optimism. The audience could not stop laughing at the seriousness of it all. (You have to see the show to know what I'm talking about - it was really great!)

Dan will be bringing this critically acclaimed one-man show The United Solo Festival at Theatre Row – 410 West 42nd St, NYC 10036 - on October 20th at 9pm. For more information: unitedsolo.org/us/alifebehindbars-2016/

Our Salon Spotlight Dan Ruth!

Quick Wrap - Classical Corner

Mark was out of the country last week and while there he made sure to take in the music of London. Mark talked about the genesis of classical music being the music of the church (pun intended.) He visited Westminster Cathedral and heard an "evensong" and was incredibly inspired by the precision and beauty of the singers. By coincidence, he was able to meet up with a friend in England as well as upon his return to NYC. Together, last night, they went to a staged concert of Brahms' Requiem - Mark as an audience member and his friend as one of the two musicians at the piano. Mark shared with us the delighted confusion he had when sitting down for the show - "How does one stage a requiem?" Well, the 60 member German choir delivered that answer - it turns out that the choir was interspersed throughout the audience and began to sing from within the crowd. As the piece went on, the singers invited some audience members to seat themselves on fluffy pillows; then swings descended from the ceiling for the some audience to swing from. Mark says he'd never seen anything like it before.

Though he suffered from a bit of jet lag, that didn't stop Mark from being at church this morning. And lucky for us that he did, because there he heard a glorious tenor singing a very moving rendition of "You Raise Me Up." Mark was so taken with the performance that he invited the singer, Napat Mingkwanyuen, to sing it for us at Salon tonight. It was stunning.

As if that weren't enough, Mark then reminded us that music theater could be considered a version of "classic music" to many of us. So he invited to the stage three of the most talented music theater performers in NYC - Raissa Katona Bennett, Julie Reyburn, and Maureen Taylor. Together they sang an original mash-up of two Sondheim gems: "Pretty Women" (from Sweeney Todd) and "Pretty Lady" (from Pacific Overtures.) These lovely ladies will be singing this song at this week's Cabaret Convention - how lucky for us to hear the premiere of it tonight!

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.

Amy Beth Williams
Marnie Klar
Ira Lee Collings
Jerome Weinstein
Carol Sue
Wendy Scherl
Carolyn Montgomery-Forant
Sue Matsuki
Marilyn Hausfeld (with Alex Rybeck on piano)
David Ballard
Erin Cronican
Janice Hall
Dan Ruth
Classical Corner - Napat Mingkwanyuen, and Raissa Katona Bennett, Maureen Taylor and Julie Reyburn
Amy Beth Williams
Tanya Moberly
Dominic Ferris and Martin Milnes (with Dominic Ferris on piano)
Barbara Malley
John Carlucci
Susan Mack
Angela Leone
Steve Bustamante (also on guitar)
Ryan Engstrom

Special thanks to tonight’s musicians: Mark Janas, Alex Rybeck, Dominic Ferris, and Steve Bustamante.

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

Monday, October 17, 2016 (7pm): Ira Lee Collings is bringing his new show, "Simply Ira Lee" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

October 18-21, 2016: The Cabaret Convention is happening at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Hall, Broadway at West 60th Street, NYC.

Thursday, October 20, 2016 (9pm): Dan Ruth is bringing back his show, "A Life Behind Bars" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd St, NYC.

Saturday, October 22, 2016 (1pm): Ferris & Milnes (Dominic Ferris and Martin Milnes) are appearing in "What A Swell Party This Is" at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, NYC.

Saturday, October 22, 2016 (4pm): Barbara Malley is appearing in her new show, "OMG!! Am I A Diva?" (music directed by Matthew Martin Ward) at the The Laurie Beechman, 407 West 42nd St, NYC.

Sunday, October 23, 2016 (5pm): Bob Diamond is performing his new show, "The Gift Of Love" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016 (9:30pm): Janice Hall is performing alongside Sarah Rice in "All Souls Night," with music director Matthew Martin Ward, at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 (7pm): Amy Beth Williams is bring her show "Carried Away" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, October 27, 2016 (7pm): Bob Diamond is performing his new show, "The Gift Of Love" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, October 30, 2016 (7pm): Erin Cronican is performing at Michael Colby's birthday celebration at the Triad, 158 W 72nd St, NYC.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, November 4, 2016 (7pm): Amy Beth Williams is bringing her show "Carried Away" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, December 9, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Next week we return with our theme - "Out of This World" with your Co-Host, Amy Engelhardt and your Salon Spotlight, Lynda Rodolitz.

See you then!

Erin Cronican
Blogette for The Salon

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

Sunday, October 9, 2016

The Salon Wrap-Up for October 9, 2016 - "Characters"

Mark Janas is on a one week hiatus as he travels to perform in the cityscape of London. But the show must go on, and our producer Tanya Moberly has found us a fabulous Guest Host for the evening - Bistro Award Winner Ian Herman! Ian’s Broadway credits include Jelly’s Last Jam, The Who’s Tommy, Song And Dance, Grease & Swing, for which he wrote vocal and dance arrangements. His latest CD is DUET with Sean Harkness and is available on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby: www.cdbaby.com/cd/ianhermanseanharkness.

Our Co-Host was Bistro, MAC & Nightlife Award Winner Lisa Asher! This lovely singer/actor started off the evening with the fantastic comedy song, "Nobody Does It Like Me" from SeeSaw. She followed that by saying that in choosing that song she wanted us to get to know her right away so that we didn't get the wrong idea about her! Lisa is instinctively drawn to songs that tell a story, as evidenced by the NY Times naming her a "raconteur" (to which she, in sassy-fashion, retorted, "Ehem... don't you mean raconteuse?") She then sang a song so powerfully written that it inspired it's own movie in the 70s, the bluesy, pop-country tune, "Ode to Billy Joe." Next, she sang a heart-wrenching rendition of Craig Carnelia's "Just A Housewife" from Working. For the last song of the mid-show set was a song from a TV movie in the 70s, the gutsy, "Harper Valley PTA." She capped the evening singing a role I would love to see her play, Mama Morton in "When You're Good To Mama" from Chicago.

Lisa is currently directing/developing a show with Kurt Peterson to be presented in February 2017, as well as working on a new show of her own. In the meantime, you can catch her emceeing at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. For more information: www.ellensstardustdiner.com

Our Co-Host Lisa Asher

Our Salon Spotlight featured MAC Award Winner Barb Malley! Barb will be at The Laurie Beechman Theatre – 407 West 42nd St, NYC 10036 – in OMG! AM I A DIVA? October 22nd at 4pm, with music director Matthew Martin Ward.

Barb started tonight's set from the middle of the audience, with strong vocals and lots of spirit on the medley, "Some People/Diva." She then talked a little bit about what it takes to be a Diva - how does one qualify? - which might include sticking to the way you think about the world. She shared an example through the lovely ballad, "Crazy World." She finished her set by answering the question, "How can Barb possibly be a Diva at HER age?" with a delicate and charming, "Colored Lights."

For more information or to get tickets to her show, visit : www.westbankcafe.com/laurie-beechman-theatre

Our Salon Spotlight Barb Malley!

Quick Wrap - Ian's Corner

Ian sat down at the keys, lowered his head (much like the photo below), took a deep breathe, and then started playing some of the most amazing music (with no help from sheet music, mind you!) And it makes sense that there was no music, for the music was original and written by him. His first song was a swinging, and playful "Bop" His second song was a distinct change of pace, the contemplative and intimate, "Heart" (which was unnamed when he sat down ti play, but he told me tonight that as he played it the name just came to him!) For his final song of the set, he gave us a powerful and inspiring, "6/8."

Our Guest Host Ian Herman

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 Ian Herman unless otherwise noted.

Lisa Asher
Jerome Weinstein
Ira Lee Collings
Madelaine Warren
Nicci Nicholas
Kathleen France
Sally Darling
Matthew Martin Ward
Steve Bustamante
Erin Cronican
Adam B Shapiro
Jeff Cubeta
Hanna Burke (with Jeff Cubeta on piano)
Rachael Joyce and Hanna Burke (with Jeff Cubeta on piano)
Ian's Corner
Barbara Malley
Tanya Moberly
Melissa Mandel (with Blaine Mandel on piano)
Bob Diamond
Jeffrey M Wright
Lisa Asher

Special thanks to tonight’s musicians: Ian Herman, Matthew Martin Ward, Blaine Mandel, Jeff Cubeta and Steve Bustamante.

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

Monday, October 10, 2016 (7pm): Ira Lee Collings is bringing his new show, "Simply Ira Lee" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, October 14, 2016 (7pm): Sally Darling is appearing in "Totally Noel [with a bit of Sally]", with music director Matthew Martin Ward, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, October 16, 2016 (5pm): Sally Darling is appearing in "Totally Noel [with a bit of Sally]", with music director Matthew Martin Ward, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, October 16, 2016 (7pm): Hanna Burke (with Racheal Joyce on vocals and Jeff Cubeta as music director) is appearing in, "Why Is Everyone Laughing? A Tribute to Madeline Kahn" at The Duplex, 61 Christopher St, NYC.

Monday, October 17, 2016 (7pm): Ira Lee Collings is bringing his new show, "Simply Ira Lee" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

October 18-21, 2016: The Cabaret Convention is happening at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Hall, Broadway at West 60th Street, NYC.

Thursday, October 20, 2016 (9pm): Dan Ruth is bring back his show, "A Life Behind Bars" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd St, NYC.

Friday, October 21, 2016: Maria Corsaro and Linda Kahn are debuting their duo show at The Laurie Beechman, 407 West 42nd St, NYC.

Saturday, October 22, 2016 (4pm): Barbara Malley is appearing in her new show, "OMG!! Am I A Diva?" (music directed by Matthew Martin Ward) at the The Laurie Beechman, 407 West 42nd St, NYC.

Sunday, October 23, 2016 (5pm): Bob Diamond is performing his new show, "The Gift Of Love" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Monday, October 24, 2016 (7pm): Sallie Jo Hadley is performing her new show (directed by Adam B Shapiro) at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016 (9:30pm): Sarah Rice is bringing back her show "All Souls Night," with music director Matthew Martin Ward, to Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 (7pm): Amy Beth Williams is bring her show "Carried Away" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, October 23, 2016 (7pm): Bob Diamond is performing his new show, "The Gift Of Love" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, October 29, 2016 (1pm): Kelley Karel is performing her show, "Hillary Confidential 2.0" at The Laurie Beechman, 407 West 42nd St, NYC.

Sunday, October 30, 2016 (7pm): Erin Cronican is performing at Michael Colby's birthday celebration at the Triad, 158 W 72nd St, NYC.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016 (7pm): Bob Diamond is performing his new show, "The Gift Of Love" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, November 4, 2016 (7pm): Amy Beth Williams is bringing her show "Carried Away" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, November 5, 2016 (4:30pm): Madeleine Warren is bringing her new show to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, November 5, 2016 (7pm): Bob Diamond is performing his new show, "The Gift Of Love" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016 (7pm): Bob Diamond is performing his new show, "The Gift Of Love" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, November 6, 2016 (5pm): Natasha Castillo is performing "Feels Like Home" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Monday, November 7, 2016 (8pm): David Ballard is performing with the NY Gay Men's Chorus, in an evening headlined by guest performer Chita Rivera, at Carnegie Hall, NYC.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016 (7pm): Angela Leone is doing the 3rd installment of her show at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, November 11, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, November 13, 2016 (7:30pm): Nicci Nicholas is bringing her new show (with Ian Herman on piano) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016 (7pm): Amy Beth Williams is bringing her show "Carried Away" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016 (7pm): Nicci Nicholas is bringing her new show (with Ian Herman on piano) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, November 17, 2016 (7pm): Nicci Nicholas is bringing her new show to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, November 18, 2016 (7pm): Amy Beth Williams is bringing her show "Carried Away" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, November 20, 2016 (7pm): Natasha Castillo is performing "Feels Like Home" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 (7pm): Dawn Derow is performing her birthday party show at Carroll Place, 157 Bleecker St, NYC.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 (7pm): Marnie Klar is bringing back her show "Tuned In" (directed by Tanya Moberly) to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, December 9, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Next week we return with our theme - "Carried Away." Mark Janas will be back with your Co-Host: Amy Beth Williams and your Salon Spotlight: Dan Ruth.

See you then!

Erin Cronican
Blogette for The Salon

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