The Salon Wrap-Up for August 25th: "Bernstein: 101"

Mark Janas kicked off our Bernstein celebration with a fabulous Salon tradition for our annual Berstein birthday celebration: the glorious overture to Bernstein's phenomenal opera, Candide. Joined by Matthew Martin Ward at the piano, it was a rich feast of some of Bernstein's best melodies. (This Blogette is highly biased, as it was one of her favorite pieces to play on piccolo in band and orchestra.) Must we wait until next year to hear this delightful duo play it again?

Mark then explained that we are at the end of Bernstein's centennial year, as tonight he (Bernstein) would have turned 101. He then introduced the evening's co-host and longtime colleague, Julie Reyburn, and roped her into doing a novelty arrangement of "Officer Krupke" from West Side Story. "Novel" in that the duet was a delight - and the lyrics were increasingly original and hilarious. Mark interpolated the duet with several stories of Bernstein, including one of his highly memorable performance with the Israel Philharmonic (ask him to tell you personally - he tells it better than I could recapitulate it!).

Our elegant Bernstein host, Julie Reyburn. (Photo credit)

Coming back from the break, Julie and Mark shared a peek into their creative process, as Julie has two dates of her brand-new show, "TITLE," coming up in October here at Don't Tell Mama, with Mark as her musical director. It's her first new show in eight years! (Note on your calendars Saturday October 5th and Saturday October 12th at 7 pm, when they'll be joined by Ritt Henn on bass and David Ballard on background vocals, featuring direction by Billie Roe.) Then they offered a fresh take on "Something's Coming" from West Side Story, after Mark shared the fascinating story of how Bernstein and Sondheim co-wrote the entire song in just one night.  Julie has an unusually articulate soprano (as a fellow soprano, this Blogette feels she can get away with this generalization) and an arresting stage presence. She and Mark also have a wonderful musical chemistry that made this number a real treat.

She was then joined by our intrepid producer, Tanya Moberly, for one more West Side Story song: the wonderful Anita/Maria duet "A Boy Like That/I Have a Love." Not only did they sing beautifully - oh, those duelling lines and tender final harmonies! - but they brought the piece to life with deeply poignant acting performances. (This Blogette is seriously experiencing major goosebumps as she's writing this.)

Julie finished the night with the perfect choice of the sweetly wistful "Some Other Time" from On the Town. After a cleverly re-worded opening solo, she was joined by Matthew Martin Ward, David Ballard, and Emily Ellet (a.k.a. this Blogette) in a lush quartet. A fitting finish to an elegant evening of our beloved Bernstein!

Classical Corner

Mark Janas discussed Bernstein's directing technique and its paradoxically convuluted clarity. Then he shared with us a recording of Bernstein conducting Beethoven's "Leonore Overture No. 3" - a wildly tricky piece with groupings of six and seven notes that means the beat lands on a different emphasis in the pattern every time AT HIGH SPEED. (Bravo to Mark for managing to count in two while playing those rhythms against himself.) Then he opened up the room to a Q&A, as he had personally met and hung out with the maestro himself at Tanglewood in the Berkshires many years ago and was happy to share stories from that experience. (HOW HE ANSWERED THE DOOR, omg, please ask Mark to tell you.)

Things we learned: 

• Bernstein was a big game and puzzle guy
• He was a very strict gamer who got very upset if you made a mistake
• He didn't like to compose while he was working on a conducting job, because his mind was filled with other composers' melodies
• He liked to find an unusual interval or phrase and carry it into as much of a score as possible (for example, the tritone throughout the West Side Story score)
• He said Sondheim was more of an inventor than a composer, that his scores were like machines (not above professional jealousy, it seems)
• He was not very happy with Lerner's inability to adapt to changes when writing 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - he thought it would be his most incredible flop

Thank you, Mark, for sharing so much of those incredible experiences with us.

Roster of Performers for the Evening (in order of appearance):

Click link to visit the performer’s website or other links, when available.

All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.

Co-Host: Julie Reyburn
Jim Speake
Paul Niemi
Lynda Kennedy
Claire Simard and Carroll Mailhot
Ira Lee Collings
Rian Keating
Susan Hodgdon
Goldie Dver
Andrea Axelrod and Matthew Martin Ward
Janice Hall (Matthew Martin Ward at piano)
Emily Ellet
Sarah Rice

Classical Corner
BREAK
Co-Host: Julie Reyburn

Julie Reyburn and Tanya Moberly

Tanya Moberly
Michael Colby
Richie Eisenberg
Angela Leone
Goldie Goldstein
Peter Reid Lambert
David Ballard
Joshua Bennett
Co-Host: Julie Reyburn with Emily Ellet, David Ballard, and Matthew Martin Ward

Special thanks to our pianist for the evening, Mark Janas, and to musician Matthew Martin Ward. Thanks also to David Ballard on lights and sound and to the scrummy waitstaff (Joshua and Leo) and thoughtful management at Don't Tell Mama. Also thanks to our videographer for the evening, Ruben Olivera.

Ongoing Shows:

Mondays through September 16th: Join Sarah Rice and Janice Hall for a relaxing break from the city--Peaceable Hour, 6-7 pm at St. Clements Church, 423 W 46th Street, NYC. FREE!

Upcoming Shows:

Tuesday, August 13th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly will take part in a benefit evening for the Dutch Treat Club, "Jerome Kern & Friends," at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Tuesday, Auugst 20th, 2019 (6:30pm): Joshua Bennet performs in The Metropolitan Room Staff Reunion Show Cabaret Cares Show at The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street, NYC. 

Saturday, August 24th, 2019 (7pm): Todd Monroe presents "Alive at the Duplex!", 61 Christopher Street, NYC.

Friday, August 30th, 2019: Tanya Moberly performs in Ricky Ritzel's Broadway at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, September 6th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Marnie Klar, THOSE GIRLS, Joshua Bennet, and others in a beneift for teen suicide prevention at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, September 8th (4pm): Andrea Axelrod presents "After the Bawl," with Matthew Martin Ward at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, September 13th (7pm): Andrea Axelrod presents "After the Bawl," with Matthew Martin Ward at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, September 14th, 2019 (4pm): Tanya Moberly is among the singers performing in Meg Flather's "A Cabaret Sisterhood" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, September 15th, 2019 (6pm): Goldie Dver will return in her show "Back in Mama's Arms" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, September 15th, 2019 (7pm): Sarah Rice in "Sondheim: Unplugged" at 54 Below, 254 West 54th Street, NYC.

Saturday, September 21st, 2019 (6pm): Goldie Dver will return in her show "Back in Mama's Arms" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, September 22nd, 2019 (4pm): Andrea Axelrod and Rian Keating will co-host "Groovin on a Sunday" at 53 Above, 318 West 53rd Street, NYC.

Friday, September 27th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Lisa Viggiano's new show, "The Times, They Are a-Changin'" opening at Pangea, 178 Second Avenue (bet 11th and 12th Sts), NYC. 

Friday, October 4th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly and Barb Junger direct Susanne Mack in "Where I Belong" with Musical Director Paul Greenwood at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC.

Saturday, October 5th, 2019 (7pm): Julie Reyburn presents "TITLE" with musical director Mark Janas at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, October 5th, 2019 (8pm): Goldie Dver will return in her show "Back in Mama's Arms" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Monday, October 7th, 2019 (7pm): Angela Leone presents "Mathis and More," with Bill Zeffiro at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, October 11th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly and Barb Junger direct Susanne Mack in "Where I Belong" with Musical Director Paul Greenwood at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC.

Saturday, October 12th, 2019 (7pm): Julie Reyburn presents "TITLE" with musical director Mark Janas at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, October 17th, 2019: Bobbie Horowitz presents "It's Just A Number" (featuring Emily Ellet and others) at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, November 3rd, 2019 (3pm): Angela Leone presents "Mathis and More," with Bill Zeffiro at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.


Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 (7pm): Michael Colby presents "Slay It with Music", a benefit for the International Rescue Committee, at The Green Room 42, 570 10th Avenue, NYC.

Thursday, November 7th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Stephanie Trudeau in "Chavela: Think of Me" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Lisa Viggiano's new show, "The Times, They are a Changin" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, October 14th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly and Barb Junger direct Susanne Mack in "Where I Belong" with Musical Director Paul Greenwood at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC.


Friday, November 15th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Lisa Viggiano's new show, "The Times, They are a Changin" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, November 17th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly and Barb Junger direct Susanne Mack in "Where I Belong" with Musical Director Paul Greenwood at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC.


Thursday, November 21st, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Lisa Viggiano's new show, "The Times, They are a Changin" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC  .

Thursday, December 12th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Stephanie Trudeau in "Chavela: Think of Me" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, February 29th, 2020: Lynda Kennedy presents her debut show with Mark Janas on piano at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

NEXT SALON: September 8, 2019
The next Salon will be TWO WEEKS from today, on Sunday, September 8th. Co-host Lucille Carr-Kaffashan will lead us in an night of "I Love Being Here with You," (true for any Salon attendee, of course), and the Salon Spotlight will be the Drinkwater Brothers. Join us!


Submitted by Emily Ellet
Blogette for The Salon
Email me if I missed anything!

Sunday, August 18th , 2019

Salon Wrap-Up for August 18th:

"Salon's 14th Anniversary"

Happy 14th year to Salon! Co-hosts for this "Family Night" were Tanya's Helpers, aka the Mamettes. Participating this year were Emily Ellet, Janice Hall, Marnie Klar. Ann Talman, Sarah Rice, and Maureen Taylor.  The ladies opened with Mark's bang-up parody of "Honey Bun," from South Pacific, complete with grass skirts, leis, and bras made out of yarmulkes and mens' ties. (Yes, really.) It was great fun to hear how Mark managed to weave names of various Salon regulars into the song, plus all of Salon's past venues (The Paris Commune, The Algonquin, and Et Cetera, Et Cetera).
Special shout-out to David Gillam for creating our outfits, and also the cute Saloniac pins!

Each of our six Mamette/co-hosts took a turn at hosting during the evening, and each introduced their segment with a song.  First up was Emily Ellet, who offered an astonishing rendition of "Astonishing", from the musical Little Women.  Emily then introduced Marnie Klar to host the next segment. Her number was "On the Radio," by Regina Spektor, Janice Hall (that's me) was the next Mamette at the mic, and she (I?) sang a song written for Mabel Mercer, Alec Wilder's wistful "Did You Ever Cross Over to Sneden's?"
After the break, Maureen Taylor took the reins, tying up some "Loose Ends". Later, she passed the baton to Sarah Rice, who sang Richard Whiting's flirty ditty "I Could Be Happy with One Little Boy." Our final Mamette host for the evening was Ann Talman, who related a bit of her family history via a mashup of "Ribbons Down My Back," and "It Only Takes a Moment."

Salon Spotlight: Robin Westle, with Tracy Stark

  Well, it turns out Salon isn't the only thing celebrating an anniversary this weekend. To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Woodstock Festival, and her own long, strange trip to get there, Robin Westle has put together a new show that she's calling, "In the Summer of '69."  Tonight, she offered 3 selections from that show, the first being "When I Was a Boy," by Dar Williams.
As Robin related to us, the idea for her show was born when she found out that the big 50th Anniversary celebration for Woodstock--which she was planning to attend--had been cancelled. She decided she, and Woodstock, needed a celebration anyway, so she planned her own, which will be at Don't Tell Mama on September 9th and 15th. (See our Upcoming Shows listing below for complete details.)

 To give us a little taste of what one might have heard if the anniversary concert had happened, Robin sang Creedence Clearwater Revival's big hit "Bad Moon Risin'."  She closed her set with a mashup of "We Shall Overcome" (Pete Seeger) and "I Shall Be Released" (Bob Dylan). Music Director Tracy Stark supplied beautiful harmonies here, and together, they sounded just like the two idealistic hippie chicks they are. Rock on!

Classical Corner

 Mark's Anniversary tradition continued tonight, as he played his heartfelt and intense rendition of Gershwin's complete "Rhapsody in Blue" for us, the piece that started it all (well, Salon, at least), back at the Algonquin in 2005. This is a moment we always look forward to!

Roster of Performers for the Evening (in order of appearance):

Click link to visit the performer’s website or other links, when available.

All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted. 

Co-hosts,The Mamettes
Emily Ellet
Gerrilyn Sohn
Nicci Nicholas
Bob Simonello
Marnie Klar
Michael Colby
Deborah Stone
Sean Patrick Murtagh
Janice Hall (Matthew Martin Ward at the piano)
Bobbie Horowitz (Matthew Martin Ward at the piano)
Bob Diamond (Matthew Martin Ward at the piano)
Andrea Axelrod (Matthew Martin Ward at the piano)
Annie Lebeaux (accompanying herself)
Salon Spotlight: Robin Westle (Tracy Stark at the piano)
Classical Corner

BREAK

Maureen Taylor
Tanya Moberly
Gretchen Reinhagen (Tracy Stark at the piano)
Tracy Stark (accompanying herself)
Rian Keating
Barb Malley 
Sarah Rice 
Marcia Roney (Matthew Martin Ward at the piano)
Frances O'Flynn (Matthew Martin Ward at the piano)
Matthew Martin Ward (accompanying himself)
Ira Lee Collings
Goldie Dver
Ann Talman
Michael Kirk Lane (William TN Hall at the piano)
William TN Hall (accompanying himself)
Steve Bustamante (accompanying himself on guitar)
Peter Reid Lambert
David Ballard
Joshua Bennett

Special thanks to our pianist for the evening, Mark Janas, and to musicians Matthew Martin Ward, Annie Lebeaux, William TN Hall, Tracy Stark. Thanks also to David Ballard on lights and sound, and to the wonderful waitstaff (Joshua and Leo) and supportive management at Don't Tell Mama. Also thanks to our videographer for the evening, Steve Bustamante.

Ongoing Shows:

Mondays through September 16th: Join Sarah Rice and Janice Hall for a relaxing break from the city--Peaceable Hour, 6-7 pm at St. Clements Church, 423 W 46th Street, NYC. FREE!

Tuesdays (6-9:30pm): Annie LeBeaux is back at The Town House, 236 East 58th Street, NYC

Upcoming Shows:

Tuesday, August 20th, 2019 (6:30pm): Joshua Bennett performs in The Metropolitan Room Staff Reunion Show Cabaret Cares Show at The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street, NYC.

Sunday, August 25th, 2019 (7pm): Michael Kirk Lane's show "Just Because" takes place at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC. 

Friday, August 30th, 2019: Tanya Moberly performs in Ricky Ritzel's Broadway at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, September 6th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Marnie Klar, THOSE GIRLS, Joshua Bennett, and others in a beneift for teen suicide prevention at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, September 8th (4pm): Andrea Axelrod presents "After the Bawl," with Matthew Martin Ward at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Monday, September 9th, 2019 (7pm): Robin Westle's personal tribute to Woodstock, "In the Summer of '69" opens tonight at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC. (Tracy Stark at the piano)

Thursday, September 12th (7pm): Sally Darling presents "And Kurt Weill Begat Kander and Ebb," with Matthew Martin Ward at piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, September 13th (7pm): Andrea Axelrod presents "After the Bawl," with Matthew Martin Ward at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, September 14th (4pm): Stew Frimer presents "Who Needs a Theme?" with Matthew Martin Ward at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, September 14th, 2019 (4pm): Tanya Moberly and Deborah Stone are among the singers performing in Meg Flather's "A Cabaret Sisterhood" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

 Sunday, September 15th, 2019 (1pm): See Robin Westle's personal tribute to Woodstock, "In the Summer of '69" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC. (Tracy Stark at the piano)

Sunday, September 15th, 2019 (6pm): Goldie Dver will return in her show "Back in Mama's Arms" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, September 15th, 2019 (7pm): Nicci Nicholas performs her show "Nothin' Can Be Done,"  at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 (7pm): Gretchen Reinhagen begins her monthly residency at Pangea (178 Second Ave., NYC). The show is called "Take it With Me," also the title of her new CD.

Saturday, September 21st, 2019 (6pm): Goldie Dver will return in her show "Back in Mama's Arms" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, September 22nd, 2019 (4pm): Andrea Axelrod and Rian Keating will co-host "Groovin on a Sunday" at 53 Above, 318 West 53rd Street, NYC.

Monday, September 23rd (7pm): Stew Frimer presents "Who Needs a Theme?" with Matthew Martin Ward at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, September 27th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Lisa Viggiano's new show, "The Times, They Are a-Changin'" opening at Pangea, 178 Second Avenue (bet 11th and 12th Sts), NYC.

 Friday, September 27th, 2019: Bob Diamond performs in Ricky Ritzel's Broadway at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Monday, September 30th, 2019 (7pm): Deborah Stone opens her new show, "Here I Am," at Pangea, 178 Second Ave, NYC.

Saturday, October 4th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly and Barb Jungr direct Susanne Mack in "Where I Belong" with Musical Director Paul Greenwood at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC.

Sunday, October 5th, 2019 (8pm): Goldie Dver will return in her show "Back in Mama's Arms" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC

Friday, October 11th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly and Barb Jungr direct Susanne Mack in "Where I Belong" with Musical Director Paul Greenwood at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC.

Friday, October 11th, 2019 (7pm): Nicci Nicholas performs her show "Nothin' Can Be Done,"  at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, October 13th, 2019 (5pm): Bob Simonello will be "Rollin' A 7" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, October 17th, 2019 (7pm): Bobbie Horowitz presents "It's Just A Number" (featuring Emily Ellet and Maureen Taylor, among others) at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 (7pm): Bob Diamond will be playing "The Game of Life," accompanied by Matthew Martin Ward, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, October 24th, 2019 (7pm): Bob Diamond will be playing "The Game of Life," accompanied by Matthew Martin Ward, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, October 25th, 2019 (7pm): Marnie Klar in Ricky Ritzel's Broadway at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, October 26th, 2019 (5pm): Barb Malley presents "Feeling Groovy In A New York State of Mind" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, November 3rd, 2019 (5:30 pm): Gerrilyn Sohn offers "Something Cool," at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 (7pm): Michael Colby presents "Slay It with Music", a benefit for the International Rescue Committee, at The Green Room 42, 570 10th Avenue, NYC.

Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 (7pm): Bob Diamond will be playing "The Game of Life," accompanied by Matthew Martin Ward, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, November 7th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Stephanie Trudeau in "Chavela: Think of Me" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, November 7th, 2019 (7pm): Barb Malley will be at Parnell's, 350 E 53rd, NYC.

Sunday, November 10th, 2019 (7pm): Bob Diamond will be playing "The Game of Life," accompanied by Matthew Martin Ward, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Lisa Viggiano's new show, "The Times, They are a Changin" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, October 14th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly and Barb Jungr direct Susanne Mack in "Where I Belong" with Musical Director Paul Greenwood at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC.

Friday, November 15th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Lisa Viggiano's new show, "The Times, They are a Changin" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, November 16th, 2019 (4pm): Rian Keating brings his new show, "In This Traveling Heart,"  to Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th, NYC. All performances benefit the Lower East Side Preparatory HS Golden Door Scholarship Fund.

Sunday, November 17th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly and Barb Jungr direct Susanne Mack in "Where I Belong" with Musical Director Paul Greenwood at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC.

Wednesday, November 20th, 2019 (7pm): Rian Keating brings his new show, "In This Traveling Heart,"  to Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th, NYC. All performances benefit the Lower East Side Preparatory HS Golden Door Scholarship Fund.

Thursday, November 21st, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Lisa Viggiano's new show, "The Times, They are a Changin" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC .

Sunday, November 24th, 2019 (3:30pm): Rian Keating brings his new show, "In This Traveling Heart,"  to Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th, NYC. All performances benefit the Lower East Side Preparatory HS Golden Door Scholarship Fund.

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 (7pm): Rian Keating brings his new show, "In This Traveling Heart,"  to Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th, NYC. All performances benefit the Lower East Side Preparatory HS Golden Door Scholarship Fund.

Thursday, December 12th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Stephanie Trudeau in "Chavela: Think of Me" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, December 18th, 2019: Bobbie Horowitz presents "It's Just A Number" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

NEXT SALON: Sunday, August 25th, 2019

Join us for "Bernstein 101," our annual Leonard Bernstein Birthday Celebration! Co-host is the fabulous Julie Reyburn.


Submitted by Janice Hall
Blogette for The Salon
Email me with any questions or corrections.

The Salon Wrap-Up for August 11th: "Mad About the Boys"

Irrational, emotionally unhinged, and exuberant love was in the air (and maybe the drinks?) at Salon tonight. Our co-hosts Those Girls, the powerhouse quartet comprised of Eve Eaton, Rachel Hanser, Karen Mack, and Wendy Russell accompanied by the lively piano of Steven Ray Watkins, opened the evening with an oldies groove featuring a mashup of the Temptations classic "Get Ready" and The Jackson 5's "The Love You Save." The best part of seeing Those Girls perform is their intricate harmony - they're always tight, perfectly in tune, and deeply satisfying. Their arrangements in combination with their exquisite musicianship are a real delight.

Can confirm: Those Girls really are this badass.

They opened the second half of the show with solid barbershop-style harmonies on the Dean Martin crooner classic, "Ain't That a Kick in the Head." (In truth, this Blogette prefers this sweet and sultry boogie-woogie arrangement to the original.) These ladies have gigs all over town for a reason - they're the ultimate professionals. They even made their debut at Carnegie Hall in May with the Mabel Mercer Foundation's Jerome Kern evening ("All the Things You Are: Celebrating Jerome Kern"), for which they were given a handful of Jerome Kern songs  and 4.5 minutes in which to perform them. Their Kern-ucopia medley (performed next) was thus born, including "Can't Help Singing," "I've Told Every Little Star," "They Didn't Believe Me," "A Fine Romance," and "Long Ago and Far Away."   Their arrangements were efficient, smooth, and stunningly beautiful. They passed the melody from soloist to soloist without dropping a note, which was especially impressive considering different singers were trading those harmony lines around at any given moment. 

Sophisticated harmonies (their trademark, in case you can't tell) and a pristine blend made their rendition of Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You" a lovely finish to the evening. It was like the perfect NY cheesecake finish - silky smooth with a hint of sweetness. This Blogette can't wait to see them perform again.

Fortunately, there are many opportunities coming up to do so! In October, they're taking their "Unplugged" show to BJ Ryan's Magnolia Room in Norwalk, CT (Sat. Oct 5th at 8 pm), and then to Pangea for "Those Girls Sing the Boys Unplugged Vol.1.2" (Sat. Oct 19th at 7pm).  And finally, we can catch them in "Those Girls Sing the Boys Vol. 1" at The Laurie Beechman on Saturday November 22nd (7pm) and Saturday December 2nd (7pm). More info below.

Salon Spotlight

Angela Leone was our smooth-voiced Salon Spotlight tonight, acoompanied by the wonderful Bill Zeffiro on piano. With her contralto tone reminiscent of Rosemary Clooney, she began with Johnny Mathis's pleading ballad "Come to Me." She followed up with Hoagy Carmichael's "How Little We Know," then treated us to "Wild is the Wind," (Washington/Tiomkin, made famous by Nina Simone). Angela's selection of lesser-done standards by the undisputed masters of jazz was so refreshing! Jazz is a perfect fit for her voice. As an artist, she lets the songs speak for themselves, and with her rich and resonant vowels, her lower register has particularly supple ease and depth.

Her upcoming show with Bill Zeffiro, "Mathis and More," will be performed here at Don't Tell Mama's (343 West 46th Street) on Monday, October 7th (7pm) and Sunday, November 3rd (3pm). 

Classical Corner

Mark Janas opened by playing a recording of Liebera, an English boys choir, and explained to us the fascinating history of boys' choirs in Europe, including the anatomical changes that happen in boys' versus girls' voices over time. Next he played "From a Distance," allowing us all the chance to relish the beauty and purity of the boys choir. (And the perfect intonation!!!) It was a lovely respite and a hearkening back to a simpler moment.

Roster of Performers for the Evening (in order of appearance):

Click link to visit the performer’s website or other links, when available.

All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.

Co-Host: Those Girls (Steven Ray Watkins at piano)
Lynda Rodolitz
Joan Darragh
Aaron Wilson
Marnie Klar
Rian Keating
Josh Carr
Emily Ellet
Bobbie Horowitz (Matthew Martin Ward at piano)
Stew Frimer (Matthew Martin Ward at piano)
Andrea Axelrod (Matthew Martin Ward at piano)
Sally Darling (Matthew Martin Ward at piano)
Matthew Martin Ward (self at piano)
Janice Hall (Matthew Martin Ward at piano)
Goldie Dver (Bill Zeffiro at piano)

Salon Spotlight Angela Leone (Bill Zeffiro at piano)

Classical Corner
BREAK
Co-Host: Those Girls (Steven Ray Watkins at piano)

Tanya Moberly

Lynda Kennedy
Todd Monroe
Jeff Flaster
Sean Patrick Murtagh
Michael Colby
Richie Eisenberg
The Elegant Ivory Duo (self at piano)
Bill Zeffiro (self at piano)
David Ballard
Joshua Bennett
Co-Host: Those Girls (Steven Ray Watkins at piano)

Special thanks to our pianist for the evening, Mark Janas, and to musicians Steven Ray Watkins, Bill Zeffiro, and Matthew Martin Ward. Thanks also to David Ballard on lights and sound and to the delicious waitstaff (Joshua and Leo) and supportive management at Don't Tell Mama. Also thanks to our videographer for the evening, Zoltan Suhy.

Ongoing Shows:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (8-12pm): Bill Zeffiro at La Rivista, 313 West 46th Street, NYC

Tuesdays (6-9:30pm): Annie LeBeaux at The Town House, 230 East 58th Street, NYC

Upcoming Shows:

Tuesday, August 13th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly will take part in a benefit evening for the Dutch Treat Club, "Jerome Kern & Friends," at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.

Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 (7pm): Sean Patrick Murtagh will pay tribute to Mario Lanza in his show at The Green Room 42, 570 10th Avenue, NYC.

Friday, August 16th, 2019 (7pm): Sally Darling presents "And Kurt Weill Begat Kander and Ebb," with Matthew Martin Ward at piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Tuesday, Auugst 20th, 2019 (6:30pm): Joshua Bennet performs in The Metropolitan Room Staff Reunion Show Cabaret Cares Show at The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street, NYC. 

Saturday, August 24th, 2019 (7pm): Todd Monroe presents "Alive at the Duplex!", 61 Christopher Street, NYC.

Friday, August 30th, 2019: Tanya Moberly performs in Ricky Ritzel's Broadway at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, September 6th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Marnie Klar, THOSE GIRLS, Joshua Bennet, and others in a beneift for teen suicide prevention at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, September 6th, 2019 (7pm): Josh Carr presents "Why do the Wrong People Travel?" at Pangea, 178 Second Avenue (bet 11th and 12th Sts), NYC.

Friday, September 6th, 2019 (7pm): Josh Carr presents "Why do the Wrong People Travel?" at Pangea, 178 Second Avenue (bet 11th and 12th Sts), NYC.

Sunday, September 8th (4pm): Andrea Axelrod presents "After the Bawl," with Matthew Martin Ward at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, September 12th (7pm): Sally Darling presents "And Kurt Weill Begat Kander and Ebb," with Matthew Martin Ward at piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, September 13th (7pm): Andrea Axelrod presents "After the Bawl," with Matthew Martin Ward at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, September 14th (1:30pm): The Elegant Ivory Duo present "Imperfections of Love" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, September 14th (4pm): Stew Frimer presents "Who Needs a Theme?" with Matthew Martin Ward at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, September 14th, 2019 (4pm): Tanya Moberly is among the singers performing in Meg Flather's "A Cabaret Sisterhood" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, September 15th, 2019 (6pm): Goldie Dver will return in her show "Back in Mama's Arms" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, September 18th (7pm): Lynda Rodolitz in "4 Women, 4 Stories" (with Helene Blumfield, Peggy Schwartz, and Deborah Zecher) at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, September 21st (4:30pm): The Elegant Ivory Duo present "Imperfections of Love" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, September 21st, 2019 (6pm): Goldie Dver will return in her show "Back in Mama's Arms" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, September 22nd, 2019 (1:30pm): Joan Darragh presents "The Invigorated Ingenue" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, September 22nd, 2019 (4pm): Andrea Axelrod and Rian Keating will co-host "Groovin on a Sunday" at 53 Above, 318 West 53rd Street, NYC.

Monday, September 23rd (7pm): Stew Frimer presents "Who Needs a Theme?" with Matthew Martin Ward at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Friday, September 27th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Lisa Viggiano's new show, "The Times, They Are a-Changin'" opening at Pangea, 178 Second Avenue (bet 11th and 12th Sts), NYC. 

Sunday, September 28th, 2019 (3:30pm): Joan Darragh presents "The Invigorated Ingenue" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, October 4th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly and Barb Junger direct Susanne Mack in "Where I Belong" with Musical Director Paul Greenwood at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC.

Sunday, October 5th, 2019 (8pm): Goldie Dver will return in her show "Back in Mama's Arms" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, October 5th, 2019 (8pm): Those Girls perform "Unplugged" at BJ Ryan's Magnolia Room, 57 Main Street (upstairs), Norwalk, CT 06851.

Sunday, October 6th, 2019 (3:30pm): Joan Darragh presents "The Invigorated Ingenue" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Monday, October 7th, 2019 (7pm): Angela Leone presents "Mathis and More," with Bill Zeffiro at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, October 11th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly and Barb Junger direct Susanne Mack in "Where I Belong" with Musical Director Paul Greenwood at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC.

Thursday, October 17th, 2019: Bobbie Horowitz presents "It's Just A Number" (featuring Emily Ellet and others) at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Saturday, October 19th, 2019 (7pm): Those Girls Sing the Boys Unplugged Vol.1.2 at Pangea, 178 Second Avenue (bet 11th and 12th Sts), NYC.

Saturday, October 25th, 2019 (7pm): Marnie Klar in Ricky Ritzel's Broadway at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC. 

Sunday, October 26th, 2019 (5pm): Barb Malley presents: "Feeling Groovy In A New York State of Mind: at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC. 

Sunday, November 3rd, 2019 (3pm): Angela Leone presents "Mathis and More," with Bill Zeffiro at the piano, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 (7pm): Lynda Rodolitz brings back "Animal Magnetism" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 (7pm): Michael Colby presents "Slay It with Music", a benefit for the International Rescue Committee, at The Green Room 42, 570 10th Avenue, NYC.

Thursday, November 7th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Stephanie Trudeau in "Chavela: Think of Me" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, November 10th, 2019 (4pm): Lynda Rodolitz brings back "Animal Magnetism" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Lisa Viggiano's new show, "The Times, They are a Changin" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Thursday, October 14th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly and Barb Junger direct Susanne Mack in "Where I Belong" with Musical Director Paul Greenwood at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC.

Friday, November 15th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Lisa Viggiano's new show, "The Times, They are a Changin" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Sunday, November 17th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly and Barb Junger direct Susanne Mack in "Where I Belong" with Musical Director Paul Greenwood at Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, NYC.

Thursday, November 21st, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Lisa Viggiano's new show, "The Times, They are a Changin" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC  .

Saturday, November 22nd, 2019 (7pm): Those Girls Sing the Boys Vol. 1 at The Laurie Beechman, 407 West 42nd Street, NYC.

Saturday, December 2nd, 2019 (7pm): Those Girls Sing the Boys Vol. 1 at The Laurie Beechman, 407 West 42nd Street, NYC.

Thursday, December 12th, 2019 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Stephanie Trudeau in "Chavela: Think of Me" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.

Wednesday, December 18th, 2019: Bobbie Horowitz presents "It's Just A Number" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC. 

NEXT SALON: August 18th, 2019
Join us next week for our 14th anniversary here at Salon, featuring co-hosts The Mamettes and Salon Spotlight Robin Westle! How the years fly by. Start preparing your "Happy Birthday" harmonies, everyone!


Submitted by Emily Ellet
Blogette for The Salon
Email me if I missed anything!