Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
February 26, 2009
OK. We can continue. Jason Danieley and the Frontier Heroes (thanks to Steve Sorokoff for this photo) brought a kickin' show to Birdland on Monday night! And what a thrill to have Broadway leading lady Marin Mazzie added to the brilliance! The new CD is sublime, and we can't wait to have the band back on our stage - and soon!
THANKS TO YOU, MY HUMBLE READERS, the numbers in my dramatic race to become the Genre Magazine Man of the Year shot up in a big way! Please feel free to vote again…the rules say you can do it once a day. Winning would be a fantastic way to promote Cast Party and the Broadway at Birdland series to hundred of thousands of folks - which would be great for all of us! So click now and VOTE! (Needless to say, '10' is best - '1' is not-so-much best.) You'll feel better for it.

OK. We can continue. Jason Danieley and the Frontier Heroes (left, thanks to Steve Sorokoff) brought a kickin' show to Birdland on Monday night! And what a thrill to have Broadway leading lady Marin Mazzie added to the brilliance! The new CD is sublime, and we can't wait to have the band back on our stage - and soon! Click on Flickr and see how much fun everyone had!
The following Cast Party kicked all kinds of open-mic tuchas. We were delighted that TV and Broadway star Paige Davis, and Vegas entertainment power-couple Clint and Kelly Holmes came to show their musical stuff on our stage! Paige just flew in from a “Trading Spaces” shoot, Clint is working on a new musical with Bill Fayne, and Kelly - who is a great singer - showed off her amazing talent for impersonations!
The following Cast Party kicked all kinds of open-mic tuchas. We were delighted that TV and Broadway star Paige Davis, and Vegas entertainment power-couple Clint and Kelly Holmes came to show their musical stuff on our stage! Paige just flew in from a “Trading Spaces” shoot, Clint is working on a new musical with Bill Fayne, and Kelly - who is a great singer - showed off her amazing talent for impersonations! Chicago diva Lynne Jordan killed as always, Aaron Davis celebrated his birthday with a song, Jonno Gasparo made his Birdland debut with some fancy trumpeting, the delovely Adriana McPhee (see ad below) sang for us, and Shannon Thursdon & Paul Mills absolutely thrilled us with a very original, and exquisitely sung new tune. The night ended with a musical sit-in, led by Melissa Ward, with Clint on vocal percussion, Jonno on horn, Tedd Firth on piano, Steve Doyle on bass, and me on backup! And guess what? We do it all over again next Monday night! Dust off your zippy upbeat sheet music and join us! You just never know who you'll see at Cast Party!
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
Jim Caruso's Cast Party is proud to present The Broadway Boys in concert at Birdland on Monday, March 2 at 7pm. The event is part of the ongoing concert series, Broadway at Birdland.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE BROADWAY BOYS in concert at Birdland on Monday, March 2 at 7pm. The event is part of the ongoing concert series, Broadway at Birdland.

The Broadway Boys return to Birdland to perform their contemporized showtunes, funked-up 50's and 60's classics, and unique spin on Top 40 hits! The concert, entitled “Sampler,” will combine the many different Broadway Boys concert hits, including songs from "Broadway Today," "The Radio," and "Oh What a Night.” The cast of Broadway Boys includes Marty Thomas (Xanadu), Jesse Nager (Mary Poppins), Danny Calvert (Altar Boyz), Maurice Murphy (…Spelling Bee), Morgan Karr (Spring Awakening) and Landon Beard (Altar Boyz). The Boys' very special guests will be Shayna Steele (Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On, Hairspray) and Antonique Smith (Notorious, Rent).

THE BROADWAY BOYS

WHEN: Monday, March 2, 2009, 7:00 pm
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
COVER CHARGE: $25 General / $50 VIP; $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com

UPCOMING SHOWS: John Bucchino & Friends (March 9), Christine Pedi (March 16), Kate Shindle & John McDaniel (March 23)
Our Sponsors
"ADRIANA MCPHEE IS YOUNG, BEAUTIFUL AND OOZING A UNIQUE CHARM!" ~ Miss Julie Wilson. After selling out The Gardenia in Los Angeles, sultry Adriana McPhee makes her New York cabaret debut with “Starting Here, Starting Now” at The Metropolitan Room. Adriana is the scion of an acclaimed show business family and her mother, celebrated cabaret singer Peisha McPhee, will appear as a special guest in all shows. Shows are Tuesday, March 3rd at 9:30 PM, Wednesday, March 4th and Thursday, March 5th at 9:45 PM. Tickets are $25 ($20 for MAC members). Call (212) 206-0440 for reservations or online at The Metropolitan Room. For more about Adriana, click: www.adrianamcphee.com
"Adriana McPhee is young, beautiful and oozing a unique charm!"~ Miss Julie Wilson.  After selling out The Gardenia in Los Angeles, sultry Adriana McPhee makes her New York cabaret debut with “Starting Here, Starting Now” at The Metropolitan Room, March 3, 4 and 5.
MAC/ASCAP SONGWRITERS' SHOWCASE, SATURDAY MARCH 21 at 2 PM. (Doors open at 1:30 p.m.) Join Jamie deRoy and special guests Jeff Blumenkrantz (pictured at right), Steven Lutvak and Sidney Myer. Admission, FREE to MAC and ASCAP members; all others $10.00. Drinks and limited menu available. Where: The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, between 5th & 6th Ave, NYC. RSVP via email to: RSVP@MACNYC.com or call (212) 465-2662 ext. 1. Seating is limited!
"Adriana McPhee is young, beautiful and oozing a unique charm!"~ Miss Julie Wilson.  After selling out The Gardenia in Los Angeles, sultry Adriana McPhee makes her New York cabaret debut with “Starting Here, Starting Now” at The Metropolitan Room, March 3, 4 and 5.
BILLY STRITCH'S WATERS OF MARCH: THE BRAZILIAN ALBUM: "...Stritch imaginatively captures the magic of the bossa nova rhythm on some terrific cuts, including three by Brazilian music icon Antonio Carlos Jobim. Of these, probably the most memorable is "Someone to Light Up My Life," which most Americans first heard on Sarah Vaughan's legendary Brazilian album. Here Stritch captures the simple sensitivity and all the yearning poignancy the composer had in mind when he first penned it. Sergio Mendez's "So Many Stars" takes you on an indolent, dreamy, and gentle journey...[Stritch's] phrasings and delicate nuances are so insightful that the album becomes a powerful musical statement with many subtle, yet potent, moments." -- John Hoglund, Backstage. The CD and all things Billy Stritch are at www.billystritch.com.

BILLY STRITCH'S WATERS OF MARCH: THE BRAZILIAN ALBUM: "...Stritch imaginatively captures the magic of the bossa nova rhythm on some terrific cuts, including three by Brazilian music icon Antonio Carlos Jobim.
TEDD FIRTH, OF THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, is a New York City based accompanist, jazz pianist and arranger. He has accompanied many renowned artists, including Lee Ann Womack, Faith Prince, Tom Wopat, Margaret Whiting, Maureen McGovern and Marilyn Maye. Among the jazz musicians he has worked with are John Pizzarelli, Houston Person, Benny Golson and Joe Morello. Mr. Firth's New York appearances include the Blue Note, Birdland, the Iridium, the Algonquin, the Rainbow Room, Carnegie Hall, and the Russian Tea Room. Tedd's arrangements have been performed by the Philadelphia Pops and the Ocean City Pops. Find him on MySpace Music at www.myspace.com/teddfirth.
TEDD FIRTH, OF THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, is a New York City based accompanist, jazz pianist, and arranger. He has accompanied many renowned artists, including Lee Ann Womack, Faith Prince, Tom Wopat, Margaret Whiting, Maureen McGovern and Marylin Maye.
STEVE DOYLE, THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BASS PLAYER, has been an active part of the jazz and cabaret scene in New York for the past 18 years, performing with many internationally renowned artists including Bucky Pizzarelli, Billy Stritch, Tony Desare, Rigmor Gustafssen, Klea Blackhurst, Hilary Kole, Dave Stryker, Steve Slagle, Christine Ebersole, Pekka Pylkannen, Stephanie Block, K.T. Sullivan, Emily Skinner, Freddie Bryant, Marilyn Maye, Lari White and many others. Get the full scoop and check out his 1997 CD, Presence, at www.stevedoyle.com .
STEVE DOYLE, THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BASS PLAYER, has been an active part of the jazz and cabaret scene in New York for the past 18 years performing with many internationally renowned artists
DAVID BUDWAY (CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA) IS ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE PIANISTS ON TODAY'S INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SCENE. He is deeply rooted in Classical, Jazz and Rock and Roll Music. In 1992, David made his classical debut as soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. His recording credits include Hubert Laws, Branford Marsalis, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Clark Terry, Michael Brecker, Christiane Noll and others. David has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Liza Minnelli, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Ravi Coltrane, Jimmy Heath, Mark Murphy, Joe Pass, Roger Humphries, Art Farmer, Regina Carter, Dave Liebman and The Mingus Big Band. David composed music to the motion pictures “Lift”, and “Giant Steps”, and won two prizes in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. Look for David's soon to be released Jazz CD “Strike Up the Bud”. Click: DavidBudway.com, or www.myspace.com/davidbudway.
STEVE DOYLE, THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BASS PLAYER, has been an active part of the jazz and cabaret scene in New York for the past 18 years performing with many internationally renowned artists
JIM CARUSO…THE PARTY CONTINUES ON CD: Caruso: Live and In Person, with Billy Stritch on piano. "Jim is funny, facile and fabulous! He performs with charm, wit and style, and is vastly entertaining." -- Michael Feinstein. "A cabaret-lover's dream!" -- Chip Deffaa, New York Post. "An unbeatable act of jazz, pop, comedy and conversation that is different from anything else in town." -- Rex Reed, New York Observer. "This impish, twinkling-eyed performer exudes the buoyant spirits of a conetmporary vaudevillian…with an extremely tart lemon tucked firmly in his cheek." -- Stephen Holden, New York Times.

JIM CARUSO…THE PARTY CONTINUES ON CD: Caruso: Live and In Person, with Billy Stritch on piano.
KEN KLEIBER'S OFFERING VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICES. You have the talent, you booked the room and the crowds came. But what about that sought-after agent who was escorting his star client to a premiere? Or that family member who got stuck out-of-town due to inclement weather? Or that best friend who got the 24-hour flu? They can all re-live your shining performance through the magic of digital video. Videographer Ken Kleiber (host of TV, internet & radio’s "That’s Kentertainment!") not only interviews the stars, he films them too. With over 6 years of videotaping experience, Ken has filmed hundreds of hours of cabarets, concerts, live theatre, dance recitals, comedy sets, interviews, on-tape auditions, parties and more. For more information on Ken’s videotaping, copying and transferring services, please contact Ken at kentertain@yahoo.com. Don’t let that once-in-a-lifetime moment be…just once!
KEN KLEIBER'S OFFERING VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICES.
LIZA'S AT THE PALACE...THE 2-CD SET! Two years of touring with the incomparable Liza Minnelli resulted in a triumphant run of Liza's At The Palace at The Palace Theatre. Check out the website for beautiful video footage, photos, and the brand-new 2-CD set of this unforgettable show. The first act is pure Liza at the top of her form, and the second act celebrates the late, extremely great Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers' historic nightclub act that took the world by storm in the late 40's.  Cortés Alexander, Johnny Rodgers, Tiger Martina and I worked hard to approximate the blend and unique sound that Bob, Dick, Don and Andy Williams brought to Kay's ingenius vocal arrangements. With old pal Billy Stritch at the piano, this project was an absolute dream come true! Hurry to: LizasAtThePalace.com for an exclusive preview of the 2-CD set available now at The Palace Theatere and online and in stores February 3, 2009!
MINNELLI & CARUSO: TOGETHER AGAIN
ON THE CD, AT THE MOVIES, DAVE KOZ, A MULTI-GRAMMY NOMINATED SAX PLAYER with two gold albums and ten top 5 hits to his credit, takes center stage on eight instrumentals: "Over The Rainbow," "As Time Goes By," "The Pink Panther," "Summer of '42," "Cinema Paradiso," "Schindler's List," "It Might Be You" and " The Shadow of Your Smile." The 40-piece orchestra enlisted by Koz and producer Phil Ramone provides a majestic, sweeping soundscape for the saxophonist and his guest vocalists, including Vanessa Williams, who contributes an exquisite version of "The Way We Were," and Johnny Mathis, who perfectly captures the bittersweet quality of "The Shadow Of Your Smile," from The Sandpiper. Other highlights include Anita Baker's elegant rendering of "Somewhere," from West Side Story and Donna Summer's shimmering version of "A Whole New World," from Disney's Aladdin. Barry Manilow duets with Koz on a hip arrangement of Henry Mancini's " Moon River," and India.Aire delivers a deeply personal performance of "It Must Be You," from Tootsie. At The Movies is a must-have for music and film lovers everywhere. Disappear into another world and spend some time At The Movies.
ON THE CD, AT THE MOVIES, DAVE KOZ, A MULTI-GRAMMY NOMINATED SAX PLAYER with two gold albums and ten top 5 hits to his credit, takes center stage on eight instrumentals:
SQUIGS DRAWS THE STARS. Justin 'Squigs' Robertson is well known in the Los Angeles theatre community for capturing show biz folks in pen and ink, and his acclaim is quickly spreading across the country. He loves sushi. His favorite song is 'It's Only A Paper Moon'. And he genuflects upon merely hearing the name of Al Hirschfeld. His whimsical illustration and design is aided and abetted by his parallel career as an actor and entertainer. You can visit for a look at Squigs' take on such talented friends of Cast Party as Jeff Blumenkrantz, Julia Murney, Christine Ebersole, Victoria Clark, Kelli O'Hara, Bob Martin and Liza Minnelli. www.squigsink.com

Squigs draws the showbiz! www.squigsink.com - this week's pic - L-R: Steve Doyle, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch - The Cast Party Symphony Orchestra!
OUR UPDATED T-SHIRT is now available in Tootsie-Roll brown with safety-cone orange trim, as seen at left, where Jim reveals his secret identity as -- Superhost! Show your love for a certain Monday night Open Mic extravaganza by wearing this 100% cotton, Peruvian-made, American-printed piece of art! The wry "Got Mic?" logo is on the front, and our logo is on the back. They're only $20 and available if you click http://www.castpartynyc.com/Goods.htm.

Jim Caruso ferociously models the official Cast Party t-shirt
The Cabaret Exchange
As always, many thanks to our corporate and private sponsors:
Gianni Valente & Hilary Kole, Randy Swartz & Stage Step, Jamie deRoy & friends, Michael Estwanik, Todd Forman, Steven Minichiello, Matthew Gilbert and Wild Oats Productions, as well as our Birdland sound guru Sean Corcoran and Brian Wilson at SoHa Media. We can't do it without you!

Click here to advertise with us. It costs less than the average banner ad, and you're guaranteed to be seen by tons of fabulous people (look, you're reading this right now, yes?).
About Us
Look at all the illustrious people!
When:
Every Monday at 9:30 PM!

Where:
BIRDLAND
315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th), NYC
212.581.3080

"...an extreme open mic!" -- ABC-TV

"Jim Caruso is uber-talented!" -- Entertainment Weekly

"Pianist Billy Stritch is thrilling...guaranteed to send you into orbit."
-- Rex Reed, New York Observer

"A vital pulse point of the musical-theater bloodstream: Every week a star or standard might be born." -- Time Out New York

"Bassist Steve Doyle gives firm support and swings solidly." -- Jazz Times

BEST OF NEW YORK Issue -- New York Magazine

"Starrier than the Hayden Planetarium... a hotspot where Broadway and Hollywood tip, twirl and hit the mic. It's become the place to cruise, schmooze, sing and be seen." -- Playbill

"The Broadway at Birdland series is a talk of the town carnival of talent, and is like no other happening in Manhattan It's evolved into an integral part of New York nightlife." -- John Hoglund, TheaterScene.net
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