Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
July 23, 2009
TV's Clinton Kelly (“What Not To Wear”), Jill Abramovitz (9 To 5) and Jeff Blumenkrantz (Tony-nominated composer and spectacular singer)
MARCY HEISLER AND ZINA GOLDRICH DID IT AGAIN. They packed Birdland to the rafters with screaming fans for the umpteenth time! And it's no wonder. Their highly original songs appeal to all ages and all types of music-lovers! It doesn't hurt to have a few spectacular singers performing said material, like TV's Clinton Kelly (“What Not To Wear”), Jill Abramovitz (9 To 5) and Jeff Blumenkrantz (Tony-nominated composer and spectacular singer), all of whom can be seen at the left. M&Z already have plans to return to the Broadway at Birdland series in November…they'll be celebrating their new CD release, produced by our pal and brilliant percussionist Mike Croiter. We can't wait to have everyone back to toast the new recording!

Susie Mosher, recently of the Broadway production of Hairspray, thrilled the Cast Party crowd with one of the most hilarious, manic and wacked-out performances we've seen…ever.
I was super-jazzed to see my old pals Susie Mosher and Steve Gunderson sauntering into Birdland on Monday. They've been in LA working like crazy on the smash-hit revue, Back to Bacharach and David at the Music Box Theatre. Steve co-created the show with Kathy Najimy, and did all the arrangements for the piece, while Susie sang her ever-lovin' face off - to rave reviews. Susie, recently of the Broadway production of Hairspray, thrilled the Cast Party crowd with one of the most hilarious, manic and wacked-out performances we've seen…ever. (left, thanks to Stephen Sorokoff) Please come back soon, Susie…don't make us beg! There were lots more fab moments, with many thanks to talented folks like LA's Wayne Moore (of “Wayne & Brenda!”), Kristen Sergeant, Klea Blackhurst (currently doing her brilliant Merman show at the Snapple Theatre), Lisa Gary (a newcomer - and spectacular jazzer!), Victoria Shaw and daughter Ruby Locknar, Scott Meeds (swinging “Feelin' Good”), Jonathan Shew, and Jason Maniscalco with his uke. The event was watched over by Austin Cabaret Theatre's own Stuart Moulton, who always makes us happy! Can you believe that we enjoy this kind of craziness every Monday night? It's true! This coming Monday (our 344th in a row!) Cast Party have the distinction of another performance by the hauntingly beautiful and dazzlingly musical Miranda Sings! Everytime she shows up, insanity rules, so you might not want to miss the fun! Haters, back off!
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
Jim Caruso's Cast Party is proud to announce celebrated and honored songwriting & performing team of MARCY HEISLER (bookwriter/lyricist) and ZINA GOLDRICH (composer), in The Marcy & Zina Show, Monday, July 20, 2009 at 7:00pm, as part of the long-running, critically-heralded and popular concert series Broadway at Birdland.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO PRESENT BROADWAY'S Tituss Burgess in concert with his Tight-Ass Band, on Monday, July 27 at 7pm, as part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series.

Tituss Burgess & The Tight-Ass Band will offer an evening of genre-hopping! The evening will be a stroll through both new music and familiar standards as the audience enjoys the way Tituss hears them!

Tituss Burgess recently starred as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the Broadway Revival of Guys and Dolls. Past credits on Broadway: The Little Mermaid, Jersey Boys and Good Vibrations. His solo album, "Here's to You" is available on itunes. Tituss was born and raised in Athens, Georgia where he grew up in the church and sang around the city with his mama!

TITUSS BURGESS & THE TIGHT-ASS BAND: "How I Hear It"

WHEN: Monday, July 27 at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $25 General, $35 Premium, $10 Food/Drink Minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com
BIRDLAND IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE LEGENDARY JAZZ SINGER MARILYN MAYE in “Something Cool” for two shows only, Tuesday, July 28 at 8:30 & 11pm.  This will be Maye's debut at the historic music room.
BIRDLAND IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE LEGENDARY JAZZ SINGER MARILYN MAYE in “Something Cool” for two shows only, Tuesday, July 28 at 8:30 & 11pm. This will be Maye's debut at the historic music room.

“Something Cool” will be a more jazz-infused selection of music than Maye's previous New York outings, in keeping with her jazz surroundings! She will be accompanied by Tedd Firth (piano), Tom Hubbard (bass), and Jim Eklof (drums).

Award-winning jazz singer Marilyn Maye has been named an 'Official Jazz Legend' by the American Jazz Museum and has been onstage with many of the greatest jazz performers, including Count Basie, Charlie "Bird" Parker, and Big Joe Turner. She was dubbed “Super-Singer” by Johnny Carson and “the greatest white female singer in the world” by Ella Fitzgerald. Two years ago, after a 16-year hiatus, Marilyn was rediscovered when she appeared as special guest of The Mabel Mercer Society at Rose Hall in Lincoln Center, and has been singing non-stop ever since. She has performed to sold-out crowds at renowned venues such as the The Los Angeles Ford Amphitheater, The Prince Theater in Philadelphia, and the Palm Beach Colony Hotel.

MARILYN MAYE IN "SOMETHING COOL"

WHEN: Tuesday, July 28 at 8:30 & 11pm
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $30 General, $40 Premium, $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com

THEN... August 3rd: Limbsakimbo, "What's Going On"

Our Sponsors
KLEA BLACKHURST’S “EVERYTHING THE TRAFFIC WILL ALLOW – The Songs and Sass of Ethel Merman." SEVEN PERFORMANCES ONLY!! – Don’t miss the New York City return of Klea Blackhurst’s acclaimed tribute to Ethel Merman. This knockout show took New York by storm in 2001 and features many of Merman’s signature songs such as “I Got Rhythm,” “Blow, Gabriel Blow,” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” as well as rarely performed obscurities including “Just A Moment Ago,” “I’ve Still Got My Health,” and “World Take Me Back.” If you missed it the first time, this is your rare chance to experience Blackhurst’s crackling wit and powerful vocals as she performs her brilliant, savvy valentine to one of American theatre’s greatest stars.“Trust us – this is one show you just can’t miss.” – Time Out New York SATURDAYS AT 5:00 PM: July 18, 25/August 1, 8, 22, 29/September 5; SNAPPLE THEATER CENTER, 210 West 50th St. (at Broadway). TICKETS: 212-921-7862 or www.ticketmaster.com
KLEA BLACKHURST’S “EVERYTHING THE TRAFFIC WILL ALLOW – The Songs and Sass of Ethel Merman." SEVEN PERFORMANCES ONLY!! (4)
"THE ART OF VOCAL TECHNIQUE": JULIE BUDD FULLY UNDERSTANDS THE DEMANDS OF LIVE PERFORMANCE, and the toll those rigors can take on the professional instrument. To protect, preserve and enhance the instrument of the serious vocal musician, she has developed a Master Class study course, and one-on-one private classes. Julie Budd works constantly in live performance, TV, film, and sings with symphonies all over the country. She knows that it is vital to learn to protect your instrument. That is what "The Art Of Vocal Technique” is all about. For more information regarding private vocal instruction, Ms. Budd can be reached at (917) 445-8799, or private messages can be left on her web site in the forum section, under "Private Message Section”. www.juliebudd.com
"THE ART OF VOCAL TECHNIQUE": Julie Budd fully understands the demands of live performance, and the toll those rigors can take on the professional instrument. (12)
MARK RAPP: TOKEN TALES "You should put some time aside and listen to what Rapp is doing." -Jazz.com The Mark Rapp Group has played sold out shows at the Blue Note (NY), Yoshi's (San Fran) and such venues as the JVC Newport Jazz Festival, Dizzy's, Jazztime Festival (Croatia), Jazzland (Vienna) and more. Mark was named a "top emerging trumpeter" by Downbeat Magazine, featured on a Travel Channel documentary and has played with Branford Marsalis (see) to Hootie and the Blowfish. His debut record Token Tales is receiving critical acclaim and was #20 on the Jazz Week Jazz Charts. GO SEE THE MARK RAPPP GROUP at the Jazz Standard on Sunday, July 5th! Every CD sold at the shows on July 5th, 90% will go directly to Project Sunshine, a nonprofit benefiting children facing medical challenges. Reserve your place now!
MARK RAPP: TOKEN TALES "You should put some time aside and listen to what Rapp is doing." -Jazz.com The Mark Rapp Group has played sold out shows at the Blue Note (NY), Yoshi's (San Fran) and such venues as the JVC Newport Jazz Festival, Dizzy's, Jazztime Festival (Croatia), Jazzland (Vienna) and more. Mark was named a "top emerging trumpeter" by Downbeat Magazine, featured on a Travel Channel documentary and has played with Branford Marsalis (see) to Hootie and the Blowfish. His debut record Token Tales is receiving critical acclaim and was #20 on the Jazz Week Jazz Charts. (4)
HERE'S THE NEWEST, FRESHEST VERSION OF THE CAST PARTY T-SHIRT (modeled here by our friend Kyle Michael Kuhlman)! Kids, it's 100% cotton (yes!) in snowy white, with a Minnelli red ringer, and accompanying black and red logo announcing your love for a certain Monday night soiree! We have them in S, M, and L! Get 'em while they're HOT! $20
HERE'S THE NEWEST, FRESHEST VERSION OF THE CAST PARTY T-SHIRT (modeled here by our friend Kyle Michael Kuhlman)! Kids, it's 100% cotton (yes!) in snowy white, with a Minnelli red ringer, and accompanying black and red logo announcing your love for a certain Monday night soiree!  We have them in S, M, and L!  Get 'em while they're HOT! $20
IN 1987 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, A SMALL TOWN GIRL MET A BIG CITY ROCKER and in LA’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s. Coming to Broadway March 17, 2009 is ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on.
IN 1987 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, A SMALL TOWN GIRL MET A BIG CITY ROCKER and in LA’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s.Coming to Broadway March 17,2009 is ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on.
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.
DAVID BUDWAY (CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA) IS ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE PIANISTS ON TODAY'S INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SCENE.
CALIFORNIA NATIVE CORTÉS ALEXANDER HAS JUST RELEASED HIS DEBUT SOLO CD, SWELL. It's an eclectic mix of musical styles including pop, jazz, electronica and even a touch of country. Broadwayworld.com has called SWELL “...stunning, spectacular, new, and edgy. 5 out of 5 stars!” Cortés is the recipient of 2 MAC awards and a Backstage Bistro award for his work with the vocal group The Tonics. He spent the last two years touring the world singing and dancing with Liza Minnelli, culminating on Broadway in the Tony award winning extravaganza, “Liza's At the Palace.” SWELL is available on itunes & at CDbaby.com. For more, visit www.cortesalexander.com
CALIFORNIA NATIVE CORTÉS ALEXANDER HAS JUST RELEASED HIS DEBUT SOLO CD, SWELL. It's an eclectic mix of musical styles including pop, jazz, electronica and even a touch of country.  Broadwayworld.com has called SWELL “...stunning, spectacular, new, and edgy.  5 out of 5 stars!”
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 at The Palace Theater, online and in stores.
MINNELLI & CARUSO: TOGETHER AGAIN
SQUIGS DRAWS THE STARS. Justin 'Squigs' Robertson is quickly becoming known far and wide for capturing show biz folk in pen and ink. 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 onstage. Squigs is currently posting a fresh weekly sketch or two celebrating the American theatre on his Facebook page, 'Squigs Knows His Lines.' Drop by and become a fan. You can also visit Squigs' website for a look at his 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. Visit Squigs on Facebook, too!

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!
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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