Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
July 30, 2009
Tituss Burgess
YOU CAN'T SAY WE DON'T HAVE FUN.  Between Monday's Tituss Burgess concert, Cast Party and Tuesday's Marilyn Maye show, a bunch of very lucky music fans started their week out in high style!  Tituss wore us OUT with his amazing tenor voice and shockingly fresh arrangements, thanks to James Sampliner.  And the room was jammed with Broadway kids, bff's, and lots of screaming super-fans!  Tituss' performance of “Guess Who I Saw Today” is still in my brain - and that's a good thing!  We can't wait for his return!  The photo (left) is by Stephen Sorokoff.  Click on BroadwayWorld.com for more pix!

Jim Caruso and Miranda Sings
Cast Party was as packed as I've seen it in a long, long time!  And what talent we were treated to!  One of the stars of Jason Robert Brown's Broadway musical 13, Ariana Grande, sang so great, so it was a complete shock that voice teacher extraordinaire, Miranda Sings (left, with me), decided she needed a bit of on-stage coaching.  But being the genius Ms. Sings is, Ariana was filled with gratitude with the notes.  Miranda then sang a…memorable…rendition of “Dance: Ten, Looks: Three,” substituting the words 'chest' and 'butt' for the more racey terms.  (We're just thrilled to tell you that La Diva Insana will be performing in the Broadway at Birdland concert series on September 14, so reserve early and often!)  We were also thrilled by visits from Marilyn Maye, Hilary Kole, Jersey Boys' Russell Fischer, Clifford Gaschler & Ruby Rakos, Marissa Rosanno & Emily McVicker, Emily Drennan, Scott Meeds, Klea Blackhurst, Carrie Jackson, Terese Genecco, Shawn Ryan, Chris Dilley, Ruby & Ava Locknar…on and on and on!  Many newcomers and lots of beloved regulars rounded out a very full Party - and we wouldn't have it any other way!  Again, check out the photos on BroadwayWorld!  Many thanks to Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle for their continued musical brilliance!  How lucky are we to have THEM?  This next week, Las Vegas superstar Clint Holmes will be paying us a visit, as well as humorist Ron Kanfi, who has written a new book called “Saint Misbehavin' - Modern Day Saints You've Never Heard Of!”  The irreverent spoof will provide absolution for the guilt ridden, and just might be the answer to your prayers!  And yes, there will be giveaways!

Marilyn Maye gets a standing O!
On Tuesday, Marilyn Maye stormed the Birdland stage for her debut concert.  Wow.  If you wanna see how it's done, come see Marilyn.  Nobody commands a stage like she does, and the sold-out house gave so many standing O's, I lost track (photo at left by Stephen Sorokoff).  If you click on BroadwayWorld, you'll see even more gorgeous pix of the event, thanks to Derek Storm.  Lots of great faces in the audience, too!  Phyllis Newman, Lucie Arnaz and daughter Kate Luckinbill, Klea Blackhurst, Robert Richards, Randy Jones, Aaron Weinstein…they were all there to watch and learn from the best!  We were so proud!
- 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 newly formed band, LIMBSAKIMBO in “What's Going On,” at Birdland on Monday, August 3 at 7pm. The concert will be part of the award-winning series Broadway at Birdland.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO PRESENT the newly formed band, LIMBSAKIMBO in “What's Going On,” at Birdland on Monday, August 3 at 7pm.  The concert will be part of the award-winning series Broadway at Birdland.

LIMBSAKIMBO is Lindsay Mendez, Mike Aarons, and Chris Fenwick, whose creative energy and musical restlessness marked their work together on the Broadway revival of Grease.  Their excitement steers them into new territory as the group recreates, reassembles, and reinvents the classic Marvin Gaye album “What's Going On” in it's entirety.

Lead singer Lindsay Mendez was an original cast member of the most recent Broadway revival of Grease, playing the role of Jan.  She also served as a "Mennonette" to Sherie Rene Scott in the critically acclaimed Everyday Rapture at 2nd Stage Theater this past spring.  She can currently be seen as Betty Jean in The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Westside Theater.  Lead guitarist and arranger Michael Aarons has worked with Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, Michael McDonald, James Ingram, Liza Minnelli, and Elton John.  He has played in countless Broadway pits, and originated the guitar chairs at Grease, High Fidelity, Next To Normal (guitar arrangements), and most recently, 9 to 5, where he currently plays.  As a composer, Michael's music has been featured on Lifetime, Style Network and MTV.  Pianist and arranger Chris Fenwick has musical directed productions on Broadway, off-Broadway, and across the country.  He has also accompanied and conducted numerous artists in concert including Patti LuPone, Elaine Stritch, and Audra McDonald.  His most recent project was the world premiere of Michael John LaChiusa's Giant.

LIMBSAKIMBO: "WHAT'S GOING ON"

WHEN: Monday, August 3rd at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $25 Cover, $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com

THEN... August 10th: Under the Covers with Victoria Shaw!

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)
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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