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Last Week
November 24, 2011
Liza Minnelli and Sam Harris
WELL THAT HAPPENED!  I can’t tell you what a thrill it was to present my favorite icon/friend Liza Minnelli and the extraordinary singer/actor/writer Sam Harris (left, by Monica Simoes) together on the Broadway at Birdland stage this past Sunday and Monday.  The first public showings of their new project, “Schmoolie & Minnooli,” sold out in 20 minutes – a Birdland record!  We jammed a shocking amount of people into our favorite music room, and when Sam and Liza made their entrance, it felt like the roof was going to blow off the place!  And these two showbiz dazzlers didn’t disappoint the cheering throng.  Opening with “Two Of A Kind,” they proceeded to celebrate their long friendship with songs, laughs, harmonies, and stories – with much musical help from maestro Billy Stritch at the piano.
Bernie Blanks, Brent Barrett, David Zippel and Elaine Paige
I knew they would both sing their hearts out, and be hilarious.  But what stunned me was the very special insider material that was created.  Nothing was sacred, including marriage, sexuality, injuries and the recent addition of Liza’s bedazzled boot protecting that famous fractured foot.  Some of our favorite showbiz vets were on the scene, like Bernie Blanks, Brent Barrett, David Zippel and Elaine Page (left), Julie Halston, Christine Ebersole, Rex Reed, Rob Shuter, Bruce Sussman, Gene Reed, Natalie Douglas, Alan Cumming, Colton Ford, Caroline O’Connor, and Trevor McQueen. I’m hoping and praying that “Schmoolie & Minnooli” has a bright future on the road – because you just have to experience the magic!  Of course, the Birdland stage is always available to them…do I even need to say that?  (Check out all the gorgeous photos on Playbill.com and BroadwayWorld.com, with so many thanks to Monica Simoes, Derek Storm and Steve Sorokoff!)
Christine Pedi and Jim Caruso
Can you imagine all the great mojo in the air post-Minnelli/Harris?  The following Cast Party was a veritable feast of musical fun.  Tedd Firth, Saadi Zain and Daniel Glass – our very own Cast Party Symphony Orchestra – accompanied folks like Jenna & Fortune Esposito, Lisa Gargione & Sam, Mark Aaron James, Nicolas King, Jeff Segal, Natalie Douglas, J.T. Oakes, Sammy Goldstein, Christine Pedi (killing me, left), Sarah Rice, Alana Adderly, Jonathan Myer, The Professor, Andrew Nemr and superstar songwriter Ken Hirsch, who performed his gigantic hit, “No One In The World,” from Anita Baker’s Grammy-winning album “Rapture.”  Like I always say…just another night at Birdland.  We do it all again next week, and we want to see you there!

Until then, here’s hoping you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  We all have so much to be grateful for.  We’re here, aren’t we?
Jim Caruso
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Birdland are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
Aaron Weinstein and Christine Ebersole
THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE that Christine Ebersole will be performing with the Aaron Weinstein Trio on Sunday, November 27 (6pm) and Monday, November 28 (7pm).

For the first time ever, Christine Ebersole joins jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein and his trio for an evening showcasing new arrangements of classic songs by Fats Waller, Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, and Cannonball Adderley.

Christine Ebersole is a Tony Award winner for her roles in Grey Gardens and 42nd Street.  Her Broadway appearances include The Best Man, Dinner at Eight, Steel Magnolias, Oklahoma, and the recent revival of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit.

Ebersole has appeared in many hit movies including Amadeus, Tootsie, Richie Rich, Black Sheep, Dead Again, Ghost Dad, True Crime, My Girl 2, and Confessions of a Shopaholic.  She has an extensive list of television credits including recent appearances on “Retired at 35,” “Royal Pains,” “Ugly Betty,” “Law and Order SVU,” “Boston Legal,” “Samantha Who,” and “Will and Grace.”  In concert, Ebersole has appeared in numerous halls throughout the country.  Most recently, she performed in the concert version of the operas The Grapes of Wrath at Carnegie Hall.  Previously, Ms. Ebersole participated in the Opening Night Gala of Carnegie Halls’ 118th Season.  In televised concerts, she has often appeared on PBS, including her star turns in Ira Gershwin at 100: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall and The Rodgers & Hart Story: Thou Swell, Thou Witty.  A recording artist as well, Ms. Ebersole has released such albums as: Christine Ebersole: Live at the Cinegrill, In You Dreams, Sunday in New York, and the newly released Christine Ebersole Sings Noel Coward.

Called “the Groucho of the violin” by Tony Bennett and “a perfect musician” by jazz guitar legend, Bucky Pizzarelli, Aaron Weinstein is quickly earning a reputation as one of the finest jazz musicians of his generation.  As a featured soloist, Aaron has performed at Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Wolftrap Center for the Performing Arts, Birdland, Blue Note, the Iridium, and abroad at jazz festivals in England, France, Switzerland, Iceland, and Israel.  Aaron has performed and recorded with an array of jazz icons including: Les Paul, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Scott Hamilton, Dick Hyman, Dave Frishberg, Ken Peplowski, Houston Person, Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross as well as New York Pops founder/conductor, Skitch Henderson.  He has written arrangements for artists including Michael Feinstein, Christine Ebersole, Janis Siegel, Billy Stritch, and Hilary Kole.  Aaron is a New York Nightlife Award winner and recent graduate of the Berklee College of Music where he was awarded a full four-year talent-based scholarship.  With the release of his Arbors Records debut, A Handful of Stars, (called “the rebirth of the hot jazz violin” by journalist, Nat Hentoff) Aaron became the youngest jazz musician to have recorded as leader for this prestigious traditional jazz record label.  His newest release, Blue Too, is a duo with John Pizzarelli, also available on Arbors Records.  In addition to performing and arranging, Aaron is also a bow tie rights activist.

CHRISTINE EBERSOLE WITH THE AARON WEINSTEIN TRIO

WHEN: Sunday and Monday, November 27 (6pm) and 28 (7pm)
WHERE: Birdland
, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $30 and $40 Cover, plus $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS:
212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com
Our Sponsors
CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE SWING SET, Jim's new collection of standards and surprises, featuring a parade of guests including Michael Feinstein, Bucky Pizzarelli, Stephanie J. Block, Billy Stritch, Hilary Kole, and Aaron Weinstein. “The word that always comes to mind when I hear Jim Caruso sing is “joy.” He spreads it around like marmalade…and there’s plenty of it on “The Swing Set.” The main thing to remember is that Jim Caruso can get under the skin of blasé ballads, brushing timeless standards with fresh strokes, or hit the ground running on up-tempo jazz classics. He’s both smart and casual, modern as an i-Pod, yet his elegant demeanor would not be out of place at a staff meeting on Mad Men. No histrionics or cabaret corn here. He can be flip and tender at the same time. Above all, he is always inventive. In an angst-riddled, hip-hop world, his voice goes down like a root beer float.” REX REED
CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER THE SWING SET, Jim's new collection of standards and surprises, featuring a parade of guests including Michael Feinstein, Bucky Pizzarelli, Stephanie J. Block, Billy Stritch, Hilary Kole, and Aaron Weinstein.
MULTI AWARD-WINNING INTERNATIONAL STAGE AND FILM ACTOR DANIEL RADCLIFFE (Equus on Broadway, Harry Potter film series) and five-time Emmy® Award winner JOHN LARROQUETTE (Night Court, The Practice) make their Broadway musical debuts in this hilarious fable of executive dreams and office romance, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Click here for a special offer!
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying
HERE'S OUR FRIEND Ben Ross cavorting on a cold Canadian beach, but keeping warm in the newest, freshest version of the Cast Party t-shirt! Can you believe this 100% cotton beauty can be yours for a mere $20 plus $5 for shipping? They come in S, M, L and XL! Click: http://castpartynyc.com/goods/.
HERE'S OUR FRIEND Ben Ross cavorting on a cold Canadian beach, but keeping warm in the newest, freshest version of the Cast Party t-shirt!  Can you believe this 100% cotton beauty can be yours for a mere $20 plus $5 for shipping?  They come in S, M, L and XL! Click: CastPartyNYC.com/Goods.
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
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.
DANIEL GLASS IS ONE OF TODAY'S FOREMOST AUTHORITIES ON CLASSIC AMERICAN DRUMMING. Since 1994, he has toured all over the world with the pioneering "retro-swing" group Royal Crown Revue, and recorded and performed with a host of top flight artist like Brian Setzer, Gene Simmons, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli and Mike Ness from Social Distortion. He has been voted one of the top five R&B drummers in the world two years in a row by the readers of Modern Drummer and DRUM magazine.

Daniel is also an award-winning author and clinician. He has written three books, including the award-winning Commandments of Early Rhythm and Blues Drumming,and has performed at many prestigious international festivals like PASIC and the 2010 Modern Drummer Festival.
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.
BILLY STRITCH SINGS MEL TORMÉ. Notes on the album from billystritch.com: "This album is a tribute to one of the greatest jazz singers of them all, the legendary Mel Tormé, and each song is associated with a specific time in his career. You’re Drivin’ Me Crazy was the first song Mel ever sang on a stage – back in 1929 at a talent competition at the Blackhawk Restaurant in Chicago. Four-year-old Mel (dressed in a sailor suit) sang the song backed by the Coon Sanders Orchestra and tore the place apart. Needless to say, he won first prize (fifteen dollars and a return engagement) and that night a star was born." For more about Mel, Billy and the CD, including track listings and music samples, visit: 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.
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!
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About Us
Look at all the illustrious people!
When:
Every Monday at 10:00 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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Copyright Jim Caruso's Cast Party®, All Rights Reserved, 2006-2010. Newsletter by: Traverse City Web Design and Todd A. Johnson.

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