Podcasts about metropolitan room

Pamela Weiler GraysonPam's musical, Urban Momfare (composer/lyricist/co-book writer), won a Best Musical award, at the New York International Fringe Festival, garnered four stars and a Critics Pick from Time Out, and also played at the Fringe Encore Series. Pam's award-winning plays and musicals have been seen on stages throughout New York and nationally, including Primary Stages, Naked Angels, Theatre Now New York, The Group Rep/Lonny Chapman Theatre (North Hollywood, CA), Southwest Theatre Productions (Austin, TX - Blue Ribbon Winner of their Rising Artists Series), Arts on the Lake (Kent Lakes, NY), Cincinnati Lab Theatre, Emerging Artists Theatre (NYC - multiple works), and The Chain Theatre (NYC). Her play Observant was the recipient of a 2024 grant from The New York State Council on the Arts and a SemiFinalist in the Jewish Plays Project's 12th National Jewish Playwriting Contest. Her play The Club was one of three prize-winning plays of the Word Wave Lake Tahoe One Act Play Competition. She is the co-writer, with Alice Jankell, of Cicadas, The Musical, featured on Season 2 of the top-rated Amazon streaming series, The Other F Word. Pam's songs have been performed at The Metropolitan Room, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, The Duplex, and Don't Tell Mama. She has written for The New York Times and The New York Observer, among others. Pam is a member of Kate Moira Ryan's advanced playwriting workshop and a board member of Emerging Artists Theatre. She was a writer-in-residence at Kervigo Ensemble Theatre (NY), for the 2020–2021 season and is an inaugural member of Theatre Now New York's International Musical Writers Lab. Dramatists Guild member. Education: Brown University, Fordham Law School, New York Theatre Workshop, and The BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. Pam is on the New Play Exchange. See her page at newplayexchange.org/user.Alice JankellAlice is a director, writer actress as well as the Artistic Director of The Philipstown Depot Theatre.​For Disney, Alice helped to create and develop new Broadway musicals.  As Associate Artistic Director of The Williamstown Theatre Festival, her directing work included AS YOU LIKE IT,  DINAH WAS, and ENOUGH ROPE, the special event on Dorothy Parker starring Elaine Stritch.  Alice has worked and learned in venues as varied as the Mark Taper, the L.A. Opera, The Public Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, La Mama, and City Theater, among many others, as well as in film and TV.  Alice was the Creative Director of F.A.B. Women (For, About, and By Women) under The Barrow Group's Off-Broadway umbrella, helming the company of 125 professional female writers, actors and directors.  During her tenure, F.A.B. Women generated and produced 48 new plays.With Putnam Theatre Alliance, Alice co-created Freedom Project, directed and filmed MORE BEAUTIFUL, a brand new play by Craig Lucas, and co-created and directed DIRT.  Alice is currently preparing to direct Martha Pichey's new play, ASHES & INK, Off-Broadway this fall.Alice's own scripts have appeared across the country, and a collection of her plays has been published by Leicester Bay Theatricals.  Her play, THE SWEET SPOT, opened at Off-Broadway's 59E59 Theaters last winter, and her musical (with Pam Weiler Grayson) about urban motherhood (Director/Co-Writer), won a Best Musical Award from the NY International Fringe Festival, was a Critic's Choice, and garnered 4 stars from Time Out. Her many favorite acting roles include a solo performance, backed by the L.A. Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and a lead in the Off-Broadway premier of Arlene Hutton's LETTERS TO SALA.   Alice has taught acting at Carnegie Mellon.Alice is a founding member of Putnam Theatre Alliance, a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect, member of The Actors Studio PDW and PDU, and The National Musical Theatre Workshop, founding member Putnam Theatre Alliance.

April Brucker is a versatile American actress, author, comedienne, and television personality with a diverse range of credits to her name. Born and raised in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, April discovered her passion for entertainment at a young age. She honed her skills in acting and comedy over the years, eventually making a name for herself in the competitive worlds of New York City and Las Vegas. In New York City, April made a mark on the cabaret and comedy club scenes, performing at renowned venues such as Don't Tell Mama, The Duplex, and The Metropolitan Room. Her talents also extended to off-Broadway productions, including the long-running dinner theater show "Murdered by The Mob." April's television career is equally impressive, with appearances on popular shows like "Entertainment Tonight," "Inside Edition," and "The Wendy Williams Show." She has also showcased her comedic talents on programs such as "Judge Jerry," "Videos After Dark," and "What Would You Do?" Her appearance on Season 1, Episode 4, of TLC's "My Strange Addiction" (streaming on Amazon, Hulu, Max, etc.) has made April a cult fan favorite worldwide. In Las Vegas, April has become a fixture in the entertainment scene, performing at prestigious venues like Notoriety Theater and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Her nine-month stint as a special guest star in the classic Vegas showgirl revue "BurlesQ" at Alexis Park Resort further solidified her status as a sought-after performer in the city. She hosts "April in Vegas," a streaming TV chat show produced on location at The English Hotel in the Las Vegas Arts District. Las Vegas Review-Journal entertainment columnist John Katsilometes has dubbed her the "ventriloquial vixen," Beyond her work on stage and screen, April is also a talented writer. She holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing & Screenwriting from Antioch University Los Angeles and has authored two books, “Don't Read My Lips!” and “I Came, I Saw I Sang.” April Brucker's journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to the bright lights of New York City and Las Vegas is a testament to her dedication and passion for the arts. Her unique blend of humor, talent, and charisma continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.​ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theanthonyrogersshow/message

Michael Lavine is a Broadway Performance Coach and Sheet Music Expert. He has also worked as a musical director, pianist, vocal coach and singer all over the world. He is very much; a Music Man!Michael gives master classes on auditioning in New York, Los Angeles, Australia and Martha's Vineyard. He has worked several times at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. Accompanying many artists, he has worked regularly with Heather MacRae on her show about her father, Gordon and has accompanied Broadway and television star Bryan Batt in New Orleans, at 54 Below, Feinstein's and the Metropolitan Room. He musically directed Bryan's show Batt on a Hot Tin Roof at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in Australia, touring subsequently to Melbourne and Sydney. Michael regularly plays for the Outer Critics Circle Awards and musically directed the Broadway Cares Teddy Bear Auction for its entire 15-year run. Michael has conducted orchestras in Wichita, Kansas, Traverse City, Michigan, and Beverly, Mass., among other cities. He co-produced and musically directed the American premiere recording of HONK! at the York Theatre. Michael served as musical director for the Comden & Green musical Billion Dollar Baby starring Kristin Chenoweth, Marc Kudisch and Debbie Gravitte and the Burton Lane/Alan Jay Lerner musical Carmelina. He has shared the stage with Mimi Hines and Peter Howard (his mentor) at the Kennedy Center in a Rodgers & Hart revue, This Funny World. Michael is known for owning one of the largest privately held sheet music collections in the world, and is frequently called upon for his extensive knowledge, and is celebrated for preserving and archiving the musical theatre and American songbook.The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

Episode 94. Join host Troy Saunders as he and his follow East New York, Brooklyn, native; Stix Bones,  discuss Stix's journey though the worlds of Spoken Word, Hip Hop, Jazz and more. In this episode they dive deep into the thought process behind the making of Stix's most icon projects. From his 2006 breakout album "Groove Like This" to his latest captivating release "Olimpik Soul".  All of Stix Bones' projects are thoroughly thought out with a goal in mind. You are going to love the meaning behind such gems as "L.O.V.E.", "Twice As Nice", the whole "Brooklyn Nites"; and let's not forget his current project "Olimpik Soul"!!! Troy and Stix laughed, reminisced about the old neighbor and just had a wonderful time during this 80 minute conversation. If you love great jazz music with a Hip Hop flavor don't miss this episode. You will be totally entertained.Recording Academy Member Stix Bones graduated Purchase College, State University of New York with a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Performance.  Stix started his career touring with Rahzel The Godfather of Noise (The Roots) in the UK and France and touring the U.S. with 5 time Showtime at the Apollo winner/Author/Poet Jessica Care Moore. Shortly after Stix became music director for Lyricist Lounge (A hip hop showcase of rappers, emcees, DJs, and Graffiti artists and collaborated with legendary Hip Hop acts such as De La Soul, Talib Kweli, Q-Tip, Yasin Bey aka Mos Def, Common, and Doug E Fresh ​Stix independently released his first full-length Smooth Jazz album entitled "Groove Like This".  The album has graced the airwaves of more than 40 jazz radio stations in the US, jazz internet and satellite stations across the globe. It has charted in the top 10 on the digital jazz charts and made it to the top 20 jazz charts in France.​Stix became the drummer for internationally known group Soulfege. Lead by  Take back The Mic  founder Derrick N. Ashong. Stix has had the privilege to record two award winning albums with Soulfege and toured the U.S. The album “Afropolitan”  made It's mark on the Jazz Week World Charts. Later that year Stix stepped into the sync world with his single “Stepping In Those Heels”. that landed on reality shows The Real Housewives of Miami and I Love Jenni.  Stix reconnected with Derrick Ashong to produce music for his Emmy nominated TV music competition series Take Back The Mic.​Stix Bones has mesmerized audiences with his band The BONE Squad as the house band for the 3000 + seat Paradise Theater in The Bronx, NY opening for artist such as Charlie Wilson, Chaka Khan, SWV, The Ojays, Babyface, Cedric The Entertainer and more. Since then the BONE Squad has headlined at venues & festivals including The Tin Pan (Va) The Sugar Bar, The Queens County Festival, The Metropolitan Room, The Cutting Room (NYC)  Branford On The Green Festival & Jazzy's Cabaret.(CT)Stix Bones, is back on the skins once more with his seminal release, Olimpik Soul, introduces Olympic Record Holder Bob Beamon on percussion.With flavours of North African Funk in the culturally layered rhythmics of the instrumental track and sparks of funk flair within the keys, vibrancy radiates from the exuberantly sophisticated core of LEAP. While the syncopated percussive fills and seductive bassline growls set up the grooves, the horn section shimmers the soundscape with an unfaltering sense of expressive euphoria that will heighten any mood.Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podchaser, Pocket Casts and TuneIn. “Hey, Alexa. Play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast.”

KRISTEN LEE ROSENFELD is a New York based composer and music director. Her songs have been performed by some of Broadway's finest talent at venues such as 54 Below, Joe's Pub, the Triad and the Metropolitan Room.  Her music has been commissioned by Sprouts Children's Theatre, Red Fern Theatre, The Atlantic acting School, American University and Wooden O theatre. Kristen's music direction credits include the 1st National Tour of the Broadway musical Spring Awakening and Band of Angels with collaborator Colman Domingo.  She recently served as Music Director for the Off Broadway hit Friends! The Musical Parody.  Kristen has also music directed and arranged for children's pop sensation Laurie Berkner and Backstreet Boy Howie D.  Other music direction credits include shows at NYMF,  Prospect Theatre Company, the John W. Engeman Theatre, the Olney Theatre Center and Village Theatre, as well as being a guest artist at Pomona College, American University and SUNY Cortland. LUANNE ARONEN ROSENFELD is a South Carolina-based playwright and lyricist.  She has written the book and lyrics for Equal Time, Holly and Ivy, The Queen of Valleluna, Cardboard Castles (book, lyrics and screenplay) and DIVIDED.  She is drawn to stories that reflect the complexity of the human experience and the depth of the human spirit. She and Kristen are currently developing Chasing Gold Dust, a new musical that celebrates the women who conquered the Klondike. In addition to writing, Luanne has worked as a theatre educator, producer, and stage manager in New York and Seattle.  She is a graduate of The New School and Tufts University and a proud member of The Dramatists Guild. Jim Cooney's artistic mission is to inspire conversation, affect change, and bring communities together. He specializes in new musicals and reimagined revivals, though is equally excited to tell stories through virtually any medium. It's his greatest passion to create experiences for contemporary audiences that will stay with them long afterward. He truly loves what he does. Divided tells the journey of two friends across decades, miles, and a country divided. Refusing to be defined by societal constraints, Eleanor and Hanna strive for personal freedom amidst a backdrop of hatred, lies, loss, and war. Taking place pre and post Civil War, the story of Divided spans from Mississippi to Boston, following two friends separated by society, but forever bonded through their bravery. On a journey that takes them both far from home, they wonder if they will ever be reunited again.

While cancer has silenced Russ Lorenson's voice, San Francisco's Favorite Crooner is on the path to recreating his musical magic, culminating in the eagerly anticipated release of his never-before- heard live album, 'Standard Time: Live in New York,' available now on the airwaves on December 1 (San Francisco, CA) October 30, 2023 - Russ Lorenson, acclaimed as "San Francisco's Favorite Crooner," is set to enchant audiences worldwide with his latest album, "Standard Time: Live in New York." The record, a captivating live jazz-cabaret experience, is set to be released on December 1, 2023, under the independent label LML Music. A passionate champion of The Great American Songbook, Lorenson has been captivating audiences across the United States and Europe with his burnished tenor and warm charisma. He has previously released three critically-acclaimed albums, including two Christmas albums that garner heavy radio rotation nearly two decades after their release. His second holiday album, In The Holiday Spirit, was given 4 stars by Downbeat, and included in their “Best Albums of 2015.” In 2021, Lorenson faced a life-altering diagnosis of HPV-positive tonsil cancer. Through early detection, he overcame this significant health challenge and is now in remission. While cancer may have taken away his ability to sing, it hasn't silenced his voice. With profound gratitude and a sense of purpose, Lorenson is now channeling his creative energies into a flurry of activities, including the reintroduction of his back catalog, a children's book inspired by his fan favorite holiday track, "Jingles, The Christmas Cat," and, notably, his first album in 8 years, "Standard Time: Live in New York." "Standard Time: Live in New York" offers a glimpse into Lorenson's captivating live performances in the iconic Metropolitan Room, New York, recorded in 2008. 

Harvey Brownstone conducts an in-depth interview with Adi Braun, Renowned Jazz Vocalist and Recording Artist About Harvey's guest: Today's guest, Adi Braun, is an immensely popular jazz vocalist, recording artist and cabaret and concert performer who's been taking the world by storm with her sultry and distinctive, emotionally expressive vocal stylings.   Although early on, it looked like she'd be following in the footsteps of her famous opera singer father, Victor Braun, she eventually followed her heart, and her musical instincts, and she's never looked back.  After winning a local competition in 2001, she was catapulted to centre-stage as one of North America's leading jazz vocalists.  She's performed throughout North America and Europe, captivating audiences with her very own unique singing style which she calls, “cabarazz”, reflecting a fusion of cabaret and jazz.   In 2007, she was nominated for a MAC Award for “Best Major Jazz Vocalist of the Year”.  So far she's released 6 highly acclaimed albums:  “Delishious”, “The Rules of the Game”,  “Live at the Metropolitan Room”, “Canadian Scenes 1”, “Moderne Frau”, and now, her fabulous brand new album entitled, “Night and Day: The Cole Porter Songbook”.   Whether she's singing in English, French, Spanish or German, or whether she's singing a classic from the Great American Songbook, or from European cabaret, or a song written by a contemporary songwriter, or one of her own compositions, our guest is a musical powerhouse and a masterful storyteller with an instantly recognizable voice that makes you want to crack open your favorite bottle of wine, sit back and just lose yourself in the magic of her artisty.   She's also the co-host of “Classical Mornings”, an immensely popular daily radio program on The New Classical FM. For more interviews and podcasts go to: https://www.harveybrownstoneinterviews.com/ To see more about Adi Braun, go to:https://www.adibraun.com/https://www.facebook.com/adibraunmusic/ https://www.instagram.com/braunadi/ https://twitter.com/AdiBraun2https://www.youtube.com/user/adibraun1962 #AdiBraun   #harveybrownstoneinterviews

For Video Edition, Please Click and Subscribe Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YjHUFmPh-k&t=69s 2020, 2018 and 2017 BEST VOCAL DUO/GROUP - MANHATTAN ASSOC. OF CABARETS & CLUBS (MAC) and 2020 BROADWAY WORLD CABARET AWARD FOR BEST GROUP SHOW! Those Girls is a vocal harmony project that promises a great time filled with great music! Eve, Rachel, Karen & Wendy joined forces in 2016 to form this contemporary, four-member women's vocal group that performs an eclectic mix of music from a wide range of styles - from pop to jazz, the Beatles to U2, country to rock, and everything in between.  EVE EATON Eve made a return to cabaret after a nine year hiatus with 2015's Back to Billy: A Love Affair 30 Years in the Making, for which she was nominated for a Broadway World Award in the Best Show, Female category (directed by Lennie Watts, musical direction by Steven Ray Watkins).  RACHEL HANSER Rachel has performed in cabaret rooms, bars and clubs all over NYC, as a featured performer and as a back-up singer. Rachel's first featured cabaret show was called 5'3” and Under, in which she played “Under”.  KAREN MACK Karen is a ten-time MAC Award winner for vocal performance and songwriting, as well as for her vocal harmony work for 12+ years with talented singer/songwriter Michael Holland as half of the pro vocal duo that brought the acclaimed & ridiculous retropop series “Gashole!” to the world.  WENDY RUSSELL A native New Yorker, Wendy has performed as a jazz & cabaret vocalist at clubs in and around NYC including the Allen Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Hudson Theater, Don't Tell Mama, The Duplex, and The Metropolitan Room. Working with Lennie Watts (director) and Steven Ray Watkins (piano).

April Brucker is an American actress, comedienne and television personality. Her television credits include "Entertainment Tonight" (CBS Paramount), "Inside Edition" (King World), "Judge Jerry" (NBC Universal), "The Layover" (Travel Channel), "My Strange Addiction" (TLC), "Today" (NBC), "Videos After Dark" (ABC), "The Wendy Williams Show" (FOX), "What's My Secret?" (MTV), "What Would You Do?" (ABC) and many other network, cable and international TV shows. ​ Growing up in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, April spent more than a decade living, acting and performing in New York City at cabarets (Don't Tell Mama, The Duplex, The Metropolitan Room), in comedy clubs (Broadway Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club, Standup New York) and in off-Broadway shows, including "Murdered By The Mob," New York's longest running dinner theater production. In Las Vegas, she has performed at Notoriety Theater, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and in a nine month engagement as the special guest star in the classic Vegas showgirl revue "BurlesQ" at Alexis Park Resort. April is the host of "April in Vegas," a Vegas-based streaming TV chat show produced on location at The English Hotel, a new Marriott Tribute Portfolio boutique hotel in the as Vegas Arts District. April earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Acting at New York University's Tisch School and was awarded a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing & Screenwriting from Antioch University Los Angeles. She is the author of “Don't Read My Lips!” and “I Came, I Saw I Sang.”More at IMDb. www.AprilBrucker.TV

If These Walls Could Talk with Wendy Stuart & Tym MossHosts: WENDY STUART & TYM MOSSSpecial guest: JAMES GAVINWednesday, January 26th2pm EST LIVE from PANGEA Restaurant, NYCWatch LIVE on YouTube at Wendy Stuart TVManhattan-born and a graduate of Fordham University, Gavin is a much-published freelance journalist. Aside from the New York Times, he has written for Vanity Fair, Time Out New York, the Daily Beast, and JazzTimes. His subjects have included Annie Lennox, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone, John Legend, John F. Kennedy, Jr., Miriam Makeba, Marilyn Monroe, Mae West, Ned Rorem, Edith Piaf, Karen Carpenter, and Jacques Brel. Gavin's 2015 feature for JazzTimes, “The Gates of the Underworld: Inside Slugs' Saloon, Jazz's Most Notorious Nightclub," earned him his second ASCAP Deems Taylor-Virgil Thomson Award. He has contributed liner notes to over 500 CDs; his essay for the GRP box set Ella Fitzgerald – The Legendary Decca Recordings was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 2016, the Metropolitan Room in New York honored Gavin for his contributions to cabaret at an evening programmed by the writer himself. In 2018, the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC) gave him its Board of Directors Award.Gavin has appeared in several documentaries, including an E! True Hollywood Story on Doris Day and Anita O'Day: The Life and Times of a Jazz Singer. He wrote and narrated a French TV documentary, Chet by Claxton, on legendary jazz photographer William Claxton and his muse, Chet Baker. Gavin has made hundreds of radio appearances, including multiple interviews on NPR, the BBC, and Australia's ABC Network; he has been seen on the Today show, Good Morning America, and PBS NewsHour. From 2011 through 2017, Gavin toured as narrator, host, and author of Stormy Weather: The Life and Music of Lena Horne, a show that starred former Supreme Mary Wilson. Aside from his Stormy Weather show, he has created and hosted shows based on all his other books, featuring Blossom Dearie, Nellie McKay, Jane Monheit, Mark Murphy, Andy Bey, Mx. Justin Vivian Bond and Kenny Mellman (Kiki & Herb), Spider Saloff, Oscar Brown, Jr., The New Standards, Catherine Russell, Jonatha Brooke, and others. These evenings have been presented at such venues as the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (West Palm Beach, FL), the Miller Outdoor Theater (Houston, TX), the Castro Theater (San Francisco, CA), the Guthrie Theater (Minneapolis, MN), and Joe's Pub (NYC).Who else but hosts Wendy Stuart and Tym Moss could “spill the tea” on their weekly show “If These Walls Could Talk” live from Pangea Restaurant on the Lower Eastside of NYC, with their unique style, of honest, and emotional interviews, sharing the fascinating backstories of celebrities, entertainers, recording artists, writers and artists and bringing their audience along for a fantastic ride.Wendy Stuart is an author, celebrity interviewer, model, filmmaker and hosts “Pandemic Cooking With Wendy,” a popular Youtube comedic cooking show born in the era of Covid-19, and TriVersity Talk, a weekly web series with featured guests discussing their lives, activism and pressing issues in the LGBTQ Community.Tym Moss is a popular NYC singer, actor, and radio/tv host who recently starred in the hit indie film “JUNK” to critical acclaim.

Born and raised in Albany, New York, John Minnock is a classically trained musician who has a degree in music from Boston University. John first gained popularity in Boston.   Now a fixture in the New York jazz and cabaret scene he often branches out into jazz improvisation and scat singing and brings a rich history of the music to every performance. He's played at the finest cabaret clubs in New York, including the Metropolitan Room, the Triad Theater, iconic Don't Tell Mama, and most recently at the stellar Feinstein's/54 Below. John recently made his debut at the iconic Jazz club Birdland with NEA Jazz Master, Dave Liebman, who was executive producer and featured artist for his acclaimed 2020 album “Herring Cove,” as well as on John's new release for Dot Time Records titled “Simplicity,” which is the subject of our conversation.   “Simplicity “ signals an evolution of John's artistry. The repertoire  includes original compositions as well as nuanced treatments of familiar songs, each reflecting harmonic sophistication, heartbreaking subtlety and homage to his beloved LGBTQ community.    For John, the story's everything, and he weaves it for us creating a colorful and fascinating tapestry.

After a 25 year successful career in technology, Margo Brown decided to pursue her passion of being a singer. Quitting her job and setting a year long goal, Margo reached her goal one day before the year mark, landing a paying gig as a singer.  Singing professionally for the past 12 years, Margo has appeared at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Don't Tell Mama and the Metropolitan Room in New York City.  Margo also appears in various nightclubs, theaters and private venues across the country.  She is the winner of Broadway World's Best Debut in 2018 for her show Margo sings Mercer.  In addition to singing, Margo is an award-winning professional dancer.  She acts in commercials, TV shows and movies.  She has  appeared in Burn Notice, Graceland, Bloodlines, The Glades and Rock of Ages.  What You Will Hear in This Episode:  Margo's personal journey Inspired by Marilyn May and Jeff Harner  Creating Margo Sings Mercer The music industry across the country Licensing music Being told no Greatest challenges Schedule and exercise Advice for women on pursuing your dream Ageism Quotes “At 25, you don't have the fear of the future. You just get up and do.” “I've been told no more times, and I just keep picking myself up, dusting myself off and going forward because nobody else is gonna do it for me.” “You don't have to be tough as nails to get ahead in this world.” “Please and a thank you and a thank you note and promptness go a long way.” Mentioned: www.margobrownentertainment.com https://bonniemarcusleadership.com/ https://web.facebook.com/bonnie.marcus/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniemarcus https://twitter.com/selfpromote https://www.instagram.com/self_promote_/ Gendered Ageism Survey Results Forbes article 5 Tips to own the superpower of your age IAMMusicGroup Purchase my book Not Done Yet on Amazon If you enjoyed this episode of Badass Women Podcast, then make sure to subscribe to the podcast and drop us a five-star review.

Aziza Miller knows New York. It's her home. The pulse and the energy of the city manifests in her fusion of funk, jazz, soul, Latin, and spoken word. New York also knows Aziza. Some of the city's most prestigious venues have welcomed her to standing room-only crowds. Whether headlining at Joe's Pub, The Blue Note, Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar, The Metropolitan Room, Brooklyn Academy of Music's BAM Café, or any number of other celebrated haunts, Aziza spellbinds audiences with her original compositions and peerless musicianship. And it's not just New Yorkers who thrill to Aziza's soulful yet sophisticated melodies, it's a loyal audience that spans the globe and crosses every generation.

For Video Edition, Please Click and Subscribe Here: https://youtu.be/PTW2Pvj_8lM Maureen Taylor loves to inspire and uplift others through musical storytelling and Cabaret is the perfect vehicle for that! Taylor is known for her critically acclaimed Taylor Made Bob Merrill show which was part of New York's Cabaret's Greatest Hits at the Metropolitan Room. In addition to regional musical theatre, Taylor has performed with the Chicago Lyric, Philadelphia and West Palm Beach Opera companies. She studied with Opera stars Renata Tebaldi and Carlo Bergonzi in Italy as a result of being a Bel Canto Winner. In Switzerland Taylor got to perform as Madame Giry in Phantom Of The Opera (both German and English). * She also lived on a purple bike and got her Reiki certification. In the UK, she performed at Hever Castle, Brighton Pavilion Dome, Theatre Royal, and the London Palladium (where she was a stand-in for Helen Mirren). She was also in a comic book musical entitled The Ultimate Man in the Bridewell. Taylor is a soprano soloist on Tim Wheater's Platinum Award Winning CD: "Incantation" recorded in Bath, England. Fun fact: She taught musical theater in London: 3-16 year olds. *.Ask me about the 3-5 year olds! https://www.facebook.com/maureen.taylor.5895https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureentaylorinspires #RichardSkipper #cabaret #music #NYC https://open.spotify.com/album/17X74rMDTvTfcIDT507hH6

Sharon Rae North it's all about the tone, phrasing, articulation, and interpretation of a lyric. Her audiences and fans can tell. She is a masterful manipulator when it comes to her voice, making it go whenever and wherever she wants it to go.She has enthralled and captivated audiences throughout the United States and internationally with her vocal style and subtle confidence and her combination of seriousness and playfulness during shows.In July 2022, on the heels of several EP projects, she will release her first 10-song project, an album called Silhouette. The project got underway in 2019, with the release of the Billboard-charting single Moments, featuring saxophonist Marion Meadows. In 2021, still working with Grammy-nominated producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis, they resumed recording, with Sharon at a studio in Richmond, Virginia with Big Dog on Zoom from Connecticut. One of the tunes, We Should be in Love (Silhouette), written by Sharon, began climbing the charts after going for radio ads in early January. Sharon also has two-time Grammy-winning producer Paul Brown on her upcoming project. Sharon puts on a fabulous performance as a headliner and an opener. She has opened for many national acts, including Bob James, Joe Sample, the Jazz Crusaders, Patti LaBelle, and many others.She has performed at venues throughout the U.S., including the Georgia Aquarium, Nighttown in Cleveland, the Metropolitan Room in New York City, Natalie's in Columbus, Ohio, Blu Jazz+ in Akron, Ohio, Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation, Isaac Hayes Restaurant in Memphis, Twins Jazz in D.C., James River Cellars in Richmond, VA, Bayfest in Mobile, AL, Fridays at Sunset and Jazz at Maymont in Richmond, VA, Durham Summer Music Series in NC. She has performed at Chalabre in Serenade in France and has been invited to perform at venues in Croatia, Shanghai, and other countries.

Episode 65. Today I'm talking to Courtney Gayle (I know her from middle school as Courtney Warford). Courtney Gayle is an Austin-based singer/model/actress. Known for her powerful-yet-intimate vocal style, she frequently performs solo and with groups throughout the country. As an actress, her one-woman show, “The Blurred Lines,” made a splash at the Metropolitan Room shortly before her musical theater debut at The Fulton Theatre.  Courtney frequently does print and influencer modeling, often showcasing her impressive red locks for brands including DevaCurl and EyeBuyDirect. Currently recording new music with her closest collaborators, Courtney is available for performances, modeling opportunities and voice-over work. "The more comfortable I am, the less successful I am."- Courtney Gayle We cover the following (and more!): Courtney's journey pursuing her dream as a singerHer relationship with food and body and how that played a role when she is clearly told that her body is "part of the sale"The strategies she uses regularly to cope with negative body image thoughts within the entertainment industry Watch Courtney In Action! IG Links: https://www.instagram.com/iamcourtneygayle/ https://www.instagram.com/grittysunset/ Website: https://www.grittysunset.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grittysunsetduo YouTube: Courtney Gayle Want To Support Local Bookstores Near You? Buy your books from Bookshop! Support local bookstores near you and this blog and podcast and help prevent Amazon from completely squashing the local book market. Do you ever worry that you are wasting your life? I definitely did. In fact, I wrote that in my journal many years ago when I was in the middle of the diet-binge roller coaster ride. I woke up every day thinking about food, my body, and what I would eat that day to “be healthy”The notebooks I had filled with calories and points could fill up a spare bedroomSocial events and vacations immediately prompted the thought “they will notice I gained weight” or “I need to lose weight by then”Deep down I knew I wasn't living life the way I wanted to, but I didn't know how to pull myself out of it. If this is you, I want you to imagine what it would feel like to feel empowered in your body and proud of your choices on a consistent basis. I promise you, it isn't too late. Dieting steals our motivation. It makes us ineffective. It keeps us spinning our wheels in a system that was never built to work. If you are ready take the first step to motivating yourself with what matters to you, download my free Create Powerful Motivation guide (which is quite beautifully designed if I do say so myself), and walk through the 3 simple steps to create motivation that works for YOU in 15 minutes or less. You will get a simple formula to write ONE SENTENCE you can use to motivate yourself on a daily basis. You can write it on your bathroom mirror, put on the background of your phone, or just read it and repeat it in your mind. Look, I know how much it hurts to live a life worrying you are missing out, not stepping into the person you were truly meant to be, vibrant, passionate, curious, vulnerable, and brave. You can listen to the podcast all day, but taking that first step, putting pen the paper (or typing on your phone) is required for true lasing change. It's time to start living my friend. It's 100% free, so what are you waiting for? Grab your free copy of the guide today at DrHondorp.com/Motivate  Main Takeaways from This Conversation Dieting in any of the traditional ways we do it disconnect us from our life.To progress and succeed in life, it takes stepping out of your comfort zone.People respond differently to confidence. If you're confident, often no one cares how much you weigh.Diamonds form under pressure and beauty emerges from times of adversity.We are able to live our lives to the fullest through food.

For Video Edition, Please Click and Subscribe Here: https://youtu.be/Ap7xJQGyx6g Rita Gardner is a renowned singer, teacher, and actress of stage and screen with a long career spanning many years of exciting projects Gardner made her stage debut Off-Broadway in Jerry Herman's musical review Nightcap before her breakout turn as Luisa in the original cast of The Fantasticks in 1960. Gardner made her Broadway debut in the short-lived musical (65 performances) A Family Affair in 1962 as Sally Nathan. She held many roles on Broadway including understudying roles in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1965), The Last of the Red Hot Lovers (1969), and Morning's at Seven (2002) (understudy for Cora and Esther). She had a featured role as Rosie in The Wedding Singer in 2006, with three musical numbers including the song "Move that Thang". Gardner's regional theatre credits include Show Boat and The Impossible Years at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania (1983), the musical Lucky in the Rain at the Goodspeed Opera House (1997), and Eleanor: A Love Story at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. (1999). She appeared in the national tour of Kiss of the Spider Woman (1994). She gave a critically acclaimed performance in Murderers at The Cincinnati Playhouse (2007). In 2002 she appeared in her one-woman revue Try to Remember: A Look Back at Off-Broadway at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York City on Saturday evenings. The revue includes ballads from The Fantasticks. She performed the revue at the Metropolitan Room in New York City in 2011 and had to cancel the revival of the revue in 2020 due to Covid-19. Gardner's television credits include appearances in Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (on season one episode 18) and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 

“I just love the warmth of being in a cabaret. It's my favorite place to be next to a Broadway theatre. Maybe more so because you get food.” Multi-hyphenates don't always start as actors. Theatre multi-hyphenates find their way through multiple avenues and for Christine Pedi, The Lady of 1000 Voices, it started when she stumbled upon the radio station when she attended Fordham University studying communications.  After focusing on a radio career, she started in community theatre, eventually landing her turn at Forbidden Broadway. Then through a connection from Fordham, she was asked to interview at SiriusXM Radio. And now – Pedi is one of the pillars of our community connecting listeners of the radio to the insight of Broadway. Post pandemic, Pedi is also continuing her in person cabaret acts, with a massively funny new show at The Green Room 42, called The Pedi Party, which had a wonderfully successful first show on January. She will be appearing at TGR42 on February 20th and March 31st both at 9:30pm.  In this amazing episode, Pedi lets us in to great stories regarding Howard Stern, Joan Rivers, while dissecting the changes and fads of cabaret and sketch comedy, such as how it's moved from live performance to YouTube, and what forms a successful cabaret – or the “Drop Your Pants and Go” mentality. Pedi is also open about losing her eyesight over the years and shares what that means regarding performance and work opportunities. We also discuss the importance of taking care of yourself, a sense of belonging, and hustle.  “A lot of people your age don't think about taking care of themselves until they are my age and then you got a lot of catching up to do. But to be forced to really address things now will probably serve you better and probably save you aggravation on other fronts.”  Christine the “Lady of 1000 Voices" first discovered her talent for multiple personalities (Merman, Angela Lansbury, Bernadette Peters etc) through her long association with the legendary off Broadway revue FORBIDDEN BROADWAY. She received a Drama Desk nomination for her work in FORBIDDEN HOLLYWOOD (Liza, Rosie Perez, Judi Dench, Sharon Stone etc) as well as an LA Ovation & NAACP Award. She also brought her collection of Divas to off B'ways long running NEWSICAL the Musical and recently starred in and co-produced SPAMILTON: An American Parody written by Forbidden Broadway's creator Gerard Allessandrini. Broadway: Mama Morton (yes just one character...all night) in the 2nd longest running musical of all time CHICAGO, LITTLE ME with Martin Short & Faith Prince, directed by Rob Marshall, and opposite Liev Schreiber in Eric Bogosians TALK RADIO directed by Robert Falls. SIRIUS XM RADIO On Broadway host. On Saturday she and the "aMAHzing" Seth Rudetsky co-host the DUELING DIVAS. Her cabaret show GREAT DAMES has won the New York Bistro & Nitelife Awards and has played NYC, Los Angeles, London, South Africa & beyond. THERE'S NO BIZNESS LIKE SNOW BIZNESS her holiday show has been a seasonal staple in NYC since 2008. She's performed in that “cutie patootie” John McD's Cabaret Corner on the Rosie O'Donnell Show and sung in many major NYC venues & cruiseships including Birdland, Feinsteins/54 Below, The Iridium, The Metropolitan Room, The Algonquin, The Laurie Beechman, Avery Fisher Hall, Don't Tell Mamas...and the QE2...AND she's performed for President & Mrs Clinton (playing a singing HIllary!). Fans of THE SOPRANOS may recognize her as Mrs Bobby Baccala. Other TV: DR DEATH on NBC PEACOCK. She has many popular comic videos on Youtube including many SHIT LIZA SAYS videos including LIZA :At This Performance and LIZA: HELLO DOLLY AUDITIONS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If These Walls Could Talk with Wendy Stuart & Tym MossHosts: WENDY STUART & TYM MOSSSpecial guest: BEN CASSARAWednesday, October 6thEST LIVE from PANGEA Restaurant, NYCWatch LIVE on YouTube at Wendy Stuart TV: https://youtu.be/9onzal1KTc0Born and raised in NYC, Ben Cassara began singing around the family piano and went on to perform in both church and high school choirs which culminated in a televised performance at Carnegie Hall at the age of 16. He tried his hand at theater and after college performed in a number of Off-Off Broadway productions. However, music was his first love and it didn't take him long to start working in piano bars all around the city and in the tri-state area. After a time, Cassara realized he'd prefer to be a “front man” and a while back started studying with jazz vocal coach, Carol Fredette, and working with different jazz accompanists around the city. In 2013 Cassara released his first CD, “Sister Moon” on Chandler Records with Tedd Firth on piano, David Finck on bass and Bob Mallach on tenor, to great reviews. In 2014 he debuted his Bobby Troup Project at Jazz at Kitano and has since performed it at numerous venues in the New York, New Jersey tristate areas. He regularly performs at Jazz at Kitano and Cafe Notambula at Pangea, both in NYC, and Shanghai Jazz and Trumpets in NJ. Ben has also performed at the Mid Day Jazz Series at St. Peters Church, the Metropolitan Room, Something Jazz, Joe's Pub, The Pax Theater and for Project 142. Who else but hosts Wendy Stuart and Tym Moss could “spill the tea” on their weekly show “If These Walls Could Talk” live from Pangea Restaurant on the Lower Eastside of NYC, with their unique style, of honest, and emotional interviews, sharing the fascinating backstories of celebrities, entertainers, recording artists, writers and artists and bringing their audience along for a fantastic ride.Wendy Stuart is an author, celebrity interviewer, model, filmmaker and hosts “Pandemic Cooking With Wendy,” a popular Youtube comedic cooking show born in the era of Covid-19, and TriVersity Talk, a weekly web series with featured guests discussing their lives, activism and pressing issues in the LGBTQ Community.Tym Moss is a popular NYC singer, actor, and radio/tv host who recently starred in the hit indie film “JUNK” to critical acclaim.

#653 - Ellen Kaye The Ellen Kaye Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour. On this episode you'll hear Paul Leslie's interview with Ellen Kaye, a singer you should keep your eyes and ears tuned to.  Ellen Kaye describes herself as a Night Club Singer.  She is also the owner of the restaurant Moscow 57 in New York, New York.  Her love for music and the restaurant business is a deep one. From 1947 to 1996, Kaye's family operated and owned The Russian Tea Room, the famed Manhattan Russo-Continental restaurant.  Scenes from many iconic films were shot in the restaurant including “Tootsie” and the Woody Allen film “Manhattan,” “When Harry Met Sally” and many others. Ellen Kaye is also a recording artist who has released 3 albums.  As a performer she sings not only at her own restaurant, but also at celebrated New York venues such as The Metropolitan Room and the Iridium Jazz Club. Hey, real quick I want to tell you that The Paul Leslie Hour relies on the support of the listeners. The show needs people to tune in, which we thank you for. You can also donate, no amount is too small or too large. Just go to http://www.thepaulleslie.com/support Thanks to everyone who is contributing! Now, it's time to get into the interview, what do you say? Ellen Kaye in interview on The Paul Leslie Hour. Let's begin then. The Paul Leslie Hour - Helping People Tell Their Stories is a talk show with new episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Some of the most iconic people of all time drop in to chat. Frequent topics include Arts, Entertainment and Culture. Support The Paul Leslie Hour by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-paul-leslie-hour

Roseann Sureda knows how to work an audience. Looking like a vintage star, the sumptuous performer from the Hudson Valley is on the cusp of big things since her gig at The Metropolitan Room. 2019 was a stellar year for singer-songwriter and producer. Not only did she release her long-awaited debut album, "It's Called Love," this winter, but she has watched it climb the radio indie charts steadily all spring and summer. The album, an eclectic and luxuriant collection showcasing Roseann's vocal versatility, has consistently ranked in the top 10 on Jazz Juice Radio UK. Not only that, but 3 singles off the album reached No. 1 on the Indie Alliance top 20 chart. She has further made the list of top 10 artists on the Unisoul Radio Network, and most recently was Honored to receive her first (WSA)" "Through the Eyes of a Friend," "Beauty Of The Islands" and the tantalizing "Stand Up And Be Counted", which was featured on the September 2018 premier of the Amazon TV series "New Dogs, Old Tricks." Even before the release of "It's Called Love," Roseann had garnered national praise for her music video set to the title track, which debuted in 2015. Shot on the historic Kingston, NY, waterfront with actor/director Stephen William Tenner, the music video captured first prize in 2018 at the Silicon Beach Film Festival and 5 bronze awards at the Global Independent Film Awards that same year.  

If These Walls Could Talk with Wendy Stuart & Tym MossHosts: WENDY STUART & TYM MOSSSpecial guest: COBY KOEHLWednesday, November 3rd2pm EST LIVE from PANGEA Restaurant, NYCWatch LIVE on YouTube at Wendy Stuart TVCoby Koehl is a graduate of The Duke Ellington School of the Arts. He moved to New York in the mid 90's to hone his craft and suffer for his art. He has since carved out a name for himself on the New York scene as a respected singer/songwriter/playwright/artist and producer.Coby has had the privilege to perform at some of Manhattan's finest venues including The Cutting Room, The Metropolitan Room, La Mama, The Laurie Beechman Theater, Omars, the Legendary Sugar Bar and has been a frequent performer over the past 18 years at the West Village landmark The Stonewall Inn.Who else but hosts Wendy Stuart and Tym Moss could “spill the tea” on their weekly show “If These Walls Could Talk” live from Pangea Restaurant on the Lower Eastside of NYC, with their unique style, of honest, and emotional interviews, sharing the fascinating backstories of celebrities, entertainers, recording artists, writers and artists and bringing their audience along for a fantastic ride.Wendy Stuart is an author, celebrity interviewer, model, filmmaker and hosts “Pandemic Cooking With Wendy,” a popular Youtube comedic cooking show born in the era of Covid-19, and TriVersity Talk, a weekly web series with featured guests discussing their lives, activism and pressing issues in the LGBTQ Community.Tym Moss is a popular NYC singer, actor, and radio/tv host who recently starred in the hit indie film “JUNK” to critical acclaim.

Listen in as Haili and Claire sit down with Juan Carlos, who is the creator of one of our new shows here at the Chatter Network, Revisionary Podcast! Juan Carlos is a local Tacoma comedian with a flare for recanting the past in hilarious ways. Juan Carlos has a dream of hosting his own TV show one day and his personality shines in these entertaining and clever episodes. Born in Harlem, raised in the Bronx and currently residing in Tacoma Washington.  Although Juan Carlos has made his way to the West Coast, he has commonly been described as New York personified. His dual degrees in Political Science and History allow Juan to touch on topics other comics might shy away from. He has performed at the Bier Baron in DC, Stand-up NY, Gotham Comedy Club, Greenwich Village Comedy Club, and The Metropolitan Room. Juan Carlos has also participated in the Collection Box Series, which raises money for different charities. He has performed in numerous venues around the country, including Seattle and Minnesota. A comedic philosopher, Juan Carlos relies on incongruity, sarcasm and misdirection to get his point across and challenge his audience. He also discusses growing up Dominican-American and points out how it's different from “traditional” American culture, while also poking fun at his own interracial relationfbship. He comments on healthcare, gentrification and the rising cost of living in NY. Juan Carlos shares  his story of growing up in the Bronx, as a Dominican- American American.  Juan didn't speak english when he first started school, and grew up in a non english home, all of which shaped his experiences and made him who he is today.

http://www.thelynneshow.com/Audio/Podcasts/Show_634_4_14_21_Bernie_Furshpan_describes_metzoom_concert_expereince.mp3

Making a Scene Presents An Interview with Alias Smith and Jones!​Sal and Renee ́ recorded three CDs comprised of original and cover songs as Renee ́ & The Derelicts, receiving airplay in Italy, France and across the United States. They have performed at Terra Blues, P&G Bar, 78 Below, Dinosaur Bar B- Que, Pianos, Silvana, Metropolitan Room and Kenny’s Castaways. They were featured on the Joey Reynolds show and as part of Battle of the Bands, NYC. As Alias Smith & Jones they have played at The Shrine and as guest artists at C-Boys Heart and Soul (Austin, TX w/Paul Ocher), B.B. Kings (New York and New Orleans), The Iridium, Winston’s (NJ), and The Red Lion.Alias Smith & Jones Featuring The Button Men,Gone,Hit & RunAlias Smith & Jones Featuring The Button Men,Look What Love Has Done (Chris Whitley Cover),Hit & Runmakingascene,Alias Smith and Jones,Alias Smith & Jones Featuring The Button Men,Long Time Child (extended version),Hit & RunAlias Smith & Jones Featuring The Button Men,You Ain't The One,Hit & Run 

We are so grateful for this episode and for this human!Think about these few things before you listen to this powerful episode: 1. The expansion of our mind and our tolerance level for those who are different from us is of immediate importance.2. The word community holds weight, and by definition should not be exclusionary. (Fitness industry, we're looking at you.)3. Compassion. Compassion. Compassion. For ourselves and for others. 4. Who you are is more important than what you do. 5. Life is hard, and looking to social media to gauge your own existence and success does a disservice to your spirit and humanity. Please enjoy this courageous conversation with Brennan Srisirikul!BRENNAN SRISIRIKUL (he/him) – Born in Bangkok, Thailand, and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at birth, Brennan is a singer, actor, speaker and a certified personal trainer. Brennan also works at local Boston Hospital. He is proudly disabled and uses a wheelchair and forearm crutches to ambulate. Favorite stage credits include: Pillowman, Breaking the Code and Titanic, the Musical. Film/TV: Yuna's Lunch, The Rhode Show. Music videos: "Sticks and Stones" (Atlantic Theatre Company). Dance: The GIMP Project (Heidi Latsky Dance/Rodger Williams University). Brennan has also performed his solo show In My Own Little Corner at the Ocean State Theatre Company, the Courthouse Center for the Arts, the University of Rhode Island, the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, and the Metropolitan Room in New York City. If you listen close enough, you can hear Brennan’s voice on the track "No Time at All” from the new Broadway cast recording of Pippin alongside Tony award-winner Andrea Martin. Brennan received his B.A. in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre from Rhode Island College. As a motivational speaker, Brennan has spoken at numerous conferences, schools, corporations, and events around New England and as far as Hawaii. When not performing, teaching or speaking, Brennan can be found strength training, listening to podcasts, cooking, talking with friends, traveling, and singing around his house. He holds a certification in Personal Training from the prestigious National Academy of Sports Medicine. Brennan has made it his mission in life in and outside of his work to help create an equitable and inclusive world for everyone. He is represented by Kazarian/Measures/Ruskin and Associates and Bohemia Group. Visit www.brennansrisirikul.com for more information.To book Brennan as an actor or speaker please contact his manager at Bohemia Group, Naomi Kolstein via email: naomi@bohemiaent.com.For more about Brennan or to say hi follow him on Instagram @BrennanSrisirikul and to join Brennan pay what you can group fitness class (proceeds go to charity), BUILD WITH B, please follow @BuildWithBFitness. Support the show (https://donorbox.org/the-courage-campaign-1)

For video version, click here and subscribe: https://youtu.be/N0GG9h0rSpM Heather Frank is a cabaret artist in Washington, DC and a member of the DC Cabaret Network board. Her most recent show, “Love in the Time of Coloring,” explores romance and desire in the age of smartphones, microaggressions and coloring books for grownups. Cabaret Scenes called it “…a charming, entertaining, and thought-provoking experience.” Justin Ritchie has been a cabaret performer in both the DC and NYC cabaret communities for over a decade. He has been lucky enough to perform at NYC’s Don’t Tell Mama, the Metropolitan Room and B.B. King Blues Club and locally in such venues as The Sitar Arts Center, Atlas Theatre, the Kennedy Center , Signature Theatre, and as part of the DC Fringe Festival. Lonny Smith is originally from Brainerd, Minnesota and has lived in the Washington area for 18 years. As a cabaret singer and actor, he has performed locally at Germano's, Sotta Sopra, the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, the Kennedy Center, Signature Theatre, MetroStage, the DC Arts Club, and as part of the Washington Fringe Festival. He graduated from Carleton College and received a masters' degree in theater research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The DC Cabaret Network was founded in 1997 to increase the awareness of the art form of cabaret in the DC metropolitan area. Their mission is to increase opportunities for cabaret events and performances and build audiences that appreciate cabaret. The DC Cabaret Network is also connecting local cabaret artists and creating a home for performers where they can share information and grow artistically. http://www.dccabaretnetwork.org

In his attempt to fulfill an unquenchable need for attention, cabaret, concert and recording artist Travis Moser has packed houses and won acclaim for his solo shows in NYC and around the country. He has celebrated and performed shows devoted to Linda Ronstandt and the music of Rodgers and Hart. He has performed at the famed Metropolitan Room, Joe's Pub, Club Cumming, Birdland, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, Don't Tell Mama, The Duplex and of course, the legendary Feinstein's at 54 Below where he has recorded live albums of his performances. He has been seen in regional productions of Jekyll and Hyde, West Side Story, Into the Woods, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and featured soloist in Disney and More. His latest project, recorded during COVID, is a quieter version of Travis with an unplugged celebration of the music of Stephen Sondheim – titled So Many People: The Stephen Sondheim Sessions.We chatted with Travis about cabaret during COVID, the power of the music of Stephen Sondheim, dissected Into the Woods, and being in the spotlight. Tune in!

In this episode, Pamela Clay shares her inspirational story that started in being a multitalented artist from Oklahoma. Pamela Clay is an Oklahoma-born singer-actress-songwriter and Army brat who lived many years in France and Germany, fluent in French and some German.  Pamela's award-winning career began in the musical theatre, and encompasses not only stage, but also radio, film, television and internet; working with such stars as Mel Brooks, Mandy Patinkin, and Alan Arkin along the way. Her vocal styles include jazz, R & B, pop, country, cabaret, Broadway, Edith Piaf in French and more, and Sanford Meisner called her a true character actress.  Cabaret Scenes magazine called LA- based Pamela Clay “a powerhouse performer whose style crosses all genres”, late great Grammy winner Lou Rawls said she's got one of the best voices he'd ever heard, and esteemed critic Richard Blackwell wrote of her Edith Piaf renditions: “A voice that will have you mesmerized”! Her first one-woman show was at JFK Center, first film role opposite Tommy Lee Jones, and first solo show in NY at Feinstein's 54 Below, where she presented her acclaimed self-penned “Forever Piaf!”, in which she is “taken over” by the spirit of the French chanteuse, singing in French and sharing poignant true-life tales in an authentic French accent.  In Los Angeles, Pamela's headlined at Catalina Jazz Club, Herb Alpert's Vibrato, Feinstein's at Vitello's, Wilshire-Ebell, House of Blues, the Gardenia and starred at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in original rock musical VISIONS, and is often hired to entertain at private parties, and special events for charities such as the Thalians.  Her original compositions written and recorded with her all-original New Orleans-flavored rock band, Catahoula, as well as some of her original French songs have been featured on prime-time television and feature films, and with Catahoula, she's performed at major rock clubs in Los Angeles including Troubadour, Whisky, Roxy, Federal, Molly Malone's, and with musical luminary Randy Newman.  Pamela also sings with Unity Inspiration Ensemble gospel choir and currently resides with husband Bruce Bermudez, New Orleans-born artist-musician and Catahoula co-founder, in the magical Hollywood Hills, from whence her live shows are now broadcast via New York's leader in virtual events, MetropolitanZoom.com, formerly the fabled Metropolitan Room.  For more information, visit http://www.pamelaclay.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesuccesspodcastnow/support

Since studying vocal performance at NYU and Mannes College of Music, Greg has toured in several productions with Philip Glass, and performed in pieces created by avant-garde luminaries Meredith Monk and Anthony Braxton.His show, "BABALU-CY! The Art of Desi Arnaz" debuted at Metropolitan Room in 2007, won a Backstage Bistro Award in 2008 and went on to an Off-Broadway run at the Actor’s Temple in New York’s Theater District. A presentation of the show at Hofstra University’s Monroe Center Theater in 2010 brought him to the attention of the team that took over the Xavier Cugat Orchestra after Cugat retired. One thing led to another and Greg went from portraying the great Cuban American bandleader to becoming an actual bandleader himself, adopting his birth father’s family name in the process. And he grew up blocks from Eric Ruben!Support the show (https://www.facebook.com/ReallyLegalPodcast)

Julie draws much of her comic inspiration from her father, who always found the funny in every situation. For Julie, exploring deep, personal matters of health, happiness and humanity allows her to cultivate humor from those, sometimes, painful truths. “Going Deep to Go Funny” is a personal journey that allows Julie to come out the other side with soothing humor that makes soulful connections with her audience.   08:56 | Terry-Ann Introducing, Julie Mac: In a storytelling genre, Julie performs stand-up comedy in NJ, NYC and the Catskills. She has performed her one woman show, “As I Am,” at the Metropolitan Room in NYC, the Randolph Performing Arts Center, and other venues in NJ. She performs regularly with her MacTrio at various venues in New Jersey.   10:04 | Julie Mac You can’t be funny by yourself.   10:55 | Terry-Ann/Julie Mac Surprises from Iowa??!! Funny, farms and family – getting my inspiration and love for storytelling from my Dad.   18:40 | Terry-Ann/Julie Mac Julie’s cool look – when being “too pretty” is a drawback.   20:30 | Terry-Ann What did you want to be when you grew up?   22:07 | Terry-Ann/Julie Mac What is that OCD, hair-pulling disease called again? And other weird habits we don’t’ claim to have.   27:17 | Julie Mac A Survivor’s Story | Welcome to my show F’ KALE! A Heart Journey   29:42 | Julie Mac You gotta go deep before you can go funny. What do you hate about yourself?   31:48 | Terry-Ann/Julie Mac The not-so-funny reality that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.   36:03 | Terry-Ann/Julie Mac QUESTION: from Gregory Stock, Ph.D.’s, The Book of Questions 1987 ed. TAZ asks “How many times during the day do you look at yourself in the mirror?”   Julie Mac Website: www.JulieMacSings.com Email: julie@juliemacsings.com Facebook: @JulieMac Near and Dear: www.WomenHeart.org | The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease   Terry-Ann Zander TAZ Comedy Hotline: 201-874-5971 Facebook: @Terry-Ann Zander - https://www.facebook.com/terryann.zander   Terri Walters Twitter: @TerriLWalters - https://twitter.com/TerriLWalters LinkedIn: @TerriLWalters - https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrilwalters/ Email: Terri@MoonfishProduction.com   Some Kind of Comedian Website: https://www.somekindofcomedian.com/podcast Facebook: @SomeKindofComedian - https://www.facebook.com/SomeKindofComedian/   Moonfish Production, Ltd. Website: http://www.moonfishproduction.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moonfish-production-ltd-/ Facebook: @MoonfishCreative - https://www.facebook.com/MoonfishCreative/ Email: info@MoonfishProduction.com  

Judi Mark was born in Chicago to a musical family who encouraged her to express herself creatively. Her dynamic range of training included ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, acting, vocals and piano which set the stage for a successful performance career spanning over decades. She has appeared on concert stage, regional theater, cabaret, and the high seas. While studying acting with Bill Hickey, she performed in Off-Broadway productions, film and television. Her vocal studies with many world-renowned professionals prepared her for work at dinner theaters, cabarets and distinguished venues such as The Algonquin, The National Arts Club, The Triad, The Laurie Beechman Theater, Don’t Tell Mama, The Metropolitan Room, The Iridium, Sweetwater’s, Sign of the Dove, Judy’s Chelsea, Cabaret in the Museum and Florida nightclubs; Les Violins, The Copacabana, The Konover Hotel and the Boca Black Box Center for the Arts in Florida. She has shared the stage with Marilyn Maye and Anita Gillette in South Shore Theatrical’s “Showtune” at the Madison Theater and was a recent guest performer in Richard Skipper Celebrates “May Flowers” at the Laurie Beechman Theater. Performer/Producer Judi Mark has passionately written three one woman shows that played in NYC, Chicago, New Jersey, Connecticut and South Florida, ‘Judi Mark: Dancing Through Life’, singing songs made famous by the ladies who danced…a tribute to Miller, Miranda, MacLaine, McKechnie and more! ‘I Feel a Song Coming On’, a tribute to old Broadway and Hollywood nostalgia and most recently, ‘Laughing Through Life’…bites back at life in the Big Apple thru stories & songs from Hip to Hip replacement… featuring comedic backstage stories with song and dance. https://www.judimark.com/

Not only is Kate one of my dearest friends, but this little lady is an absolutely brilliant teacher, a total witch, and on a path that I think you'll enjoy hearing about in this uncertain time. Kate Bass, originally from Anchorage Alaska, now based in Los Angeles, performs extensively in America and abroad in many varying musical genres. She made her solo debut with the New York Philharmonic in Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center under the baton of Case Scaglione; she also appeared in the Emmy-nominated production of Carousel, televised on PBS’s “Live at Lincoln Center.” In recent years, she has sung numerous times at Carnegie Hall (Der Vampyr, The Messiah, Verdi’s Requiem, Elijah), as well as Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center (La Farsa Amarosa). Kate made her New York City Center principal debut as Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore, a role she has taken to Wolf Trap Opera and the Colorado Symphony, and continues to tour nationally and internationally with the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players. She recently appeared as Princess Ida in Princess Ida at the New York Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, and Off-Broadway at the Saint George Theatre in the world premiere of Trains the musical, as well as the Musical Guest for 24 Hour Plays at the Atlantic Theater Company.Equally at home in jazz music, Kate has performed in cabaret at the Metropolitan Room and (le) poisson rouge in New York, and at the Hotel Café in Los Angeles. She has recorded as a soloist for numerous film scores with music by Arturo Cardelús, David Stone Hamilton, and others; her voice was recently featured in the film “Pecado Original,” winning awards at both the Austin Film Festival and the Milan International Film Festival. Kate was also the soprano soloist for Iranian singer and setar player Hafez Nazeri’s Grammy-nominated SONY Worldwide release of “Untold” with the Rumi Symphony. Kate Bass is a composer and singer-songwriter; her debut album, “Maya,” was released in August 2012, and her first single aired on British radio in early September 2013. She released her new EP, “More”, in February 2016 and her May 2017 crowd-funded album, “Songs of the Open Road,” debuted Off-Broadway at the Triad Theater in New York City. She has performed her music live to sold out crowds across America, and has been hailed by the press as “easy to love,” “infectious,” and “one of the best vocalists on the scene today.” Kate maintains a full private voice studio based out of Pasadena, California; as well as coaching many young up-and-coming singer-songwriters and musical theater performers, she has taught as a Teaching Artist in Residence for the Metropolitan Opera Guild in New York City. She teaches master classes and workshops on voice, songwriting, and musical theater all over the world, from Classical Singer Conventions throughout the country to programs in Lebanon and Africa. She currently teaches on vocal faculty at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. www.katebassmusic.com@katebassmusicLike this episode? Share it! And please do leave us a 5 star review wherever you listen. It'll help it get in more ears, and that's what we want. Yes we do. Thank you so much for listening... and stay Savage. X See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Drawing on her Brooklyn upbringing and family dynamic, Randi’s unique brand of comedy springs from her belief that “there’s healing in laughter and in telling the truth”… and the reality that the truth can be absurd, ridiculous, and oh so comical!   3:58 | Terry-Ann Introducing Randi Simon Lupo: Writer, Actress, Creator and Performer of the acclaimed One-Woman Show “Sometimes I’m Ok.” Randi has performed throughout the Greater New York area in clubs such as Comix at Foxwoods, The New York Comedy Club, Gotham Comedy Club, Broadway Comedy Club, The Metropolitan Room and Catch A Rising Star – Princeton to name a few.   5:22 | Terry-Ann/Randi Contrasting different comedic worlds: Stand-Up vs. Theatre.   8:00 | Terry-Ann How do you develop, evolve and debut a One-Woman Show?   11:44 | Terry-Ann/Randi On actively marketing and traveling a show, especially in a time of COVID.   13:54 | Terry-Ann/Randi Comedy “the drug.” Finding inspiration and content for developing Stand-Up.   15:51 | Terry-Ann/Randi The importance of finding a mentor.   17:48 | Terry-Ann/Randi The business side of the comedy business.   18:55 | Terry-Ann/Randi Building a bigger toolbox – hosting, acting, performing, writing.   21:23 | Terry-Ann/Randi Developing a second One-Woman Show – stretching and challenging your own talents.   27:10 | Terry-Ann/Randi OUTTAKE: from Gregory Stock, Ph.D.’s, The Book of Questions 1987 ed. TAZ asks “If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the body or the mind of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?”   Randi Simon Lupo Website: www.SometimesImOk.com Facebook: Randi Simon Lupo: https://www.facebook.com/randi.lupo YouTube: randilupo: https://www.youtube.com/user/randilupo Podcast: The Randi Lupo Show: https://www.spreaker.com/user/11763979/the-randi-lupo-show     Terry-Ann Zander TAZ Comedy Hotline: 201-874-5971 Facebook: @Terry-Ann Zander - https://www.facebook.com/terryann.zander     Terri Walters Twitter: @TerriLWalters - https://twitter.com/TerriLWalters LinkedIn: @TerriLWalters - https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrilwalters/ Email: Terri@MoonfishProduction.com   Some Kind of Comedian Website: https://www.somekindofcomedian.com/podcast Facebook: @SomeKindofComedian - https://www.facebook.com/SomeKindofComedian/   Event Yak Website: https://www.eventyak.com/podcast Facebook: @TheEventYak - https://www.facebook.com/TheEventYak/ Email: terri@eventyak.com   Moonfish Production, Ltd. Website: http://www.moonfishproduction.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moonfish-production-ltd-/ Facebook: @MoonfishCreative - https://www.facebook.com/MoonfishCreative/ Email: info@MoonfishProduction.com  

James Harkness is a Broadway veteran, as well as a best director nominee, and award winning choreographer, and a songwriter. He made his Broadway debut in AIDA in 2001, and has been on a roll ever since. He is currently starring as Paul Williams in Ain’t Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, and previously could be seen in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Other Broadway credits include Chicago and The Color Purple, as well as the Dreamgirls national tour. In 2017, James wrote and performed his debut show, Fragments of Me, at the Metropolitan Room in New York. And on August 4th, he can be seen online performing more of his original work through the Times Square Alliance Broadway Busker’s Concert series. Originally from El Paso, Texas, James grew up constantly bouncing around and jumping “off all the things” - including the roof of his single-story childhood home. He recalls his mother always singing and dancing around the house, and is sure he learned to move by watching her. But it wasn’t until high school that he encountered structured dance classes, which changed his life. He had found a place that made him “100% happy”. After graduation, James joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, and it was there that dance came back to him. Throughout his career in the Navy, James would spend his days working on a ship, and then attend dance classes in the evening. When he left the military behind, James started going on regular job interviews. He signed up with a temp agency, and got an office job. But, he also continued going on dance auditions.  James shares with us how a one-off audition for Whitney Houston’s concert tour led to him signing with an agent, auditioning for Debbie Allen, and finally meeting Kenny Ortega at an audition to dance for Michael Jackson on tour. While he didn’t tour with Michael Jackson, James would spend two and half years on tour dancing for Puerto Rican Latin pop singer Chayanne. And after continuing to pursue a career as a commercial dancer in LA, he was pulled to Las Vegas by work and friends. It was in Las Vegas he would book his first job singing and dancing as the lead in a show - “one of the best things that has ever happened” to him. And a little while later, when Broadway came calling - it called twice. James simultaneously booked Saturday Night Fever and AIDA, all without an agent. And he has been gracing stages in New York City ever since.  In this episode, we talk about:  The nickname his AIDA cast mates gave to him  How he came to find dance again when stationed in San Diego  The Whitney Houston concert tour gig he was offered, but couldn’t take  Shaking Debbie Allen’s hand  What a typical audition day looked like for him between LA and San Diego  The theater experience that convinced him to move to Las Vegas  The honor and responsibility he feels in portraying Paul Williams in Ain’t Too Proud Connect with James: Twitter: @ijamesharkness Instagram: @ijamesharkness Watch the Broadway Buskers: TSQ.org/BroadwayBuskers or on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/TimesSquareNYC Le James Cafe with The Wiggles Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible! Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

http://briangrossi.com/ Growing up just outside of New York City, Brian Grossi has been quick-witted and imitating those around him for as long as anyone can remember. In 2011, he decided to put those skills to use and try his hand at stand-up comedy. Despite being relatively new to the scene, he was invited to perform in Atlanta’s Laughing Skull Comedy Festival in March 2014. Since then, he has recorded his first television appearance as part of Popcorn Flix Presents Empire Tonight! and has been seen on TMZ. In 2014, he completed his first international tour, performing in Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club, Manchester’s XS Malarky, The Madrid Comedy Club and Toronto’s North by Northeast Festival. In March 2016, he made it to the Sweet Sixteen of Caroline’s Comedy Madness competition. In 2017, he founded The Round-Trip Comedy Series, which produces stand-up shows all over the Northeast. In 2019, he and Carmen Lynch co-founded Risas con J, a monthly stand-up show performed entirely in Spanish. Risas con J was the only show in Spanish selected for the 2019 New York Comedy Festival. Also in 2019, he appeared in the Aaron Berg documentary 25 Sets, which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. When in New York, Brian performs every night. He has performed at The New York Comedy Club, The Broadway Comedy Club, Gotham Comedy Club, Caroline’s on Broadway and the world-famous Metropolitan Room, among others. He continues to win fans over using his unique blend of hard-hitting punchlines, spot-on impressions and unpredictable crowd-work. He was named Hugs, Kisses and Laughes Comic of the Month in December 2012 and his tweets have been featured on Grantland. He is a three-time winner of the Inspired Word’s LOL! Comedy Slam.

We are excited to announce that on Friday, September 20th, we will be holding a special Yamaha High Technology Event in-store with Michael Inman and Craig Knudsen! See details below, and be sure to listen to the great podcast episode with Sherry Carlisle Smith (General Sales Manager) below! Be sure to reserve your spot! You can make your appointment today by calling (615) 771-0020. Details: Date: Friday, September 20, 2019 Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm Guests: Michael Inman and Craig Knudsen Reservations: (615) 771-0020 More Details: Listen to the podcast with Sherry Carlisle Smith below! Sherry Carlisle Smith and the Yamaha High Technology Event In this episode of the Miller Piano Podcast, we talk with General Sales Manager, Sherry Carlisle Smith about the Yamaha High Technology Event with Michael Inman and Craig Knudsen coming up on September 20, 2019! This is a great episode, where we get to know Sherry, her background, her love for music, the amazing technology that Yamaha has to offer, and also details on how you can get signed up for the event. Make your appointments today by calling 615-771-0020! Transcript John Haggard: 00:12 Welcome to the Miller Piano podcast on a special event we think you will have a lot of interest in attending if you want to be amazed about the high technology that Yamaha has in its pianos. I'm your host, John Haggard and one thing for sure, Yamaha Pianos have come a long way in just a few short years compared to other brands out there. On the podcast today we have Sherry Carlisle Smith. She's the General Sales Manager at Miller Piano in Cool Springs. Welcome to the podcast, Sherry. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 00:41 Hey John, it's good to be here. John Haggard: 00:42 Glad to have you here. We're excited about this upcoming event, which we are going to be talking about, but before we talk about that event, tell us a little bit about you Sherry. Like where did you grow up? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 00:54 Well I'm a transplant. I was born in Kentucky and it really, I guess I grew up in southern Indiana. John Haggard: 01:00 Alright. From the Bluegrass State, but grew up a little bit north of there. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 01:03 I did. My Dad was a preacher. John Haggard: 01:05 Wow. Okay. So what church? What denomination? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 01:09 Actually General Baptist, but we went to all denominations. John Haggard: 01:12 Gotcha. And so that means you've been a good girl all your life, right? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 01:17 He was General Baptist. John Haggard: 01:19 Haha. And so, and you went to a high school where? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 01:25 I went to two different high schools and I started out at Boonville High School in Boonville, Indiana and I actually graduated from Pike Central High School up in Petersburg. John Haggard: 01:35 All right. And then what about college? Was that next for you? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 01:38 It was I went to a baptist school, actually it was OCC at the time and now it's Oakland City University. John Haggard: 01:47 Got It. All right. So before we talk about Miller Piano and what you're doing there today and what's coming up, what do you like to do in your time off when you are away from work? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 01:56 That's a very good question because if you asked my family, I'm a workaholic, so I'm a 24/7 worker. So when I'm at home I'm still doing music, writing playing the piano. I guess the one thing I call my, my normal self is I love to work in the yard. John Haggard: 02:15 Okay. You mean like planting or cutting grass or pruning? What, what in the yard? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 02:19 Flowers, Planting. Yes. You name it. Mowing, not so much. John Haggard: 02:26 Okay. I got Ya. All right, so I guess you have family living in the area? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 02:32 I do. I do. And I have a daughter around the corner so, and she does a lot of activities with me and actually she works here at Miller Piano specialist as well. And a a student at MTSU. John Haggard: 02:44 Okay. Now what's her name? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 02:46 Dakota Smith. John Haggard: 02:47 All right. And so she is working with you at Miller and is she saying, oh mom or what is it that she does there? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 02:54 She's our utility player. She does a little bit of everything. She's a major at MTSU so she, she's been engulfed in music all of her life and she does everything from inventory to backup sales. John Haggard: 03:09 Got It. All right, so just whatever mom says, get doing it. I understand how that works. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 03:14 She's got a job. John Haggard: 03:15 Absolutely. So as you think about Miller Piano or just the piano business in general, what's the coolest thing at Miller Piano that you see something that you know, no one would normally imagine but it keeps bringing you back to work. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 03:31 What keeps bringing me back to work is the people I meet every day. Because I firmly believe in any business and any job if you truly love it, but especially in music, people don't walk in unless they love music and people cross my path and I crossed their path for a reason. Whether they end up buying from me or not, we have crossed paths for a reason and I may not know then. But I know later on and my clients are my extended family. That's what brings me back. John Haggard: 04:03 Yeah. And you know, thinking about that very thing, I say, well let me go see the Facebook page for Miller Piano. You've got a lot of activity going on out there. What would people see on the Facebook page for Miller Piano? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 04:15 Not the normal Facebook page for a business. They are going to see everything from the most creative photography to live concerts, to streaming radio concerts. On our live shows that we do twice a month. We have artists do concerts and our family, our extended family that, that purchase pianos, we have a category for them or they have their, their piano and their pictures. You're gonna see a lot of things. We do show the latest in what's coming out in what's on the floor and our specials. But that Facebook page is more than just a business trying to sell you something. It's an extended family network. John Haggard: 04:58 Gotcha. All right. So tell me about the first piano that you ever played in your life. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 05:03 That I've ever played? John Haggard: 05:04 Yeah. Can you remember that far? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 05:06 Yeah. Okay. John. actually, yes, it is still in our family because no one can part with it. You can't play it. But the first thing my mother asked when she got married was for a piano and a sewing machine. And my father took her to the local store in southern Indiana and bought a little, what we call Stencil. A spinet piano and it looked like had been painted black for $200, and that was the very first piano in our house. John Haggard: 05:38 And so how old were you then when you remember that piano? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 05:43 Oh my gosh. Probably three or four. John Haggard: 05:46 And you started playing on the keys? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 05:48 I started playing at five because mom did not like to play in church, so I got to take one year shaped note lessons. And I learned quickly how to play by ear because my dad didn't read music and when they stuck me up in that country church to play, he didn't sing the way the notes were written. So I ended up learning to play by ear. John Haggard: 06:14 Now when you say shaped note lessons for someone who doesn't read music, what does that mean? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 06:20 That is years ago on old hymnals especially, every note had a shape. So if it was a G noted how to shape if it was a C note, it might be a triangle or a square or a octagon. I mean, there was different shapes of notes that related, just like in Yamaha's technology, they have a learning tool and some of their top technology that actually goes with color coding. So you know that every purple is a certain note or every yellow, which is great with children that have dyslexia or, or different different learning abilities that they need. This color form innovation is very good for learning how to recognize those notes and put a name with those notes. John Haggard: 07:09 All right, so you've actually really been a musician basically all of your life Sherry Carlisle Smith: 07:14 Pretty much. John Haggard: 07:15 All right. So tell me from age five. All right, so you, you're, you know, doing this, you're playing the piano. I mean, as you grew up and what you did and if you were involved professionally or if you were on the road with anybody, what, tell me about that. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 07:27 Well, my dad was in a gospel quartet, so about three, I remember them standing me up behind the piano to sing with the Gospel Quartet and there's actually pictures of it. And then I started playing piano in church. I was constantly swinging on the swing set and I remember just making up songs. We lived in the country, lived on a farm, and so I started writing at a very early age. Dad. we sang as a family. So we started recording in Nashville at 14. And then at 16, I think I put together a little country band and at 18, I actually got my first single deal here in Nashville. John Haggard: 08:09 Wow. Okay. And then from there, so as you roll through the 20s, tell me about that. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 08:14 Well, I went to college because, you know, the adage is get to a good profession because you need a job if you're going to be a musician. John Haggard: 08:23 Right. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 08:24 Start now. So I graduated college moved to Nashville and actually worked for a couple of places. But I guess my real first job was at a Claude P Street, which a music store that held had Yamaha pianos. And they taught me the business. But my mind was, I'm going to be an entertainer. I'm going to be an entertainer. And I sang and sang and played with different groups. And one night an agent brought the Jordanaires out to hear another woman sing to go on a tour. And I happened to sing first, that night opening and they said, that's the sound we're looking for. And they hired me and I did seven years with them. And that's what started everything. John Haggard: 09:11 Wow. That the you are at what age? When the Jordanaires hired? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 09:14 Oh, in my twenties. Probably. John Haggard: 09:17 So you were on the road… Sherry Carlisle Smith: 09:18 I'm not going to tell you exact. Don't get me on that! John Haggard: 09:21 Right. But you were on the road, I mean, seven years. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 09:25 I was on the road seven years with them and we were doing different variety shows with some tribute shows. They did their own shows. It was just kind of a variety of what we did for seven years. We did a lot of recording and I did the charts in the studio or did the high part Millie Kirkland part with the guys. And then from there I did work with David Brazelle, Jimmy Fortune Johnny Paycheck, which was wonderful. I worked with him until he passed. Did a couple shows with Jones. Everyone in my life, that was my legend growing up. I was so blessed to have the privilege to work with them in one way or another. So when people say back home, did you make it? I made it the day I moved to Nashville because my musical dream has taken me all full circle to Miller Piano. John Haggard: 10:28 Wow. That is a full circle story. You know, before we talk about the Yamaha high technology event that you have coming up at Miller Piano, that's going to be on Friday, September 20, technology, people love technology. I mean we have it in our phones, in our refrigerators, our microwaves. I mean everything is, you know, Wifi this, Wifi that no matter what it is. Just a kind of a brief recap if you will. I'm reading through some notes here about what's really cool about Yamaha. So one of these pianos is the Clavinova, it says featuring Play Assist. Now you can play within minutes, no prior piano experience and no piano lessons. I mean really that's almost sounds like that can't be true. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 11:10 No, it is true. In the Clavinova series, they have built lesson programs into their pianos. It depends on, I call this my musical zoo because there are Clavinovas and just like there are different animals in a zoo. I have them divided out just like you would hippos, elephants or giraffes. You have CLP's CSP'ss or CVP's. So depending on the needs. And that's a big thing we do here is sitting down and talking with you when you come in to find out what you need before we find out what your favorite animal is or your favorite Clavinova. What's going to work for you. John Haggard: 11:50 Interesting. Yeah, but I mean to say that you can play within minutes, no piano experience, no piano lessons. I mean, what can you play? I mean just like A, B, C, D, E, F, G or like what? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 12:00 They have a function on the CVPs called follow the lights. That is excellent. And I can actually even set you down, John and have you playing with one hand, two hands by following the light on a CVP. On a CLP with a wonderful technology, we can actually, on certain models, have you bluetooth, use your own iPad, iPhone or Android. And we can have these programs playing through your piano to learn to play. Or the other animal, our CSP has streaming lights that actually stream, just like, a good example would be like you're a guitar hero. The kids were all doing guitar hero playing the guitar. This is the same concept, only much better and much farther along in technology with Yamaha on a piano. John Haggard: 12:59 All right? Now the high technology Yamaha Clavinova also says here featuring pitch correction. So if you sing off key, it will automatically make you sing in tune. Now, how does that happen? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 13:13 It's the secrets of technology, but I sure wish Yamaha had done this back years ago when Karaoke first started. John Haggard: 13:22 Yeah. Wouldn't that be something? Yeah. We probably have more stars out there today who could really sing. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 13:27 Yeah. No, it is amazing what it does. And we did a very cool thing. If you go to our youtube our videographer here actually had a trake and she has only heard a monotone voice for years out of herself. And Yamaha, the wonderful world of Yamaha and Craig Knudsen, who we're gonna talk about later actually put her on one of the Cookie Karaoke's and she's sang Puff the Magic Dragon. And she heard a voice for the first time. For head and neck cancer patients. This is awesome. John Haggard: 14:06 That is so cool. And there are Yamaha hybrid pianos, one known as the Yamaha Silent Piano. That's a high technology, real acoustic piano with strings. Cool thing about it. No sound comes out unless you want it to. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 14:22 Yamaha. I call it two types of hybrids. Once again, going back to my zoo, we can have a hybrid piano with strings, with silent feature, or we can have a hybrid without strings, which is our Avant series. And it was a very cool yesterday, Ronnie Milsap came in and bought one of the stringless hybrids. The hybrids with strings. It plays just like a regular piano. You can get these in vertical, upright or grand and you play it just like a regular piano. But the moment I engage the digital format, when I push the pedal on an upright to the left in the center, or if I pull the lever on the grand piano, the hammers miss the strings by a fraction so the player does not miss that action feel like a digital, you would miss maybe the feel of those hammers engaging. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 15:20 You don't miss that when you're playing these hybrids, but it misses the strings by a fraction into a fiber optic and it will go into a nine foot Concert Grand sample among 18 other samples that you can play. You put your headphones in, you can record on the piano, acousticpiano, you can record in the digital format, you can plug speakers into it and play it outright into your home. A good example on these silent or hybrid pianos and another one is a Trans Acoustic, which is a little different. But another thing in our Institutions and our Universities. They're finding that, oh, we have got a recital coming up and we forgot to get the piano tuned and we can't get it sooner over here. So they put quarter-inch Jackson pump it through their PA, put it into that silent mode and then the ninth concert grant is being heard in the audience. Perfect. Pitch, the player is not losing any feel. Only technology like this comes from Yamaha. John Haggard: 16:34 You known, that just really is amazing. Truly amazing. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 16:38 I am telling you what, keeping up with the technology growth of Yamaha is an everyday and that's another exciting thing about getting up. The first thing I do is grab my phone to see what's new. John Haggard: 16:49 Yeah, yeah. See if there's been any breaking news. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 16:53 Right? Okay. From Yamaha, guess what! John Haggard: 16:55 Yeah, yeah. Here's, here's what's up. So, all right, well let's get excited. Let's talk about the Yamaha high technology event. It's coming there. Miller Piano, Cool Springs. And Franklin Friday, September 20. And I also understand that you're going to have two representatives from Yamaha that are going to present the latest Yamaha technology live. So you said Michael Inman and Craig Knudson. So tell me about them a little bit. Who are they with Yamaha, what do they do? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 17:24 Michael Inman is our district manager with Yamaha. He was in sales for years and he is a super, super guy with knowledge. Like yesterday I needed a quick hook up and Yamaha is so good with their tech support. But poor Michael, I have his cell phone. So I called him really quick to double check a hook up and he's like boom, boom, boom. And it was good because we pride ourself here. Even though we're a small mom and pop, we try to know everything from finding the right piano to installing it for you. So in doing that, you know, when we get into a position where we need to know something, we need to call somebody quick. Yamaha's great. Like I said, I just happened to call Michael yesterday and he is great when it comes to knowledge on the Yamaha pianos the Clavinovas, and technology. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 18:16 The other person that's going to be joining us. And we're so fortunate to have him. He is like what I call our Yamaha Guru. Craig Knudson. He works and has worked for Yamaha for years. He has, I think an MBA from, I mean one of the big schools. You can look up his bio, but he is a super smart, intelligent guy when it comes to technology in music. He also works for the Piano Guys and travels with them doing technology with the Piano Guys. John Haggard: 18:50 For folks who don't know the Piano Guys, tell us about that. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 18:54 Piano Guys is a group of guys that play piano, you may see a lot of their videos. Yamaha is actually using one of their videos on our technology with Disklaviers, where you can see their videos and the piano is playing, but you may see them on a mountain, like a literal mountain that you don't know how the piano got there with cellos around it and piano playing and they may have the top off so you can see the strings. They're incredible. Please look them up, you know, unbelievable musicians. John Haggard: 19:32 Friday, September 20, all day. So tell me the hours that they're going to be there. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 19:34 They are going to be here from 10:00am to 3:00pm and we are taking appointments because we've got several institutions and different people that are wanting to make one-on-ones, which is great. I would call in and immediately t0 (615) 771-0020. Talk to myself or one of the staff to book a 30 minute timeframe with the guys. Because like I said, they're booking up fast and they have a couple outside things that people would like for them to come to, institutionalize. And you can get one on one and this is something that is free and money cannot buy the knowledge and the answers these guys can give you. John Haggard: 20:20 They're going to be talking about also the Yamaha Disclavier. Now what is a Yamaha Disklavier? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 20:26 A Disclavier is our high technology self playing piano. John Haggard: 20:31 All right? So people know that as a player piano. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 20:36 That a self playing what we call self playing is a little different than a player. People think of player, they think of roles and the old time roles and upright and the technology of years ago where you put a floppy disc in or you put a CD in. The technology now has gotten so great with Yamaha that we can actually, if you had bought a Disclavier maybe five generations ago, I can still update you to the latest firmware and technology. The Disclavier actually works with your Internet and your home internet system. So it will update itself. It will play 37 stations streaming radio of genres of music. So if you like Gershwin, Elton John, the neat thing about the radio stations is the streaming stations, the last four continuously change. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 21:32 So we have a monthly holiday station, maybe grammys. You know, the different award shows. So they have standard stations and then ones that you know, will alternate. But there's also along with that 199, or a hundred concerts per month that you can tune in live with your own television and your own Disclavier when they send you an announcement of what's coming up or it will go on demand for so many days that you can have a house party. And for instance, Elton had one not long ago. And Sarah McLaughlin had one and we had people having house parties and advertising and Elton was literally on their TV above the piano, playing their piano in real time. John Haggard: 22:23 Wow. now wait a minute, let's get that. So Elton John, if I had a Disclavier, would be playing my piano?! Is that what we're saying? In real time. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 22:32 That's what we're saying. John Haggard: 22:34 Now how cool is that! How cool is that! Sherry Carlisle Smith: 22:34 It's very cool. And you have so many different artists and it's not just concerts. They have they also have big, big competitions when they have the worldwide competitions of these classical players. The jazz, Monterrey Jazzfest, they've done that. There are so many neat things. Chick Corea did a thing on there one time. There's so many neat things that this will do. And I told someone the other day, well actually at an institution I said, you're only scratching the surface of what this monster piano and technology will do for you. John Haggard: 23:15 Alright, so now the Disclavier, the Yamaha Disclavier, if you look at that technology, which you have been talking about, obviously there are competitors out there in the market. Everybody wants to get in on the action. So what makes the Disklavier I guess different or maybe superior or it can do that others can't do. Tell me about that. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 23:35 I will tell you that. That is one thing that, and I have people come in all the time that want to buy a Yamaha and they want me to put a another player system on because maybe it was less money adding them together. Okay. What you are getting when you get a Disclavier is Yamaha in production. When I was in Japan, I saw this. It's either going to be a straight acoustic or it's going to be a Disklavier. So at birth, these mechanisms are on the piano. They're birthed on there. This technology, so if you put picked out just a regular grand and you wanted some kind of player put on it, that piano has to go to a shop. It's cut into and it changes the whole dynamics of that spruce wood and the ringing of that beautiful sand has been changed and altered. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 24:26 The worst thing I did in the 80s was take a Yamaha guitar. I wanted a pick up. I didn't buy it on the guitar, had them drill a hole in it. It was never the same. So I encourage people, yeah, I can do that for you… but unless you twist my arm, I'm not going to do that for you. Because of what you're getting in the latest technology. The Disklavier, your TV and radio subscription is only $199 a year… for everything. No one else on the market has that. John Haggard: 25:01 So for $199 a year, when Elton John has a house party and I have a Yamaha Disklavier at that event, he will play my piano live over the Internet. That's what you're saying? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 25:13 That's correct. John Haggard: 25:14 That's pretty cool! Sherry Carlisle Smith: 25:17 In fact, we did something really cool about two years after that. It took us two years to do it, but we went to the Metropolitan and we were doing at Miller, New York meets Nashville and a lot of New York entertainers were coming here. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 25:32 We took a group of girl singers and a piano player to the Metropolitan Room in Manhattan. And we literally did a national meets New York classic country and people in Miller Piano, 65 people that came to Miller saw the piano keys, move on time, watched us on the screen, heard the vocals participated and people anywhere that had a Disklavier and I didnt' know this until later, I think they flipped a switch. So other people watched in other places. I didn't know we were just going to do it between the two places. And I think it ended in a few other places. But yes, it's technology that… And Yamaha designed all this technology for learning. We kind of twisted it and made it a lot of fun, but they designed this to do long distance learning with teachers so that one teacher could be one place and have seven students anywhere in the world and could actually teach remotely if their student moved somewhere or they moved somewhere, could teach a lesson where the pianos moved, the keys moved on each end. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 26:42 She could say passage 4, say this is wrong. Let's Redo this. In fact, you can actually audition, I believe right now at Julliard with a Disklavier from your home. John Haggard: 26:54 You know, that's really neat because what if, let's say you had a favorite teacher in your hometown or the teacher leaves your hometown or you go to another hometown. What you're saying is virtually he or she could teach you on your piano from wherever they are. Am I right? Am I understanding that right? John Haggard: 27:11 That is correct. And that is on a teaching level, on a level that is on a musician or writers level, these instruments are also maybe compatible and we won't even get into that on this, this discussion. But writers, we used to go west coast meets east coast and they would take a bunch of writers from Nashville and fly them out to the west coast. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 27:37 And this was a costly thing and it was fun. And there is nothing about taking away from people being together. But with Yamaha technology, I can co-write with writers that have moved to different parts of the country and I can see them on the screen, talk to them, play something. They go, ummm, I don't like that. And they play something back co-writing and what people can do and the investment in this piano in the long run, it pays for itself 10 times over. John Haggard: 28:09 Yeah, it really is just so cool. Cause, I was going to ask you, hey that technology and everything sounds great and there may be somebody in the family who's like, well I like to listen but I don't know that I want to play. So I was going to ask you, what are the benefits of having, other than all the fun you're talking about and Elton John being able to play that piano in his house party, your piano right here in your house. What are the benefits of having a Disklavier in the home? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 28:34 In the home? First of all, you've got a regular piano, so if your daughter, your son wants to just play or you want to hear or someone comes in that plays, that's one way in the home it's utilized. The second way is the piano plays. And I have people that buy it that work at home that just want that piano music playing. I have business people who use the video and the audio radio streaming for parties they have in their home, children and learning. There are lessons and there are apps and applications now that are free on your, like I said, iPad Android, iPhone also there is a silent feature on our ST Model. So one big thing when when I had my children were little was and they would play on the piano, the acoustic I had at the time time and I'd hear that wrong note and I would say sit there 30 minutes and it was like pulling my teeth, and I'd hear a wrong note and I was in the kitchen and I go, oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 29:41 You know, so that's frustrating to the child. So what I tell people is let them learn technology. This is where the universities, the schools, the education is going, let them play the piano, but tell them to go play, not practice. Put the headphones in, play, anything you want, play with the technology. I don't care. Just record the piece that you're gonna play for your teacher. When you're done. Pull out the headphones, let mama hear it. And they stay way over an hour. They learn technology but the last 20 minutes they are really going at it. Cause Mom's going to hear when I pull these headphones out, John Haggard: 30:25 You know that makes a whole lot of sense because you know all children are different. Anyone who has more than one child or rarely two that are the same. And so there can be some shyness like you know, I don't want to do this because I'm gonna to play the wrong chords and mom's going to say no, that's not it. So they would actually stay engaged I think is what you're saying here Sherry Carlisle Smith: 30:43 It is. It is. And it's if I told you to go practice something that practices work, I teach an adult play by ear class, the Nashville number system and I have 16 students online and in the showroom. And I never say practice. I say go play. And I'll tell you another thing with any of these pianos, John. Never close the key fall board that goes over the keys. Yeah. Because when that child walks by, it might just be for two minutes, but if that lid is open and they see the keys, that's an open door that says, Hey John, come in and play for a little while. Come see me. If that fall board is down and they don't see the keys, nobody's home. Why don't you stop? John Haggard: 31:32 What great advise parents, if you're listening there, that fall board, leave it up. Cause there's the invitation that only it's like lights are on. Come on in. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 31:42 It's just a little dust. Dust it off. You know. John Haggard: 31:46 So I think you've already answered the question I had, which is why are universities and various institutions adding the Disclavier to their schools of higher learning? I mean, I think it's pretty obvious now based on what we've talked about. Sherry Carlisle Smith: 32:01 Yeah. They're adding, actually they're adding Disclavier or they're adding Silent Pianos and they are adding Trans-Acoustic pianos because they, and it was well said by one of the Deans here in our area, who purchased. He said our, our students that are wanting acoustic and the classical, they have that wonderful craftsmanship piano that Yamaha made and that acoustic form. The students coming in that are taking the recording or they're wanting to get into, you know, in the MIDI or the interface and stacking and layering. They're using the digital format of that piano, so that instead of buying two pianos, they paid for one piano and got two pianos. John Haggard: 32:49 Yeah, that is so cool. Now we're talking folks, it's the Yamaha High Technology Event. It will be at Miller Piano Friday, September 20th from 10am to 3pm. Sherry Carlisle Smith, the General Sales Manager. They are saying call now because you'd have for about a half hour of time spent each, not a whole lot of appointments available. So call now. So what's the number to call Sherry? Sherry Carlisle Smith: 33:14 It's (615) 771-0020. Anyone can help you that answers any of our Miller Piano family here. If you want to call and ask for me, that's great. My name is Sherry once again, but anyone can take a timeframe and write it down or leave your number with them and I'll be happy to call you back. John Haggard: 33:35 Okay, so now what, for those who are going to search on the Internet, the address, the exact address and what is Miller Piano next to across from around the corner from Sherry Carlisle Smith: 33:45 They want to go to https://millerps.com, of course is our website. You can find us on any form of social media, including youtube. And we are at 650 Frazier Drive, suite 150. The great landmark is we're right in between one of the greatest places to eat, which is Sperry's restaurant. And on the other side we have Bassett furniture. John Haggard: 34:08 Alright, eat play and sit. I guess. All three stores side by side. Well thanks Sherry. That's Sherry Carlisle Smith. Everybody. She is the General Sales Manager and Miller Piano. And remember the Yamaha High Technology Event coming one day, one day only to Miller Piano in Cool Springs. That'll be Friday, September 20 Sherry encourages you pick up the phone now and get an appointment because the two guys, who are going to be there from 10 to three, the Yamaha pros, the experts, only 10 to 3, so (615) 771-0020. By the way, there's a transcript of today's podcast right here on the website. As you see it, you can get quick reference to all the data that you need. Mark that date down. One more time. Friday, September 20 Miller Piano. Coolsprings I'm your host John Haggard and we will see you next time.

We're back, dear listeners! (For five episodes. But still!) Each Monday leading up to the October 6th concert premiere of Monkey Trouble Unleashed! at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre, I'm releasing a brand new episode of Something New: A Musical Theatre Podcast, featuring interviews with the cast and songs from the show. Get your tickets to the premiere of Monkey Trouble Unleashed! before we sell out! Do it! Do it, I say!Episode 601: Amy Jo Jackson is an actor/singer/kabarettist and glitter alien based in New York City. The recipient of the 2019 Denovan Fellowship in Cabaret, Amy Jo has sung at many venues in NYC and across the country, most notably Feinstein's/54 Below (where she's performed several solo concerts as well as produced and hosted such events as The Broadway Villains Party and 54 Sings Annie Lennox), Joe's Pub, the Bell House, the Green Room 42, the Knitting Factory, The Duplex, the Slipper Room, Caveat, the Laurie Beechman, Union Hall, the Metropolitan Room, and Boston's Club Café. Selected acting credits include Alison in FUN HOME (SpeakEasy Stage - IRNE nom), Ursula in THE LITTLE MERMAID (Arkansas Rep), Almira Gulch/The Wicked Witch of the West in THE WIZARD OF OZ (Syracuse Stage), and multiple shows with Exit, Pursued by a Bear. Visit amyjojackson.com for additional information.

Devra Aviva Seidel is a classical pianist, actor, singer and musical director. Favorite roles include Rosemary in How to Succeed in Business without really trying, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof and Anne Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank. Devra appeared as the Challah Mom in an instructional video with the NYC Challah bake for kids and played a post apocalyptic scientist in the short film 'Seedling' with Mythic Bridge Inc. She is a frequent cabaret performer at venues such as the Triad Theater and Metropolitan Room and last summer had the opportunity to be a part of a show at the historic La MaMa Theatre. Devra has extensive experience as a musical director, accompanist and chamber musician and is currently working as a private vocal coach in New York. Ms. Seidel has a Bachelors' of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and a Masters of Music from the Manhattan School of Music.   To check out Mikah Fashion click here http://bit.ly/MikahFranciska

On her sultry and soulful debut EP What We Had, Rebecca draws from a fresh whirlwind of classic and contemporary influences. With every swaying breeze of her distinctive voice, the multi-talented artist makes each track an opportunity to dream, love and reminisce wistfully about beautiful times gone by. She weaves this laid back magic over old school soul.Renowned producer Jason Miles adds his retro sounds on the Fender Rhodes, Vox Continental and Wurlitzer. “I really appreciate the opportunity to work with Jason and so many incredible musicians in making the dream of recording my first full-fledged project. Their incredible musicianship and craftsmanship inspired me every time I was in the studio.” After opening the EP with a dreamy and sensual twist on Hoagy Carmichael’s rarely covered gem “Winter Moon,” Rebecca keeps the sense of traveling nostalgia going with “What We Had.” This lush and graceful look back at a joyful romance was penned by Rebecca, her father Dennis and guitarist Jonah Prendergast. Rebecca and Dennis also co-wrote the set’s other original “Feel Alive,” a charming declaration of love and how it changes the heart. Also included on the EP is Rebecca’s 2016 single of "Jet Samba,” marking the first time legendary Brazilian composer Marcos Valle’s 2005 instrumental hit was recorded as a vocal. The track received a 4 star review in the January issue of the United Kingdom's premier jazz publication, Jazz Journal. "Angel's vocal and her band's combined musicality masters the jazz samba and pop fusions perfectly…An expressive EP taster.”-Jason Balzarano “Whether I’m performing live or recording, I’ve always been driven by my desire to evoke a meaningful emotional response.It’s all about connecting with people and bringing them together to make them feel they’re not alone. Music has always been part of how I think and do things in my life, and moving forward, I simply want to touch these audiences with the stories I tell.” Paving the way for Rebecca’s emergence as an artist in her own right, the 22-year old singer performed gigswith her father’s band at NYC hotspots including The Iridium,The Metropolitan Room and Café Noctambulo. “My dad has had a huge impact on my taste musically. Growing up he would play Peggy Lee, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis and the Beatles on my car rides to school. I loved it all.” Rebecca recently graduated with a degree in Vocal Jazz Studies from Ithaca College. She credits her immersive studies withgiving her the practical skills to develop her individually inspired style. A production of LIU Public Radio. Visit us at WCWP.org

On her sultry and soulful debut EP What We Had, Rebecca draws from a fresh whirlwind of classic and contemporary influences.With every swaying breeze of her distinctive voice, the multi-talented artist makes each track an opportunity to dream, love and reminisce wistfully about beautiful times gone by. She weaves this laid back magic over old school soul.Renowned producer Jason Miles adds his retro sounds on the Fender Rhodes, Vox Continental and Wurlitzer. “I really appreciate the opportunity to work with Jason and so many incredible musicians in making the dream of recording my first full-fledged project. Their incredible musicianship and craftsmanship inspired me every time I was in the studio.”After opening the EP with a dreamy and sensual twist on Hoagy Carmichael’s rarely covered gem “Winter Moon,” Rebecca keeps the sense of traveling nostalgia going with “What We Had.” This lush and graceful look back at a joyful romance was penned by Rebecca, her father Dennis and guitarist Jonah Prendergast. Rebecca and Dennis also co-wrote the set’s other original “Feel Alive,” a charming declaration of love and how it changes the heart. Also included on the EP is Rebecca’s 2016 single of "Jet Samba,” marking the first time legendary Brazilian composer Marcos Valle’s 2005 instrumental hit was recorded as a vocal. The track received a 4 star review in the January issue of the United Kingdom's premier jazz publication, Jazz Journal. "Angel's vocal and her band's combined musicality masters the jazz samba and pop fusions perfectly…An expressive EP taster.”-Jason Balzarano“Whether I’m performing live or recording, I’ve always been driven by my desire to evoke a meaningful emotional response.It’s all about connecting with people and bringing them together to make them feel they’re not alone. Music has always been part of how I think and do things in my life, and moving forward, I simply want to touch these audiences with the stories I tell.”Paving the way for Rebecca’s emergence as an artist in her own right, the 22-year old singer performed gigswith her father’s band at NYC hotspots including The Iridium,The Metropolitan Room and Café Noctambulo. “My dad has had a huge impact on my taste musically. Growing up he would play Peggy Lee, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis and the Beatles on my car rides to school. I loved it all.”Rebecca recently graduated with a degree in Vocal Jazz Studies from Ithaca College. She credits her immersive studies withgiving her the practical skills to develop her individually inspired style.A production of LIU Public Radio. Visit us at WCWP.org

On her sultry and soulful debut EP What We Had, Rebecca draws from a fresh whirlwind of classic and contemporary influences. With every swaying breeze of her distinctive voice, the multi-talented artist makes each track an opportunity to dream, love and reminisce wistfully about beautiful times gone by. She weaves this laid back magic over old school soul.Renowned producer Jason Miles adds his retro sounds on the Fender Rhodes, Vox Continental and Wurlitzer. “I really appreciate the opportunity to work with Jason and so many incredible musicians in making the dream of recording my first full-fledged project. Their incredible musicianship and craftsmanship inspired me every time I was in the studio.” After opening the EP with a dreamy and sensual twist on Hoagy Carmichael’s rarely covered gem “Winter Moon,” Rebecca keeps the sense of traveling nostalgia going with “What We Had.” This lush and graceful look back at a joyful romance was penned by Rebecca, her father Dennis and guitarist Jonah Prendergast. Rebecca and Dennis also co-wrote the set’s other original “Feel Alive,” a charming declaration of love and how it changes the heart. Also included on the EP is Rebecca’s 2016 single of "Jet Samba,” marking the first time legendary Brazilian composer Marcos Valle’s 2005 instrumental hit was recorded as a vocal. The track received a 4 star review in the January issue of the United Kingdom's premier jazz publication, Jazz Journal. "Angel's vocal and her band's combined musicality masters the jazz samba and pop fusions perfectly…An expressive EP taster.”-Jason Balzarano "Whether I’m performing live or recording, I’ve always been driven by my desire to evoke a meaningful emotional response.It’s all about connecting with people and bringing them together to make them feel they’re not alone. Music has always been part of how I think and do things in my life, and moving forward, I simply want to touch these audiences with the stories I tell.” Paving the way for Rebecca’s emergence as an artist in her own right, the 22-year old singer performed gigs with her father’s band at NYC hotspots including The Iridium,The Metropolitan Room and Café Noctambulo. “My dad has had a huge impact on my taste musically. Growing up he would play Peggy Lee, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis and the Beatles on my car rides to school. I loved it all.” Rebecca recently graduated with a degree in Vocal Jazz Studies from Ithaca College. She credits her immersive studies with giving her the practical skills to develop her individually inspired style.    

This New York born, New Jersey raised actress received TONY and Drama Desk Award nominations and won a Helen Hayes Award for her portrayal of Mother in the Kennedy Center Revival of RAGTIME on Broadway. She is currently starring in the record-breaking First National Tour of DEAR EVAN HANSEN. She made her Broadway debut creating the role of Emma in JEKYLL & HYDE, receiving a FANY award for Best actress in a musical. Ms. Noll received her second Drama Desk nomination for her work in CHAPLIN on Broadway. She has been seen perennially as Sister Margaretta in NBC’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE with Carrie Underwood and she supplied the singing-voice of Anna in the Warner Brothers animated feature THE KING AND I.    She has also enjoyed starring in Broadway productions of ELF (at Madison Square Garden), IT AIN’T NOTHIN’ BUT THE BLUES and on tour in URINETOWN (Ovation Award), THE MAMBO KINGS, GREASE!, MISS SAIGON and CITY OF ANGELS as well as a tour of Australia and Thailand of SOUTH PACIFIC. With a reputation for great versatility, Ms. Noll has performed a varied repertoire in Broadway, Operetta and Jazz. She has been a frequent guest soloist with symphony orchestras in every state in the USA, as well as international appearances with Toronto Symphony, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony, Sinfonica Brasileira in Rio, China Philharmonic with concert pianist, Lang Lang and orchestras in Hong Kong, Czech Republic and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She made her Carnegie Hall debut with Skitch Henderson, in his last pops performance with The New York Pops and sang with Steven Reineke SONDHEIM! THE BIRTHDAY CONCERT at Carnegie Hall. She made her Hollywood Bowl and O2 Arena debut singing with Julie Andrews in GIFTS OF MUSIC and her opera debut with Placido Domingo in THE MERRY WIDOW at the Kennedy Center as well as operetta performances in City Center Encores! THE NEW MOON, THE STUDENT PRINCE, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE and THE MIKADO. Ms. Noll has premiered shows Off-Broadway and regionally: SNOW CHILD, OCTOBER SKY, City Center Encores! 1776, John Kander’s KID VICTORY, THE COTTAGE, THEY’RE PLAYING HIS SONGS, ACE (Helen Hayes nomination), THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, THE PIPER, FRANKENSTEIN, KEPT (Krieger/Russell), CALL THE CHILDREN HOME, A FINE AND PRIVATE PLACE, TAKE FLIGHT (Maltby/Shire), LITTLE BY LITTLE and LIZZIE BORDEN.  And happily starred in favorites NEXT TO NORMAL (Connecticut Cristics Circle award), FOLLIES (St. Louis Critics Circle award), CLOSER THAN EVER (Off-Broadway Alliance award), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, MARY POPPINS, 1776, THE KING & I, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, INTO THE WOODS, MACK & MABEL (Connecticut Critics Circle Award), THE BAKER’S WIFE, THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Salzburg Marionette Theare), and CAROUSEL. Ms. Noll as also enjoyed television performances on LAW & ORDER SVU, MADAM SECRETARY, and THE GOOD FIGHT.  Christiane has performed her solo shows in cabaret at 54 Below, The Metropolitan Room, Birdland, The Regency, The Nikko, The Plush Room, The Duplex, The Nevermore, Arci’s Place, The China Club, Peaches, B.Smith’s and The West Bank Café as well as appearing in Town Hall's BROADWAY BY THE YEAR and the Lincoln Center's AMERICAN SONGBOOK SERIES.  Along will many cast albums and compilation recordings, she has released five solo CD’s, CHRISTIANE NOLL – A BROADWAY LOVE STORY and THE IRA GERSHWIN ALBUM, both on Fynsworth Alley, LIVE AT THE WESTBANK CAFÉ on 2Die4 Records, MY PERSONAL PROPERTY on Jay Records and GIFTS – LIVE AT 54 BELOW on Broadway Records. Christiane is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University.  ChristianeNoll.com - Twitter: @christianenoll - Instagram: @christiane.noll --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/confessionsofanactress/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/confessionsofanactress/support

Possessing a voice filled with delicious subtleties and striking authenticity, Nancy Harms has been declared “an original” with “a truly special voice and style” by DOWNBEAT magazine. Will Friedwald of the Wall Street Journal stated that “she engages the listener by seeming to put her whole soul completely forward…after hearing her just once, you'll never want to let her go.” Audiences all over the world keep coming back again and again to hear this rising-star, international jazz vocalist cast her spell and bare her heart. Born and raised in Minnesota, Harms relocated to New York City in 2010. She has toured Europe multiple times since 2010, with her most recent tour taking her to such prestigious venues as Copenhagen's “Standard” and “Jazzhus Montmartre”, Paris' “Duc des Lombards” and “New Morning”, “Herr Nilsen” in Oslo, Stockholm's “Fasching”, and other stops in Norway, Italy, The Netherlands, and Denmark. She has loved playing the Copenhagen Jazz Festival for the last four years in a row (along with many other festivals in greater Denmark) and hopping north to play Norway's Sortland Jazz Fest twice, and Norway's AnJazz Festival in Hamar. In North America, Nancy has appeared in the major jazz festivals of Pittsburgh, the Twin Cities, and Quebec City in Canada and has experienced the fun of touring her albums in many clubs across the U.S. Nancy's NYC appearances have included her own shows at Birdland, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola (Jazz at Lincoln Center), Smalls Jazz Club, The Kitano, 55 Bar, Mezzrow, and several other venues, including a series of performances with trombone legend Wycliffe Gordon; among them Dizzy's, The Lenox Lounge, and concerts in Toulouse, France. She premiered her most recent show entitled “Ellington at Night”, at Manhattan's famed Metropolitan Room in which the NEW YORK TIMES described her as “…[an] enigmatic woman of mystery forging her own path”. In addition to her own CDs “Dreams In Apartments” and “In The Indigo”, she appears on Wycliffe Gordon's disc “Hello Pops” and on Jeremy Siskind's releases “Finger-Songwriter” and “Housewarming”. One of her self-penned tunes from the “Dreams In Apartments” album (“Weight Of The World”) placed 3rd in Popjazzradio.com's international listener poll of top jazz tunes of 2014 with over a million and a half votes. New York City, Paris, Copenhagen, and “The World” adore Nancy Harms! Featured songs: - Heavenly Bodies - No! Go! - Won't Give In Video: - Rolling back to me Favorite places to play: “New York, Copenhagen, Paris, but it's all about the audience.” Best quotes from Nancy: “It really comes down to the audience for me, if the audience comes, really open-hearted and you can feel that space already, I just love a really open audience who is kind of game to go into their heart with you.” “In the jazz realm, I like a lot of space because I love the detail, and if there is too much going on, that's not as much fun for me.” From “The Desire Map” a book by Danielle Laporte:  “What are you really going for? So you don't get caught up in what everybody else is going for, what are the core emotions that you really want to feel and what makes you feel that way and be really honest about it.” “I was trying to be a recovering perfectionist.” Singers that have worked with Nancy:  Nika Sings, Emily Braden, Katie Kerdie, Michelle Denise Michaels Writing songs for people Nancy knows. Band Line up: Piano, upright bass, drums, and sometimes a guitar. You can follow Nancy here: Website www.nancyharms.com Facebook @nancyharmssings Instagram @nancyharmssings Twitter @nancyharmssings   Don't forget, subscribe rate & review the dHarmic Evolution podcast! For coaching help, reach out the james@thejamesoconnoragency.com Please sign up on www.dharmicevolution.com/guest-invite/ for artist opportunities. Join the Dharmic Evolution Community Facebook page! You can post your content on there for the whole world to see. Also, check out www.thejamesoconnoragency.com and find out how we can broadcast your global career!

The Magical Properties of Unicorn Ivory When a cynical reporter goes to observe a unicorn from an alternate universe that now lives in ours, she encounters poachers, a forest ranger and a child used as a unicorn lure. The Author: Carlos Hernandez is the author of The Assimilated Cuban's Guide to Quantum Santeria (Rosarium 2016) and numerous works of short fiction, poetry, and drama, mostly in SFF. Look for his middle-grade novel Sal and Gabi Break the Universe from Disney Hyperion in March 2019. The Actor: Dyan Flores is a musical theatre writer and performer. She was a regular on the Chicago improv and sketch comedy scene before she moved to New York and shifted her focus to musical theatre writing. Dyan has performed with Halcyon Theatre, Impress These Apes, The Paper Machete, Beast Women Cabaret, iO Chicago and more. Dyan is a member of the BMI Lehman Engel Advanced Musical Theatre Writing workshop, and she has had shows performed at the New York Library for the Performing Arts, American Theater Company, The Metropolitan Room, Milk Can Theatre Company, and NYU. flores.dyan@gmail.com

This week we take a look at Shotz! in San Francisco, The Tony Awards and Robert De Niro, the Anthony Bordain tragedy, and finally your summer Broadway Show List! ------------------------------------------------------------------- AMIOSWEST WAS FOUNDED  in 2012 as the West Coast outpost of Amios.  Amios (Art and Music in our Souls) was founded in 2009 by alumni of the National Theatre Conservatory. Since its inception, Amios has worked with over 500 artists to produce more than 300 original short, one-act and full-length plays in New York City, San Francisco, Boston and Los Angeles. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's the Next Performance of Shotz! THE MOON ALSO RISES July 11th at 7 PM 4th Street Theater 2020 Fourth St Berkeley, CA 94710 Get Tickets The ingredients. Each of the plays must: 1. Relate to the theme The Moon Also Rises 2. One character must experience disgust 3. Include the word gingivitis or mention a stone fruit The playwrights are Sunil Patel, Jess Thomas, Jeremy Cole, Christopher Magee, Michael Magee, Ray Renati and Malinda Coler The directors are Ray Renati, Anna Smith, Melanie Bandera-Hess, Puja Tolton, Malinda Coler, Jesse Lumb & Christopher Magee The actors are Moshe Goodman, Celia Maurice, Katie Whitcraft Randy Russell, Jayme Catalano, Cary Cronholm Rose, Megan Toth, Michael Magee, Christopher Magee, Anna Smith, Puja Tolton, Robyn Grahn, Angel Hertslet & Emily Stapleton $15 Online $20 at the Door -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CARLY OZARD Powerhouse Entertainer and actress Carly Ozard has had solo shows at The Rrazz Room, Feinstein's at the Nikko, Feinstein's/54 Below, Stage 72 at the Triad and The Metropolitan Room. She works in musical theatre, cabaret, and as a FEMcee for various events. An exceptional vocalist with comic and dark sides showcasing a repertoire that includes Musical Theatre, Contemporary Pop, Classic Rock and Electric Dance Music. A newly budding songwriter and cover artist, she just released her debut recording Universal Child on iTunes and CDBaby. Having acted as head judge of The Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco as well as a judge for The Voice of Vallarta and the San Francisco Cabaret Competition, Carly has been part of every community she has performed in. Carly has shared stages with Charles Strouse, Klea Blackhurst, Rita Moreno, Leslie Jordan, Maureen McGovern, Miranda Sings! and more. She is a two time Burner at Burning Man, a proud member of AEA and The New York City Friar's Club, and she is reinventing herself and expanding her fan base! Carly Ozard performs regularly in San Francisco and is based out of New York.   carlyozard.com amioswest.org rayrenati.com raysgreenroom.com

Corporate Executive by day. Celia Berk has spent over 20 years at WPP, the world's largest marketing communications company.  As Chief Employee Experience Officer, J. Walter Thompson, she reports to the CEO and focuses on ensuring the work lives of JWT employees are as rewarding as possible. As Group Talent Partner, WPP she reports to the company's Chief Transformation Officer and works with over 50 global account teams to advance WPP's strategic focus on “horizontality.” Award-winning Singer by night. Celia set out to have a life in the theatre, and returned to performing in 2009. She is the recipient of the 2017 BroadwayWorld Award for Best Female Vocalist and her highly anticipated second album, MANHATTAN SERENADE, won the 2017 LaMott Friedman Award. Of her extended run of shows at New York's Metropolitan Room celebrating its release, Stephen Holden wrote in The New York Times, “Ms. Berk makes you feel about New York the same way a Cole Porter song makes you feel about Paris.”  It received the 2016 BroadwayWorld Award for Best New York Cabaret Show, Female.  Rex Reed calls Celia "One of the best singers I've heard in a long time" and Michael Feinstein says, “I so enjoy Celia's beautiful vocal sound and style, and her taste in song choices.” MANHATTAN SERENADE is arranged and conducted by Alex Rybeck and co-produced by Tony Award-winning sound designer Scott Lehrer, the team behind her 2014 debut album YOU CAN'T RUSH SPRING. That album and Celia's solo cabaret debut, directed by Jeff Harnar, earned Celia a 2015 Bistro Award: Vocalist, 2015 MAC Award: New York Debut – Female, 2015 BroadwayWorld Award for Best New York Cabaret Debut, and The 2015 Margaret Whiting Award. Celia has made memorable appearances at Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Town Hall. MANHATTAN SERENADE and YOU CAN'T RUSH SPRING are available at iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby.com, and Pandora. More information can be found at GramercyNightingale.com and at Facebook.com/Instagram/Twitter/YouTube: CeliaBerkMusic Paying it forward through Philanthropy. Celia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Hofstra University and serves on the school's Women in Leadership initiative. She is on the Advisory Council of the National Executive Service Corps, and sits on the Global Advisory Board for the Future of Advertising Project at Wharton. She is a Trustee of the Nina Abrams Fund.  In this episode, Celia shares her one way ticket to the "present perfect". She also talks about music, music and more music! And of course, the episode features Celia taking to the mic on three enchanting tunes.  Celia is just one of the extraordinary guests featured on The One Way Ticket Show, where Host Steven Shalowitz explores with his guests where they'd go if given a one way ticket, no coming back! Destinations may be in the past, present, future, real, imaginary or a state of mind. Steven's guests have included: Nobel Peace Prize Winner, President Jose Ramos-Horta; Legendary Talk Show Host, Dick Cavett; Law Professor, Alan Dershowitz; Broadcast Legend, Charles Osgood; International Rescue Committee President & CEO, David Miliband; Grammar Girl, Mignon Fogarty; Journalist-Humorist-Actor Mo Rocca; ; Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.; Abercrombie & Kent Founder, Geoffrey Kent; Travel Expert, Pauline Frommer, as well as leading photographers, artists, writers and more.  

New York City based Comedian Nancy Lombardo,  Nancy Lombardo has performed her unique comedy from coast to coast.  TV credits include The Colin Quinn Show NBC, Saturday Night Live “All my Children” PBS, network and cable television Comedy Tonight, Nickelodeon and the Comedy Channel. She can be seen weekly on The Nancy Lombardo Show channel 56/83/34 NYC and live worldwide on www.mnn.org. She has written for Penthouse and Cracked magazine and created Ms. Quotable, a comic strip for Lady's Circle Magazine. Nancy was a winner of the Toyota Comedy Festivals "Laughter in Motion” and a Cable Arts Insight Comedy Award." Spot-lighted more than once in *Backstage, as both comedian/writer, she currently indulges her taste for the irreverent in her Stand Up Comedy and show, "Jazz Housewife." Nancy is creator of MOMEDY™, part of the International Mamapalooza Festival. She is a member of The Friars Club. www.comedyconcepts.com available at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/NancyLombardo METROPOLITAN ROOM     Cabaret 24 Hr Plus Marathon Extravaganza  SUN SEPT 24 at 9PM AND ENDS MON SEPT 25 at 11PM  $15 ONE TIME ADMISSION FEE, GOOD FOR THE ENTIRE 24 HOUR MARATHON.   Bistro Award-winning Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, This year the Metropolitan Room, which eclipsed the Guinness World Record for longest variety show, January 1 to 4, 2014 launched a new tradition for the club… the Annual “Cabaret 24-Hour Marathon Extravaganza… It’s a Tradition,” stretching from Sunday September 24 at 9pm to Monday September 25 at 11pm At 24 plus continuous hours it still is the biggest show of the year, 24 plus hours of live entertainment featuring an eye-popping cross-section of singers, musicians, poets and variety acts from New York and beyond.

JBN sat down with Stanley Martin from Broadway's ALADDIN, whose cabaret "Smoke & Mirrors" is happening on Monday, August 28th at the Metropolitan Room in NYC. For tickets, visit http://metropolitanroom.com/event.cfm?id=256069. Song Premiere: "Handbasket" by Joel B. New (www.joelbnew.com) This episode was recorded live in the Mary Rodgers Room at the Dramatists Guild (www.dramatistsguild.com)

Deardra Shuler talks with American actress, singer and vocal coach, Peggi Blu. Peggi has sung, wrote, co-produced and co-arranged recordings in movies and on stages for countless stars such as Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Burt Bacharach, Edwin Hawkins, The Staples Singers, Imelda Papin, Quincy Jones, Adam Sandler,  Luther Vandross, The Crystals, The Sandpebbles, Phyllis Hyman, Stephanie Mills, Aaron Neville,et.al.  She performed at the 1993 & 1997 inaugerations of President Bill Clinton and appeared in a Barbra Streisand special.   Her albums and singles include “I Got Love,” “I Want It All Now,” Girls It Ain't Easy and her critically acclaimed cd “Blu Blowin,’” “Livin’ On Love,”"Love Is The Magic", “What About You,” "When We Loved" & "I See You" with the group Cool Million and a host of duets with major stars. Peggi is the 1986 Female Vocalist Grand Champion of Star Search and Vocal Coach for American Idol.  She wrote three one-woman shows and received rave reviews for her show “Sinatra In Blu.” She won the Malibu Music Award for Best Vocalist, and was a presenter and performer at the 2014 NAACP Awards. She has numerous movie soundtracks to her credits such as “Set It Off” with Queen Latifah “The Hurricane” starring Denzel Washington and “Desert Heat” starring Jean Claude Van Damme. She appeared on stage in The Wiz as Aunty Em. Ms Blu will be appearing at the Metropolitan Room, on August 11th, 2017 @ 7pm, located at 34 West 22nd Street NYC. 

Powerhouse Entertainer and actress Carly Ozard has had solo shows at The Rrazz Room, Feinstein's at the Nikko, Feinstein's/54 Below, Stage 72 at the Triad and The Metropolitan Room. She works in musical theatre, cabaret, and as a FEMcee for various events. An exceptional vocalist with comic and dark sides showcasing a repertoire that includes Musical Theatre, Contemporary Pop, Classic Rock and Electric Dance Music. A newly budding songwriter and cover artist, she just released her debut recording Universal Child on iTunes and CDBaby. Having acted as head judge of The Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco as well as a judge for The Voice of Vallarta and the San Francisco Cabaret Competition, Carly has been part of every community she has performed in. Carly has shared stages with Charles Strouse, Klea Blackhurst, Rita Moreno, Leslie Jordan, Maureen McGovern, Miranda Sings! and more. She is a two-time Burner at Burning Man, a proud member of AEA and The New York City Friar's Club, and she is reinventing herself and expanding her fan base! Carly Ozard performs regularly in San Francisco and is based out of New York. 

Bernie Furshpan, a man of multiple careers: drummer, stand-up comedian, concert promoter, marketing consultant, motivational coach, AND an accomplished chiropractor describes the fabulous shows at the Metropolitan Room, where he is managing partner.

This is the second episode of Let Me Ascertain You is drawn from “Flops, Failures and Fiascos,” an original cabaret that explored and celebrated disasters of all shades as told by those who have survived the shame, horror and glory of failing big. “Flops, Failures and Fiascos,” was curated by 2015-16 R&D Group directors Sanaz Ghajar and Colette Robert and featured interviews conducted by the Civilians’ Field Research Team. This episode features two original songs and a story about extra special flops that live on as spectacular stories Maria-Christina Oliveras performs “The Only Time,” written by Eric March about an extra bloody production of "Hamlet". Next, we hear Cindy Cheung perform “Lament for a Tuesday (or, Aftermath,” a song written by Sam Chanse and Christopher Larkin that tells the tale of a Tinder date gone spectacularly wrong. Finally, the episode closes with Nic Cory portraying Michael R., a theater critic whose sharp tongued response to a production of "Fiddler on the Roof" garnered him a blow to the head. “Flops, Failures and Fiascos” was performed live at the Metropolitan Room on February 23, 2016. Sanaz Ghajar and Colette Robert directed a cast that featured Ally Bonino, Cindy Cheung, Nic Cory, Cornelius Davidson, Alex Grubbs, Jen Kwok, Nedra McClyde, Maria-Christina Oliveras and Chris Tyler.  The cabaret featured songs written by Adam Cochran, Jo Lampert and Matthew Marsh; Julia Meinwald and Gordon Leary; Eric March; Sam Chanse and Christopher Larkin; and Trevor Bachman. Featured musicians included Trevor Bachman, Alex Grubbs, Cheeyoung Kim, Eric March and Greg Tock.

This episode of Let Me Ascertain You is drawn from Flops, Failures and Fiascos, an original cabaret that explored and celebrated disasters of all shades as told by those who have survived the shame, horror and glory of failing big. Flops, Failures and Fiascos was curated by 2015-16 R&D Group directors Sanaz Ghajar and Colette Robert and featured interviews conducted by the Civilians’ Field Research Team. In this episode we hear two original songs and a pair of intertwined monologues all surrounding epic fails. First, Jen Kwok, Ally Bonino, Cindy Cheung, Nic Cory and Alex Grubbs perform “Go For It,” written by Adam Cochran, Jo Lampert and Matthew Marsh. Next, we hear Ally Bonino sing “Lost and Found,” written by Julia Meinwald and Gordon Leary. This original song draws upon an interview with a woman who flirts with disaster, but makes it by with a little help from her friends. Finally, the episode closes with Maria-Christina Oliveras and Chris Tyler portraying guests at two different, but equally calamitous, wedding celebrations. Flops, Failures and Fiascos was performed live at the Metropolitan Room on February 23, 2016. Sanaz Ghajar and Colette Robert directed a cast that featured Ally Bonino, Cindy Cheung, Nic Cory, Cornelius Davidson, Alex Grubbs, Jen Kwok, Nedra McClyde, Maria-Christina Oliveras and Chris Tyler.  The cabaret featured songs written by Adam Cochran, Jo Lampert and Matthew Marsh; Julia Meinwald and Gordon Leary; Eric March; Sam Chanse and Christopher Larkin; and Trevor Bachman. Featured musicians included Trevor Bachman, Alex Grubbs, Cheeyoung Kim, Eric March and Greg Tock.To hear more of these podcasts, subscribe to Let Me Ascertain You here on Soundcloud, or on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/let-m…cast/id477971690

Award winning actress Penny Fuller is our special guest today.  Penny will chat with Michael and Blanca Masci about her incredible career and upcoming appearance at The Metropolitan Room in "Sin Twisters Too", also starring Anita Gillette.  CALL IN LIVE TO SPEAK WITH PENNY 516-418-5590! VISIT http://www.MichaelMasciLive.com FOR MORE INFORMATION SIN TWISTERS - Penny Fuller and Anita Gillette are two multi-award winning Broadway actresses armed with MORE adventures from the Golden Age of Broadway.  Stories and songs of their glories and dissappointments, adventures in the land of motherhood, friendship, and romance. These vibrant and savvy veterans of over two dozen Broadway productions have both even tackled some of the same parts including the plum role of Sally Bowles in the original Broadway production cast of Cabaret. Directed by Barry Kleinbort, with musical direction by Paul Greenwood, SIN TWISTERS is a must for anyone who loves theater music and show biz lore, and cherishes the enduring bonds of friendship. Order Tickets Here: http://metropolitanroom.com/event.cfm?id=237677

Next up in my series of conversations with cabaret and pop musicians is Gretchen Reinhagen. Gretchen is a multi-award winning artist, receiving the coveted TRIPLE CROWN of cabaret awards in 2010: the Nightlife Award, Bistro Award and MAC Award - for her show “Special Kaye: A Tribute to the Incomparable Kaye Ballard” directed by Barry Kleinbort, with Musical Director David Gaines. Gretchen has worked with some of the biggest names in cabaret including Steve Ross and Karen Mason. Her shows cover a broad range of material from Musical Comedy to Blues and Rock. Former Back Stage and Citysearch critic Roy Sander said, “Gretchen Reinhagen's shows are marked by intelligence, warmth, a lovely spirit of benevolence, and fine vocals. It is always a pleasure to spend an hour in her company.” As both a singer and an actress, she's performed in a broad range of theaters and concert halls from the House of Blues in New Orleans to the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her professional theater credits include Janis Joplin in Beehive, Louise Segar in Always Patsy Cline, Domina in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the lead role of the therapist in the premiere of Mother Me Therapy at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York, and the Queen Mother in the European premiere of Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. At her recent show at the Metropolitan Room in Manhattan, I was struck by her ability to take on songs that are so strongly identified with other performers -- singing a "Streisand song" or a "Fanny Bryce" song, for example -- and show them from an altogether different perspective.  We'll talk about her inspirations for her art, how she approaches a lyric, and get some insight into the world of cabaret.  Learn more about Gretchen at www.gretchenreinhagen.com.

My guest tonight, Julie Budd, is considered to be one of the most exciting singers on the scene today. https://juliebudd.com/wp-content/uploads/metropolitan_room_october-2015.jpg Winner of the Broadway World Award for Best Show – “They Wrote The Songs” – Julie Budd has enjoyed a very multi-faceted career that ranges from television to film, along with the New York stage and symphonies all over  the country. Julie is in the process of writing a book about her days as a child prodigy alongside the greatest entertainment legends of all time.  Julie will be performing her show "They Wrote The Songs, Remembering Mr. Sinatra and Friends" locally here in New York on October 21st at the renowned Metropolitan Room, less than two months before Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday! Fans can connect with Julie Budd at her Website www.juliebudd.com and on Facebook as well.  From there, they can keep up with her touring engagements and exciting events throughout the year. Get Julie's new album, "Remembering Mr. Sinatra":  www.bit.ly/juliebuddalbum See Julie at the Metropolitan Room: http://metropolitanroom.com/event.cfm?id=159914

CHARLIE JOHNSON is an artist living in New York. He is currently directing HeadVoice for NYMF. As an actor, Mr. Johnson has been seen in venues across the nation like Paper Mill Playhouse and the 5th Avenue Theatre. As a cabaret artist, he recently debuted his club act, CHARLIE! Anything but Basic, at the Metropolitan Room to rave reviews. He is reprising his performance this September at 54Below. Upcoming projects include participation in the 5th Avenue’s NextFest and assistant directing Into the Woods for North Carolina Theatre. BFA: Elon University. @chipper_charles / www.charliejohnsononeline.com. Song Presentation: "Henry's Other Golden Rule" from Joel B. New's MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY. Accompanied by Mike Pettry on piano. Recorded live on 6/18/15 @ Michiko Rehearsal Studios in NYC.

Singer/saxophonist Danny Bacher is one of the most versatile musicians on the scene today, with a rare ability to communicate the standards to a contemporary audience. With over a decade of professional experience, this award-winning artist has performed with jazz legends from Jon Hendricks to Wynton Marsalis. Experience Danny Bacher's unique sound and see why he's setting a “new standard” in jazz. Danny Bacher is getting ready to launch his debut album, Swing That Music in 2015. The disc features an impressive array of jazz luminaries: Ray Drummond, Warren Vache, Howard Alden, Bill Goodwin, Houston Person, and rising vocal star, Cyrille Aimée. Rounding out this dream team is Executive Producer Suzi Reynolds and Grammy-nominated Producer Roseanna Vitro.Website: http://dannybachermusic.com/onepage/ Opening next week and running for 4 nights only at the world-famous Metropolitan Room in NYC is my jazz tribute to the three Louis! (That's Armstrong, Prima, and Jordan...) Join me and the band for a celebration of my debut recording project as we perform selections from “Swing That Music!”The show is directed by legendary singer Marilyn Maye and features a truly all-star line-up of jazz  Tuesday, June 16th, 7pm-8:15pm  Thursday, June 25th, 9:30pm-10:45pm -  Friday, June 26th, 7pm-8:15pm  Sunday, June 28th, 4pm-5:15pm 

In anticipation of his own upcoming solo concert debut, award-winning musical theatre writer Joel B. New sat down with three respected artists in the cabaret world to ask them about the impetus for getting into cabaret, what they’ve learned, and what inspires them. Nikki MacCallum is an actress, writer, and cabaret artist living in New York City. She’s originally from the Boston area and holds a BM from NYU. As a cabaret artist she’s performed at venues throughout NYC including 54 Below, The Metropolitan Room and Lincoln Center. Last fall, Nikki was a featured artist at Birdland along side Donna McKechnie and Jerry Mitchell. She recently attended the Eugene O’Neill Cabaret Conference directed by John McDaniel where she started developing “Familiar Things,” her most recent cabaret, which earned her second MAC nomination. Melanie Kann earned her BFA in Drama at NYU'S Tisch School of the Arts where she concentrated in Musical Theatre at CAP 21 Conservatory, and also double majored in Broadcast Journalism. When she isn't singing a showtune, odds are she is either out running an inappropriate amount of miles in prep for her next marathon, coaching young runners with Run4Fun youth running club, or slingin' sneakers at Jack Rabbit Sports in Park Slope. Her show “Songs for Square Pegs” just enjoyed its second incarnation at the Metropolitan Room. A jack-of-all trades theatre person, Thomas Honeck built sets for HBO, earned his Equity card playing Harry McAfee in “Bye, Bye Birdie, " designed lights for various theatres throughout the city, taught at the Yale Cabaret Conference, and toured the country with The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Thomas made his cabaret debut in 2004 with “Going On Faith… ” for which he was nominated for a MAC Award. He won two years later for his follow-up show “Dreaming Wide Awake.” Thomas has been an integral part at the Duplex for 19 years and has been the proud Program Director for its Cabaret Theatre since 2006. He has recently collaborated with his creative partner & director, Lisa Moss, on their 3rd show together, “Dancing With Death,” which can be seen at the Duplex on May 27th & July 12th at 7pm. All proceeds go to the ALS Association and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). For the song portion of the episode, Joel performs "Somebody Else" at Actoria In The Astor Room, a new weekly musical theatre series in Astoria Queens, created by Josh Bardier and David Bryant Johnson. "Joel B. New In Concert" is on Friday, April 24th at 9:30PM at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre in New York. Directed by Justin Daniel. Tickets are $12 in advance ($15 at the door) plus a 2-drink minimum. To purchase tickets, visit purplepass.com/joelbnew.

Joy at the Metropolitan Room & Road Recovery with Teresa Eggertsen Cooke, Singer/Pianist “Joy!” Teresa Eggertsen Cooke returns to Metropolitan Room for a special Holiday program, Saturday, December 13th, 4:00 PM.  The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 W 22nd Street, New York City, NY 10010. Telephone Your RSVP at (212) 206-0440 As she deftly proved in her show "Decades of Song" at the Metropolitan Room back in September, contemporary jazz singer-pianist Teresa Eggertsen Cooke can capably blend songs old and new alike and make them her own. This holiday season will prove to be extra special for Teresa's audience. The vocalist is teaming up with the charity "Road Recovery" (www.roadrecovery.org)* Now in its 16th year, “Road Recovery” works with underprivileged and abused youth, so they will avoid the pitfalls of addiction and grow up to lead meaningful lives, using the power of music.” Teresa explains.  The charity has touched Teresa's heart. Listen to Teresa's music at:  FEVER! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpi0LfOJU6w DON'T CRY OUT LOUD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-o-rglHPV4

Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation (www.QueenQuet.com) continues the celebration of "Women's Herstory Month 2014" by bringing to the airwaves, Tamar-Kali, the originator of Geechee Goddess Hardcore Warrior Soul!   They will discuss the new crowd funding campaign to bring Tamar-Kali on tour on the east coast of the United States: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/tamarkali As Tamar-Kali continues her journey in evolutionary music, Latrese Bush continues to evolve in her musical career and will soon appear in NYC.  Tune in to learn about her show at the Metropolitan Room. All three of these Gullah/Geechee musical artists have roots in Beaufort County, SC in the Gullah/Geechee Nation.  Cum yeddi mo bout disya an sing along pun we sho-Gullah/Geechee Riddim Radio! www.gullahgeecheenation.com

On a special Prime Time Mompreneur Model Show, Julia Breanetta Simpson joins me to share her work in the arts. Tune in February 12 at 9pmET for Word of Mom Radio - the show for Mompreneurs - the NEW Business Woman. An actress/singer, Julia created Breanetta Productions to provide affordable access to quality arts programming for a diverse audience. Through plays, musicals and concerts that inspire, educate and entertain, Breanetta Productions honors and celebrates contributions made to society and world culture by African Americans. On February 15th, back by popular demand at the Metropolitan Room in NYC,  "Julia And The Duke: A Tribute To Duke Ellington" offering popular standards and little known gems honoring the music and legacy of the "King of Jazz", Edward Kennedy Ellington, who we all know as "The Duke". Visit breanettaproductions.com to see excerpts from the show and for reservations call 212 206 0440 or go to metropolitanroom.com. Thanks to our show sponsors Healthy Concepts and Safety First Bags. Be sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Google+ and email us at wordofmomradio@gmail.com for info.  Word of Mom Radio - sharing the wisdom of women.

JENNA ESPOSITO  has performed her solo shows at Feinstein's at Loews Regency, The Metropolitan Room, Backstage dopo teatro, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, and The Duplex, also Manhattan's historic Little Italy, including solo concerts at the famed San Gennaro Festival. A three-time MAC Award nominee for Outstanding Female Vocalist she recently made her debut at Manhattan's historic Town Hall, sharing the stage with Liza Minnelli, Chita Rivera, Lucie Arnaz, Larry Gatlin and Marilyn Maye. Jenna has 2 CDs available through iTunes and CDBaby.com. The first, 13 Men…and Me, The second CD is a live recording of Jenna's Connie Francis tribute show, which was recorded during her June-July, 2009 run of the show at The Metropolitan Room in Manhattan. For more infon her CDs and upcoming performance, visit www.jennaesposito.com.

M*A*S*H's original Hot Lips Houlihan, whose new CD is titled Sally, recalls making the 1985 TV film Murder Among Friends with the late great Leslie Nielsen—who teased her with fake flatulence. “I'd always looked up to him. I thought he was a wonderful, serious actor,” she tells Milling About host Robin Milling. “We were doing this play for film in New York. The first day we were getting ready to shoot he comes into my dressing room with some other people from the play and suddenly there's this big resounding fart and we all go, ‘Ha ha ha,' and out he goes,” adds Sally, who's also got a singing gig at The Metropolitan Room in New York. “First I felt sorry for him and then I was sickened. I never wanted to see him again. By the end of the day, he'd left and we were finished filming and someone said it was a fart machine. He was perfectly willing to have me think—and anyone else—that he was ill!”

Broadway crooner John Leone who appeared in such shows as Jersey Boys and Les Miserable joins Robin Milling to mangia Italian at Gaetana's restaurant in Greenwich Village. Leone talks about singing the songs his father loved from Frank Sinatra to Vic Damone for his Metropolitan Room debut.

This episode we talk with Natalie Toro (Tale of Two Cities, Les Miz) about her new solo CD and her upcoming gig at the Metropolitan Room. We also talk with the producers of the FRIGID New York Festival. And of course we have a couple great performances from our most recent showcase!

Special Episode #1: When I decided I wanted to use "Man in the Moon" for a *special* podcast episode, it came to me in about a millisecond who HAD to sing it: Nancy Anderson. Not only because she's an amazing talent and friend, but also because no one captures the sound of the 20's and 30's like Nancy. Check out her wonderful new solo CD, Ten Cents a Dance, for conclusive proof.Nancy and I met in 2001, performing together in the Broadway production of A Class Act, where she was my "show girlfriend." Nancy created the role of "Mona" in the Manhattan Theatre Club production and subsequently made her Broadway debut in that role when the show moved to the Ambassador. She had already created a sensation Off-Broadway in Jolson & Company, which earned her her first Drama Desk nomination.Since then, she has been dazzling audiences with her many stellar performances, most notably as Lois/Bianca in the revival of Kiss Me, Kate, first on the US Tour and then in the West End production, which was later filmed for PBS. (Does she nail the period or what?) Don't forget her wonderful performance in the 2003 revival of Wonderful Town! (Period!!) This past season, at the York Theatre, she won over critics and audiences alike in the title role of Fanny Hill. (She even nailed the 18th Century, as well as a second Drama Desk Nom!)If you're wondering whether she can pull off a contemporary role (yes!), then you must have missed her hot, hot performance in this year's Off-Broadway play, Burleigh Grime$.In this episode, Nancy sings "Man in the Moon", an audition spec song I wrote this summer. (What this means is, when producers are considering several different people or teams to write their new show, sometimes they'll ask them all to write songs for that project as part of the audition process.) The project in question takes place around 1930, and that's about as specific as I can be right now. (Recorded 11/3/06.)Luckily, you'll have some opportunities to see and hear Nancy coming up! Foremost among her many November appearances is her engagement at The Metropolitan Room, two Tuesday night shows, November 14 and November 28, at 9:30 PM. Not to be missed!And speaking of other things not to miss, I'd also like to remind you about the Jeff Blumenkrantz Songbook Concert at Birdland on Monday, November 20th at 7PM, featuring Liz Callaway, Victoria Clark, Michael McElroy, Mary Testa, and Alysha Umphress! Call 212 581 3080 to reserve, or buy your tickets online.

Sharon Rae North it's all about the tone, phrasing, articulation, and interpretation of a lyric. Her audiences and fans can tell. She is a masterful manipulator when it comes to her voice, making it go whenever and wherever she wants it to go.She has enthralled and captivated audiences throughout the United States and internationally with her vocal style and subtle confidence and her combination of seriousness and playfulness during shows.In July 2022, on the heels of several EP projects, she will release her first 10-song project, an album called Silhouette. The project got underway in 2019, with the release of the Billboard-charting single Moments, featuring saxophonist Marion Meadows. In 2021, still working with Grammy-nominated producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis, they resumed recording, with Sharon at a studio in Richmond, Virginia with Big Dog on Zoom from Connecticut. One of the tunes, We Should be in Love (Silhouette), written by Sharon, began climbing the charts after going for radio ads in early January. Sharon also has two-time Grammy-winning producer Paul Brown on her upcoming project. Sharon puts on a fabulous performance as a headliner and an opener. She has opened for many national acts, including Bob James, Joe Sample, the Jazz Crusaders, Patti LaBelle, and many others.She has performed at venues throughout the U.S., including the Georgia Aquarium, Nighttown in Cleveland, the Metropolitan Room in New York City, Natalie's in Columbus, Ohio, Blu Jazz+ in Akron, Ohio, Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation, Isaac Hayes Restaurant in Memphis, Twins Jazz in D.C., James River Cellars in Richmond, VA, Bayfest in Mobile, AL, Fridays at Sunset and Jazz at Maymont in Richmond, VA, Durham Summer Music Series in NC. She has performed at Chalabre in Serenade in France and has been invited to perform at venues in Croatia, Shanghai, and other countries.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ladydiva-live-radio/exclusive-content