It was another talent-packed, star-studded evening of music and laughter at Jim Caruso's Cast Party. Birdland, the venerable jazz club, was jammed with singers, composers, actors, instrumentalists, and the people who love them! Actress Kathy Najimy and husband Dan Finnerty (of The Dan Band) were seen cheering friends, as was the King of the Great American Songbook, Michael Feinstein. Michael Orland, the musical director/pianist for "American Idol" accompanied a few talented pals, ex-Jersey Boy Erich Bergen crooned, Lady Rizo vamped, Susie Mosier camped, and Trevor McQueen jazzed up a standard. Songwriter Mark Aaron James debuted an original tune, Chris DiCristo belted an Adele song, and Jenna Esposito showed why she is rapidly becoming the Crown Princess of Cabaret! A highlight of the evening happened when Australians Philippa Lynas and Matthew Robinson performed a Robinson-penned song, which has earned him a showcase overseen by Stephen Schwartz. As always, the festivities were over seen by host Caruso, and the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra, which included Tedd Firth on piano, Steve Doyle on bass, and Daniel Glass on drums.
Jim Caruso's Cast Party takes place every Monday night at 9:30 at Birdland (315 West 44 Street, NYC). Please call 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com for reservations.
View photos of the star-studded night at Birdland below!
Photos by Derek Storm
