Beechman's Feb. Line-Up Includes 'After Party' with Maroulis

The West Bank Café has announced upcoming performances to be presented in The Laurie Beechman Theatre this February.

On February 9th, Jacques Brel... and "American Idol" star Constantine Maroulis will appear at The After Party, which is held every Friday from 10:30pm to 2am.  "We continue our weekly open-mic schmoozefest for the theatrically inclined, hosted by iron-lunged Brandon Cutrell and Alysha Umphress, with Ray Fellman at the keys and Lisa Asher behind the bar (her pour is as ferocious as her belt). Come hang and belt out a showtune or two. No cover, no minimum."

David Gurland will perform "D-GUR in Concert '07" on Sunday, February 18th at 7 pm.  "The multi award-winning and out gay vocalist, is presenting his most ambitious performance series to date- 'The DGUR Concerts:' the third Sunday of each month. Every show will have a different musical director with different musicians, and guest stars. The second performance of this series on February 18th will be an all-country music night For this performance, David is overjoyed to have special guests Lisa Asher (2007 Nightlife Award Winner Outstanding Female Vocalist) and Randi Driscoll (Songwriter of 'What Matters,' featured in the NBC film, 'The Matthew Shepard Story'). The evening will be musically directed by Tim DiPasqua.  There is a $16 cover.

Alysha Umphress will present shows on Monday, February 5 at 9:30pm and Wednesday, February 7 at 7pm.  "Umphress, the voice that roared, takes to our stage in her own solo show, showing off her impressive vocal prowess."  There is a $15 cover.

Jasper Kump will take the stage on Friday, February 2 at 7pm.  "The Kump is back with a reprise of his dynamic new show, Starfish and Coffee, a super-eclectic, soulful selection of songs that span 50 years of music. From Sylvia Syms to The Smiths and from Mr. Rogers to Jill Scott."  There is a $20 cover for his show.

Jenna Esposito will present "Smooch!" on Friday, February 2 at 9pm and Friday, February 9 at 9pm.  "Just in time for Valentine's Day, Jenna Esposito will be singing some favorite tunes about everyone's favorite pastime, including songs from such varied composers as Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Bonnie Raitt, Rodgers and Hart and more."   There is a $16 cover.

Lisa Asher will perform on Wednesday, February 14 at 8:30pm.  "Recent Nightlife Award-winner Lisa Asher (Stranded in the Moonlight), brings her annual Valentine's Day show uptown. Join us for dinner and show." Seating for dinner begins at 7:30. For tickets, visit Smarttix: www.smarttix.com or call 212 868 4444.  The evening includes a $85 dinner and show package.

Our Lady J will present shows on Friday, February 11 at 7pm and Sunday, February 16 at 7pm.  "In an unforgettable evening of original songs and phenomenal up-and-coming music, sensation Our Lady J (aka Jonnah Speidel) performs her solo concert with the Pink Champagne Orchestra, directed by Ben Rimalower (Joy, Patti LiPone is Leslie Kritzer at Les Mouches)."  Cover is $15. 

"My Friend the Cat" will be performed on Friday, February 23rd at 8pm.  "Phil Geoffrey Bond relates his short piece about his favorite furry companion, complete with guest vocalists and multi-media presentation! Featuring: Tom Anderson, Lisa Asher, Brandon Cutrell, Suzanne Fiore, Julie Reyburn and Alysha Umphress."  There is a $12 cover.

The West Bank Café is located at 407 West 42nd. St., at Ninth Avenue. For reservations, please call 212.695.6909, between the hours of 12pm and 8pm.  Please note there is a $15 food and/or beverage minimum at each performance, with the exception of The After Party. All major credit cards are accepted.

Photo - Constantine Maroulis