Donn Trenner and Shaynee Rainbolt Return to the Metropolitan Room in December

In his first New York major engagement in 25 years, Emmy-nominated musical director, conductor, arranger and jazz pianist Donn Trenner collaborated with MAC and Bistro Award-winning jazz vocalist Shaynee Rainbolt for four Fridays in September. That critically acclaimed engagement returns to the Metropolitan Room in New York City for Four encore performances: Sunday, December 9th at 4pm; Tuesday December 11 at 7pm; and Saturday and Sunday December 15 & 16 at 4pm.

A bebop pianist of distinction, Trenner played with the likes of Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, Oscar Pettiford, Charles Mingus, and Ben Webster, appearing on over 100 jazz albums from 1950 onward. During the Big Band era he played with Ted Fio Rito, Buddy Morrow, Charlie Barnett and Tommy Dorsey. While with the Les Brown Orchestra, he worked with Bob Hope for seven years as his personal accompanist and occasional music director, participating in six of the Bob Hope International Christmas tours.

A leading musical director, Trenner appeared nightly on the famed Steve Allen Show, leading the Donn Trenner Orchestra. He was also Ann-Margret’s musical director for 18 years, and he worked extensively touring with Shirley MacLaine, which led to an Emmy nomination for music direction, arranging and conducting the television special, Gypsy In My Soul. As Musical Director for Nancy Wilson, he conducted many international orchestras and performed in television specials for Swedish Broadcasting, German broadcasting and the BBC.

As an accompanist, he has worked with such artists as Lena Horne, Anita O’Day, Vicki Carr, Dick Haymes, Jose Feliciano, Jack Jones, Frances Faye, Nelson Riddle, Paul Broadnax, Rita Moreno, Nancy Wilson, Ann-Margret, and Shirley MacLaine. Currently he can be heard leading The Hartford Jazz Orchestra.

A Bistro Award winner, two-time MAC Award winner, and four-time MAC Award nominee, Shaynee Rainbolt has been hailed as ‘one to watch’ by Scott Yanow in his book "The Jazz Singers: The Ultimate Guide." Her first two CD’s were released on 33Jazz Records out of the UK (www.33jazz.com). Her third CD, "Charmed Life: Shaynee Rainbolt SINGS Russell Garcia," won the MAC Award for best Jazz Recording. Her most recent show honored the legendary composer/arranger/conductor Russell Garcia on the occasion of his 95th birthday, touring Australia, New Zealand, and the US.

Rainbolt & Trenner have been nominated for four 2012 BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret Awards for Best Duo/Group; Best Jazz Vocalist; Best Musical Director & Cabaret Show of the Year. The critics have said of this collaboration: “…it becomes THEIR work -- the voice and instrument intertwined inseparably…into blatantly romantic dreamsville.” (Nitelifeexchange.com), “Exquisite…they’re infectious.” (BistroAwards.com), “Expressive” (Broadwayworld.com), “a MUST SEE for everyone” (T2Online.com), “An engaging musical match.” (Cabaret Scenes Magazine).

“Two for the Road” returns to the Metropolitan room for four encore performances in December: Sunday, December 9th at 4pm; Tuesday December 11 at 7pm; and Saturday and Sunday December 15 & 16 at 4pm.

There is a $25 cover charge and a two-drink minimum. For reservations call 212-206-0440, or to order online in advance go to www.metropolitanroom.com. The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 West 22nd St., New York, NY. 10010.