Rob Lester - Page 6

Catching guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli and his two bandmates at Birdland, where they’ve settled in with two shows a night through February 3rd, will satisfy the expectations of longtime fans, but bring some surprises, too.

Although still in their early 20s, Joie Bianco and Bryce Edwards handle their material with the ease and know-how of performers who’ve been around the block many more times. And their comfort level with repertoire from many decades ago is quite something to behold. 

Frank Loesser's songs from Broadway and the movies jumped with jazz at Dizzy's with four musicians, three singers, and one savvy host. 'If I Were a Bell,' I'd ring out the news.

Alysha Umphress and Jeff Blumenkrantz have collaborated over the years, chums whose voices complement each other (“It’s ‘Friendship,’ just a perfect blendship” to quote a Cole Porter number.) The room was quite full on a very cold night and the show was full of talent and splendid material, presented with polish and panache.

Every month, we take a moment to honor someone among those having a birthday that month who has made a real mark in the entertainment world .  January's birthday salute goes to a sensation on the stages of theatres and cabaret. With a click, you can see who it is and then see how much you know about their by taking our multiple-choice quiz.

It's a Tale of Two Stevies in December concerts uptown when two men are celebrated in the series that began in 1970 when Stevie Wonder was 20 and already had been recording for about 7 years and Stephen Sondheim had 'Company' debut on Broadway.

There's all kinds of music to check out in Manhattan -- Here's a sampling of the first in a series of Sally Mayes at Green Room 42, the return of the wonderfully wacky Lounge-O-Leer guys at Pangea, Karen Mack & Elliot Roth in Pangea's actual lounge, and some Hanukkah songs

There were grand pianos (2), there were Gershwin songs (many), it was gratifying....there were good spirits gracing Carnegie Hall when Michael Feinstein, Jacques-Yves Thibaudet, and Joshua Henry entertained.

Dear Santa: Thanks for the gifts called music in NYC, letting us 'wrap' our ears around a touch of Oklahoma-bred sense and sensibility, lots of holiday cheer, and musical theatre projects that have a connection to a famous hotel ....all part of a week in the winter wonderland of Manhattan's live presentations.

Read about what you missed at 54 Below: It's about the shows that missed getting to Broadway. But wait --- that doesn't mean they were missing worthy songs.

It's all about music and memories and variety with different shows every day or night on West 30th Street for Urban Stages, with the opening program a good harbinger of more good entertainment to come.

Born one long ago December, this music star of stars has had a lasting impact all these years. Follow the clues about other notables born in this month and figure out who gets this month's birthday applause.

Let's take note of some very notable Broadway musicals remembered by some notable Broadway performers in a notable concert series. It was a feast of fond memories to be remembered.

Jazz veteran Sheila Jordan, full of joy, was a joy to behold, owning the stage and the hearts of her fans in another memorable night at Birdland Theater.

What did our critic think of MY KIND OF BROADWAY & THE FRIENDS OF ALEC WILDER at 54 Below? Like night and day, the nightclub's shows are different enough to brighten your night and make your day.

The man who brings Broadway & Sinatra songs to 54 Below goes 13 blocks north.

It's a VERY informed appreciation and a guide that doesn't gush or rush through the details.

A monthly column by Rob Lester tributes a birthday celebrant, and the honoree for November is....

Anita Gillette is hosted by Ricky Ritzel, Jason Henderson sparkles with Noel Coward songs, Therese Lee recalls encounters with Hollywood stars and her own dramas, and some kids and teens strut their stuff at Don't Tell Mama.

The Lyrics & Lyricists program embraces the words that Howard Ashman put in the mouths of a mermaid, cutler, a beat, a plant, etc.