Rob Lester - Page 6

Just because the show never got to Broadway doesn't mean it didn't have good songs. Proof of this is in the hearing. And they get a fair hearing at 54 Below with the BROADWAY BOUND series. Even if a project might crash and burn, there can be things worth salvaging from the ashes. Read about 'em in our write-ups on 'Broadway Bound' --- a dream, a live show series, a podcast, a pleasure.

David Marino sings with heart and happy pizzazz. His Birdland night was invigorating and emotional and thoroughly engaging. If you want our critic's two cents about a singer with a million-dollar talent, whose show is a bargain of solid entertainment at almost any price, read the rave about David Marino and his audience-pleasing triumph at Birdland.

The Hot Sardines bring pure entertainment with their polish and panache to Birdland with two shows a night through March 9. Their jazz is hot, but there’s nothing 'fishy' about the authentic sound they spin.  Their music is fun and accessible, sly, and frisky. 

How do singer-songwriters get a head-start on their birthdays? Jordan Siwek threw himself a party show and threw himself into high-energy performances with the singer-songwriter's pop-rock songs and covers.

A star-studded night honoring composer Alan Menken was exciting, energizing and sentimental as he received an award named for collaborator Howard Ashman. From 'The Little Mermaid' to 'Little Shop of Horrors,' Ashman left no small legacy in his work with Menken. The evening benefited GMHC's work for communities affected by HIV and AIDS.

Soul Picnic: The Songs and Legacy of Laura Nyro concludes its weekend embrace led by Judy Kuhn with one more show Monday night at 92NY in Manhattan. The songs of Laura Nyro are worth remembering and relishing. Judy Kuhn and company do that. The 92NY show is rewarding and illuminating.

It's a delight at Dizzy's where Paula West and band hold forth through Sunday with two more shows tonight and two tomorrow. The opening night was a delight.

The next generation of songwriters is busy working and took a night off to play and sing at The Green Room 42 on February 3rd. A full room of supportive music appreciators heard some new musical theatre-style material based on assignments like 'Imagine Blanche DuBois singing' or 'write a love song without the word 'love.''

Not every musical setting sails for Broadway finds a smooth trip or arrives at its destination. Some sink. But why? Was it the wrong captain or just stormy seas? Many carried marvelous musical cargo. Robert W. Schneider explores the reasons in his BROADWAY BOUND podcast. His next live edition of Broadway Bound is March 5th at 54 Below.

Let's march into March with a quiz about the music notables born in that month. Check out this BroadwayWorld quiz to see how much you know about them. A March Multiple Choice Quiz about our multiple birthday honorees.

Lorna Dallas, accompanied by Christopher Denny on piano, brought a touch of class to Chelsea Table + Stage on February 25th. Glamorous nights and rainy days were among the subjects inspiring song titles and moods in the presentation by Lorna Dallas.

Mary & Ethel...and Mikey Who? is a good read (or listen). Come travel through time in a new work of historical fiction and fun, full of Broadway and spice and sweetness.

Steve & Eydie were once dubbed 'Mr. and Mrs. Music' by a journalist of yore. Today's journalists --including BWW's reps -- got the 411 on the 3/18 concert that's a tribute to them with David Lawrence (their son) and Debbie Gravitte.

BETTY has been making music for 38 years. BroadwayWorld got a taste of their world – the wildness, the women, the wow. Their show on February 14th was quite something at Joe's Pub, welcomed by cheering fans.

Dianne Reeves remains a force of nature and versatile jazz performer, as shown in her annual Valentine's Week appearance in NYC at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Read all about the show that's all about love and peace.

Melissa Errico brings her grace and flair to Valentine's week with love songs and tales of NYC. Birdland's songbird and love birds meet for a sweet Valentine visit at the venue as Melissa Errico and her guest chanteuse, France's Isabelle Georges, raise their voices to please the crowd.

Wondering what JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY at Birdland is like? It's the open mic montage of Broadway, cabaret, etc., etc., etc. etc. etc. etc. Every Monday at 9:30 at Birdland, variety is the spice of life, continuing a years-long tradition. Read all about it.

'Maybe Tuesday will be my good news day' rhymed Ira Gershwin in 'The Man I Love.' Tuesdays bring multiple performers, Mosher & mayhem to Birdland, but that's not news. It's been a regular feature for a while now. A little bit of everything and a lot of zing from the hostess comes along on Tuesdays and Birdland.

The art of classic cabaret – personalized, intimate singing that brings out the lyric was epitomized by this influential, elegant performer. Although this year marks 40 years since her passing, she is still spoken of in reverential tones. She's the choice as honoree for someone born in February...Mabel Mercer.

Springing into action for a winter-themed show at Chelsea Table + Stage, that ball of energy with a romantic crooning side is named Nicolas King. He loves New York, N.Y. (Start spreading the news.)