Great American Songbook Sing-In Returns To The Triad

SING! SING! SING! the monthly Great American Songbook Sing-In, plants the seeds for a happy and successful 2010 with Hallelujah! Songs of Optimism and Joy on Friday, Jan. 29 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at The Triad, 158 West 72nd Street (bet. Broadway and Columbus). Co-hosts Anne Phillips (piano) and Michael Shepley (commentary) provide lyrics for a joyful communal sing-together experience, with such great and enduring standards as "Pick Yourself Up," "Accentuate the Positive," "Get Happy," "Put On A Happy Face," and 14 others. $10 cover; two-drink minimum (cash only). Information: 212-786-9064. www.singsingsing-east.blogspot.com Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 72nd Street.

Longer Version
Before January ends, New Yorkers who love standards can "start the New Year right" (as Irving Berlin once wrote) with the latest offering from SING! SING! SING! - The Great American Songbook Sing-In, the monthly group sing at The Triad, 158 West 72nd Street, on Friday, Jan. 29 (2010) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Co-hosted by Anne Phillips (piano) and Michael Shepley (commentary), this month's gathering is titlEd Hallelujah! Songs of Optimism and Joy.

"2009 was such a gloomy year for most people that we decided to plant the seeds for a great new year by putting together this bill of 18 outstanding and joyous songs for the audience to sing together," said Phillips. "Everyone knows these tunes - Accentuate the Positive, Pick Yourself Up, Get Happy, Who Cares?, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, and many others - but few get the chance to raise their voices in song, particularly with others. In this first month of the year, let's reorient the brain to the positive influences and upbeat messages created by America's greatest songwriters."

The SING! SING! SING! concept was pioneered nearly 16 years ago in Los Angeles by singer Judy Wolman, who hosted the gatherings at Ruth Price's Jazz Bakery. Phillips and Shepley decided to bring the concept to New York after Shepley held a sing-a-long of turn-of-the-century standards at the Bowery Poetry Club in November 2007. SING! debuted in May 2008 at Café Loup in the Village, and then moved to its permanent headquarters at the Triad on the Upper West Side in June, where it has appeared monthly and has become a West Side tradition.

Previous themes have included "Going Places" (songs about special places, trips and journeys), "Shall We Dance?" (songs about dancing), "Songs About Songs" and assortments of well-known standards.

The atmosphere is informal, with lots of laughs and fascinating tidbits about the history of the songs and/or the songwriters. Past attendees have written, "Thank you for holding these utterly joyous and re-energizing and companionable evenings" and "I have to tell you how much I enjoyed the songs you chose last night" and "The song selections and commentary were pitch perfect (pun intended). Also loved the people in the audience!"

Information: 212-786-9064. www.singsingsing-east.blogspot.com The Triad is located at 158 West 72nd Street, between Broadway and Columbus. It is on the south side of the street, one flight above a Turkish restaurant, in a cozy theater cabaret with bar service. www.thetriadnyc.com $10 cover; 2 drink minimum (cash only). Reservations are not necessary, but arrive early to get the best seats. Show starts promptly at 7 p.m. and concludes at 8:30 p.m.

 

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