Roger Schmelzer Fights Pediatric Cancer At Don't Tell Mama

Following up on his successful New York debut, Roger Schmelzer reprises his "HeartSongs" cabaret at Don't Tell Mama on July 19 at 7pm. He is directed by Marilyn Maye. Profits from ticket sales will benefit the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a private charity created by insurance industry professionals to fund research to conquer childhood cancer. SBF is second only to the U.S. government in funding pediatric cancer research. Roger has set up a St. Baldrick's Fundraising page at https://www.stbaldricks.org/fundraisers/HeartSongs2018 Theater Pizzazz called his initial NY performance at the Metropolitan Room last year "delightful" and in her review, Myra Chanin wrote that Roger was "confident, charming and original," with a quick connection to his audience. The legendary Ms. Maye was equally enthusiastic in her endorsement, saying "Roger makes it his business to entertain you. He is fun, festive, fervent and friendly. His love for the music is contagious and you'll love the man who presents it!" In "HeartSongs," Schmelzer puts the Great American Songbook to generous use in an upbeat, tuneful evening that focuses on the good in life. "Never has the Songbook had more to offer," Schmelzer says. "It's a path to stability and hope in the face of uncertainty. This music brings us together and provides reassurance that we can chart our own course with confidence, conviction with a spring in our step." By day, Schmelzer leads the National Conference of Insurance Guaranty Funds (NCIGF) with members in every state who protect insurance consumers in the rare occasion when a property and casualty insurer fails. Roger Schmelzer is an accomplished and versatile baritone based in Indianapolis. He brings extensive theatre and cabaret credits including solo shows at The Cabaret in Indianapolis and Davenports in Chicago. His debut CD, "About Now," was described by public radio outlet WFYI-FM as "Chock-full of the sorts of clever lyrics and lush arrangements that characterize songs for intimate settings from the last century to today." Roger is Vice Chairman of the board for the Great American Songbook Foundation founded by Michael Feinstein. Conductor for "HeartSongs" is Jeffrey Harris who accompanies Ms. Maye and music directs for Maureen McGovern and Lea Salonga. "HeartSongs," featuring Roger Schmelzer, will be performed at Don't Tell Mama in New York City on July 19 at 7pm. General Admission Tickets are $45 ($15 for MAC members) cash at the door;two-drink minimum. All profits from the show go to the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Don't Tell Mama is located at 346 W. 46th Street. Tickets for Thursday July 19 @ 7pm: www.donttellmamanyc.com/shows/main/4674-roger-schmelzer-heartsongs or call 212.757.0788 after 4pm. Roger's You Tube link: https://youtu.be/SxiwFAVZMXo >