The Cabaret Chronicles: Cast Party, Tony DeSare, and More!

Happy Saturday!  Well, it's been 3 weeks since my last article, and boy, have they been action-packed!  Between Yankees games, the Feast of San Gennaro, and various other obligations, I've barely seen my apartment over the past few weeks!  Luckily, I did manage to squeeze in a few shows, like Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Birdland and the ever-fabulous Tony DeSare at Bemelmans Bar. 

I've been to a couple of Cast Parties since my last article, and they were both terrific!  Monday, September 13^th saw all kinds of talented people like saxophonist extraordinaire Dave Koz (who surprised the crowd by dropping the sax and SINGING on "This Guy's In Love With You"), the always-entertaining Ray Jessel (who sang that cult-favorite hit of his, "What She's Got"), acrobat/performance artist Rudi Macaggi (who performed all kind of spectacular feats, including tap dancing on his hands), and violinist Aaron Weinstein (who wowed the audience with his "What Are You Doin' The Rest of Your Life").  The following week saw another slew of amazing performers, including singer/guitarist Mark Aaron James, the über-talented William Blake, and violinist/pianist David Shenton (who actually played both instruments at the same time!).  Another great couple of nights at Birdland - and, of course, host Jim Caruso was his usual charming, dashing self on both occasions! 

As busy as the month was for me, Sunday evenings didn't require me to be anywhere in particular, so I was able to spend three out of the four Sunday evenings in September at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel, listening to singer/songwriter/pianist Tony DeSare.  Joined by Steve Doyle on bass and Ed Decker on guitar, Tony wound his way through Great American Songbook classics like "Just In Time," "Moon River," "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To," and "Angel Eyes" and sprinkled in original compositions of his (which blend in seamlessly with the more established hits) like "Let's Just Stay In" and "How I Will Say I Love You."  Tony's smooth vocals and easy, charming manner make the evening simply sail by...and then, every now and then, he throws in a piano solo that is so remarkable, it makes my jaw drop.  If you've never made it to Bemelmans to see him, I highly recommend catching him when he's back on Sunday evenings during the month of December! 

Where I'm going this week...  

Sunday, October 3^rd:  Nikki MacCallum in Matchmaker Matchmaker I'm Willing To Settle at The Duplex.  A newcomer to the cabaret scene, Ms. MacCallum performed her debut show to sold-out audiences in the spring, and is bringing it back for another round of performances this fall!  I've only heard this talented young lady perform once at an open mic...but if that one performance is any indication, this should be a terrific show!

Monday, October 4^th:   Cast Party at Birdland.  Hosted by Jim Caruso, this fantastic open mic runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. but make sure you get there early to sign up if you want to sing! 

Pictured: Jim Caruso

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