The Cabaret Chronicles: Spotlight at Iguana, Salon, Cast Party and More!

Happy Spring!  NYC has been enjoying some fantastic weather this week, which is a perfect complement to the fantastic entertainment I've taken in!  I kicked the week off by heading to Iguana last week for the very first Spotlight at Iguana, presented by Tom D'Angelo.  Marketed as a variety show that's "part Dean Martin, part Johnny Carson," it added up to a very fun evening.  Mr. D'Angelo is a charming, energetic host who has such a good time onstage, it's very hard to NOT smile throughout the show!  Comedian Eric Haft got the crowd good and warmed up, and then, backed by a terrific trio (musical director Ritt Henn on bass, Bobby Sher on drums, and Bennet Pastor on piano), Mr. D'Angelo kicked things off with a zippy "As Long As I'm Singing," followed by a crowd-pleasing "King Of The Road."  Next up, it was Mr. Henn's turn to step up to the mic, which he did with his hilarious original tune, "Cabaret Cougar."  This was followed by the appearance of the "spotlighted guest" for the month, singer David Vernon.  His entertaining 3-song set (which included a touching "La Vie En Rose") included an onstage interview with Mr. D'Angelo, which was an interesting addition to the night, and allowed the crowd to learn a little bit more about their special guest star.  Another fun addition was the surprise appearance of Stan Gilbert, who, to the delight of the crowd, joined Mr. D'Angelo for "The One I Love (Belongs To Somebody Else)."  The evening was punctuated by many toasts, and fun banter between the band and Mr. D'Angelo, truly giving it that old-time, variety-show feel.  It was an enjoyable evening, and I look forward to seeing how this new monthly show develops! 

Sunday evening found me at Etcetera, Etcetera Restaurant for Salon, the ever-so-classy open mic created by Mark Janas.  The guest co-host last week was the lovely and talented Maureen Taylor, and filling in for Tanya Moberly as producer was cabaret favorite Sue Matsuki.  There was a great crowd, and although I couldn't stay for the whole show, I did get to see some terrific performers including Ray Jessel, Susan Winter, Richie Eisenberg, and Sierra Rein.  Singer/songwriter/pianist Bill Zeffiro did an admirable job filling in for Mr. Janas at the piano, and everyone seemed to have a terrific time! 

Monday night, it was off to Birdland for Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and wow - what a Cast Party it was!  Liza Minnelli was on hand to celebrate her birthday, with some help from some amazingly talented friends and show-biz colleagues!  Ms. Minnelli's longtime friend and collaborator Billy Stritch was at the piano for the night, and started things off with a great "Gonna Go Fishing."  This was followed by a virtual embarrassment of riches, performer-wise.  Gracing the stage that evening were jazz vocalist Hilary Kole, violin virtuoso Aaron Weinstein, renowned singer/songwriter/pianist Tony DeSare, saxophonist Dave Koz, cabaret and theater diva extraordinaire Klea Blackhurst, and yes, Liza herself!  Seated with the birthday girl were legendary performers Joel Grey and Michael Feinstein, and Ms. Parker Posey was also on hand to join in the fun!  My only regret was that I had to dash shortly after midnight to make it downtown in time for a late-night interview on the Joey Reynolds show, so I didn't get to catch the last hour.  But boy, I had enough great entertainment within the first few hours of that Cast Party to keep me going all week long!  Kudos to host Jim Caruso for making it all happen!

On Thursday night, I had the honor of being invited to Café Thursdays at the exclusive Friars Club!  Hosted by the aforementioned Stan Gilbert, this Friars open mic event has become so popular that there are actually fights over tables sometimes!  Pianist Marty Silver and drummer Bobby Sher anchor the band, and on any given week, all kinds of talented musicians end up sitting in.  In addition to Mr. Gilbert, other talented Friars that got up to the mic included Rena Strober, Larry Stevens, Steven Scott, and Tom D'Angelo (who is also one of the producers of the night and fills in as host when needed).  Toward the end of the evening, we got an extra-special treat when Gianni Russo popped in and did a terrific "My Way!"  Overall, a terrifically entertaining evening in one of the classiest rooms in town - I'm looking forward to catching more Café Thursdays! 

Where I'm Going This Week...  

TONIGHT - Sunday, March 21^st:  Salon at Etcetera, Etcetera Restaurant.  Founded and hosted by Mark Janas, this Sunday evening open mic is a hot destination for singers and songwriters.  Each week features a guest co-host (this week, it's Steve Herbst, better known as "The Whistler" - seriously, he's in the Whistling Hall of Fame!) and a special guest star (this week, it's ME)!  Salon runs from 7 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., but make sure to arrive early if you'd like to perform!   

Monday, March 22^nd: 8:30 p.m. - My own show at Feinstein's at Loews Regency!  I'm thrilled to be making my Feinstein's debut with That's Amore: Jenna Sings Love, Italian Style, a brand new show honoring Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Dean Martin, Connie Francis, and Frank Sinatra!  The show is being presented by Patsy's Italian Restaurant, and will feature a special menu of Patsy's dishes! I can't wait! 

10:00 p.m. - Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland.  This fantastic weekly open mic runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. but again, make sure to arrive early to sign up if you want to sing!  I'll be getting there a little late, but do plan to head on over after I finish up at Feinstein's! 

Wednesday, March 24^th: Joe Bachana at The Metropolitan Room in Midnight Masquerade: The Music of Bernie Bierman and Jack Manus.  Composer Bernie Bierman, who is alive and well at the age of 101.5, is the one of the last surviving songwriters of the wonderfully rich Great American Songbook of the 1940s.  Singer Joe Bachana pays tribute to this talented writer and his writing partner, Jack Manus, in this new show, and I am truly looking forward to seeing it

Pictured: Liza Minnelli 

Photo Credit: Linda Lenzi

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