Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's Announces June Line-Up

Critically acclaimed as LA's premier supper-club, Sterling's Upstairs located at the legendary Vitello's Restaurant in Studio City, CA, officially enters its third year of operation this month. Known for its dedication to presenting the music of Broadway, the Great American Song Book, Retro-Pop, Popera (a mix of current Pop and Opera), and new compositions for both stage and recordings, the quietly elegant venue has hosted such Broadway, film and television stars as Rachel York, Ilene Graff, Stepfanie Kramer, Eric Millegan, Kevin Earley, Joan Ryan, Robert Townsend, Eydie Alyson, Erica Amato, Julie Dixon Jackson, Amick Byram, Nita Whitaker, Kyle Puccia, Ana Ortiz, Nick Palance, Three of a Kind (Gelo Francisco, Annie Nepomuceno and Bonifacio Deoso), James Denton and one of New York's most recent Off-Broadway stars Paul Stroili (Straight Up with a Twist).  At the club's opening in June, 2006, Michael Sterling dedicated the club to his longtime friend and mentor, the late, legendary Rosemary Clooney.    

In addition to headliners, Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's also produces LA's Next Great Stage Star, an annual, six night vocal competition between eighteen hopefuls who vie not only for what has quickly become a prestigious title, but a $1000 cash prize, a headlining debut at the club, and the attention of an elite panel of Los Angeles theatre industry professionals who serve as its judges. To the latter, judges have included Michael Donovan and Peter Matyas of Michael Donovan Casting; Brad Gilmore of Brad Gilmore Casting, Producer/Directors Steve Glaudini (Musical Theatre West), Jim Gardia (Reprise! Broadway's Best), Ronn Goswick (Valley Musical Theatre), and Andy Ferrara (Plan B Entertainment); Directors David Galligan, Todd Nielsen and Bruce Kimmel; Equity Department Head Agents Victoria Morris (Kazarian Spencer & Associates), Steven Dry (Schiowitz, Connor, Ankrum, Wolf); Vocal Coaches Bob Garrett and Peisha McPhee; and many others.  Merissa Haddad was the competition's first winner during Sterling's inaugural 2006-07 season, followed by Jantre Haskin in 2007-08.  Both have gone on to being signed by top theatrical agencies and have been working professionally ever since.

"I am so grateful to patrons of the arts in Los Angeles and surrounding areas for supporting the club and allowing us to move into yet another year at Vitello's, said Sterling."  "In a city where location is everything and entertainment choices are many, we're blessed.  We're housed in a historic restaurant situated in the charming and eclectic Tujunga Village of Studio City with top tier headliners on our stage. The combination of the club's ambiance, Vitello's outstanding cuisine and our superb concerts provide the perfect setting for a very special east coast meets west coast type evening out.  We are thrilled to be presenting cabaret in the way it is meant to be."

A sampling of Sterling's June roster includes:

SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2008 - ELAINE LOCKLEY-SMITH has toured with a number of Broadway productions including Jesus Christ Superstar as Mary Magdalene, Ain't Misbhavein' as Charlayne, The Wiz as Addaperle, and Bubbling Brown Sugar as Judie.  She has also recorded, toured, and performed with such artists as Janet Jackson, Patty LaBelle, the Mary Jane Girls, Ashanti, and Outkast.  Elaine has been featured in numerous films and on television in such hit series' as Grey's Anatomy, Without a Trace, General Hospital, Suddenly Susan, and Girlfriends.  

SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2008 - CRAIG HEESCH. Currently co-host of the new national television show, The ClubHouse and recording artist for American Jazz Records, Craig Heesch has been nominated for several Grammy awards. He has performed as a guest artist with the famed 72 piece Seoul Pops Orchestra in Korea. Casual Jazz with Craig is Craig's newest album released in May, 2008. Jim Pike, of the famed group The Letterman (recipient of nine gold albums and five Grammy award nominations), says: "Seldom does a voice like his come along." Pike produced Craig's album aptly titled, From Out of the Wings which includes a choice selection of Great American Standards. KNRY Radio authority, Johnny Adams marvels, "Not since David Allen, Frank Sinatra, or Buddy Greco have I been so impressed with a vocalist.  He is one of the most exceptional voices and performers of our time."

The value package price for each of the above headliners is $50 per person and includes a four-course, prix-fixe dinner with a choice from three different entrees, and a one hour performance.   

Dinner seating for Saturday performances is between 6:30 and 7:00 pm, followed by an 8:00 pm performance.  Sunday performances begin at 7:00 pm, preceded by the dinner seating between 5:30 – 6:00 pm.   

Attendance is by reservation only.  For reservations, please call Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's at (818) 981-3077.  VITELLO'S is located at 4349 Tujunga Ave. Studio City, CA 91604.  Valet Parking is available.   

For additional information on Sterling's Upstairs, please visit the club's web site at: www.myspace.com/sterlingsupstairs.  

STERLING'S UPSTAIRS at Vitello's is produced by MICHAEL STERLING of Michael Sterling & Associates, the Sherman Oaks-based entertainment public relations company.  John Peters and Tony Monsour serve as Associate Talent Producers. Since 1980, Michael Sterling has represented such stellar clients as Elizabeth Taylor, Lance Armstrong, Scott Hamilton, David Copperfield, Joan Collins, Alan Thicke, David Brenner, Andy Gibb, and Robert Goulet to name but a few.  Aside from his celebrity clientele, Sterling has represented various National Theatre and arena tours, Los Angeles theatre productions, Emmy Award-winning television specials, celebrity books, albums and CD's. Sterling is also a critically-acclaimed director of musical theatre in Los Angeles, and has produced various theatrical events and productions throughout southern California.

In addition to Sterling's Upstairs, VITELLO'S also offers outdoor dining, a luncheon buffet, and a unique variety of carefully selected wines. Widescreen plasma televisions are located throughout the restaurant.  Live opera (a long-time feature at Vitello's) is still performed in the restaurant's downstairs Green Room four nights a week.  Jazz nights are also offered.

 
For over 30 years, VITELLO'S has been known for its outstanding Italian cuisine, romantic atmosphere and superior service.  It is also known world-wide as one of the most famous restaurants in the United States. 

To post a comment, you must register and login.