RRazz Room Announces Upcoming July Line-up

July 2010 Concerts @ the RRazz room
at Hotel Nikko San Francisco

the RRazz room at Hotel Nikko
222 Mason Street (between Ellis and O'Farrell)
San Francisco, California 94102

Tickets: www.therrazzroom.com / the RRazz room 415.394.1189 / TicketWeb 866.468.3399 or at The Rrazz Room Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 12 noon to 7pm.
*Unless Otherwise Noted*

Category: Nightlife
Soulful Jazz
Thu-Sat, 7/1-3, 8pm; Sun, 7/4
$35-37.50
KIM NALLEY & HOUSTON PERSON
A Double Header Evening Of Soulful Jazz
Recently named one of the "Ten Most Influential African Americans in the Bay Area," Kim Nalley has an international reputation as one of world's best jazz blues vocalists. Kim, in looks and presence, is often compared to Billie Holiday, but vocally she packs a 3 1/2 octave range that can go from operatic to gritty blues on a dime, projection that can whisper a ballad yet is capable of filling a room with no microphone, and the ability to scat blistering solos without ever losing the crowd's interest or the intense swing. Her singing is most reminiscent of the former Basie Singers Helen Humes & Joe Williams with a dash of Dinah Washington and occasional nods to Ella, Sarah and Nina Simone.

Described as "jazz's working class hero, a true man of the people," Houston Person came to national attention with a series of soulful albums recorded for Prestige in the 1960s. Person's fame grew still more with his successful 30-year musical partnership with vocalist Etta Jones. Numerous recording artists including Lena Horne, Lou Rawls and Horace Silver have also called on Person to perform on their albums. A passionate tenor saxophonist, alternately tough and tender, Person is now recognized as one of today's leading instrumentalists.

KIM NALLEY & HOUSTON PERSON: A DOUBLE HEADER EVENING OF SOULFUL JAZZ runs for 4 performances only Thursday, July 1 thru Saturday, July 3 at 8:00 PM and Sunday, July 4 at 7:00 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $35-37.50 with a two-drink minimum. For reservations call 866.468.3399 or visit:
www.theRRazzroom.com

Dedicated link to Kim Nalley & Houston Person:
http://therrazzroom.com/10Artist/KimN10A.html

 

Category: Nightlife

LGBT, Drag, Pop, Comedy
Tue-Sat, 7/6-10; 7/13-17, 8pm; Sun, 7/11 and 7/18 7pm
$35-40
The Kinsey Sicks
Each Hit & I

Spawned in San Francisco 16 years ago, THE KINSEY SICKS combine rich, four-part harmony, biting satire and over-the-top drag. THE KINSEY SICKS have performed in 40 states, Mexico, Canada, Australia and Europe. Billboard Magazine calls them "one act that should not be missed" and the New York Times has praised their "voices sweet as birdsong." THE KINSEY SICKS starred in their own Off-Broadway show at New York's legendary Studio 54 and have headlined in Las Vegas. They have been the subject of two feature films, both of which premiered at the San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. Coinciding with their run at the Rrazz Room is the release of their seventh album, also entitled "Each Hit & I." Read more about the Kinsey Sicks at www.kinseysicks.com.

In their all-new musical review, "KINSEY SICKS: EACH HIT & I," the girls treat us to an evening of politics, personal revelations, social critique, sexual foibles and plain old raunch - all in glorious four-part harmony! According to THE KINSEY SICKS, "Each Hit & I" is an intimate evening, in which the audience can enjoy the dragapella divas "without the constraints of plot, the shackles of good taste, the false god of talent -- or the illusion of refunds." In addition to hilarious new original songs, THE KINSEY SICKS brilliantly skewer Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, Amy Winehouse and other icons of pop culture through their sharp parodies. THE KINSEY SICKS promise you that you will not be disappointed. You'll be appalled, but not disappointed.
THE KINSEY SICKS: EACH HIT & I runs for 12 performances only Thursday, July 6 thru Saturday, July 10 at 8:00 PM; Sunday, July 11 at 7:00 PM; Thursday July 13 thru Saturday July 17 at 8:00 PM and sunday, July 18 at 7:00 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $35-40 with a two-drink minimum. For reservations call 866.468.3399 or visit:
www.theRRazzroom.com
Dedicated link to The Kinsey Sicks:
http://therrazzroom.com/10Artist/KinseyS10.html

Category: Nightlife
LGBT, TV icon, Comic, Author
Fri-Sat, Jul 9-10, 10:15pm
$20-25 (Limited VIP)
Alison Arngrim aka Nellie Oleson of TV's Little House on the Prairie
Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch
Comic, former child star, outspoken activist, and TV Land Award winner Alison Arngrim makes her San Francisco debut with CONFESSIONS OF A PRAIRIE BITCH. Best known as acid-tongued, pre-Midol meanie Nellie Oleson from "Little House on the Prairie," Alison Arngrim presents an uproarious evening of storytelling, stand-up, and multi media about life as everyone's favorite toxic pre-teen brat, complete with petticoats and ringlets. The live appearance also marks the release of Arngrim's book of the same title. Never afraid to dish the dirt on TV land, she let all the secrets loose of "Little House on the Prairie," Hollywood and much more. Recalling her life and career as bitchy Nellie Oleson, Arngrim startles audiences internationally with off-color jokes about child stars and TV icons of the 1970s and '80s.

Born in Queens, New York, Alison Arngrim has been performing stand-up since age 15 at such notable Comedy Clubs as Laugh Factory, The Improvisation and Comedy Store. In addition to seven years on "Little House on the Prairie," Alison has guest starred on "Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island," among others. After her good friend and "Little House" co-star Steve Tracy died of AIDS in 1986, Alison became a prominent AIDS activist with AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA). In 1988 Alison spoke before the Presidential Commission on AIDS and was the first woman to receive the "Friend in Deed" award at APLA. In 1992 Alison was presented with a resolution by the Los Angeles City Council commending her on her work on behalf of people living with HIV and AIDS. In 2004, Arngrim revealed to the world that she was sexually molested as a child and joined the advisory board of Protect, a group that fights to give children a voice in the war against child abuse. In 2006, she received the prestigious Justice Award from Justice for Children, a national child protection organization and an award from The National Association to Protect Children. Another milestone in her career happened in 2007 when, after much lobbying, she was proudly placed on Mr. Blackwell's "Worst Dressed List" alongside Victoria Beckham, Lindsay Lohan and Mary-Kate Olsen.
Alison Arngrim aka NELLIE OLESON OF TV's LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE: CONFESSIONS OF A PRAIRIE BITCH runs for 2 performances only Friday, July 9 and Saturday, July 10 at 10:15 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $20 ($25 Limited VIP) with a two-drink minimum. For reservations call 866.468.3399 or visit:
www.theRRazzroom.com
Dedicated link to Alison Arngrim:
http://therrazzroom.com/10Artist/AlisonA10.html

Category: Nightlife
LGBT, Cabaret, Comedy
Sun, Jul 11, 9pm
$20
Kim Smith
Morphium (directed by Christian Coulson)
Australian Kim Smith is an award-winning cabaret artist known for his Weimar-inspired cabarets that juxtapose authentic musical material with stylistic takes on more current popular tunes. His newest cabaret, Morphium (directed by Christian Coulson) premiered in March 2009 at the Neue Galerie's Café Sabarsky in New York, before touring to Melbourne, Australia. Morphium has since returned to Café Sabarsky, and performed at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, and at Don't Tell Mama, NYC. In 2008, Smith debuted his acclaimed cabaret, Johnny Come Lately (directed and produced by Karen Kohler) at New York's Don't Tell Mama, transferring to The Duo Theatre at DMAC. Past cabaret works include Quietly Kim Smith, Kim Smith is Madly Adored, and Kim Smith's Jungle Parade-the latter having run for a total of five seasons at Melbourne's Butterfly Club and headlining at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2007.

In 2009, Smith was presented the Ira Eaker Back Stage Magazine Bistro Award for Special Achievement as an outstanding performer on the rise (honoured alongside Broadway and Cabaret legends Liza Minnelli and Charles Aznavour), and was nominated for both 2009 and 2010 MAC Awards in the Outstanding Male Vocalist category. He is also a recipient of the American Australian Association's Dame Joan Sutherland Award for aspiring artists, and is a member of the Kabarett Kollektif, a troupe of New York-based artists dedicated to preserving the European cabaret tradition. Smith has also headlined for Earl Dax's Weimar New York and Tingel Tangel Club, as well as for Floating Kabarett at Galapagos Art Space, DUMBO. Other theatrical credits include Merrily We Roll Along (Charlie Kringas), The World Goes 'Round (Redroom Theatre), and the New York premiere of Jude, a new British musical after Hardy's Jude the Obscure (as Philotson). Mr. Smith studied in Australia at the Ballarat Arts Academy (BA, Music Theatre), and has worked extensively with the Walt Disney Company. He now resides in New York City.
Kim Smith: MORPHIUM runs for 1 performance only Sunday, July 11 at 9:00 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $20 with a two-drink minimum. For reservations call 866.468.3399 or visit: www.theRRazzroom.com
Dedicated link to Kim Smith:
http://therrazzroom.com/10Artist/KimS10II.html

Category: Nightlife
R&B, Soul, Jazz, Funk-rock
Fri-Sat, Jul 16-17, 10:15pm
$20-30 (Limited VIP)
Shayna Steele
World-class vocalist Shayna Steele's unique blend of Mississippi Soul and New York Style has been wowing audiences on both coasts for more than a decade. You've seen her on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, David Letterman, Carson Daly, Oprah and The Sopranos. You've heard her on Moby's smash hit singles "Raining Again," "Extreme Way" (Bourne Ultimatum), and the #1 Billboard Dance Hit "Disco Lies" from Moby's Grammy-nominated album Last Night. And, with luminaries like Ledisi, George Clinton, Bette Midler, Deborah Cox, Oleta Adams and a critically-acclaimed, show-stealing performance with Journey's Neil Schon, you've watched her grace the stages of prestigious venues from Carnegie Hall to Lincoln Center's Rose Theatre, Joe's Pub to The Radio City Music Hall, B.B. King's to the Gibson Amphitheatre, and more. When off on her own, Shayna splits her focus between R&B/Soul (with her self-titled, 10-piece band) and vocal jazz (Shayna Steele's B-Side).

With an industry resume longer than your arm, the singer/songwriter has acquired many labels from "Broadway crooner" to "disco screamer," "Chaka Khaner" to "R&B belter," and "jazz chanteuse" to" electro diva." While each label denotes a unique facet of Shayna's style, her immense talent defies categorization. On her latest album, Steele delivers her most confident and cohesively eclectic set to date, answering the question "Who is Shayna Steele?" with a definitive (and defiant): I'll Be Anything (Highyella Lowbrown Records/2009). The record takes the listener on a journey through the joy and pain of a talented artist blooming into her own. Shayna says, "This album covers so much of my life. Whether it was one beautiful second or one horrible year... I couldn't limit myself to one sound, one voice or style of writing, but ... it all makes sense. It all flows." Moving from gritty street funk to samba to piano croon and back, I'll Be Anything, is a strong personal statement from an artist whose beautiful voice can't be denied.
Shayna Steele runs for 2 performances only Friday and Saturday, July 16-17 at 10:15 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $20 ($30 Limited VIP) with a two-drink minimum. For reservations call 866.468.3399 or visit:
www.theRRazzroom.com
Dedicated link to Shayna Steele:
http://therrazzroom.com/10Artist/ShaynaS10.html

Category: Nightlife
LGBT, Drag, Cabaret, Theatre
Mon-Wed, Jul 19-21, 8pm (Mon) 7pm (Tue, Wed)
$27.50
OBIE AWARD WINNER John Kelly
Paved Paradise: The Art Of Joni Mitchell
The shows concept is daringly simple: Joni Mitchell in concert, with Kelly on vocals, guitar and dulcimer, backed by piano and bass. The "score" is an array of songs from various stages of Mitchell's career; the "book" is her actual words, culled from interviews and pirated concert recordings. Kelly's musicianship satisfies even the most fanatic Joni-phile. The original arrangements, both acoustic and electric, are utterly intact, and Kelly's spot-on, original-key recreation of her vocals is uncanny. This is no ordinary drag show. No less a critic that Joni Mitchell herself has been surprised by the impact of Kelly's tribute. "I was braced for a lampooning," she told the New York Times. "I didn't expect to be so touched. I cried in two places." She has become one of Kelly's biggest fans. The New York Times review of Kelly's show exclaimed, "There's drag, and then there's transformation through spiritual osmosis, and that's what John Kelly accomplishes with this tribute to the queen of the singer-song writers. . . Magnificent."" And the Boston Globe raved, "Paved Paradise is either the gentlest sendup or the sharpest homage you'll ever see. ... Kelly doesn't so much impersonate Mitchell as channel her. There's really only one word for the way Kelly plays with a famous, complicated persona and with our own ideas of the person behind that mask. It's genius."
Performance and visual artist John Kelly originally trained as a dancer with American Ballet Theatre and Harkness House for Ballet Arts. Wanting to extend his range as a performer, he also studied corporeal mime, trapeze and tight-wire technique and voice. As a visual artist, he studied at Parsons School of Design and at the School of The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Kelly's artistic endeavors extend to writing and directing along with his work in the visual arts, singing and acting. In 2001, he collaborated with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Del Tredici as lyricist and director. He has recorded with Laurie Anderson and performed with the Blue Man Group, among countless others. A two-time Obie Award winner for his acting, his long list of stage credits extend to Orpheus X at The American Repertory Theatre and James Joyce's The Dead on Broadway. He has created more than 30 performance works, including Paved Paradise:The Art of Joni Mitchell. John Kelly runs for 3 performances only Monday, July 19 at 8:00 PM; Tuesday and Wednesday, July 20, 21 at 7:00 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $27.50 with a two-drink minimum. For reservations call 866.468.3399 or visit:
www.theRRazzroom.com
Dedicated link to John Kelly:
http://therrazzroom.com/10Artist/JohnK10.html
Category: Nightlife
Classic Soul, R&B, Latin, Jazz
Thu-Sat, Jul 22-24, 8pm; Sun, Jul 25, 5pm
$45-55 (Limited VIP)
THE ANGELA BOFILL EXPERIENCE as narrated by ANGELA BOFILL and performed by MAYSA, DAVE VALENTIN and THE ORIGINAL ANGELA BOFILL BAND **WITH SPECIAL GUEST STARS** Phil Perry appearing July 22 & 23 ONLY and NORMAN CONNORS appearing July 24 & 25 ONLY

 

Continuing her miraculous recovery from two devastating strokes (2006 and 2007), legendary Classic Soul/R&B/Jazz singer Angela Bofill will be appearing in a mini-tour with friends, to be called "The Angela Bofill Experience." The show will mark Angela's first public appearance since her stroke. "The show will be a narrative and musical presentation of the songs most relevant to her career," says Angela's manager, Rich Engel. "It will include video footage of her jammin' days in Central Park, and peppered with footage of her appearances on The American Music Awards (with Michael Jackson), The Tonight Show, and Soul Train. And Angela will be doing on stage narratives about the tunes, with some humorous anecdotes. Singing the songs of Angela's career will be award winning vocalist Maysa (Stevie Wonder's female backup group Wonderlove and British jazz/funk/R&B band Incognito). And Grammy-winning jazz flutist Dave Valentin, who played an important part in Angela's early career, will provide his own stories as well as perform. Special guests and close friends Phil Perry and Norman Connors will also be performing. And after the show, Angela will meet and greet her many fans to thank them for their support. The show will continue in Detroit on July 28 and later during a special sailing of the "Smooth Cruise" aboard the Spirit of New York on October 8.
THE ANGELA BOFILL EXPERIENCE runs for 4 performances only Thursday-Saturday, July 22-24 at 8 PM and Sunday, July 25 at 7 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $45 ($55 Limited VIP) with a two-drink minimum. For reservations call 866.468.3399 or visit:
www.theRRazzroom.com
Dedicated link to The Angela Bofill Experience:
http://therrazzroom.com/10Artist/AngelaB10.html

Category: Nightlife
All-male Dance Review
Mon-Thu, Jul 26-29, 8pm
$35-45 (Limited VIP)
AUSTRALIA'S THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER
Australia's Hottest Export!
Australia's Thunder From Down Under, the internationally acclaimed male revue, is coming to San Francisco this summer! The sexy Australian imports crackle with high energy as they show off their buffed bodies to adoring fans who can't seem to get enough of them. It will be a San Francisco bachelorette party every night! Direct from Australia, it's Thunder from Down Under! You'll laugh! You'll stare! You may even faint! These guys will give you something to write home about! Get ready to party with the hottest blokes in town.
Recommended for adult audiences. No full frontal nudity. Gentlemen are welcome.
VOTED BEST MALE STRIP SHOW
2009 Review-Journal Poll: Best of Las Vegas 2009 Readers' choice and newspaper staff pick
AUSTRALIA'S THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER runs for 4 performances only Monday-Thursday, July 26-29 at 8 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $35 ($45 Limited VIP) with a two-drink minimum. For reservations call 866.468.3399 or visit:
www.theRRazzroom.com
Dedicated link to Australia's Thunder From Down Under:
http://therrazzroom.com/10Artist/Thunder10.html

Category: Nightlife
LGBT, Cabaret, Comedy
Fri, Jul 30, 10:15pm
$20-30 (Limited VIP)
CARLY OZARD
The Final Performance of "Bewitched, Bothered & Bipolar"
Bewitched, Bothered, and Bipolar had been brewing for awhile, but with the teachers from the Perry-Mansfield Art of Cabaret program, Carly was able to debut this show with a little help from her friends. As the winner of the Cabaret Showcase Showdown '09, the first prize was a night of performing a solo show. "Bewitched, Bothered and Bipolar" was born and debuted at Martuni's in San Francisco on November 1, 2009. Musical Direction and support from Joe Wicht helped this winning production soar. Ozard gently and humorously explains the ups and downs of struggling with bipolar disorder, with humorous effects along with a hilarious re-write of "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" by local lyricist Tom Orr. Acoustic guitar and back-up vocals are featured by Brendan Getzell and Jennifer Martinelli. Musical selections include works by Leonard Bernstein, Craig Carnelia, Alanis Morisette, Laura Nyro, Andre & Dory Previn, Rodgers & Hart, Marvin Hamlisch, Queen and more. "Ozard's songlist followed the standard pattern of vacillating from serious to comic to serious to comic songs.... Ozard's playlist betrayed a wicked, self-deprecating sense of humor as well as a soft and cuddly side which was tender but never sugary.... It's no surprise that Ozard was named Best Cabaret Performer at the Cabaret Showcase Showdown 2009. I predict this performer will go far." ~Chloe Veltman, Author of Lies Like Truth, An Artsjournal weblog.
CARLY OZARD: THE FINAL PERFORMANCE OF "BEWITCHED, BOTHERED & BIPOLAR" runs for 1 performance only Friday, July 30 at 10:15 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $20 ($30 Limited VIP) with a two-drink minimum. For reservations call 866.468.3399 or visit:
www.theRRazzroom.com
Dedicated link to Carly Ozard: The Final Performance Of "Bewitched, Bothered & Bipolar":
http://therrazzroom.com/10Artist/CarlyO10II.html

Category: Nightlife
LGBT, Cabaret, Comedy
Sat, Jul 31, 10:30pm
$25
Jimmy James
The One & Many Voices Of Renowned Vocalist Jimmy James In "Impressionism"

Once considered the world's foremost Marilyn Monroe vocal/visual impersonator until he retired the Marilyn Monroe look-a-like business in 1997, Jimmy James has spent the last 10 years crafting a Dance music and songwriting career in New York City. Now, with a full album "Jamestown" and an international hit Fashionista" under his belt, James makes a triumphant return to San Francisco to present one exquisite evening that will showcase some of the finest vocal impressions that you have ever seen! Always the innovator, "Impressionism" will feature a retrospective of his many famous vocal impressions including Cher, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Liza, Billie Holiday, Eartha Kitt, Bette Davis, Patsy Cline and so much more! As an added bonus, James will perform songs from his new album, "Jamestown!" Winner 2x of the Manhattan Assoc. of Cabaret Performers Award! Winner of the NY Backstage Bistro Award!
Jimmy James: THE ONE & MANY VOICES OF RENOWNED VOCALIST Jimmy James IN "IMPRESSIONISM" runs for 1 performance only Saturday, July 31 at 10:15 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $25 with a two-drink minimum. For reservations call 866.468.3399 or visit:

www.theRRazzroom.com
Dedicated link to Jimmy James: The One & Many Voices of Renowned Jimmy James in "Impressionism":
http://therrazzroom.com/10Artist/JimmyJ10.html

The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is San Francisco's premier nightclub, offering the finest in world-class Cabaret, Jazz, Comedy and Popular music entertainment. This intimate and acoustically perfect venue has been the home for past performers such as: Ashford & Simpson, Oleta Adams, Larry Carlton, Bobby Caldwell, Spyro Gyra, Hiroshima, Diane Schuur, Ben Vereen, Martha Reeves, Miki Howard, The Zapp Band, ConFunkShun, Pete Escovedo and Freda Payne. Host-escorted seating assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Doors open 90 minutes prior to show. The RRazz room is a two-drink minimum, all-ages venue, and tickets are non-refundable. Limited Club R VIP Memberships available: 415.394.1189 or Kris@TheRrazzRoom.com

Additional helpful information: The RRazz room Lounge and Bar is open daily at 2 pm. Dress Code is upscale casual. Inappropriate attire is: ripped jeans, flip-flops, baseball caps and jerseys. No audio nor video recording without prior approval. Please silence cell phones and refrain from use during performances. With a RRazz Room validation, parking at the Mason O'Farrell Garage is $10 (up to five hours) and $15 (up to ten hours). Enter the garage from Mason or O'Farrell Streets.

 

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