This Week The Rrazz Room Welcomes Todd Murray And More
By: Gabrielle Sierra Oct. 24, 2011
The RRazz Room, San Francisco's premier nightclub, offers the finest in world-class Classic Soul, R&B, Traditional Pop, Jazz, Comedy, Revue and Cabaret 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, Con Funk Shun, Pete Escovedo feat. Juan & Peter Michael Escovedo, Freda Payne, Cloris Leachman, Sally Kellerman, Kenny G, Lil' Kim, The Angela Bofill Experience, Australia's Thunder From Down Under, All-4-One, Taylor Hicks, Marlena Shaw, Mary Wilson, Janis Paige, Mark Curry, Stefanie Powers, Davy Jones, Russell Thompkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics, Dame Cleo Laine, Jacqui Dankworth, Keiko Matsui, Ruben Studdard, Eddie Money, David Campbell, Barb Jungr, Lenny Williams, Paula West, Kim Nalley, Wesla Whitfield, Amanda McBroom, Cece Peniston, Jon Secada, Marilu Henner, Lynda Carter, Betty Buckley, Pia Zadora, Jerry Butler, Peter Asher, Judy Collins and The Shirelles feat. Legendary Original Member and Co-Founder BEverly Lee. 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 Lounge and Bar is open daily at 2pm. Happy Hour is from 2PM - 6PM, seven days a week. Dress Code is upscale casual. Inappropriate attire is: ripped jeans, flip-flops, baseball caps and jerseys. No audio nor video recording without prior approval. Absolutely no flash photography. Please silence cell phones, refrain from use, and keep conversations to a whisper during performances. With a validation from The RRazz Room, parking at the Mason O'Farrell Garage is $12 (up to five hours). Enter the garage from Mason or O'Farrell Streets.
THIS WEEK:
Todd Murray
in "Croon"
Mon-Tue, 10/24-25, 8pm
$30
From swinging & crooning, to finger-snapping big band numbers, to gently caressing heartfelt ballads, Todd Murray's smooth baritone voice can woo & wow an audience, sending them away with a swing in their step. Murray is one of today's premier interpreters of the American popular songbook. He has performed to rave reviews at some of the most prestigious venues across the nation, including New York's Jazz At Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Room, & Feinstein's at the Cinegrill and Loews Regency.
Crooner/Songwriter, Jazz, Swing, Traditional Pop, Cabaret
"Up Close and Personal" with
Wed, 10/26, 8pm
$30
Known for his groundbreaking breakthrough performance on "My So Called Life" and "Noah's Arc" followed by an impressive career on stage and screen, Wilson Cruz joins the "hilarious hottie" from truTV's hit show "The Smoking Gun Presents" and INSTINCT Magazine cover-guy. More... Scott Nevins who critics have described as "A young, sexy, gay-er Kathy Griffin", for a special one night only performance.
Cruz: Actor, Producer, Mentor
Nevins: Award winning Host, TV/Radio Personality, Comedian and Celebrity Interviewer
KAREL
Comedy For The New Depression
Thu, 10/27, 8pm
$25
"Comedy for the New Depression" is v4.0 of this uncensored, unfiltered and unhinged look at the news, Pop culture and life. Karel again takes biting wit, splitting comedy, painful truths, hysterical life stories, mixes in a few parody songs and creates one of the most unique and relevant stage shows around. "Comedy for the New Depression" is a roller-coaster ride that may not solve the economic crisis, but will certainly make it less painful.
Comedy, Political Satire, Pop, LGBT
Megan Mullally & SUPREME MUSIC PROGRAM
Fri, 10/28, 8pm SOLD OUT
Fri, 10/28, 10:30pm LESS THAN 50 TICKETS AVAILABLE
Sat, 10/29, 7pm SOLD OUT
Sat, 10/29, 9:30pm SOLD OUT
Sun, 10/30, 7pm SOLD OUT
$45-47.50
Emmy® Award-winning actress, comedienne and singer Megan Mullally to debut at The RRazz Room with her band, Supreme Music Program, October 28-30. Best known for her Emmy-winning performances as Karen Walker on NBC's hit show Will and Grace, The RRazz Room audiences will discover that this multi-talented star is also an incredibly gifted singer who can perform everything from country to rock to Broadway showstoppers.
Like postmodern cabaret-gone-mad, drawing from the best elements of blues, pop, roots-country, traditional folk, rock, and classical.
Sat, 10/29, 3pm
$30
Since returning to New York City five years ago, many of Broadway's elite have sung his music, including Liz Callaway, Jonathan Groff, Shoshana Bean, Adriane Lenox, Stephanie J. Block, Cheyenne Jackson, Eden Espinosa and more, all of which can be found featured on his debut CD DREAMING WIDE AWAKE: THE MUSIC OF Scott Alan now available on his website and iTunes. He has sold out concerts of his music in New York City, London, Germany, San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles and Australia.
Cabaret, Musical Theatre NIGHT BEAT AT THE RRAZZ ROOM WITH JONATHAN PORETZ & FRIENDS
Sun, 10/30, 3pm
Sun, 1/22, 7pm
Sun, 3/18, 7pm
$29.50
What happened late night in Las Vegas now returns to San Francisco's elegant Rrazz Room. Jonathan Poretz, who has starred as Frank Sinatra in the long-running show, "The Rat Pack is Back," is bringing back the carefree spirit and fun filled nightlife that epitomized the casino lounges of the swinging 60s. Backed by his jazz and swing-infused trio, Jonathan creates an intimate, after-hours atmosphere for those late-nighters seeking a little nightcap to their evening's entertainment.
Crooner, Jazz, Traditional Pop, Swing
NEXT WEEK:
THE FABULOUS Maude Maggart
Everybody's Doin' It
Mon-Wed, 10/31-11/2, 8pm
$35
Maude Maggart, the chanteuse who started her performing career in the clubs of New York and Los Angeles, has exploded into one of today's most compelling international concert artists. She has been hailed as "bewitching" by The New York Times, "utterly enchanting" by the New York Post, "stunning" by the Los Angeles Times and "transfixing" by New York Magazine. John Boswell, Musical Director.
Cabaret, Traditional Pop Singer
Up Close and Personal
Thu, 11/3, 8pm
Fri-Sat, 11/4-5, 7 & 9:30pm
Sun, 11/6, 7pm
$49.50
As a singer, RACHELLE FERRELL is a quintuple threat: Besides having success as a jazz singer, she is also well respected in the R&B, pop, gospel, and classical music genres as well. Known for her six octave range, Ferrell is also an accomplished pianist who has worked with Lou Rawls, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, and George Duke. 300-500 seats does not an intimate venue make! With less than 200 seats, don't miss Rachelle Ferrell "Up Close & Personal" at San Francisco's Premier Nightclub!
Jazz, Pop, R&B, Gospel, Classical Singer/Pianist
Faith Winthrop
Ya Gotta Have Faith ... in song, spirit and sass
Sun, 11/6, 4pm
$27.50
Faith Winthrop's career is as storied as her extensive songbook. From an aspiring 11-year-old treading the boards of the G line streetcar and spontaneously taking requests from passengers traveling from Brookline to Boston to the still singing and swinging senior, her life remains a continual love affair with song. Her path to a vocal career began with classical voice lessons from the turban-topped opera diva, Madame Cleora Wood. And it was the encouragement from Billie Holiday that she continue.
Jazz, Traditional Pop Singer
IN TWO WEEKS:
CARLY OZARD
Something Wonderful?
Mon-Wed, 11/7-9, 8pm
$25
Many know Carly Ozard's comedic history with dating. Some turn out gay, others turn out to be even more mentally unstable than she is! Normally, a show about love and relationships wouldn't even be a consideration, but at 27 years old, it's time for a musical journey relating to the many young people struggling to find the person they deserve. Featuring the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lucinda Williams, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Elton John, Bette Midler, and then some.
Cabaret, Musical Theatre, Pop Singer, LGBT
An Intimate Evening With
Thu-Fr, 11/10-11, 8pm
Sat, 11/12, 7pm & 9:30pm
Sun, 11/13, 7pm
$25
Ottmar Liebert harnesses the emotional fire and mournful tonalities of traditional Flamenco music, updates it with the subtle rhythms of Jazz and makes it widely accessible with the melodic song structures of Pop. The acoustic guitarist summed it up with the apt comment that Nouveau Flamenco is to the traditional variety what Bossa Nova is to Samba. But even the cleverest formulas are worthless without the animating spark of genius, a quality for which there is no formula, only serendipity.
German-born composer/guitarist, Nouveau Flamenco (Traditional Flamenco + Jazz + Pop)
IN THREE WEEKS:
Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano
Helluva Town: A New York Soundtrack
Sun, 11/13, 3pm
Mon, 11/14, 8pm
Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano make their debut at The RRazz Room, fresh from an acclaimed ("Exhilarating" - New York Times), sold-out engagement at the Oak Room. Their new show, "HELLUVA TOWN: A New York Soundtrack" celebrates the love/hate affair Comstock, Fasano and most New Yorkers have with their city. Rather than sing predictable New York anthems, Comstock and Fasano will perform an idiosyncratic mix of songs from Broadway and Hollywood, the pop singer-songwriters and the jazz songbook.
Jazz, Cabaret
"As Long As I'm Singing": RUSS LORENSON Celebrates The Music Of Bobby Darin
Tue, 11/15, 8pm
$30
An innovative performer whose tragically brief life was often stranger than fiction, Bobby Darin worked his way from shady nightclubs to The Copacabana, where he smashed all attendance records, and wowed audiences with hits like "Splish Splash," "Mack the Knife," and "Beyond the Sea." A dynamic entertainer, Bobby had Top 10 hits in Rock 'n Roll, Jazz, Pop, Country, and Folk, moving effortlessly through each genre and making it his own. Not just a Grammy-winning recording artist, Bobby was also an award-winning composer, an Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe Award-winning actor, and a music publishing mogul. His marriage to "America's Sweetheart" Sandra Dee broke young girls' hearts and made headlines around the world. Beset with illness from an early age, Bobby was driven to accomplish all he could in what he knew would be a brief life, and gave everything he had to be remembered "as a human being and as a great performer."
Crooner, Jazz, Traditional Pop, Swing, Tribute Show, LGBT DIANE SCHUUR
Deedles
Wed-Fri, 11/16-18, 8pm
Sat, 11/19, 7 & 9:30pm
Sun, 11/20, 7pm
$45-47.50
This Grammy award-winning singer is affectionately known to her fans as "Deedles," in part, for her scat-singing abilities. Not only has DIANE SCHUUR headlined many of the world's most prestigious music venues, including Carnegie Hall and The White House, she has toured with such greats as B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder.
Jazz Singer/Pianist, Two-Time Grammy WinnerSONY HOLLAND
Sat-Sun, 11/19-20, 3pm
$25
Sony Holland may have started out singing Italian Arias but she was soon drawn to the sophistication of jazz and the Great American Songbook. "I fell in love...that's the best way to put it. I fell in love with Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Cole Porter, Harry Warren, etc... Sometimes I feel as if I was born out of time."
Jazz, Folk, Pop, Blues Singer
VERONICA KLAUS
After Dark
feat. The Tammy Hall Trio
Mon-Wed, 11/21-23, 8pm
$29.50
Prepare for an evening of moonlit music and twilight tunes. A dark starlit evening of romance, heartache and soul-searching music from a cabaret and jazz artist at her prime. Night song has cast its spell through generations, and this show will explore the many moods of the midnight hours. Following their very successful Peggy Lee Songbook Tribute dates at The RRazz Room, Veronica and The Tammy Hall Trio are known for their sophisticated and heartfelt style: - eclectic and electric!
Cabaret, Jazz Singer, LGBT
Holiday Cheers With
Fri-Sat, 11/25-26, 7:30pm
Sun, 11/27, 4pm
$45
Deana Martin takes the audience on a musical journey, honoring her legendary father Dean Martin and other great performers who shaped American music and popular culture for over four decades. She sings the soundtrack of our lives, the classics made popular the world over by her father and his "Pallies." Since the shows inception three years ago, Deana has enjoyed rave reviews and has been performing internationally to sold-out audiences on three continents. Taped PBS TV holiday special.
Singer, Actress, Author, Jazz, Traditional Pop, Cabaret
SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER
Semi Sweet
Fri-Sat, 11/25-26, 9:30pm
Sun, 11/27, 7pm
$40
What words best describe Comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer? How about bold, bawdy, and just plain hilarious? Not afraid to ask tough questions that uncover the laughs underneath, Suzanne's made a career out of telling the truth. And the truth is, life is funny. The iconic lesbian comedian has embarked on a crazy, all-new, heart-pumping, mind-bending, hilarious romp through heartbreak, comedy, life, love, and everything about couples un-coupling in the modern world.
Comedy, LGBT
DECEMBER
MARLENA SHAW
California Soul For The Holidays
Thu-Fri, 12/1-2, 8pm
Sat, 12/3, 7 & 9:15pm
Sun, 12/4, 7pm
$35-40
While everyone agrees that Marlena Shaw is a National Treasure, it's difficult to categorize her. Both Downbeat and Record World have named her "Best Female Singer," and many have compared her range, class and swing that of to eternal jazz lights like Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, and Nancy Wilson. But she's also been called a "soul legend," both before and after her successful detour into disco. Given her 40-year boundary-busting career, such labeling confusion is inevitable.
Jazz, Traditional Pop, Classic Soul, R&B Singer
"Rappin' B.O.O.B.S. In Harmony"
starring LEANNE BORGHESI, JESSICA COKER and SOILA HUGHES
as Busty, Outrageous, Over-The-Top, Broads Singin'
Mon, 12/5, 8pm
$45
San Francisco's buxom trio "B.O.O.B.S." is back with their new theatrical cabaret: "Rappin' B.O.O.B.S. In Harmony" just in time for the Holiday Season. Join accomplished musical theatre and cabaret stars: Leanne Borghesi, Jessica Coker and Soila Hughes as Busty, Outrageous, Over-the-Top, Broads, Singin' take you on a musical journey of bawdy blues, juicy jazz, powerhouse pop and everything conceivable in between. Definitely an evening of comedy, sass, truth, heart and cleavage not to be missed.
Musical Theatre, Cabaret, Comedy
Katya's All New Holiday Spectacular
12/6, 8pm
$30 The Countess has returned to the RRazz for a one Night Holiday Spectacular! Sure to make your Yule tide Gay. Hailed as best Drag act by the Bay Guardian (2008) Katya will delight you with a fun-filled evening of belting, banter, and ball gowns to bolster your holiday spirit(s)! With songs ranging from classic holiday fair, to Popera, and disco, there is something for everyone in this heartwarming and brilliantly funny journey through Katya's holiday misadventures.
Musical Theatre, Popera (Pop + Opera) Singer, Cabaret, Holiday Show, LGBT MARIA MULDAUR
Annual Blues & Jazz Christmas Concert
Wed, 12/7, 8pm
$35
In the '60s, Muldaur joined John Sebastian & Steve Katz to form the Even Dozen Jug Band, and soon joined the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, appearing on 5 albums with the group. After 2 albums with her husband Geoff, she went solo, releasing the gold record MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS in 1974. Her many recordings since then are garnished with "tip-of-the-hat" guest appearances by Bonnie Raitt, Huey Lewis, Sonny Landreth and Mavis Staples, and showcase her abilities in jazz, pop, R&B, folk, gospel and blues.
Blues, Jazz Singer
LONI LOVE
"America's Sister" and New Host of "The Gossip Queens"
Thu, 12/8, 8pm
Fri, 12/9, 9:30pm
Sat, 12/10, 9:30pm
Sun, 12/11, 7pm
$25
Named among Variety and Comedy Central's Top 10 Comics to Watch, Love is not only one of the most hilarious and lovable comics performing stand-up on the Comedy Club and college circuits but also a busy TV host, guest and actress who has also appeared in films and dramatic plays. Love is a regular panelist on E!s hit show "Chelsea Lately" and TruTV's Presents: The World's Dumbest." Comedy Central's "America's Sister" is also one of four hosts on the syndicated talk show "The Gossip Queens.
Comedienne, Actress, TV hostPETE ESCOVEDO LATIN JAZZ ORCHESTRA feat. JUAN and Peter Michael
Fri-Sat, 12/9-10, 7:30pm
Sun, 12/11, 5pm
$37.50-40
Latin Jazz Percussionist Legend Pete Escovedo is an artist who broke down the barriers between Smooth Jazz, Salsa, Latin Jazz and contemporary music. His name has been synonymous in the music industry for more than 50 years. With his late brother Coke, Pete began his career as The Escovedo Brothers Latin Jazz Sextet. Pete and Coke toured with Carlos Santana, before forming the Latin funk band Azteca. Pete Escovedo continues to perform worldwide with sons Juan and Peter Michael and daughter Sheila E.
Latin Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Salsa, Funk, R&B, Gospel OrchestraSixth Annual Christmas in San Francisco with RUSS LORENSON and Friends
with Special Guests: Wesla Whitfield, Tim Hockenberry and More!
Kelly Park (Musical Director/Piano)
Tony Malfatti (Sax/Clarinet/Flute)
Daniel Fabricant (Bass)
Kent Bryson (Drums)
Mon, 12/12, 8pm
$30
Skip the Christmas caroling this year and spend a cozy winter's evening with Russ Lorenson and his special guests: Wesla Whitfield, Tim Hockenberry and more, as they celebrate six years of jazzy Christmases, San Francisco style! With songs by such great composers and lyricists as Irving Berlin, Johnny Mercer, Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn, and Frank Loesser, there's something for everyone in this swinging evening of jingle jazz.
Crooner, Jazz, Traditional Pop, Swing, LGBTFranc D'Ambrosio
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Tue-Sat, 12/13-17, 8pm
Sun, 12/18, 7pm
$30-40 Franc D'Ambrosio is a multifaceted vocalist, best known for his role as the "Phantom" in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera." Franc's resume also includes an Academy Award nominated film ("The Godfather III"), three Emmy award nominated television shows, two Grammy considerations (Best Male Vocalist 1999 for "Panis Angelicus" & Traditional Pop Vocal Album 2005 for "Franc D'Ambrosio's Broadway") and a National Theatre Award nomination for his stage work (Barry Manilow's "Copacabana")
Musical Theatre, Broadway, Singer/Actor, LGBT CONNIE CHAMPAGNE as Judy Garland
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Sun, 12/18, 4pm
Mon, 12/19, 8pm
$32.50 What's Christmas without Judy Garland? Come & celebrate this season the Garland-way, with an evening of holiday songs, special guests and Santa Claus!--in the spirit of Judy's 1963 television special.
Cabaret, Broadway, Musical Theatre Singer, Tribute Show, LGBTSharon McNight
Twisted Xmas; A Druid's View Of The Holidays
Tue-Wed, 12/20-21, 8pm
$30
This show is gonna "sleigh" you. It's an irreverent look at the traditions of the season. Over the past decades, during the holidays, while Debby Boone touted a "White Christmas" and Bruce Vilanch roasted his chestnuts over an open fire, Sharon McNight offered an alternative choice from the expected songs. She has stockpiled myriad and outrageous, wacky musical commentaries on the 12 days of everything from Santa, Jesus, Teddy Bears, Elves, Snow, and of course ... Bette Davis.
Cabaret, Broadway, Musical Theatre Singer, LGBT
KIM NALLEY with TAMMY HALL & Special Guests
A Gospel Christmas
Thu-Fri, 12/22-23, 8pm
$35
This yearly Christmas tradition features acclaimed vocalist Kim Nalley performing all your favorite holiday songs accompanied by the swelling soulful Hammond B-3 Organ played by the incomparable Tammy Hall with with Josh Workman (guitar), Michael Zisman (electric bass) and Kent Bryson (drums). Expect several special guest and a few sing-a-longs in at this rollicking joyous concert.
Jazz, Blues, Soul, R&B, Folk, Gospel Singer, LGBT
The Fabulous BUD E. LUV
Annual Christmas Spectacular
Sun, 12/25, 7pm
$25
A man who has graced stages worldwide for over 30 years. The themes from the movies. The songs from the Broadway shows. The hit records he's written for Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Tony Orlando, Robert Goulet. The King of Swing. The Father of Folk. The Daddy of Disco. The man who put the Boss in the Bossa Nova. Ladies and Gentlemen, he is not having a perfect hair day, he is having a perfect hair decade. Would you welcome to the stage the world's greatest entertainer and San Francisco's own.
Comedy, Lounge Singer, LGBT
KIM NALLEY & HOUSTON PERSON
A Soulful Jazz New Year
Tue-Fri, 12/27-30, 8pm $30-40
Sat, 12/31, 7:30pm $75
**Sat, 12/31, 10:30pm, $150
**Includes party favors, countdown to 2011, champagne toast at midnight and post-show buffet
Sun, 1/1 2012 7pm $30 Recently named one of the "Ten Most Influential African Americans in the Bay Area," Kim Nalley has an intl reputation as one of world's best jazz blues vocalists. 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. Nalley & Person join forces for A Soulful Jazz New Year.
Jazz, Blues, Soul, R&B, Folk, Gospel Singer, LGBT
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