After the MAC showcase, it was off (in the snowstorm!) to Don't Tell Mama for vocal ensemble Marquee Five in We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander and Ebb. A welcome addition to the NYC nightlife scene, Marquee Five comprises singers Mick Bleyer, Adam West Hemming (who also serves as musical director for the show!), Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein, and Julie Reyburn, all of whom are terrific performers in their own right...and the blend of their instruments on tight, five-part harmonies is really something special! The five performers each got their chance to shine in various solos and duets, which added color and variety to the already-enjoyable evening. Each vocalist brought their own unique sound and style to the show, yet were able to blend beautifully on the group numbers. Directed by Peter Napolitano, the show featured several arrangements by Mr. West Hemming (including a terrific, five-part "And All That Jazz," which was the show's opener), as well as some arrangements borrowed from And The World Goes Round, and also one arrangement (the infectiously cheerful "Sing Happy," which Ms. Reyburn performed as a solo) by Mark Janas. It's hard to pick favorites, but I must say that "Coffee In a Cardboard Cup" would definitely have to be in contention - the harmonies were terrific, and the frantic, caffeinated energy injected an extra dose of humor into the song. I'm looking forward to seeing what's on board for Marquee Five next - it's a welcome breath of fresh air in the cabaret world to have this type of ensemble show, and I'm sure there are more exciting things in store!
Where I'm Going This Week...
TONIGHT - Saturday, February 27th: BarbAra Martinez in Concert at Weill RecitAl Hall. Renowned Flamenco and Latin Jazz performer BarbAra Martinez takes to the stage in a special evening of music and dance, and I'm very much looking forward to being there! Show begins at 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 3rd: Ray Jessel at Don't Tell Mama. Yes, the L.A. - based Mr. Jessel is back in town, and I couldn't be happier! He'll be at Don't Tell Mama every Wednesday in March at 9:15 p.m., singing his fabulous compositions. Some are laugh-out-loud funny; others are tear-jerking ballads. The one thing they all have in common, though, is that they are all terrific!
Thursday, March 4th: 6:30 p.m. - MAC New Face Showcase at Broadway Baby Bistro. It's Part II of the New Face Showcase, and I'm looking forward to catching the rest of this year's debut artists who appear on the preliminary MAC Award ballot. For more info on MAC or the MAC awards, visit www.macnyc.com.
Friday, March 5th: 10:00 p.m. - MetroJam at The Metropolitan Room. I have the honor of hosting the Metropolitan Room's monthly open mic, which is frequented by all kinds of talented performers! This month, the special guest will be spectacular jazz vocalist Hilary Kole, who will be performing a 3-song set!
Pictured: Marquee Five (l-r: Mick Bleyer, Sierra Rein, Adam West Hemming, Julie Reyburn, Vanessa Parvin)
