Friday, May 15, 2009
THEY'RE BACK!
Welcome back home Thursday the 14th to Cynthia Crane - due to return from Paris, and Sue Matsuki returning from China. Both have been keeping in touch with their "blackberries" but of course limited to very short comments. I can't wait to see them - or at least communicate with them in more than 140 or so characters.
GET YOUR TICKET AT THE STATION - NO, I MEAN AT THE WEBSITE
Tickets for the 19th Birthday Party of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE went on sale to all the folks who signed up already as 2009-2010 members - and we have already taken reservations for 22 of the 75 available seats! The show, our 5th Annual celebration of the birth-date of this little publication, will be held on Thursday, July 9th, at 7:00 pm at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - ). I'll be announcing the full cast list shortly. Tickets go on sale today to all 413 current 2008-2009 members (all memberships expire on July 5th each year) and will go on sale to the general public on Monday, July 18th. NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN BY THE CLUB - no tickets sold the day of the event. If you are a 2008-2009 member, you will have received ordering information.
Please note: Sponsorships at $100 each are available - and each sponsorship includes a free ticket - just let me know if you are interested. Sponsors help us keep the ticket prices down to an affordable rate and their names and websites will be included in all promotion communications for the event (like in the next paragraph).
The 19th Birthday Party of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE is sponsored in part by Raisa Katonah Bennett , Teresa Fischer, Marty Geiger and Eric Michael Gillett.
Please note: Sponsorships at $100 each are available - and each sponsorship includes a free ticket - just let me know if you are interested. Sponsors help us keep the ticket prices down to an affordable rate and their names and websites will be included in all promotion communications for the event (like in the next paragraph).
The 19th Birthday Party of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE is sponsored in part by Raisa Katonah Bennett , Teresa Fischer, Marty Geiger and Eric Michael Gillett.
LOSING OR WINNING - ITS NOT ABOUT AWARDS
The countdown to the MAC AWARDS is in full force. The tension is mounting; the competition is at fever pitch. Just a word from someone who has seen this same scenario played out for almost 20 years: don't take it all too seriously. After all, the so-called "MAC community" is only a small portion of the cabaret community, and the actual award means far more out of town than it does here in NYC. You won't lose a single fan if you don't win the award. All the folks who love you now will continue to love you whether you win or lose. And wise booking agents - where ever they are located - know exactly how little winning an award has to do with talent and quality. Its an item for your resume.
And the original reason for the MAC awards - to promote cabaret awareness - has been lost in the oft-times destructive actions of "award winning." Very talented folks have actually ceased performing because they weren't "recognized by the MAC community". Losing an award or not getting on the ballot is not a sign of rejection. Most MAC voters only see a handful of cabaret shows a year - and usually only shows put on by their friends. Most MAC voters make their choices not according to the rules (one should only vote for performers you have actually seen in performance that year) and but instead vote at the urging of friends and acquaintances. If the MAC members who actually vote annually really went to all the performances they voted for on the preliminary ballot, there wouldn't be enough cabaret rooms to go around.
Each year I see terrific, fantastic, ground-breaking cabaret shows that never make the cut because they weren't seen by the right people. And each year I see sloppy, cookie-cutter, boring shows that do get on the ballot because they were seen by the right people. I will make an admission here. In those years I was a MAC member, I hardly ever sent in a ballot - preliminary or final. I knew who the real winners were - folks who were moving the art of cabaret forward. And they knew who they were, too, and an award was not important to their artistry.
And the original reason for the MAC awards - to promote cabaret awareness - has been lost in the oft-times destructive actions of "award winning." Very talented folks have actually ceased performing because they weren't "recognized by the MAC community". Losing an award or not getting on the ballot is not a sign of rejection. Most MAC voters only see a handful of cabaret shows a year - and usually only shows put on by their friends. Most MAC voters make their choices not according to the rules (one should only vote for performers you have actually seen in performance that year) and but instead vote at the urging of friends and acquaintances. If the MAC members who actually vote annually really went to all the performances they voted for on the preliminary ballot, there wouldn't be enough cabaret rooms to go around.
Each year I see terrific, fantastic, ground-breaking cabaret shows that never make the cut because they weren't seen by the right people. And each year I see sloppy, cookie-cutter, boring shows that do get on the ballot because they were seen by the right people. I will make an admission here. In those years I was a MAC member, I hardly ever sent in a ballot - preliminary or final. I knew who the real winners were - folks who were moving the art of cabaret forward. And they knew who they were, too, and an award was not important to their artistry.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
SAD NEWS FROM RICKY RITZEL
I'm very sorry to report Spider Saloff's husband and record producer, Bob Drake, passed away early this morning at their home in Chicago. Bob founded Kopasthetics Records to record our show '1938' in 1989. Spider and I will be appearing at the MAC Awards Monday night and she will dedicate our performance to his memory. In spite of this tragedy, Spider will be doing her scheduled performances in New York in the next 2 weeks. She says Bob would have insisted upon it.
IN ONE WEEK BOSTON JAZZ RADIO LANDSCAPE GETS CUT DRAMATICALLY
WFNX AXES JEFF TURTON
WGBH CUTS AL DAVIS and KEVIN BALL
RON GILL DEPARTS FOR N. CAROLINA & WILL NOT BE REPLACED BY LIVE HOST
Jazz host Jeff Turton announced today that WFNX FM has cancelled his show, The Sunday Jazz Brunch, as of his show yesterday after 26 years on the air on Sunday mornings.
“I got a call late last week informing me that this past Sunday would be my last show. The reason being given is budget cuts related to diminished revenues at both ‘FNX and at the Boston Phoenix. While I wasn't surprised, given the nature of the newspaper business and radio in general, I am incredibly disappointed. I’m not sure where to go next but I guess I'll sleep in for a couple of weekends and then figure it out. I still plan on being active in some way but everything happened pretty quickly so I really haven't had much of an opportunity to figure out what's next,” noted Turton in an e-mail Monday morning.
Legendary jazz concert promoter Fred Taylor weighed in. “I think it shows WFNX’s total lack of acknowledgement of Boston’s arts community. To cut one lonely jazz show like this which represents a basic American art form from the station’s 24-7 programming is unconscionable,” he said upon hearing the news.
“Jeff Turton has been a jazz resource for Boston listeners for 26 years. He hosted the go-to show on Sunday morning radio, and he will definitely be missed.” stated noted jazz writer and Marsalis Music Creative Consultant Bob Blumenthal.
Last week came the news that WGBH FM jazz host Ron Gill would be moving to North Carolina to live with relatives after 23 years on the radio here and the jazz scene held its collective breath and wondered who would be his replacement host. Then the word came that his show would be covered by another syndicated show taped on the west coast by Bob Parlocha.
Next there was a call from WGBH 9 year veteran jazz DJ Al Davis. “I can’t book any guests on the show until I speak with WGBH. They’ve called me in for a meeting and it sounds serious,” said Al to publicist Sue Auclair.
Tuesday, May 15 brought the news that ALL of the Jazz Gallery hosts would be departing at the end of May. That included Davis on overnight Fridays, 15 year veterin Kevin Ball overnight on Saturdays and Ron Gill, overnight on Sundays. Davis and Ball will be occasional substitutes for Eric Jackson’s “Eric In The Evening.”
All live-hosted weekend jazz shows will be gone, as of May 30 and the new programming will feature “Jazz With Bob Parlocha,” the program that is syndicated nationally and now already airs on 89.7 FM overnights on weeknights.
While it’s good that jazz will still be on the air on WGBH FM, it disconnects the regional audience from the live Boston experience, say some.
WGBH CUTS AL DAVIS and KEVIN BALL
RON GILL DEPARTS FOR N. CAROLINA & WILL NOT BE REPLACED BY LIVE HOST
Jazz host Jeff Turton announced today that WFNX FM has cancelled his show, The Sunday Jazz Brunch, as of his show yesterday after 26 years on the air on Sunday mornings.
“I got a call late last week informing me that this past Sunday would be my last show. The reason being given is budget cuts related to diminished revenues at both ‘FNX and at the Boston Phoenix. While I wasn't surprised, given the nature of the newspaper business and radio in general, I am incredibly disappointed. I’m not sure where to go next but I guess I'll sleep in for a couple of weekends and then figure it out. I still plan on being active in some way but everything happened pretty quickly so I really haven't had much of an opportunity to figure out what's next,” noted Turton in an e-mail Monday morning.
Legendary jazz concert promoter Fred Taylor weighed in. “I think it shows WFNX’s total lack of acknowledgement of Boston’s arts community. To cut one lonely jazz show like this which represents a basic American art form from the station’s 24-7 programming is unconscionable,” he said upon hearing the news.
“Jeff Turton has been a jazz resource for Boston listeners for 26 years. He hosted the go-to show on Sunday morning radio, and he will definitely be missed.” stated noted jazz writer and Marsalis Music Creative Consultant Bob Blumenthal.
Last week came the news that WGBH FM jazz host Ron Gill would be moving to North Carolina to live with relatives after 23 years on the radio here and the jazz scene held its collective breath and wondered who would be his replacement host. Then the word came that his show would be covered by another syndicated show taped on the west coast by Bob Parlocha.
Next there was a call from WGBH 9 year veteran jazz DJ Al Davis. “I can’t book any guests on the show until I speak with WGBH. They’ve called me in for a meeting and it sounds serious,” said Al to publicist Sue Auclair.
Tuesday, May 15 brought the news that ALL of the Jazz Gallery hosts would be departing at the end of May. That included Davis on overnight Fridays, 15 year veterin Kevin Ball overnight on Saturdays and Ron Gill, overnight on Sundays. Davis and Ball will be occasional substitutes for Eric Jackson’s “Eric In The Evening.”
All live-hosted weekend jazz shows will be gone, as of May 30 and the new programming will feature “Jazz With Bob Parlocha,” the program that is syndicated nationally and now already airs on 89.7 FM overnights on weeknights.
While it’s good that jazz will still be on the air on WGBH FM, it disconnects the regional audience from the live Boston experience, say some.
ANNOUNCING "THE TOWNHOUSE HAS TALENT" CONTEST
THE TOWNHOUSE OF NYC (236 East 58th Street, NYC - 212-754-4649 - http://www.townhouseny.com/ ) will be holding a Talent Contest for Singers - THE TOWNHOUSE HAS TALENT - hosted by Paul Sheesley and held every Monday night starting on June 1st. Musical directors are Steve Bocchino and David Pelegrene. 1st prize is $500 and a guest spot on Paul Sheesley's TV Show "American Songbook". 2nd place: $250 and 3rd place $100. All the rules and more information are on my website - there is a SIDE-BAR banner in the right column, or click on the SUPERSIZE banner that will appear at random at the top of the page. More details in Thursday's newsletter.
Monday, May 11, 2009
THE CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS RESUME MAY 13th
THE CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS has its 2009 Spring Launch at Tudor City Greens Park (enter at Tudor City Place between East 42nd and East 43rd Streets) this Wednesday, May 13th starting at 6:00 pm. 2009 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Raissa Katona Bennett hosts an amazing array of Broadway and cabaret artists at each event. Raissa's guests this month are Norm Lewis, Susan Winter, Ed Romanoff, Hector Coris, Ritt Henn, Karen Oberlin, Phillips and Barbara Mundy. The musical directors are David Caldwell, Mark Janas, and Bill Zeffiro. The show is free and open to the public, with an opportunity given to support the park conservancy with a donation. As with all live entertainment events, cast subject to change.
"CABARET FOLKS ON TWITTER YOU SHOULD FOLLOW - #2"
"CABARET FOLKS ON TWITTER YOU SHOULD FOLLOW - #2"
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This new special feature spotlights cabaret folks who you should follow on TWITTER (besides me at http://twitter.com/stuhamstra ). These are performers and friends of cabaret that I am currently following, who provide pithy comments and news on a regular basis, and who will not inundate you with TWITS of a political, commercial or pornographic nature and endless promos for their website, blog or next cabaret show. Choice this week is Matthew Carey (http://twitter.com/matthewcarey ) who is sort of the Australian version of Tedd Firth - Matthew has accompanied some of the biggest stars of cabaret and stage at their events and concerts "down under." But you would hardly know from his comments on TWITTER - follow his day from breakfast, to gym, to piano rehearsal to show (with occasional book recommendations). Click on his link to sign on as a follower.
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This new special feature spotlights cabaret folks who you should follow on TWITTER (besides me at http://twitter.com/stuhamstra ). These are performers and friends of cabaret that I am currently following, who provide pithy comments and news on a regular basis, and who will not inundate you with TWITS of a political, commercial or pornographic nature and endless promos for their website, blog or next cabaret show. Choice this week is Matthew Carey (http://twitter.com/matthewcarey ) who is sort of the Australian version of Tedd Firth - Matthew has accompanied some of the biggest stars of cabaret and stage at their events and concerts "down under." But you would hardly know from his comments on TWITTER - follow his day from breakfast, to gym, to piano rehearsal to show (with occasional book recommendations). Click on his link to sign on as a follower.
2009-2010 CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE MEMBERSHIPS ON SALE NOW
2009-2010 CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE MEMBERSHIPS are now on sale - all memberships expire on the 5th of July each year, so new members can get an extra 2 months of benefits by joining now. And current members can avoid a lot of pesky e-mails from me begging them to rejoin by signing up today and getting it all out of the way now. All members (new & renewing) who join or renew before July 5th will be able to purchase discounted tickets ($10 off the non-member $25 price) to the July CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE 19th Birthday party event to be held on Thursday, July 9th at 7:00 pm at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - ). Tickets will go on sale to all 2009-2010 members on Thursday the 14th and to all 2008-2009 members on Friday, May 15th - and on sale to anyone on Monday, May 18th. You can join today - just click on the button marked JOIN HERE at the top of every page on the website. ($250 members and above get 2 free tickets to the show.)
NYC: METROPOLITAN ROOM CELEBRATES THIRD ANNIVERSARY TONIGHT
The Nightlife and Bistro Award-winning THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - http://www.metropolitanroom.com/ ), celebrates its third anniversary, most suitably, with a special one-night engagement starring Billy Stritch, who opened the room on May 11, 2006. Stritch, Liza Minnelli's music director for "Liza's at the Palace" on Broadway this season, says he developed this new show called "Three," in which he pulls together all manner of interesting triplets, but which he will play just once. The show is at 9:45 pm, and is followed by a party, hosted by the club, which is included in the price of admission.
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