Concerts / Events

HOORAY FOR HOORAY Most songs became standards because they were made famous by popular singers. So it’s easy to forget how many of them were introduced on the silver screen. Hooray for Hollywood!, the musical revue that made its New York debut at Birdland Theater on June 15, is a welcome reminder of the many…

YOU GOTTA LOVE IT Spring is in the air and so is love at 54 Below, where Scott Siegel is presenting Love Song Saturday Night, a monthly show where couples are encouraged to “swoon, raise a glass, and maybe share a kiss.” The June 3 edition featured songs from Broadway, country, pop, R & B…

BAKER COOKS UP ONE HOT GERSHWIN Aussie jazz pianist Matt Baker says his earliest introduction to the work of George Gershwin was when a schoolmate played Rhapsody in Blue. His love of Gershwin was cemented with the release of Herbie Hancock’s Gershwin’s World. In time Baker met and learned from Hancock, who even taught him…

GAVIN’S PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ Gavin Lee first became fascinated with Fred Astaire when he was a child watching old movies on television. He also likes to dress up. If that doesn’t qualify him for his solo show, Steppin’ Out with Fred Astaire, certainly his fine voice and graceful tapping do. The show, which made…

Creating a musical is not an easy task. Finding backers to produce it is even more difficult. When creative people have the fortitude and faith to take on such an endeavor, one wants to be as positive as possible. So it is with a heavy heart that I cannot fully endorse Alone: A New Musical….

40 YEARS OF STORIED SONGS When a songstress entitles her show Surviving Cabaret, one can expect a lot of sad ballads and weepy blues. Not so with Sharon McNight’s new show at Green Room 42. Yes, there is a bit of nostalgia. McNight opens with Janis Ian’s “I’m Standing Here,” which features lyrics proclaiming, “See…