RIP Tony Bennett

One of the greats left us this week. Here’s my favorite Tony Bennett number.

That, Sunday, That Summer (Is Icumin In)

“That Sunday, That Summer” is certainly one of the loveliest Nat King Cole hits. However, there is a reference in the song that I think most people miss…

The lyric “Summer was a-comin’ in but fast…” is certainly a reference to “Summer Is Icumin In.” I had a recorder songbook in 5th grade that listed it as the oldest known song. The earliest manuscript of the song dates from the 13th century, but who knows how old the song actually is.

The song also features in the climax of my favorite movie, The Wicker Man.

I love the reference in the the Cole song, in that it bridges something ancient to something new and evolving.

A Song for the Summer

Bob Smith This Weekend

From Bob Smith…

Our final event for June is another visit with Benny Robles and Ronnie Hardcastle at their condominium in Alexandria at Watergate at Landmark.  Sunday, June 25th is the date and the time is 6-9pm.  $20.00 per person is the charge which gets you a 3 hours block of music, Chef Benny’s delicious hors d’oeuvres and all the soft drinks and bottled water you can consume.  Beer and wine are available at an additional modest charge.  You do need to email Benny to firm up your reservation — broble2003@yahoo.com.  You will be given instructions to this gated community when you make your reservation.  Please do so NOW because the condo fills up fast!

Hot for Howdy

I did the song “Hot for Howdy” by Stephen Cole and Jeffrey Saver at the DC Cabaret Network. Pleople were intrigued when I said that it was introduced by the great Christine Baranski, so I am posting the video here.

I first discovered the song on a CD of a benefit concert with an all-star cast. Although there was a lot of great material on the album, when I heard this track (titled “Confession” on the CD, I knew I had to sing the song. I tracked down one of the songwriters who obligingly sent me the sheet.

There’s another piece of terrific specialty material for the right person on the CD. Marni Nixon performed “The Emergency Traviata” on this recording. Another version follows below.

Ann Talman Salutes Elizabeth Taylor

Ann Talman brought her charming show The Shadow of Her Smile, a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor, to the Riderwood theater on Friday.

It was a lovely tribute by a lovely performer. Often when performers do tribute shows, they are not personally acquainted with the person they are lauding. In this case, though, Talman played Taylor’s daughter in the 80’s revival of The Little Foxes and stayed friends with Taylor through the rest of her life. Talman sprinkled in songs reflective of both her and Taylor’s experiences.
The magnificent Alex Rybeck played the show. Obviously, he contributed great arrangements (especially a spectacular “Ship in a Bottle”), but he was impressively ready to play when Talman went from speaking to singing, providing a seamless experience.

There is one sequence in the show that I find particularly thrilling and state-of-the-art cabaret. Talman discusses her relationship with Michael Richard and sings “They Can’t Take that Away from Me.” The number goes seamlessly from story to song to story to song, and even adds the “Entertainment Tonight Theme.”

Congrats to Talman, Rybeck, and director Lina Koutrakos for a great show!!!

Liz Callaway Offers a Song for Pride Month

Liz Callaway offers a lovely song from the Ahrens & Flaherty musical “A Man of No Importance” for Pride month, with piano accompaniment by Stephen Flaherty.

Just a lovely version of a terrific song!

I know people use their cars as vocal studios, but I have to admit being nervous watching her videoing while driving, presumably alone in her car. Let’s remember how much poorer our musical history is due to great women singers dying in transportation-related accidents. Remember, when James Cordon films his bits, the cars are actually being towed by a tow truck.

Rest In Peace Treat Williams

Over Here is the show that cemented me as the musical theater fan that I am. Ironically, even though it was meant as a comeback vehicle for the Andrews Sisters, it had the best cast of unknowns in Broadway history, including John Travolta, Ann Reinking, Marilu Henner, and Treat Williams. (Treat Williams is the one generally partnering Marilu Henner in Betty Grable pin curls.)

Sad to see the news that Treat Williams passed away on Monday.

Midwest Cabaret Conference – Day 3 – Part II

Photo by Cheryl Szucits

Showtime! Finally.

It’s always fun the see people who have been kicking around in various levels of rehearsal dress glammed up for the show. One performer, who had looked so spectacular during the day that I assumed she was wearing her performance outfit, certainly takes it up another level for the show.

Here is the show order (with links to performance videos):

• Lina Koutrakos – Introductions
• Jan Paszczykowski — WATCH WHAT HAPPENS
• Ellen Auwater — LEADER OF THE BAND
• Carla Gordon — GOD KNOWS WHERE
• Steve Brammeier — TEACHER TEACHER
• Deborah Stone — IS IT HOT IN HERE?     
• Heather Frank — THEY SAY ITS SPRING
• Jonathan Lewis — I CAN NOT HEAR THE CITY
• Fred Aiese –LEARNING THE BLUES
• Joanne Halev– I GOT IT BAD AND THAT AIN’T GOOD
• Patti Bottino Bravo — MAKE ME RAINBOWS
• Michael Miyazaki — THE GHOST AT THE BIJOU
• Robert Breig — THIS MASQUERADE
• Patricia Salinski — YOU’LL NEVER KNOW
• Margaret Curry — DAY IN, DAY OUT
• Jeannie Carroll — THE WAY HE MAKES ME FEEL
• Lina Koutrakos – Thanks
• Group – IT’S BETTER WITH A BAND

Directed by Lina Koutrakos; Musical Direction & Piano — Beckie Menzie; Bass – Scott Mason; Drums & Percussion – Irwin Berkovitz

Sitting through the show, my first reaction is to be in awe of everyone involved. The final product looks so smooth and effortless, it would be easy for a casual audience member to ask what we’d spent the last three days doing. However, knowing the tweaks that people made, I am internally saying “Good boy!” or “Atta Girl!” and maybe even fist-pumping with my fellow students. I see one particular student (who to the surprise of the people who knew them) really buckled down and listened to the feedback and ended remarkably better than they started.

Performers had multiple reasons for attending this workshop. Many were there for the experience of working with a trio, some were there to explore unfamiliar material, someone whose recent dental surgery made him unable to sing, was there for the community and provided a great deal of support throughout the event.

 Some final thoughts:

• In these situations, be brave and follow instructions provided without argument. You have the rest of your life to do things the way you want to.
• It is such a luxury to be surrounded by people who love the same music and creativity that you so.
• With singers from around the country, it is wonderful to tap into a community. There was a fascinating discussion at breakfast one day dissectiong the work and approaches of a variety of music directors.
• With people from the community, nobody wants to be “that guy.” While some may feel the pressure of the need to behave themselves, everybody benefits from a group being perhaps more charming and gracious than is their normal wont.

Thank you Cheryl Szucits for the great picture!

Next DC Cabaret Network Open Mic — Monday June 19

Join your DCCN friends on Monday, June 19, upstairs at Rosemarino D’Italia in Dupont Circle (1714 Connecticut Ave NW).

Tracy Simpson will host

William Yanesh will be at the keys.

Come early to visit with old friends or make new ones, while enjoying food and drinks from Rosemarino’s full menu and bar. Social hour begins at 7, singing will begin at 8. BYO sheet music.​NEW: No cover charge! Tip your pianist accordingly!Click here for more information.