Wow, I am rendered speechless by the wonderful crowd that showed up on Friday! A FULL HOUSE of AWESOME PERFORMERS AND AN AMAZINGLY ATTENTIVE AUDIENCE! What else can I ask for!! Each and every one of the performers added their own unique brand to the stage!
Time for me to express my thank you's!
First and foremost, I want to thank my August featured musical director Kenneth Gartman, who did a fantastic job accompanying the full house of diverse performers and music selections throughout the evening!
Be sure to mark your calendars for his upcoming appearances as he musically direct Steve Bustamante's debut show in September and his cabaret workshop performances that he is directing/music directing in November. Check out his site at KennethGartman.com for more details!
Next, I want to thank my August Featured Spotlight performer, Joe Taylor, a confidante and dear friend of mine who happens to be quite the inspiring rock star! Joe went up, owned the stage and made fans out of the entire audience after his three song set, consisting of two originals "The Sweetest Tune" from his album "Anything's Possible" and a new song "Build This House" from his upcoming album. He wrapped up his set with a crowd rousing rendition of "Don't Stop Believing", joined by his friend Tony Mac who traveled all the way from Philadelphia to surprise him!
Check out his website at :
Stay tuned for information on his album "Try Again" soon to be released in September and look and vote for him for his song "All Around The World" , nominated for the Hollywood Music Awards for Best video in November, 2016.
ALL PHOTO CREDITS TO MY BEST PHOTOGRAPHER ED HERSON!!
Also BIG THANKS TO JASON ELLIS, the best tech on lights and sound!
Of the performers, here is a list of performers in order of the evening with their upcoming events/news! Mark your calendars!
1) Maria Corsaro - just finished her debut show "What The Hell is Cabaret" at the Laurie Beechman with Linda Kahn and Kenneth Gartman; She is about to do 2 new workshops with Kenneth.
2) Robert Shechner - a returnee! We will stay tuned for what's new.
3) Sidney Plunket - A return visit from a former regular performer from the Singers Forum Open Mic.
4) Marcia Rooney - She is bringing back her show "Letting Go" in October and November.
5) Emmy Pai - second appearance by Emmy, who is a student of Wendy Russell!
6) Barbara Malley - MAC award winner of best comedy 2016 is bringing back her show "Diva" in 2018
7) Helen Glassman - A wonderful singer who did her debut show in 2016.
8) Karen Mack - Mult-award winning vocalist Karen Mack is one of "Those Girls" who just won the 2016 MAC award for best group! They will be having an all accoustic night
Those Girls "Unplugged" at Pangea, Wednesday, August 23rd at 7:30pm, doors open 6:30pm at Cafe Noctambulo at Pangea!
9) The Elegant Ivory Duo - More updates will be available when they have shows coming up! Stay tuned!
10) Ira Lee Collings - MAC Hanson Award Winner will be bringing back his show "Life Is a Song, So Why Not Sing it" to Don't Tell Mama on September 26th, October 2nd and October 29th at 7 PM!
11) Tony Mac - traveled all the way from Philadelphia performed an original tune. He will let us know of any upcoming appearances.
12) Gretchen Reinhagen - Multi Award winning female vocalist, director came and sang beautifully for a captivated audience! We look forward to news for upcoming shows!
13) Bennett Silverstein - is planning a comedy show with MAC award winning director Gretchen Reinhagen.
14) Bobbie Horowitz - MAC award winning best Emcee for the series "It's Just a Number" honoring people over 50 who are accomplishing great things, and author of the book "Fit and Fabulous from Fifty Forward! The next event is on September 18th, 7 PM at the Metropolitan Room, Honoring our very own John Koprowski, Frank Dain and Meg Flather! (Our previous spotlight guest Lisa Viggiano and myself will both be in the show too!)
15) Lucille Carr-Kaffashan- 2017 Bistro Award Winner for Outstanding Theme Show is performing at the Rrazz Room in December in New Hope, PA.
16) Linda Kahn - just finished her debut show "What The Hell is Cabaret" at the Laurie Beechman with Maria Corsaro and Kenneth Gartman; She is about to do 2 new workshops with Kenneth in November.
17) Phyllis Mollen - She recently was part of Mama's Next Big Act and she will let us know of any upcoming events.
18) David Richards - A new performer to spotlight.
19) Lisa Dennett - Next Thursday, August 24th at 7 PM, her new show "Women Of Influence" is opening at the Laurie Beechman Theater. Go check her out!!
20) Jaiana - A last minute walk in performer of an unexpected genre. She is doing a show on August 25th at the West End.
21) Matthew Martin Ward - He will be our next featured musical director here at Spotlight on YOU Open Mic for September!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US FOR THE NEXT ROUND ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH, SAME TIME, SAME PLACE, FEATURING 10 TIME MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets), 5 TIME BACKSTAGE BISTRO, & 3 TIME NITE LIFE AWARD WINNER, MAC PRESIDENT LENNIE WATTS & MULTI-TALENTED SINGER/SONG WRITER/MUSICAL DIRECTOR MATTHEW MARTIN WARD AS THE ACCOMPANIST!! BRING A FRIEND!! HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
