Whew! Leslie Orofino, Lina Koutrakos, CD Release and More!
Hello All!
Sorry for the gap between postings, but as most of you know, it's been a pretty hectic time for me - getting geared up for the big CD Release has taken up a ton of time and energy - but boy, was it worth it!! I'll write more about it later, but first let me pick up where I left off last time!
On Friday, October 5th, I headed over to the Metropolitan Room for Joe Bachana's MetroJam. What a fantastic night! Hosted by the charming Mr. Bachana, the house musicians for the night were John DiPinto on piano, Tommy Kirchmer on bass, and Bobby Sher on drums. The house was loaded with amazing talents including Gretchen Reinhagen, Cynthia Crane, Ray Jessel, Richard Malavet, Rob Langeder, Susan Winter, and Jenny Lynn Stewart, all of whom graced the stage with their wonderful talents! My dad also joined me on guitar for two songs (we were giving a sneak preview of my show!) and did his own rockin' "Moondance!" It was such a wonderful evening, I couldn't believe how quickly it flew by! The "Metrojammers" are taking the holiday season off, but will be back in January to kick off the new year. I'll keep you posted!
On Monday, October 8th, I had the thrill of being part of the audience for Lina Koutrakos' show at the Metropolitan Room. This was a rock n' roll show that was being filmed for DVD, so it was very exciting. And if you've never heard Lina...all I can say is - this woman KNOWS how to rock! She's got soul oozing out of her fingertips and the energy created by her powerful voice and her amazing band is truly something that needs to be experienced! I'm kind of a "Lina groupie" - this is my third or fourth time seeing her, and I'd go back again in a heartbeat. This woman knows how to put on a show!!! Of course, since it was a Monday, I headed right over to Cast Party after Lina's show, where my dad joined me again and we schmoozed, sang, and schmoozed some more! (Really, what else is there in life?)
Tuesday evening found me at the 10th Avenue Lounge to support my friend Mark Aaron James. Mark is a singer/songwriter/guitar player who does original material as well as some really cool covers of pop/rock songs. I've always enjoyed listening to him at Cast Party and the odd night out at Marie's Crisis, so I was really happy to finally get a chance to check out one of his solo gigs - and I was definitely not disappointed! Mellow and low-key, the 10th Avenue Lounge is a great place to sit back, sip a beer, and listen to some great music. Mark's original tunes are great, and I truly believe he's the only person I know who can get away with singing "Thriller" as part of a set! He's out of town tonight, but should be back next week - definitely swing by if you're in town and you've got the time. At no cover and no minimum, it's one of the most affordable nights in the city! Starts at 9:30 p.m.
For the rest of the week, I basically took it easy - I knew I had a big night coming up with the CD Release, and believe it or not, I came down with a sinus infection! Not great timing, but it actually forced me to stay home and get some much-needed rest before my big night last night...and SPEAKING of the big night...we had a BLAST! My show, 13 Men...and Me! opened at the Metropolitan Room last night to coincide with the release by my brand-spankin'-new debut CD of the same name. We had a great audience, and I had the most wonderful ensemble backing me up - Fortune Esposito (musical director), on guitar and backup vocals; Kelly Park (producer of the CD) on piano; Michael Blanco on bass, Brian DeWitt on drums, Brian Broelmann on tenor sax, and Kelly Esposito-Broelmann and Rob Langeder on backup vocals. I had a terrific time - after the months and months of sitting in the studio and listening to those songs over and over and over again, it felt amazing to get them on their feet and perform them!
A BIG thank you to all who attended - it was a very special night for me and your presence meant the world.
After the show, we headed over to Cast Party (of course!) and continued the celebration by performing the 1st track of the CD, an old Paul Anka tune called "Eso Beso." What a fun, fun night!
On my agenda:
Wednesday, 10/17:
Jazzaret at the Triad
9:00 p.m. at the Triad,158 W. 72nd Street
Jazzaret is a fun, relaxed weekly open mike soiree hosted by Dana Lorge and featuring the Barry Levitt Trio. Featured singers this week are Linda Kosut, Esther Beckman, and ME!!!
$5 cover + 1 drink minimum
Sunday, 10/21
Cynthia Crane: The Time Has Come
4:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Room, 34 W. 22nd Street
One of cabaret's most treasured talents. Her show last year, "If I Knew Now..." was just great, and I'm looking forward to seeing her brand new show at my favorite room in the city!
$20 cover + 2 drink minimum
Gretchen Reinhagen: Back To Basics
8:15 p.m. at Don't Tell Mama
A fantastically talented singer and storyteller. Her last show, "Redefined" was a treat, and I'm eagerly anticipating catching this new show!
$15 cover + 2 drink minimum
Monday, October 22nd
ME!!!!: Thirteen Men...and Me!
7:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Room
Join me on a "live tour" of my brand new CD! Featuring songs from Duke Ellington to Bacharach and David, to songs made famous by the likes of Ann Margret, Paul Anka, and Tony Bennett - there's a little something for everyone!
$20 cover + 2 drink minimum
Miles Phillips: Quiet Stars
9:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Room
One of my favorite entertainers in the city - Miles always puts on scrupulously crafted, well-sung shows - can't wait to catch this one!
Okay, kids, that's about it for now...but check back soon for more updates!
Sorry for the gap between postings, but as most of you know, it's been a pretty hectic time for me - getting geared up for the big CD Release has taken up a ton of time and energy - but boy, was it worth it!! I'll write more about it later, but first let me pick up where I left off last time!
On Friday, October 5th, I headed over to the Metropolitan Room for Joe Bachana's MetroJam. What a fantastic night! Hosted by the charming Mr. Bachana, the house musicians for the night were John DiPinto on piano, Tommy Kirchmer on bass, and Bobby Sher on drums. The house was loaded with amazing talents including Gretchen Reinhagen, Cynthia Crane, Ray Jessel, Richard Malavet, Rob Langeder, Susan Winter, and Jenny Lynn Stewart, all of whom graced the stage with their wonderful talents! My dad also joined me on guitar for two songs (we were giving a sneak preview of my show!) and did his own rockin' "Moondance!" It was such a wonderful evening, I couldn't believe how quickly it flew by! The "Metrojammers" are taking the holiday season off, but will be back in January to kick off the new year. I'll keep you posted!
On Monday, October 8th, I had the thrill of being part of the audience for Lina Koutrakos' show at the Metropolitan Room. This was a rock n' roll show that was being filmed for DVD, so it was very exciting. And if you've never heard Lina...all I can say is - this woman KNOWS how to rock! She's got soul oozing out of her fingertips and the energy created by her powerful voice and her amazing band is truly something that needs to be experienced! I'm kind of a "Lina groupie" - this is my third or fourth time seeing her, and I'd go back again in a heartbeat. This woman knows how to put on a show!!! Of course, since it was a Monday, I headed right over to Cast Party after Lina's show, where my dad joined me again and we schmoozed, sang, and schmoozed some more! (Really, what else is there in life?)
Tuesday evening found me at the 10th Avenue Lounge to support my friend Mark Aaron James. Mark is a singer/songwriter/guitar player who does original material as well as some really cool covers of pop/rock songs. I've always enjoyed listening to him at Cast Party and the odd night out at Marie's Crisis, so I was really happy to finally get a chance to check out one of his solo gigs - and I was definitely not disappointed! Mellow and low-key, the 10th Avenue Lounge is a great place to sit back, sip a beer, and listen to some great music. Mark's original tunes are great, and I truly believe he's the only person I know who can get away with singing "Thriller" as part of a set! He's out of town tonight, but should be back next week - definitely swing by if you're in town and you've got the time. At no cover and no minimum, it's one of the most affordable nights in the city! Starts at 9:30 p.m.
For the rest of the week, I basically took it easy - I knew I had a big night coming up with the CD Release, and believe it or not, I came down with a sinus infection! Not great timing, but it actually forced me to stay home and get some much-needed rest before my big night last night...and SPEAKING of the big night...we had a BLAST! My show, 13 Men...and Me! opened at the Metropolitan Room last night to coincide with the release by my brand-spankin'-new debut CD of the same name. We had a great audience, and I had the most wonderful ensemble backing me up - Fortune Esposito (musical director), on guitar and backup vocals; Kelly Park (producer of the CD) on piano; Michael Blanco on bass, Brian DeWitt on drums, Brian Broelmann on tenor sax, and Kelly Esposito-Broelmann and Rob Langeder on backup vocals. I had a terrific time - after the months and months of sitting in the studio and listening to those songs over and over and over again, it felt amazing to get them on their feet and perform them!
A BIG thank you to all who attended - it was a very special night for me and your presence meant the world.
After the show, we headed over to Cast Party (of course!) and continued the celebration by performing the 1st track of the CD, an old Paul Anka tune called "Eso Beso." What a fun, fun night!
On my agenda:
Wednesday, 10/17:
Jazzaret at the Triad
9:00 p.m. at the Triad,158 W. 72nd Street
Jazzaret is a fun, relaxed weekly open mike soiree hosted by Dana Lorge and featuring the Barry Levitt Trio. Featured singers this week are Linda Kosut, Esther Beckman, and ME!!!
$5 cover + 1 drink minimum
Sunday, 10/21
Cynthia Crane: The Time Has Come
4:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Room, 34 W. 22nd Street
One of cabaret's most treasured talents. Her show last year, "If I Knew Now..." was just great, and I'm looking forward to seeing her brand new show at my favorite room in the city!
$20 cover + 2 drink minimum
Gretchen Reinhagen: Back To Basics
8:15 p.m. at Don't Tell Mama
A fantastically talented singer and storyteller. Her last show, "Redefined" was a treat, and I'm eagerly anticipating catching this new show!
$15 cover + 2 drink minimum
Monday, October 22nd
ME!!!!: Thirteen Men...and Me!
7:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Room
Join me on a "live tour" of my brand new CD! Featuring songs from Duke Ellington to Bacharach and David, to songs made famous by the likes of Ann Margret, Paul Anka, and Tony Bennett - there's a little something for everyone!
$20 cover + 2 drink minimum
Miles Phillips: Quiet Stars
9:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Room
One of my favorite entertainers in the city - Miles always puts on scrupulously crafted, well-sung shows - can't wait to catch this one!
Okay, kids, that's about it for now...but check back soon for more updates!
posted by Jenna @ 3:01 PM
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