Back to the Bistro Awards with Buddy Beaverhausen

A chance encounter, on the street after show, with Ben Vereen

"The butcher, the baker the grocer, the clerk/Get paid for what they do but no applause." There's No Business Like Show Business seemed to be the theme of last night's 29th annual Bistro Awards, certainly, saluting some of cabaret's most outstanding artists  It might have been Fat Tuesday in New Orleans, but in New York City, it was once again a parade of incredible performances reminding us what a vital and special art form our city's cabaret is.

Despite the night's frigid weather, Manhattan's glitterati once more filled Chelsea's Gotham Comedy Club to be entertained and emotionally moved by the city's hardest working, tireless, most dedicated singers and comics. Shellen Lubin, who directed last year's unforgettable triumph, returned to helm the event produced by Sherry Eaker who has been doing this show every year since 1990. She took to the stage, early in the program, to talk about its beginnings at the legendary but sadly long-defunct Eighty-Eights in Greenwich Village.

Kevin Scott Hall, in tux, interviews William Blake on the red carpet

I came in from the frigid, arctic temperatures and onto the red carpet, in the warmth of the klieg lights to be interviewed by my good friend and Bistro Committee member, Kevin Scott Hall. We'll soon see if I made the final edit, in the video, at the Awards' website. http://bistroawards.com/

Then, it was downstairs to mix and mingle with the cabaret community congregated there at the complementary champagne and hors d'oeuvres lounge. I had a glass of the bubbly, and was mostly in the company of friend, singer/actor Ron Giles. Cabaret legend Julie Wilson was there as were several of the night's perormer/recipients.

Upstairs, it was showtime. I bumped into 2012 Bistro winner Amy Beth Williams on the way. Acts were introduced by host Jeff Harnar, the Bistro Committe members Sidney Myer (NYC's Mr Cabaret himself and booking manager of Don't Tell Mama), the riotously funny and outrageous comedian Jim David and, of course, Ms Eaker, glam in a striking red ensemble.

But the Bistros are really about the talent and this year was exceptional; a pyrotechnic display of brassy barnstormers. Highlights included cabaret circuit veteran Vickie Phillips (Song Interpretation Award) in crimson hair and basic black, crooning Jacques Brel's "Marieke;" William Blake's hair-raising gospel rendition of "Take It to the Limit" (Best Vocalist); Amy Wolk's comic grammar correction of pop and show tunes (appropriately Best Musical Comedy Performance); Jazz Artist Bria Skonberg's Depression-era singing (as if possessed by Bessie Smith) with trumpet; Karen Wyman, (Acclaimed Return to Cabaret winner) and Sharon (pronounced Sharown) Clark (also Best Vocalist) jazzy redo of "Give a Little Whistle" from Disney's Pinocchio.

Anita Gillette, photo by S. Sorokoff

The evening's penultimate performance was given by Anita Gillette, introduced by the Bistros' Robert Windeler. Ms Gillette is a familiar face from stage, screen and television. She is a Tony nominee for Chapter Two and probably best known by audiences worldwide for her co-starring role in the movie, Moonstruck. The perennial ingenue, she gave an ebullient acceptance speech for the evening's Major Engagement Award. "They created an Award just for me," Gillette gushed. "I actually knew I was was going to get it!"

Pert and bubbly at 77, Anita Gillette discussed, before singing, her professional relationship to Irving Berlin and explained that her critically acclaimed cabaret debut, "After All," was a very recent development in her long career. She has performed it, in NYC, at the now defunct Feinstein's, at Birdland and at 54 Below.

Finally, Ira Eaker Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Ben Vereen, made his acceptance. The Tony Award winner (for Pippin) repeated his phone number to the crowd. "Hire me," he insisted. "Because I have not played all the clubs in New York!"

Quite the raconteur, Mr Vereen talked about his truly fascinating career in theater before launching into a survivor's rendition of "Here's to Life." Last year, Lifetime Achievement winner, Lainie Kazan, also touched our souls with her rendition of this song. Maybe this is becoming the Bistro Awards official sign-off number!

Amy Beth Williams, 2012 Bistro Award winner

Toward the end of the ceremony, Sherry Eaker thanked the band (Daryl Kojak again marvelous as musical director), the Committee, the Bistro Awards recipients and the audience. She also gave a poignant farewell to Erv Raible, Bistro Committee member and iconic NYC cabaret impresario.

The Gotham Comedy Club staff was, once more, nothing less than gracious and attentive without exception. As this year's show ran slightly over its intended time, we were given the bum's rush out the door by management (there was a comedy act coming up), so I immediately went to the coat room, grabbed up my parka and was out the door, back into the bitter cold but with such warm feelings from my Bistros evening. As I got ready to hail a cab, who did I spot on the street but Ben Vereen! Kind of hard to miss as he was wearing a top hat.

Buddy B at Bistros with friend Ron Giles

I introduced myself, shook hands, told him I was reporting for Queens Our City Radio and asked if I could take his picture. (He gracefully agreed to that. See photo at top.) Mr Vereen is an absolute gentleman; surprisingly demure and even shy offstage.

We shook hands and said goodnight, then I was off in a cab, plotzed from a long day. But what a wonderful night in Wonderland with the Bistro Awards once more. One of NYC's glistening treasures or, as Sherry Eaker says in her program notes, a "BISTRO-tique" of entertainment.

Bless you, Bistros! We look forward to your big, milestone 30th next March.

The Bistros Are Back!

It was recently announced on their website that the 2014 29th Annual Bistro Awards for the best in NYC cabaret entertainment and artistry will take place Tuesday, March 4.  http://bistroawards.com/

Although the venue has yet to be announced, for the past few years, the Bistro Awards have been held at the rather swank Gotham Comedy Club on West 23rd Street in Manhattan.

The Bistro Committee is composed of producer Sherry Eaker; author/performer/Edge NY cabaret columnist Kevin Scott Hall; director, coach, publicist and consultant Erv Raible; writer and critic of cabaret and theater reviews, features and commentary, most notably Backstage, Roy Sander; author and critic Robert Windeler; and dramaturge and Backstage contributor Mark Dundas Wood. Voting for recipients is done by Committee members based on their reviews over the previous year. 2013 winners have yet to be announced.

The Awards ceremony is always a grand and glamorous affair for New Yorkers and for the cabaret community. In 2011, recipients included Dionne Warwick, Carol Channing, Tyne Daly and Michael Feinstein among many others. In 2012, Melissa Manchester, Kaye Ballard and Dee Dee Bridgewater topped the list of recipients.

Last year, I had the pleasure of working for the Bistros as Social Media Manager, mainly by managing its Facebook page. I even received credit in the event's playbill.

This year, I've been invited as a guest, courtesy of Sherry Eaker, to cover the awards ceremony for Queens Our City Radio.

Here is the link to my blog story on last year's gala and my night of NYC high-style glamour, where I met Maurice Hines and Lifetime Achievement winner, Lainie Kazan:

http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/03/buddy-beaverhausen-blabs-about-bistros.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LeaveItToBeaverhausen+%28Leave+It+to+Beaverhausen%29

An ICONic Club Comes to Queens!

It is again my pleasure to interview Nick Lion, this time to promote the opening of his fabulous new club, ICON. I will be in attendance on opening night, covering this really huge event for Queens Our City Radio along with QOC Station Manager, Barbara Sobel. Astoria, Queens has truly become Hollywood on the Hudson and Icon will certainly be a major part of that. I very much look forward to being part of the excitement this Saturday night, December 28.

 

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: Hi, Nick. We're so excited about the opening of your club, ICON, on December 28th, and can't wait to be there! How are you feeling right now?

Nick Lion: Besides my music, this is the realization of another great passion of mine. I've always enjoyed entertaining guests and hosting parties at my home, now I have a larger, much more luxurious playground to do it in. It truly is a dream come true for me.

DBB: Your club opening is really a b.f.d. (as Joe Biden might put it) for Queens and for the City of New York overall. What's involved in getting this to happen?
NL: It takes a village! [laughs] It's a huge undertaking, but along with the talent, dedication and love of a lot of individuals who believed in the vision and concept, we made it a reality. And it is a "b.f.d." for a venue of this type for Queens (Astoria) or anywhere. I don't think there is anything quite like it.

DBB: The club is located in Astoria, just over the bridge from the Bloomingdale's Belt in Manhattan. How easy is it for Manhattanites to get there?
NL: I lived in Astoria all my life and love it. It's the closest borough to Manhattan with the easiest most direct access. If you want to live somewhere other than Manhattan, yet be the closest to it, that's Astoria. Its a 15 minute train or bus ride over the bridge or a 10 minute car ride. That's why so many of our brothers and sisters are discovering it and making the move I think it going to be the next Gay Mecca, besides the Village.

DBB: Obviously, you're going for glamour, you're going for class, you're going for major excitement and entertainment. In your own press release, you are "taking the NYC dance club scene to a new level." What inspired you to do this, Nick?
NL: I just felt there was a lot missing from the current club scene these days. They've become repetitious and lackluster. I'm bringing back the classic "old school" days when clubbing was at its peak. When folks got dressed to "be seen" when they went out.You could go out and make new friends, talk, dance and even get lucky. Socialization is what's missing big time from the club scene. Except for special performances and occasions, you won't find t.v or video screens stealing the scene. They can watch T.V. or Music Videos at home anytime. I want my patrons to look at each other, talk to each other, not be hypnotized by the movie screen. At ICON, my patrons are the features, and the stars; not a Ke$ha video.  Also important to me, no plastic glasses. Only real glassware and crystal, just as I'd serve my guests in my home.

DBB: You're near the Astoria movie studio that's opened a major new sound stage for film and tv. And you have claimed your club is about the "luxury & glamor of Rodeo Drive without the attitude." It's suddenly seems like Queens is the new Tinsel Town East, no? Do you feel there's a convergence of attitude and energy there?
NL: Definitely, with the great influx of gays and lesbians moving to Astoria, the tone, attitude and energy is becoming more colorful & progressive. It certainly could be the new Tinsel Town. I think today, with all the horrible events we're faced with day to day, we all need a luxurious, safe and super-friendly place to escape reality. When the world outside gets lonely and cold, ICON will be the place where you can get a hug with your cocktail if needed.

DBB: You've got hosts Sherry Vine and Laritza Dumont, Dj Amoroso, paparazzi are promised as are celebrity guests, all on opening night. This is really going to be a major happening, isn't it?
NL: The combination of all that talent and glamour, combined with the popping of flashbulbs, is sure to make for a combustible, memorable night of fireworks.

DBB:  Nick, I imagine that opening a club in the City of New York is a Herculian effort, especially legally and financially. What is the reality of pulling this off in the City?
NL: It's a painstaking process in many ways, a lot of legal red tape, but the end result makes it all worthwhile. It was a year in the making, and I can't wait to kick open the doors on December 28th.

DBB: I know you'll have a whole Marilyn theme we can expect with ICON's artwork especially. Please fill us in about the Marilyn connection.
NL: Marilyn was always one of my fabulous obsessions and inspirations. Her beauty is timeless. She was an orphan that became an unforgettable legend. She was one of a kind and ICON, which was named in her honor, is also one of a kind. ICON is esthetically beautiful, and glamorous, yet like Marilyn, has a lot of heart. If given the choice to go out with friends to have a cocktail in a place that looks like a bowling alley or a place that shines bright like a diamond, I think and hope they'd choose the latter. I know I would! We're honored to have ICON chosen by Celebrity Portraiture,Tim Otte to premiere his fabulous Marilyn Monroe exhibit. Tims work will have a prominent spot on our red sequined wall. I'm a big fan and proud owner of his work. It's an honor to have him join us and an exciting addition to the festivities. It seems no matter what I do in my life, Marilyn seems to find her way in it, one way or another. And I love it!

DBB: This is obviously a labor of love, the realization of a dream and a fulfillment of ambition. How did you pull this all together and make it happen? And how long has it been from the inception of your dream to the reality of all this?
NL:  As I mentioned earlier, it was a year in the making, but actually it has taken almost a lifetime to get it exactly how I imagined it to be.

DBB: Can you tell us about what you have planned for ICON for New Year's Eve? 
NL: For our NYE Gala, I have legendary glamazon hostesses Amanda Lepore and Carmen Carerra in the house. There'll be lots of surprises, special guests, sexy dancers, surprise show, food, lots of champagne, and the greatest music by Mix Master Amoroso to dance us into the next year. 

DBB: What do you feel will set ICON apart from other current clubs in NYC?
NL: Clubs have used every gimmick invented throughout the years.  The most important difference between ICON and other clubs is the way our patrons will be treated.  ICON is a place where you can expect a smile and feel like you belong. This will be a place where you will feel appreciated and know that we will always be happy to see you. I think that's the real difference I'm striving for. A place where you can lift your spirits along with your cocktail.

DBB: Nick, lots of love, luck and the success that you deserve. This is truly an electric moment for gay nightlife in Manhattan! Any final shout-outs to our readers?
NL:  I know the social climate has changed out there today with all the technology, and they may feel its not necessary to go out to socialize and meet people anymore. But I believe human beings still need physical contact with each other, beyond all the texting and emailing. And I hope that ICON can motivate that type of socializing again and make us enjoy going night clubbing again. And we'll be there to greet them when they do.  

Link to Jackie Vs. Marilyn

I wrote an article exclusively for Queens Our City Radio, commemorating the 50th anniversary of JFK's assassination. Perhaps a tad irreverent ~ but I am Buddy Beaverhausen after all! Icons are there so I can get clastic with them, no?

Anyhow, this is about the tensions between Marilyn Monroe and First Lady Jackie Kennedy over a man. Who happened to be the President of the United States.

Check it out. You may be surprised by what I dug up.

http://queens.ourcityradio.com/stations/americana-news/jackie-marilyn

Dj Buddy B Blows His Own

...Horn, of course, like that Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Well, anyhow, now that I have your collective attention, I just want to announce -- because I'm not sure everyone realizes at this point -- that I am not only a blogueur (or is it blogueuse? Damned French, it confuses moi! Zoot alors!) but also a member of the press these days! Yes, I am writing for Queens Our City Radio, part of the Our City internet radio network, as their Dance (Music) Promoter. 

Ah, the glitz! The glamour! Why, you can hardly imagine and neither can I! But listen up, people! Here are some of my posts heating up QOC this cold holiday season.
Check out Queens Our City Radio and circumnavigate like Magellan; explore, discover new worlds, go bi-coastal and enjoy yourselves in the process! For example, Chris Colby, Dance Music Personality at QOC, has a fabulous Friday night 10 pm mix show you party animals won't want to ignore, trust me.
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/

Monumental thanks & lots of love to Barbara Sobel of Sobel Promotions with her own dance-music background who "discovered" me (again, the Magellan analogy) and transported me from Leave It to Beaverhausenland to Queens Our City world. I'm very thrilled to be a part of this internet station. In fact, I'm qvelling! It's more than just a radio station; it's a happening! It's a movement! Get into the groove.

Here are some of my recent posts at Queens Our City Radio you won't want to miss (if you know what's better for you):

France Joli ~ Exclusive Interview:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/queens-city-radios-exclusive-interview

Victor Po - Exclusive Interview:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/exclusive-queens-city-radio-interview-victor-po

Cher:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/chers-closer-truth

Joan Crawford:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/what-to-do-in/surviving-mommie-dearest-nyc

Marc Massive - Exclusive Interview:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/talking-eighth-day-animal-rights-marc-massive

Petula Clark:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/happy-81st-birthday-petula-clark-queens-city-radio

Lady Gaga:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/queens-city-radio-review-lady-gaga-applause

Donna Summer:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/queens-city-radio-views-donna-summer-releases

And you're waiting for what? This is already a written invitation!