Audio Beaverhausen: Frank Sinatra Remembered by Julie Budd

Hot off the success of her album, They Wrote the Songs, comes Julie Budd's Remembering... Mr. Sinatra. She covers 11 songs in all therein (two being part of a three-song medley) that are associated with the legendary crooner.

Ms Budd shares a personal connection to Sinatra, actually. At age 16, she was invited by him to appear in his act at Caesar's Palace in Vegas. Perhaps that's why her interpretations of these standards sound so warm and embracing.

Her perfectly modulated voice can be restrained or strong depending upon the dramatic requirements of the material. The production is by long-time associate Herb Bernstein with Ms Budd.

The cd launches with "I've Got the World on a String" followed by "All the Way." Julie covers both beautifully with her usual flare.

With a voice as clear as crystal, Julie Budd again proves herself to be one of the best vocal interpreters of the Great American Songbook. On this latest effort, I especially enjoyed "In the Wee Small Hours" and Duke Ellington's classic "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." "How About You?" makes for a wonderful finish to an essentially flawless album.

Sinatra, born in Hoboken (where I lived for a year in the '80s), is a fellow Jersey boy. This year is his centennial celebration globally.

Remembering... Frank Sinatra is available for pre-order at Amazon.com as the official release date is September 1st. Cabaret Scenes magazine has a cover article coming out this week, Julie will be promoting the album September 28th in NYC at Barnes & Noble on 86th and Lex., and appearing at NYC's Metropolitan Room on Sept. 10th at 7 pm. The show will sell out, so call for reservations now at 212-206-0440.

Again, a special thanks to Richard Skipper, Julie's press manager. http://www.richardskipper.com

On the Town with Buddy Beaverhausen: David Meulemans at the Metropolitan Room

It was a copacetic night at the cabaret when David Meulemans performed at the Metropolitan Room with more than just pennies from heaven. Tonight's show was entitled "Lucky to Be Me." "Lucky" was not as plucky, duckies, as it sounds but that was all for the best. For example, David sang a very moving and heartfelt rendition of the classic "Since You Stayed Here." We can be grateful for the tears, too, if they teach us to move on.

The theme of the show was about showing appreciation for all that one has. David's patter was largely amusing and autobiographical in nature, and his singing was flawlessly on pitch and strong, showcasing his professional training as a vocalist.

Tonight's show was directed by Sally Mayes who seemed to bring an energetic spirit to the show that moved it along briskly. David's band consisted of musical director Tex Arnold on piano and Bob Renino on bass.

"Pennies from Heaven" was indeed the opening number, followed by "Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries," songs most of the audience was familiar with. It moved into less common ground with the stunning ode to his son (an openly gay man, David was previously in a heterosexual marriage, which he briefly discusses), "Extraordinary" and the campy "Nothing On But the Radio," a song involving Marilyn Monroe and... Burt Reynolds!

The Gershwin/Weil "Tchaikovsky" is flawlessly rendered, a difficult number originally done by Danny Kaye, and no easy feat for a singer to say the least. Of course, no show about gratitude would be complete without "Count Your Blessings."

David sensitively sang John Bucchino's "Grateful" for his encore. This show is the kind of wry, sophisticated cabaret we need more of. If you missed out on tonight's performance, David announced he will return at the Metropolitan Room for a four-gig residency. Don't miss out!

Many thanks to press agent Richard Skipper http://richardskipper.blogspot.com for inviting me to this event.

My previous Q&A with David: http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2015/08/exclusive-q-with-cabaret-crooner-david.html

Exclusive Q&A with Cabaret Crooner David Meulemans

David Meulmans will return to the Metropolitan Room this Saturday, August 22, 2015, at 7pm. David is from Appleton, Wisconsin but now resides in Florida. We spoke by phone. Our conversation was great fun and I found David to be not only talented but thoughful, reflective and extremely articulate.

Buddy Beaverhausen: What can the uninitiated, like myself, expect from your show this weekend?
David Meulemans: You can expect the unexpected! Magic! The show is called "Lucky to Be Me," as I've been grateful lately for so many things, and it will be about that. We hope to entertain and also to have fun in the process.

BB: What kind of songs will "Lucky to Be Me" encompass?
DM: Classics from over the last 100 years or so, like "Pennies from Heaven" and "Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries," but also more contemporary songs, a lot that people will know. A pretty good mix, all in all.

BB: You live in Fort Lauderdale, is that right?
DM: Yes. I'm down here at the beach.
BB: Oh, that's nice! Do you ever perform in Florida and, if so, do you find audiences differ there from those in the NYC area?
DM: That's a really good question. Most of my audiences here are retired New Yorkers. But I think the NY crowd likes a broader range of material, which we'll be doing, whereas the retired New Yorkers prefer music they're familiar with.

BB: What do you like to do when you come to NYC?
DM: I love visiting the City, going to shows, museums, restaurants, theater. I love seeing friends. I love seeing the work they do. 

BB: What type of music influenced you when you were growing up?
DM: I grew up in a house where my parents played a lot of 45s from the 1950s. Johnny Cash was played a lot. Then, I went off to music school and studied opera. I became a big fan of Broadway musicals. That's why cabaret appeals to me so much. I get to mix all the styles. At the Metropolitan Room I'll be running the gamut of different types and styles of music I love, It will be a very eclectic selection.

BB: How did your family encourage you as a musician?
DM: I'm not sure that they did. When I went off to music school, they thought I was crazy. They were concerned because they saw the impracticality of it. I've spent much of my adult life working in the corporate world. I would much rather be out singing.
BB: I just retired from my day job this year.
DM: How is it?
BB: I love it. Never been so busy.
DM: I'm looking forward to that point where my priorities can be more my own.

BB: Do you keep a place in NYC? Go to a hotel? Stay with friends?
DM: I like to stay at bed-and-breakfast guest houses in different neighborhoods. This time I'll be staying off Central Park West.
BB: Very nice!

BB: When you're not performing, how do you like to relax. 
DM: I love gardening out in my backyard. I find that relaxing. I grew up on a farm so I love planting And helping other performers get their acts together; I really enjoy that in my spare time.

BB: What was your favorite experience performing and what was the worst?
DM: I really think performing at the Metropolitan Room for the first time was my favorite. It wasn't the first venue I played in NYC but it was the most satisfying for me. I just had a gig in St. Louis where I opened for Christine Ebersole; that was a real highlight. The worst was a job delivering a singing telegram. That's all I'm going to tell you about that. 

BB: Any last shout-outs to our readers?
DM: Of course! Come see us perform at The Metropolitan Room. I have a terrific band I'm very proud of! Thanks to Richard Skipper for promoting our show, and thanks to our fans! See you 7pm this Saturday, August 22nd, at the Metropolitan Room!

Buddy Beaverhausen would also like to thank Mr. Skipper http://www.richardskipper.com for arranging this interview. And I thank David for taking out the time to talk with me. Much luck on Saturday night; see you then! For reservations, please contact the Metropolitan Room, 212-206-0440 while seats are available.

Buddy Beaverhausen's Exclusive Q&A with Kathryn Crosby

Kathryn Crosby is a star. I made certain to call her at our appointed time right on the dot. Her voice has not changed a bit; she still has that vivacious lilt she possessed since her youth. Doing this Q&A was quite a lovely experience for me, taking me back to my childhood initially. We talked about her upcoming show, The Melody Lingers On, July 25 in Rockville Centre, NY (further details in the interview and further below). Ladies and gentlemen, Buddy Beaverhausen is proud to present this exclusive Q&A with the fabulous Ms Kathryn Crosby! Many thanks to Richard Skipper for arranging this interview.

BB: You know, I have to start off by telling you that, at age six, I had such a crush on you when my mom took me to see The 7th Voyage of Sinbad. What was it like working on that set?

KC: Oh, that's so sweet, thank you. It was wonderful shooting that film! We shot all over Spain. Madrid, Barcelona, Majorca. So beautiful and the food was delicious. And then, of course, once Ray Harryhausen added the special effects, the final result was magical. We all had such fun working on that film.

BB: Were you close with Kerwin Matthews during and/or after the shoot?

KC: Oh, yes, absolutely! A wonderful human being! We remained good friends right up until his death a few years back.

BB: Where do you call home today? L.A., New York?

KC: San Francisco.

BB: I'm visiting San Francisco at the end of this month, actually.

KC: Wonderful! I hope you have a great time when you get there.

BB: What attracted you to perform in the Irving Berlin tribute, The Melody Lingers On, at The Madison Theater, 1000 Hempstead Ave in Rockville Centre, NY with Sarah Rice and a band of highly accomplished musicians? Will you be doing any singing?

KC: Yes indeed. I'll be singing "White Christmas" and "Alexander's Ragtime Band." I was drawn to this because I always loved the work of Irving Berlin and here was the opportunity to be part of a tribute to one of this country's great songwriters.

BB: You stepped in to replace Lee Merriwether. Are you friends?

KC: Well, no, we don't really know one another. We've met. She's very beautiful, a Miss America, you know.

BB: You were married to Bing Crosby up until his death. What was it like to be married to such a tremendously popular screen idol? And what was Mr. Crosby like personally?

KC: Well, he was really the love of my life. Bing was a perfect example of what you see is what you get. Calm, always very calm. And self-assured. I just adored him. He was a great husband and father to our children. He was devoutly religious; we went to church every Sunday.

BB: You and Bing had two sons and a daughter. He also had children from his previous marriage and one of them, Gary, wrote a commercially and critically unsuccessful autobiography that was quite critical of his father. Did you and/or Bing read this "tell-all"? And if so, what did you think?

KC: Sad. Very sad.

BB: What is your favorite Bing Crosby movie? Favorite song?

KC: "White Christmas" and "White Christmas." We met on the set of the movie and that's how we got married, and also how I got to become good friends with Rosemary Clooney.

BB: What do you feel are the best assets you're bringing to The Melody Lingers On?

KC: Good question. I'd have to say my vocal and acting skills.

BB: Ms Crosby, truly a privilege and pleasure to speak with you. Any last words you'd like to share with our readers around the world?

KC: Yes! Come see us in The Melody Lingers On at The Madison Theatre, Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Avenue in Rockville Centre, NY, Saturday July 25 at 8 pm. And it's just one show only. See you there!

*********************************************************************************

For press reservations, interview requests, or more information, contact Richard Skipper Celebrates at Richard@RichardSkipper.com or 845-365-0720

Exclusive Q&A with The Eckers on Their Documentary, The Outrageous Sophie Tucker

     

      It was such a pleasure to interview Lloyd and Sue Ecker. They are ready for a stand-up comedy gig. I think you'll be royally entertained reading this.

      Buddy Beaverhausen: Look forward to seeing your Sophie Tucker documentary at Cinema Village. What was it that drew you to her as a subject?

Lloyd: Bette Midler. She did her Sophie jokes in her act the first time we saw her perform in 1973 at Ithaca College. I was the one responsible for getting Bette to come to our school, so after the show we had dinner with her.

      Susan: It was a pretty unbelievable first date. After that,we got married, had three great kids and sold our family business.  Thanks Bette!

BB: Can you give our readers a brief synopsis of your professional career together?

 S: Both of our parents always worked together when we were growing up.  So it was a natural that we would too.  In 1983 we started selling Father-to-Bee hats, using a bumble bee logo instead of the word “BE”.
L: Everything had our “BEE” logo on it.
S: We sold maternity gifts for the rest of the pregnant family—fathers-to-bee, grandparents- to-bee, aunts and uncles-to-bee. We found our own little niche.
L: After the Internet arrived, we became the #1 collector of pregnant names from a website called Babytobee.com.L: We both were really bored after we sold our baby business in 2006. So we came up with this Sophie idea that we’ve been working on ever since.
S: We decided we were going to become the world’s foremost authority on Sophie Tucker and then develop a new entertainment franchise based on the life story of ‘The Last of the Red Hot Mamas’. 

BB: In the world of documentary filmmaking, who are your idols?

L: I guess we should say the Burns boys, but to tell you the truth, since this is our first documentary, we would have to go with our director, William Gazecki.

     BB: What was it that drew you to Sophie Tucker as a subject?

L: Bette Midler. She did her Sophie jokes in her act the first time we saw her perform in 1973 at Ithaca College. I was the one responsible for getting Bette to come to our school, so after the show we had dinner with her.
S: It was a pretty unbelievable first date. After that,we got married, had three great kids and sold our family business.  Thanks Bette!

BB: Can you give our readers a brief synopsis of your professional career together?

 S: Both of our parents always worked together when we were growing up.  So it was a natural that we would too.  In 1983 we started selling Father-to-Bee hats, using a bumble bee logo instead of the word “BE”.
L: Everything had our “BEE” logo on it.
S: We sold maternity gifts for the rest of the pregnant family—fathers-to-bee, grandparents- to-bee, aunts and uncles-to-bee. We found our own little niche.
L: After the Internet arrived, we became the #1 collector of pregnant names from a website called Babytobee.com.
L: We both were really bored after we sold our baby business in 2006. So we came up with this Sophie idea that we’ve been working on ever since.
S: We decided we were going to become the world’s foremost authority on Sophie Tucker and then develop a new entertainment franchise based on the life story of ‘The Last of the Red Hot Mamas’. 

BB: In the world of documentary filmmaking, who are your idols?

L: I guess we should say the Burns boys, but to tell you the truth, since this is our first documentary, we would have to go with our director, William Gazecki.
S: I don’t know the names either, but we loved Man on a Wire, the dolphin movie and Sugarman and whoever made those.
L: I’m sure those directors will be thrilled that we don’t know their names!

BB:  Can you tell us how working together as married people influences and/or affects a marriage and your careers?

L: As Sue said, working together as a married couple is in our DNA.  We don’t know any other way to be married and do a project of any type at the same time.  It’s either both of us or not at all.  For me the project switch is always ‘ON’, morning, noon and night.
S: I’m not as crazy as Lloyd.  I have to read a good book to escape for a few hours every day or I would go nuts from ‘Mr. ON’.  Otherwise we wouldn’t have made it to being together for 40 years.
L: When are you reading?  That’s gonna have to stop.
S: Did I mention were married for 40 years?  I think I deserve a medal!                                                         

BB: Who usually got the last word in decision-making on this film?

S&L: ME!
L: To be honest, I make the mess…
S: …and I clean it up.
L: Maybe we both better take the 5^th so we can make it to 41 years together.

      BB: Bette Midler -- who I saw recently in her latest show -- always devotes part of her act doing Sophie jokes. Any opinions?

      
       L: As we said, if Bette didn’t do those Sophie jokes back in 1973, we wouldn’t be talking to you today.  We are lifelong fans of Midler, have seen her perform over a dozen times and met her in person a half dozen times.
      S: Even though all of Bette’s Sophie jokes are written by our friend Bruce Vilanch, we will always be thankful that Bette was responsible for this project and our long marriage.
      L: So I can blame Bette about our marriage?
      S: Next question.

BB:Will your film portray Tucker "warts and all"? Tell us about some of the more controversial aspects of her life and career.

 L: This woman did it all: beer halls, burlesque, vaudeville, silent movies, one of the first talkies, major film musicals and Broadway shows, and finally she played at every swanky and not so swanky nightclub in the world.
S: Tucker knew all the presidents from Taft to Johnson.
L: She even had JFK’s personal White House number and called him any time she liked.
S: She performed for and palled around with two English Kings, the current Queen Elizabeth, two former Princes of Wales and the Mountbattens.
L: She also hung out with all the well-known gangsters in the 20’s including Al Capone and got herself arrested a couple of times for indecency for singing lewd songs.
S: She was also personal friends with J. Edgar Hoover.
L: That’s a good one. We have an unbelievable interview with one of Sophie’s friends who was sitting in between her and J. Edgar when Hoover leaned over and asked Tucker if he could have one of her fancy beaded gowns after she was done with it.

BB: Ha! That's a good one!

S: Which reminds me, there is a whole segment in the film which discusses her lifelong bisexuality.
L: One thing is for sure. We now have more than enough material to go forward with our plan to develop a new entertainment franchise based on the life story of The Last of the Red Hot Mamas. 

BB:  Sophie Tucker is credited with influencing a variety of women in comedy and song. Not just Bette Midler but everyone from Mae West to Carol Channing, Ethel Merman, Joan Rivers, to Mama Cass Elliot. What are your thoughts on the influence she's had on women who sing and tell jokes in show business?

S: Everyone is talking on the Internet these days about ‘fat shaming’. Sophie was probably the first ever to be ‘fat shamed’ back in 1906. We have a whole segment in our film discussing her weight which fluctuated between 175-215 pounds her whole life.  Instead of being mortified, Tucker embraced her heft and made it part of her livelong act. 
L: Add Lena Dunham and Amy Schumer to your list. They should thank Sophie too. We loved Joan Rivers, but we got a kick out of some of the quotes in her obituaries a year ago, attributing her as a breakthrough woman performer.  Without Sophie Tucker first, there would have been no Joan Rivers or any of the others you mentioned.

BB:How do you two like to relax?

S: Visiting the Caribbean as often as possible.
L: And when were not there, we keep our pool at 94 degrees so we can ‘swim’ under the stars each night.
S: Of course, wherever we ‘swim’ ‘Mr. On’ is still talking about our Sophie project.

BB: Any last shout-outs to our readers?

S: Yes. We want everyone to come visit us starting on July 24 at the Cinema Village in Greenwich Village.  We will be there every day, 5 showings a day at 12, 2:15, 4:30, 6:45 and 9pm.  Lloyd and I will doing a live show after every screening. It will include a Q&A and a preview about our future SOPH Broadway musical.  

L: We also want everyone to know our first of three novels called I Am Sophie Tucker is on sale at Amazon, your local bookstore or our site at SophieTucker.com in both hardcover or as an eBook. We need everyone to buy it so it can become the next big #1 NY Times bestseller. This is the novel that that is the basis for our future new Broadway Best Musical and Academy Award winning Best Picture. Then after that we’ll write the other 2 books and produce a great six year run, Emmy Award winning Best Drama TV series.

S: Did I mention that I have been married to ‘Mr. ON’ for 40 years? It better be a GOLD medal.

For press reservations, interview requests, or more information, contact Richard Skipper Celebrates at Richard@RichardSkipper.com or 845-365-0720

Exclusive Q&A with Adam B. Shapiro

Thanks to Ricard Skipper who, along with Carly Ozard is promoting the show "Love Don't Need a Reason" at 54 Below tonight, Wednesday, July1 at 9:30 pm, for arranging this interview. The show will sell out, so, for tickets (if any remain), go to http://richardskipper.blogspot.com

Adam B. Shapiro will perform and, the night before, will be part of the cast when the Metropolitan Room presents a tribute to Karen Carpenter. I've seen him at various events, perhaps last at Kevin Scott Hall's benefit for Bistro Award winner singer Amy Beth Williams. He at times seems ubiquitous and works tirelessly, always presenting a powerful, first-rate performance. It was indeed a pleasure to finally do a Q&A with this maestro of NYC theater, cabaret and film.

To learn more about Adam, check out: http://www.adamshapiro.xbuild.com

Buddy Beaverhausen: So, let's start by my asking you to tell us about your July 1 show, Love Don't Need a Reason.
Adam B. Shapiro: Well, I admire Carly Ozard so much as an artist. I had no idea, though, that she put on these benefit concerts in San Francisco. When she told me about what she was doing here, I wanted to be involved. It's a benefit for the Callen-Lorde Center and I personally know people who have been helped by them. And I've known Richard Skipper even longer. It's going to be a great night with a long list of great performers and I'm happy to be part of it.

BB: You seem relentlessly busy. How do you get so much work and what do you like to do to relax?
ABS: Thank God I'm busy! I've been at this for 11 years now. I've just tried to do a lot of shows, but then in 2013, I got lucky and got a part in HBO's The Normal Heart. So, after that, I became better known and much more in demand. Since then, I've gotten to do tv, movies and even more shows, including at clubs like 54 Below and the Metropolitan Room.
     When I do get to relax, I love to cook. I consider myself an amateur chef. I'm addicted to all the Food Network shows, take classes to learn things I don't already know, and I love to invite people over and serve my recipes. I do holidays really well. And I get a chance to do my Julia Child voice.

BB: As a gay man, what was your first thought or reaction to the Supreme Court's recent, historic marriage equality decision?
ABS: Oh, man! I heard the news while I was leaving to go on a retreat at Easton Mountain, near Saratoga Springs. It's a wonderful place to get out of the city and they do great workshops. Meditation workshops, body image, all kinds of things. Massage. So, I was on my way when a friend called with the news. So, it was great to have a place to go to where I could share this with other gay men. It was surreal! Most of the support when I got back was from my straight friends. And that's how this happened because our straight friends had the courage to stand up not just for us, but with us, on this.

BB: Let's talk about the HBO movie version of Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart and how you became involved in that.
ABS: In 2012, I signed with new management and they sent me the script. I contacted them and said "How did you get me into this? Everybody wants to be in this!" And they just said "Read the breakdown," and I did. And my character, named Bella, was just ideally matched for me. I thought, I know him so well. Bella had a uniform fetish, so I showed up to audition in a quasi-Boy Scout uniform. And got the part! Bearded, dirty sense of humor, life of the party, larger than life. It was so wonderful to play opposite Mark Ruffalo, Julia Roberts... who are not just great actors, they're just really cool people.
BB: Well, you were great in that.
ABS: Thank you so much. It's wonderful to be part of it. I'm very proud.

BB: If you had to choose between acting and singing, which would you choose?
ABS: Gosh! That's a tough one. I think part of what I love is that I enjoy doing both. Being on t.v. or in movies, I draw on a set of skills I only recently knew I had. And getting on stage, that just feels like home!

BB: You were born and raised in Indiana. What was growing up there like? What kind of music influenced you and how did your family support your talent?
ABS: Indiana is a small city compared to NYC but it has a great arts scene that has only grown in the time since I've left. Music? What didn't I listen to? I call my father the Vinyl King because he collects records. He'd put on Van Halen and I'd dance around the room. My grandmother was big into Rat Pack: Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. My mom listened to everything: pop tunes, Broadway tunes. Musically, it was a very eclectic house. My mother died when I was still very young, but dad remarried and our second mother has been very supportive. I know my parents were hoping performing would be more of a hobby because it's such a tough business, but I'm a tough cookie.

BB: Any celebrity crushes? Favorite divas?
ABS: Well, after working with him, I have to confess I have a little crush on Mark Ruffalo. I do have a thing for Seth Rogan I must say. Favorite divas? Tonight, I'll be seeing my queen, Bette Midler, in Brooklyn!
BB: Oh, my God, I'm going to be there!
ABS: Oh, great! I'll look for you, then! I also love Barbra Streisand. I call her and Bette my Queen B's! Also my Jewish divas! And I wouldn't be a good gay man if I didn't say Cher. Carly Ozard is also one of my favorite divas. Love her!

BB: You're happiest moment as a performer?
ABS: Ah, that's a good question. In 2012, in Boston, in a production of "Ragtime." Perfect production, orchestra, co-stars; singing "Our Children" gave me chills up my spine each night. And last September, in my show at 54 Below, "nothing Normal."

BB: Any roles you coveted but didn't get?
ABS: Oh, so many! So many. When I get older, I basically want to do everything Zero Mostel did: Fiddler, Forum, The Producers. Right now, I am dying to get into Something's Rotten on Broadway. I like to think of roles I didn't get as roles I'll play someday.

BB: I recently saw the video of you singing Bonnie Tyler's "I Need a Hero" and you say you didn't always feel comfortable about singing something like that. Was it liberating, and why that particular song?
ABS: Good question. I think that when I first came out here to NYC, I thought if I sing songs like this, it wouldn't be good for my career or people would see me only in a certain light. But recently, I thought, unless I'm auditioning for a role and it wouldn't be right for the part, screw it, I'm going to be true to myself. Why that song? We all need a hero, don't we!

BB: Thank you Adam! Any last shout-outs, especially to our LGBT readers round the world?
ABS: I am just so grateful to everyone who has seen my work. Everyone internationally who has seen me in Normal Heart and, especially, anyone who's seen me onstage. Please check out my website. Also, I'm grateful to Carly and to Richard Skipper! And please join us at 54 Below July 1st. I look forward to performing with such great people for such a great organization.

Midler on the Roof at NYC's Metropolitan Room

Carly Ozard is a cabaret treasure, and that she proved last night at the Metropolitan Room where she revived -- and revised -- her show, "Midler on the Roof."

I saw Carly perform this act at The Triad last October. It cleverly intertwines Miss M's songbook with autobiographical tales, the heartbreaking, uplifting and the completely inspiring.

The Divine Miss O -- who brought this show to town for LGBT Pride week and a day before Bette herself performs at Madison Square Garden -- was certainly in fine fettle last night with a powerhouse voice that sometimes felt like a refreshing summer storm had been unleashed. The crowed adored her and expressed as much with thunderous applause.

"Midler on the Roof" was directed by Kristine Zbornik and musically directed by Steven Ray Watkins (on piano). Tim Lykins was on drums and Daniel Fabricatore on bass. Back-up vocals were supplied by Karen Mack and Jennifer Haber. Kudos to all for outstanding work.

Ms Ozard is not a Bette Midler impersonator but a powerful interpreter of her idol's songs. Those songs included Midler favorites like "Delta Dawn," "The Rose" and "Shiver Me Timbers."  The "Hello in There/Wind Beneath My Wings" medley was extremely moving. Disco Bette Carly-style rocked the house with "Knight in Black Leather" "I'm Beautiful, Dammit!" and "Married Men." "I Put a Spell on You" (from the film Hocus Pocus) also excited the crowd with its ferociously upbeat energy.

Carly closed with "Friends" and belted "Rose's Turn" out of the park, so to speak, for an encore.

A delightful and, really, flawless performance right down to the technical aspects of light and sound. Thank you, Richard Skipper, for inviting my friend, Nick Lion, and I to the event. And thanks to the staff at the Metropolitan Room for providing first-rate, attentive service.

Exclusive Q&A with Carly Ozard about Midler on the Roof

Saw Carly's show in October at the Triad. Look forward, eagerly, to her show June 24 at Metropolitan Room. @ 7 PM  
Reservations highly recommended.
Box Office: 212-206-0440 http://www.MetropolitanRoom.com 
For press reservations, interview requests, or more information, contact Richard Skipper Celebrates at Richard@RichardSkipper.com or 845-365-0720

Also, Love Don't Need A Reason: At 54 Below July 1st 2015

Cover charge: $25 – $35
Premiums: $60
Food & Beverage Minimum $25
Wed, Jul 1 9:30 pm Doors 8:45pm Use Code Ozard5 TICKETS & INFORMATION:
(646) 476-3551
254 W 54th St, Cellar, New York, NY 10019

Here's my review of her Triad show: http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2014/10/carly-ozzards-midler-issues.html

Buddy Beaverhausen: I loved your act, Midler on the Roof, when I saw it at the Triad in Manhattan last October. Now you are back in NYC to perform it again at the Metropolitan Room. How has it evolved or changed?
Carly Ozard: Well, there's a song that I performed in San Francisco I loved that Bette did and it's called "I Know This Town," a country song, We've added it to this show. It's from the album Bette of Roses.

BB: Your show is just a few days before LGBT Pride Day in NYC. Coincidence?
CO: Not. Bette is performing at Madison Square Garden the next day and Pride is the following Sunday, so I felt it was the perfect time to bring this to NYC.

BB: Anything from the new girl-group album in your show?
CO: No. Unfortunately not.

BB: Any plans for Pride Day in NYC while you're in town?
CO: I'm meeting my friend from San Francisco, Roma. Don't know where yet. NYC's so big, don't know where we'll be.

BB: For the uninitiated, can you explain your obsession with Bette?
CO: Well, when I was going to school and going through a hard time then, her music gave me hope.
BB: She validated your dreams.
CO: Yeah I knew that somewhere in the world there was someone who'd understand me.

BB: Can you tell us about Love Don't Need a Reason, the show you're presenting with Richard Skipper on July 1st?
CO: In San Francisco, I did so many benefit concerts but this is so special to me. I looked so hard to find an appropriate venue in Manhattan and it was so hard. Finally, I discovered The Cellar (254 W 54th, Cellar, NYC 10019 | Tickets / Info: (646) 476-3551).

BB: You're bi-coastal. How do your audiences differ?
CO: Oh, my God! San Francisco is smaller and easer to get around, In NY, it's harder getting around. Transportation is a nightmare. And the taxis! You can never get anywhere! I am so stressed all the time. Back in SF, it's all like one big community. In NYC, it's so dispersed. And here, some people don't get my humor.
BB: You were so well received at Triad.
CO: So many people talked to me after the show to say I was just mean. But I'm so happy to hear people who say they got my act, Living here, it's like everything is so hard; it's overwhelming. The work is good here but the service, getting around and all is just so difficult. I get lost in Grand Central. Here, you're not as supported by the clubs as you'd be in Feinstein's or the Razz Room! But, I have a lot of people here who support and respect my work.

BB: What's your favorite thing about doing a show and your least favorite?
CO: Favorite is knowing I'm making someone's day and, maybe, influencing how he/she thinks or feels. Least fave: how much freaking money it takes to put on a show.

BB: Your band, your back-up singers, other talent behind your show?
CO: Incredible people. A best friend of mine will join my back-ups. My band is fantastic; no attitude. Directed by Broadway and cabaret comedian Kristine Zbornik, Steven Ray Watkins as music director.

On the Town with Donna Hayes at the Metropolitan Room

Many thanks to promoter Richard Skipper for inviting me to another wonderful show at the Metropolitan Room. Donna Hayes lit up the house. When your audience includes Julie Budd, who came despite recovering from a cold, you're doing something right.

In fact, it seemed Ms Hayes could do no wrong. I was seated in a booth across from a fellow press person, David, dressed snazzily in a 1950s jacket and bowtie from O, Mistress Mine in Chelsea. Richard was in the booth directly behind us. In fact, we were back-to-back.

Ms Hayes' patter was autobiographically wonderful! She brought to life her growing up in Jamaica and her move to NYC as a teen. Now I know what a duppy is! (Basically, a Jamaican zombie.) Ms Hayes even sang Ernie Smith's "Duppy or Gunman" as part of a medley with Bob Marley's "One Love."

Donna's set included vibrant covers of standards like Sondheim's "Being Alive," Goffin/King's "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," "Home" from the play The Wiz, Simon & Garfunkle's "Bridge Over Troubled Waters,"  Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" and Coldplay's "Fix You."

Her show last night, Ordnary Miracles, takes its name from a song from the animated film Charlotte's Web (tune co-written by Sarah McLachlan).

The three-piece band (Justin Stoney on piano, Donna Kelly on drums, Matt Scharfglass on bass) was excellent, as was the direction by Gretchen Reinhagen and musical direction by Mr Stoney. Kudos all around! A lovely evening on the town. Thank you to all involved.

Ms Hayes will return to the Metropolitan Room July 19th. For reservations, you may contact Richard Skipper directly. at richardskipper.com

Exclusive Q&A with Donna Hayes

Donna Hayes is a veteran of the NYC cabaret circuit, having played some of its best rooms. Tomorrow night, she will be appearing at the Metropolitan Room. You can reserve seats by calling 212-206 0440. Thanks to the show's promoter, my friend Richard Skipper, for inviting me to tomorrow's event. Links to Donna's and Richard's website follow the interview, at bottom.

Buddy Beaverhausen:  Hello, Donna! Look forward to seeing you Friday night at the Metropolitan Room, your return engagement there. When was your previous appearance at the club? 

Donna Hayes: My current show, "Ordinary Miracles" which is my fifth solo cabaret show, debuted at the Metropolitan Room in November of 2014. My most recent performance there was in March.

BB: You've played some of the best cabaret rooms in NYC. Laurie Beechman, Don't Tell Mama. What's special to you about the Metropolitan Room in particular? 

DH: I thoroughly enjoyed performing at the Laurie Beechman Theatre and Don't Tell Mama and I am having a great time at the Metropolitan Room. I am grateful for the opportunity to play different rooms and experience the uniqueness of each one.

BB: You grew up in Jamaica (West Indies, not Queens). What music influenced you most at that time?

DH: Gospel and Reggae

BB: You moved to Manhattan as a young teenager. What was that experience like?

DH: I moved to Brooklyn, (not Manhattan) as a teenager. I recall missing the rich and vibrant culture of Jamaica. Not to mention the amazing Jamaican food! Nevertheless, the hustle and bustle and intense energy of New York City was also very exciting.

BB: I see you've been on the cult cable hit, Orange Is the New Black. What was working on that set like?

DH: It was tremendous fun and an amazing opportunity.

BB:Actress, model, singer: You're a triple threat. Which aspect of your career is your favorite?

DH: It's a tie between acting and singing!

BB: Can you tell us anything about what your Friday night show will include?

DH: I will share some personal stories about my life, and believe me, I have had quite an interesting one! I want these personal accounts to inspire and act as a reminder that we are all beautiful and special -- and the world around us is far from ordinary! I will perform songs ranging from brand new R&B, classic rock, show tunes, oldies and of course, reggae.

BB:You're a managing director at an investment bank by day. How do you manage your double life?

DH: I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams to have the opportunity to live two very distinct and wonderful lives! I manage them with fierce discipline, faith and loads of fun!

BB: How do you keep your voice in tip-top condition for your performances?

DH: My wonderful musical director is also my vocal coach.

BB: As a long time resident of the island of Manhattan, what's the best thing about being a New Yorker. And, possibly, the worst?

DH: I have lived in Manhattan for almost 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. The best? The beautiful people, the energy, endless entertainment, walking to work, the iconic skyline, Central Park in the fall, Broadway shows...the list goes on. Worst? Hmmm. I'd have to say, rodent sightings!

BB: Look forward to seeing you 7 pm on Friday! Thank you for your time. Any last shout-outs to fans?

DH: I am incredibly grateful for all your amazing support. I hope to see you on Friday! Wishing you health, love and light!

http://www.donna-hayes.com
http://www.richardskipper.com

Budd and Buddy: My Exclusive Q&A with Julie Budd, part 3

Julie Budd is a real New Yorker, there was no denying that when I heard her speak with me during this Q&A. An astoundingly gifted performer, she has done recordings, live shows, tv and film. After 40 years in show business (starting out at the ripe old age of 12), she is still a much sought-after, popular and in-demand entertainer. She has a new album, They Wrote the Songs. And she has a residency coming up at The Metropolitan Room, NYC starting May 14th. Press inquiries, please contact Richard Skipper Celebrates at 845-365-0720 or at RichardSkipper.com. 
At this point, I understand, the show is sold out. Personally, I found Julie Budd to be down-to-Earth, considerate and just a complete delight. Enjoy!
juliebudd.com

Buddy Beaverhausen: When you're not performing and you want to relax, what do you do?
Julie Budd: Oh, gosh! I like to do a lot of little things. I like to get in touch with my sisters, spend time with my family. And I usually tell people I'm out of town, so that I can stay home and the phone doesn't ring.
BB [Laughs] Sounds like something I'd do!
JB [Laughing] Have you done that? You know, "I'm on the road, I'm in Tahiti, whatever." You know, people think performers are always on the go, always on and I just like to stay quiet and relax. I like to go to museums or shop with my sisters or go to the gym. I keep it very private and quiet. But it doesn't usually last that long. Because, say you have a month off. After the first two weeks you have to start preparing and rehearsing for what you're going to do once you come back.
BB Well, as someone who just retired from his day job, I understand because I am busier doing the things I want to do now.
JB Do you love that?
BB Yes! Because I have that time to devote now to what I like to do. If I were working, it would be very unlikely I could talk with you at 12:30 in the afternoon.
JB Beautiful.

BB Could you complete this statement? If there's one thing people don't know about me and I wish they did, its [blank].
JB That's a tough question because I don't concern myself terribly with what people think or know about me. I mean, you never know what people are thinking and if you concern yourself with that, you really aren't it the moment, are you!

BB People think that if you are a performer or if you are on the show business scene, you are an extrovert. I know I'm an introvert and I suspect, from your answers, you may be too. True?
JB Yes, I'm not one of these people who has to be noticed or anything like that. I don't have to constantly be on. And I think there's something about having a vivacious personality opposed to "being on" which is a persona. If there's a party and people are at the piano, I'm usually at the back of the room. And when I finish a show, I go back to my room and straight to bed.
BB I always say my favorite activity is sleeping.
JB [Laughs] But you know, it relaxes the vocal cords.

Budd and Buddy: My Exclusive Q&A with the Delightful Ms. Julie Budd, part 2

Julie Budd is a real New Yorker, there was no denying that when I heard her speak with me during this Q&A. An astoundingly gifted performer, she has done recordings, live shows, tv and film. After 40 years in show business (starting out at the ripe old age of 12), she is still a much sought-after, popular and in-demand entertainer.  She will be at The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Finger Lakes, New York this Saturday, May 2. She has a new album, They Wrote the Songs. And she has a residency coming up at The Metropolitan Room, NYC starting May 14th. Press inquiries, please contact Richard Skipper Celebrates at 845-365-0720 or at RichardSkipper.com. Personally, I found Julie Budd to be down-to-Earth, considerate and just a complete delight. Enjoy!
juliebudd.com

Buddy Beaverhausen: So tell me more about your act at the Metropolitan Room.

Julie Budd: I'm their artist in residency. I'm going to be there in May, in September, October, December this year.

BB: That is great! And what can audiences expect from your shows?

JB: All four shows are called "They Wrote the Songs," which is also the title of my new cd. But each time I come to the Metropolitan Room, it will be another version. Like, this time, it's going to be s combination of the older and newer writers. This time, I'll be sure to add some of the more traditional songwriters because they set the standard for what the younger writers did. And, in December, I'll add some holiday songs. So, each show will present a different take on the same theme. Just so the audience doesn't get bored!

BB: You just won a BroadwayWorld Award.

JB: Yeah, I was thrilled by that.

BB: What other awards do you have at this point?

JB: Oh, I have others but, to be honest with you, I never really think about that stuff. I mean, I have memories and think "Wow, I can't believe I did that" or "I can't believe I knew that person or met that person."  But it's really, for me, about looking ahead to what I plant to do, not looking back I'm much more focused on where I'm going tomorrow and not where I've been.

BB: I listened to and thank you for sending a copy on to me. It's very lovely and your voice is still as strong as it was 40 years ago! What do you do to keep it in such good condition?

JB: I'm constantly training. I know some people feel they've done their training and they warm up before they go on-stage. I'm a little more diligent than that. I think, especially as you get older, you really need, you need to train. I mean, our voices do change through various points in your life. When your very young, your voice is changing, as a young adult, in middle age....  So, your voice is always changing. It's not about can you still hit the notes so much as can you still sing them today with as good quality as you did before. So when you say my voice is as strong today as it was years ago, it's thrilling for me to hear because I think, "Good, my work is paying off."

BB: What was the experience of recording that album like for you?

JB: As they all are, it's a lot of work to record. There's an enormous amount of detail to be concerned with. But when you start to see it becoming what you wanted it to be, you just can't wait for it to be in the hands of the public

[More to come in Part 3.]

Budd and Buddy: My Exclusive Q&A with the Delightful Ms. Julie Budd, part 1

Julie Budd is a real New Yorker, there was no denying that when I heard her speak with me during this Q&A. An astoundingly gifted performer, she has done recordings, live shows, tv and film. After 40 years in show business (starting out at the ripe old age of 12), she is still a much sought-after, popular and in-demand entertainer.  She will be at The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Finger Lakes, New York this Saturday, May 2. She has a new album, They Wrote the Songs. And she has a residency coming up at The Metropolitan Room, NYC starting May 14th. Press inquiries, please contact Richard Skipper Celebrates at 845-365-0720 or at RichardSkipper.com. Personally, I found Julie Budd to be down-to-Earth, considerate and just a complete delight. Enjoy!
juliebudd.com

Buddy Beaverhausen: You have been performing since you were 12! Although you're not quite as old as I am, you started at the time of girl group music. Most young women singers at the time, even Marilyn Michaels & Betty Buckley, have done the "girl" thing) in the style of, say, Lesley Gore or Dusty Springfield. Did you ever venture into that territory back then?

Julie Budd: No, no, not really. I mean, back then, I was hoping to have a hit record so I chased the market a little, But I was never seriously in that particular market.

BB:  I understand you were brought to national attention by Merv Griffin on his talk show, then also appeared on Johnny Carson. What was it like meeting these classic talk-show hosts? And how has the talk-show circuit changed since then?

JB: The talk-show circuit has changed a lot. They're very different now. I think, when I did them, everybody did that. Now, it's very, very hard to get tv, unless you have a hit record or movie or tv show to promote. When I started in show business, there were the variety shows on television, and they had all types of talent on. Variety entertainment then was really in the mainstream. Everybody did it! Today, television is very different.

BB: I remember, growing up, watching the talk and variety shows -- even on afternoon tv, like The Mike Douglas Show -- and it was different because the celebs didn't have people advising them on what and what no to say. So, it was more candid.

JB: Yes, I think that's absolutely right.

BB: What music did you listen to growing up, and what singers influenced you the most?

JB: The first person who really struck me and influenced me was Julie Andrews. She was the ultimate to me. She could sing, dance, she was fabulous on Broadway! She could do everything! Also, when I was a girl, I had an extremely high voice and I could sing in her range. I loved her! And my mother and dad used to go out on Saturday nights and once they brought me back to original cast recording for My Fair Lady. They bought it at Colony Records. Remember Colony?

BB: Yes. I the Brill Building. I loved that place!

JB: Right, the biggest record store in NYC at one time. A little above the theater district. Anyway, one night they brought me home My Fair Lady and I thought it was the greatest record I ever heard in my life! I learned all the songs and sang them for my dad. I did little shows for him when he came home from work. And my mom would tell me, "Leave daddy alone and let him have his dinner." [Laughs] My dad would say, "No, no, that's ok. Let her sing."

BB: That's so funny. I'll tell you, very briefly, that when I was about six or seven, my mom took me to our downtown record store where she always bought me 45s. Well, this time I wanted an album. She thought I'd buy a Disney soundtrack or rock'n'roll, but I wanted My Fair Lady!

JB: [Laughing.] Isn't that something? Well, you know, my mom could really sing. But she was too shy for show business. You know, this business is very tough. And there I came, you know, all ready to go into show business. I think it drove them crazy. It got to a point where they couldn't deny it any more so they let me try it. So I started out at 12 years old and there I was meeting Merv Griffin. Meeting Herb Bernstein changed everything. He got me on Merv's show. And I'd never done anything before like that. It was a whirlwind but I didn't know anything else, so I thought, "Well, I guess that's the way it works."

Part 2 to come.

Jerry Costanzo at Iridium

Jerry Costanzo brought a very heartfelt set of songs as a tribute to Frank Sinatra. This is not a slavish imitation of an American icon but, as Jerry said on-stage, he strives to be an "interpreter of the American songbook," and he was quite adept doing that, placing himself in a class by himself, distanced from your typical lounge act.

The tall, good-looking singer certainly had plenty of charm, and the audience obviously had a good time, judging by their applause and call-outs to the stage

With a seven-piece band, the crooner is a cabaret mainstay by now, having performed many times at Iridium, the Triad and Feinstein's among other popular NYC venues.

Opening with Sinatra's "Don't Be Worried About Me," the show opened a bit unevenly as Costanzo, while smooth, hit a few flat notes. However, he quickly hit his stride and finished with a boffo set of songs that included Dean Martin's "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" from Oceans 11, and "Come Fly with Me," a wonderful "Can I Steal a Little Love?," and beautiful renditions of "Sway" and "I'm Gonna Live Till I Die."

The set also included Sinatra faves such as "Fly Me to the Moon," Cole Porter's "I Got You Under My Skin" and  the classic "The Lady Is a Tramp." Jerry wrapped the night up with "Some Day, Some Way" and his encore, "We'll Be Together Again." The evening was refreshingly short on medleys and songs were delivered with clarity and gusto.

Mr Costanzo wished his promoter/ publicist, Richard Skipper, a big thanks for his great job (deservedly so). He congratulated Richard's significant other, Daniel (who was also present) a very happy birthday. Throughout, Jerry expressed support for the LGBT members of his audience.

I was seated at a table on an upper tier of the room with my friend, Kathy Towson. The seating was my choice as I could discreetly take notes without being in easy view of the performer. It was there that I met the soloist after his show and took the above picture on my cell.

Before the night's performance, Jerry's lovely and gracious wife stopped to talk. It's not that she'd previously met me but she saw my press kit from Richard and thoughtfully stopped to meet and greet.

Jerry Costanzo has released his third album, available on cd and for download. It's entitled Invitation and I invite you to give it a listen. Bravo, Jerry!

ps: I don't know what was wrong with Iridium's wait staff last night but it took forever to get myself a
a single glass of pinot grigio and my friend a juice for the night. What's so hard about an order where all you do is open bottles and pour? I had to remind the waiter several times about our simple order. Now, I've been to this club on many prior occasions and never had a problem. Also, my friend asked for a menu, ordered, and never received her food. Apparently realizing their egregiously abysmal service (we oredered at at least 15 minutes before showtime but received that order early half-way through) to our table, they gave us our two drinks on the house. I mention this only because service is so important to the nightlife experience. Putting customers in a bad mood is not conducive to an enjoyable evening out and a disservice to the performers.