Tag Archives: Press release

PRESS RELEASE: DEMI LOVATO GOES BICOASTAL FOR PRIDE

NYC - LA Pride

MULTI-PLATINUM SELLING RECORDING ARTIST
DEMI LOVATO GOES BICOASTAL FOR PRIDE

NEW YORK, NY | LOS ANGELES, CA – Monday, May 5, 2014 – In honor of the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, two of the largest Pride events in the world— LA PRIDE and NYC PRIDE—have joined forces to announce the participation of one of the biggest names in Hollywood in this year’s LGBT Pride celebrations, Demi Lovato. On June 8th, the multi-platinum selling recording artist will join the LA PRIDE Parade as Grand Marshal and her participation will include a special performance. On June 29, Lovato will head east to headline perform at NYC Pride’s legendary Dance on the Pier on Pier 26 in Tribeca.

“It’s such an honor to be a part of both LA and NYC PRIDE celebrations this year,” says Lovato. “I have been an active advocate of the LGBT community and am wholly committed to supporting individuality and being comfortable in one’s own skin. I am thrilled to be a part of both events as they are a wonderful celebration of independence and self-confidence.”

One of the most exhilarating aspects of LA PRIDE’s weekend celebration is that of its annual parade, which brings out hundreds of thousand of participants, spectators and marchers to the streets of West Hollywood. A focal point in the flamboyantly colorful parade, the Grand Marshal represents a person whom has used their celebrity to be an outspoken supporter of the LGBT community.

“Demi Lovato is an amazing role model for today’s youth, both LGBT and non-LGBT, for her activism in the area of equality, positive messaging on body image, and level of openness with her struggles. As a community, we’re fortunate to have an ally like Demi,” said Patti DiLuigi, Co-President of Christopher Street West, producers of LA PRIDE.

Dance on the Pier is NYC Pride’s largest fundraising and community support initiative. The event’s production committee awards over $45,000 in grants to LGBT and LGBT-friendly nonprofits and community organizations each year. The event also supplies NYC Pride with critical operating revenue and pulls in countless visitors, driving attendance to NYC Pride’s other official events as well as various unofficial Pride events throughout the city. The historic event has played host to world-renowned performers, including Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston and most recently Cher.

“We are thrilled to welcome Demi to our stages for this historic celebration. Now in its 28th year, the Dance on the Pier continues a proud tradition of partnering with all-star talent to create a high-quality event that raises funds to support local LGBT non-profits and New York City’s annual Pride festivities,” says Chris Frederick, Managing Director of NYC Pride.

LA PRIDE runs June 6 to 8. Visit lapride.org for more information on LA PRIDE’s Parade and other annual events, including the thrilling Festival, featuring entertainment from Jennifer Hudson, Azealia Banks, The Bangles, Mary Lambert and Betty Who.

NYC Pride runs June 21 to 29. For tickets to Dance on the Pier, visit nycpride.showclix.com. For information on NYC Pride and their full roster of annual Pride events, visit nycpride.org/events.

###

About DEMI LOVATO

Demi Lovato is a singer, songwriter, and television star with a fan base that includes over 20 million die-hard Twitter followers and 30 million fans on Facebook. She is a platinum-selling recording artist whose latest album, Demi, hit #1 on iTunes in 50 countries. The lead single—”Heart Attack”— earned Platinum status just 10 weeks after launch. Demi is currently on the road for the NEON LIGHTS TOUR which was named after the third single and “Top 5” radio hit off of her album, Demi. In addition to her musical accomplishments, in 2014, her book, STAYING STRONG: 365 DAYS A YEAR became a New York Times best-seller, she returned to television as a judge and mentor on “The X-Factor” and starred in Fox’s hit series “Glee.” She is an outspoken advocate for young people everywhere. She has become a role model by talking openly about her personal experiences and speaking out against bullying among other issues. She serves as an official Ambassador for We Day and the organization Free the Children. She has recently launched The Lovato Treatment Scholarship Program, which helps people struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues cover the cost of treatment.

About LA PRIDE / CSW

In it’s 44th year, Christopher Street West (CSW) is proud to produce LA PRIDE, a series of events celebrating the accomplishments of the TLGB community and shedding light on its continued march for equality. A year after the modern Transgender, Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual liberation movement was launched by the mob-led rebellion at the Stonewall Inn on New York’s Christopher Street in June 1969, activists in Los Angeles’ community came together to honor the rebellion with the world’s first PRIDE Parade in Hollywood, CA. Today, the organization continues to promote equality and diversity amongst the TLGB community and its allies with a three-day event held in West Hollywood, CA. The non-profit organization is comprised of an all-volunteer board of directors and professional consultants committed to the goals of human rights, education and outreach.

About NYC PRIDE

NYC Pride strives to empower individuals, groups, and our community as a whole, through the commemoration of our history—in particular the Stonewall Riots of 1969. New York City’s Pride events provide an opportunity to join together to celebrate our lives, take joy in all that we have done, and honor all those who have helped make our progress possible. The events provide a safe and affirming space in New York City while educating those both inside and outside our own community. In creating these Pride events, we reaffirm the self-worth of all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people and all those who join in the ongoing struggle for our civil rights.

PRESS RELEASE: HAL LINDEN HEADLINES CAFÉ CARLYLE MAY 20TH THROUGH MAY 24TH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACTOR/PERFORMER HAL LINDEN HEADLINES CAFÉ CARLYLE
MAY 20TH THROUGH MAY 24TH

     Tony award-winning actor/performer Hal Linden returns to the New York stage for six performances with his “Hal Linden Live in Concert” cabaret style, big-band classics inspired live show at Manhattan’s Café Carlyle – 35 East 76th Street, NY, NY 10075 – from May 20th though May 24th.

   HAL_LINDEN color photo 1These much-anticipated performances will mark Linden’s first time back on the New York stage since appearing at Feinstein’s close to seven years ago. Linden, along with his seven piece band, will treat audiences to Big Band favorites, jazz numbers and a selection of Broadway hits, along with theatrical musings highlighting memorable moments from his life and career.

     He has been touring with this new show across the country and overseas, with dates continuing throughout 2014 and into next year. In 2011, Hal Linden released his first CD,  titled It’s Never Too Late, a mix of 14 tracks that range from classic pop to jazz standards. The Los Angeles Times wrote that It’s Never Too Late is not only the title of Hal Linden’s first CD of songs, it’s also his mantra!”

     Linden has enjoyed a career as an actor, singer and musician, spanning over 65 years. He may be most familiar to audiences through his many roles on television. He recently appeared on Fox Television’s The Mindy Project and Supernatural on the CW Television network, in late 2013, while he also guest-starred on the popular CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls which aired this week.

     After starring as police precinct captain Barney Miller in the hit television series that aired on ABC from 1975-1982, earning multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his work, he went on to star in several more series for network television: Blacke’s Magic (1986), Jack’s Place (1992-93) in which he played a retired jazz musician, and The Boys Are Back (1994). He also made numerous guest appearances on some of television’s most popular shows including: Hot In Cleveland, Gilmore Girls, Will and Grace, The Drew Carey Show, The Nanny, The King of Queens, Touched By An Angel and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

     As many New Yorkers and theater aficionados are aware, Linden made his Broadway debut in 1957 in the musical Bells Are Ringing opposite Judy Holliday. He later starred in the 1962 Off Broadway revival of Cole Porter’s 1930s hit Anything Goes and has performed in more than 20 Broadway and Off Broadway productions. His 1971 Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical” was for his performance in The Rothschilds.

     Along with a full theater and television career, he also appeared in films including Bells Are Ringing (1960), When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder? (1979), Starflight One (1983), Out To Sea (1997) with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon,  A New Life (1988) with Alan Alda and Time Changer in 2002.

     When not touring with his live concert show or making television and film appearances, Hal Linden has also served for many years as spokesman for the Jewish National Fund. This work continues as he will be making appearances in Israel in June of this year on behalf of the Jewish National Fund.

     Coming back to appear for his New York City fans and friends, where it really all started for Linden, makes these Café Carlyle shows all the more significant. Linden reflects that “All performers dream of playing The Café Carlyle, which has always been one of my very favorite rooms in Manhattan, and certainly the most elegant. I’m really looking forward to these upcoming shows in May and I hope everyone can come out to help me celebrate.”

     Originally opened in 1955, Café Carlyle is New York City’s bastion of classic cabaret entertainment, a place where audiences experience exceptional performers at close range in an exceedingly elegant setting. Since composer Richard Rodgers moved in as The Carlyle’s first tenant, music has been an essential part of The Carlyle experience. Other talents who have made the Café Carlyle their musical home include Woody Allen, who regularly appears to play with the Eddy Davis New Orleans jazz band, and, for three decades, Café Carlyle was synonymous with the legendary Bobby Short, who thrilled sell-out crowds for 36 years. His spirit lives on through the music at Café Carlyle.

Please join us for “Hal Linden Live in Concert” at the legendary Café Carlyle at 35 East 76th Street, NY, NY 10075 from Tuesday, May 20th through Saturday, May 24th.

**All shows are at 8:45pm with two shows on Saturday, May 24th at 8:45pm and 10:45pm

**For ticket info please visit: http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/the-carlyle-new-york/location/things-to-do/events-at-the-carlyle

**Also please visit www.hallinden.net


Hal Linden – I’m Old Fashioned from TAKEOUT MARKETING on Vimeo.

PRESS RELEASE: 2014 NIGHTLIFE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

2014 NIGHTLIFE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED!
DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER, LAURA BENANTI, BEN ALLISON, GINA BRILLON
AMONG THOSE CITED FOR JAZZ, CABARET, AND COMEDY!

ALL-PERFORMANCE AWARD SHOW
TAKES PLACE MONDAY, JAN. 27 AT 7 PM
AT THE TOWN HALL

New York: The winners of the 12th Annual Nightlife Awards have been announced. This unique awards event, in which the winners do not make acceptance speeches; they perform, instead, to show why they were chosen, will feature an all-star lineup, hand-picked by the press, of the most outstanding performers in jazz, cabaret, and comedy in New York City.

Leading the list of winners is this year’s choice for Nightlife Legend,
DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER!

Jazz winners include  (in a tie) BEN ALLISON
and DARCY JAMES ARGUE for Outstanding Jazz Band,

GRETCHEN PARLATO for Outstanding Female Jazz Vocalist,
and WILLIAM BLAKE for Outstanding Male Jazz Vocalist.

 In cabaret, LAURA BENANTI has been named Outstanding Major Cabaret Vocalist. The Outstanding Female Cabaret Vocalist is STACY SULLIVAN,
and Outstanding Male Cabaret Vocalist is LIAM FORDE.

In comedy, GINA BRILLON has been named Outstanding Female Standup Comedian and JIMMY FAILLA is the Outstanding Male Standup Comedian.

 The 2014 NIGHTLIFE AWARDS will be hosted by 3X Emmy Award winner BRUCE VILANCH, and Special Guest Star Performers and/or Presenters that will include

JASON ROBERT BROWN, BILL IRWIN, NELLIE McKAY,
CAROLE J. BUFFORD, MAXINE LINEHAN, and more!

Tickets to the Nightlife Awards are:
$77 for Orchestra & Loge Boxes
$52 for Front Balcony
$27 for Rear Balcony

Tickets available via Ticketmaster at 800-982-2787
Or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/03004B85E5A1A007

 Also at the Town Hall Box Office:
123 W. 43rd St. from noon to 6 PM every day but Sunday
You can call the box office at 212-840-2824

The Nightlife Awards is a SCOTT SIEGEL Production, sponsored, in part, by ASCAP, Berkshire Theatre Group, Jill & Irwin Cohen, Max Weintraub, Fran Norkin, Robert Aaron & Stuart Bloom: Lightstyles LLC, and more than 100 additional generous donors!

PRESS RELEASE: 25th Annual Kosherfest 2013 Encompasses Foods from Throughout the World

For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Contact: V. Garfinkel. Andover Communications
201-947-4133; vickig@eclipse.net
Photo Library:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/kosherfest

 25th Annual Kosherfest 2013 Encompasses Foods from Throughout the World;
Kosher Culinary Competition Won by New Jersey Chef;
More than 6,500 Attended Trade Show

 SECAUCUS, NJ – The recently completed 25th anniversary edition of Kosherfest, the annual trade show for the kosher food and beverage industry, drew more than 6,500 buyers and industry professionals to the two-day show at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, offering a case in point to just how far the kosher industry has grown in the last quarter century.

 “The mark of any trade show is whether people are conducting business on the floor, and the sense from talking to exhibitors and buyers was that millions of dollars’ worth of business was transacted over these two days,” said Menachem Lubinsky, President of Lubicom Marketing Consulting, who co-produces the annual show with Diversified Business Communications, and was the founder of Kosherfest. “Over the years, we’ve come a long way from the traditional concept of kosher.  Kosher today has truly become a worldwide phenomenon.”

 This year’s show, which included a 28 percent increase in the number of attendees from just a year ago, shows the important role that major retailers play in the kosher market. Those in attendance included high volume kosher buyers from such companies as Jewel Osco, Whole Foods, Winn-Dixie, Kehe Foods, Walgreens, Walmart, Gourmet Glatt, and Evergreen.

 Kosherfest 2013 featured 350 booths in a sold out exhibit hall, which included 275 exhibitors from throughout the United States, as well as Israel, Argentina, the UK, the Philippines, Brazil and Canada.  Introduced for the first time were many new and creative kosher products, including Single Serve k Cup beverages in three flavors – chai tea, pareve cappuccino and hot chocolate, introduced by Corim Industries of Brick, New Jersey – the winner of “best in show” in this year’s New Products Competition.

The 6th Annual Culinary Competition, featuring an “iron chef-style” competition was won by Chef Casey Colaneri, the executive chef of Sushi Metsuyan Restaurant in Monsey, NY and Teaneck, NJ.  Three leading chefs were given 30 minutes to cook one entrée from scratch using only a basket of mystery ingredients representing the kosher market over the last 25 year, and a limited pantry of basic staples. Colaneri received a cash prize of $1,000.  The competition was produced in partnership with The Center for Kosher Culinary Arts of Brooklyn.

A number of kosher cookbook authors displayed their latest offerings in kosher cuisine.  They included such well-known authors as Susie Fishbein, Joan Nathan, Esther Deutsch and Levana Kirschenbaum.

Industry statistics show that the current kosher customer is 40 and under, and looking for gourmet, upscale and healthy kosher products. According to various sources, the number of kosher consumers in the U.S. tops 12 million, and 21% of Americans who regularly or occasionally purchase kosher products do so because the items are kosher-certified. There are approximately 10,650 kosher producing companies and plants, and 200,000 kosher certified products.  Forty percent of kosher sales occur on the eve of Passover, and the dollar value of kosher products produced in the USA is $305 billion.

While many of the exhibitors still featured traditional kosher foods such as pickles, pastrami and knishes, it was the gourmet and upscale features of products that attracted industry professionals from all over the globe.

“Who would have believed that kosher sushi would become a basic staple in restaurants, or that there would be a “fake” bacon sausage product, or for that matter that nearly 20% of the show would tout gluten-free products?” said Lubinsky, who moderated a panel consisting of author and consultant Joan Nathan; Albany Law School professor Timothy Lytton; and KeHE Distributors’ Jacob Rusanov; the panel discussed kosher’s journey over the years of transition, growth and opportunity.  “There was somewhat of a vision back then that perhaps kosher could be more than a certification; that it would emerge as a cuisine. Incredibly, kosher has exceeded that level and is still rising.”

According to Bill Springer of Diversified Business Communications, “This year’s buyers were excited to see and taste the latest kosher products and see first-hand the trends taking place in the kosher marketplace.  They couldn’t help but see the growing role that kosher certification plays in consumer buying.”

Next year Kosherfest will be held November 11-12, 2014 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center with new events, programs and seminars.  Updates are available at www.kosherfest.com

Kosherfest is co-produced by Diversified Business Communications of Portland, ME (www.divbusiness.com) and LUBICOM (www.lubicom.com). Diversified Business Communications, based in Portland, Maine, provides information and market access through face-to-face events, magazine publishing, and online resources on four continents. Diversified serves a number of industries including: seafood, food service, natural and organic, commercial marine, and business management. Diversified operates divisions in Australia, Hong Kong, India, the UK and Canada. For more information, visit: www.divbusiness.com. Menachem Lubinsky is the chairman & CEO of LUBICOM Marketing Consulting, a strategic marketing firm that also markets kosher foods. He is the founder of Kosherfest and a prominent figure in the Orthodox Jewish Community.

PRESS RELEASE: The Inspired Word presents RAIN PRYOR in FRIED CHICKEN & LATKES – Nov 13 & 20

Clipboard01FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE

 

56 Seventh Ave. Suite 4E • New York, NY 10011
(212)366-4345/fax-(917)475-1835 • E-mail: MayaPRNY@aol.com
Contact: Penny M. Landau

 

presents

Wednesdays, November 13 & 30 @ 8pm

RAIN PRYOR stars in this effervescent solo show, which recounts her upbringing in a biracial household (her mother was Jewish) in Beverly Hills, Calif. Ms. Pryor, who sings & portrays a range of characters (including, poignantly, her father Richard in a spot-on impression), will appear in FRIED CHICKEN & LATKES for two performances only, Wednesdays, November 13 & 20 at 8pm. The show, presented by The Inspired Word, will be performed at The Café at Broadway.

RAIN PRYOR  is an acclaimed director, actor,  stand-up comedian, educator, speaker & mother. She made her television debut in 1989, as a series regular, T.J., on the hit ABC series “Head of the Class,” a character adapted from her own monologues at the request of ABC producers during her second audition.  She starred for several years opposite Sherilyn Fenn & Lynn Redgrave, as Jackie, the lipstick lesbian drug addict on the Showtime series “Rude Awakening” & has additionally guest-starred on series such as “The Division” & “Chicago Hope.” She  appeared numerous times on Johnny Carson & Jay Leno, as well as on “The Late Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” & with Tavis Smiley. Her stage credits include the title roles in the UK tour of The Billie Holiday Story & as Ella Fitzgerald in the UK premiere of Ella, Meet Marilyn, teamed up with award-winning UK soap actress, Sally Lyndsay. She’s performed in the Los Angeles production of Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues, with Nora Dunn of “Saturday Night Live” & Charlene Tilton; Cookin’ With Gas with the Groundlings improvisation troupe; The Exonerated with Aidan Quinn & The Who’s Tommy at the La Jolla Playhouse.  Her memoir, Jokes My Father Never Taught Me: Life, Love, and Loss with Richard Pryor, will be re-released by Harper Collins in January.

 What the critics say about Rain Pryor & Fried Chicken & Latkes…

“Make no mistake: Rain Pryor, the star of the autobiographical solo show Fried Chicken and Latkes, is not just defined by her father, the comedian Richard Pryor. There are many dimensions to this robust, ebullient performer, all evident in this trim production, which sails by in an effervescent 70 minutes. Her show is a parade of friends, relatives & tormentors, in which she also sings — with impressive power!”
New York Times

“Funny, energetic…Pryor provides plenty of laughs, along with poignant glimpses of what it was like to be a bi-racial child. The show is capped off by Pryor ably impersonating Billie Holiday while singing ‘God Bless the Child,’ an apt song for a woman who needed to figure out who she was & ‘get her own’ identity.”
Associated Press

DATES: Wednesdays, November 13 & 20 @ 8pm
PLACE: The Cafe at Broadway ~ 310-318 West 53rd Street
TICKETS: $25 cover/1 drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: (212) 757-2323
https://friedchickenandlatkes.eventbrite.com/
 www.rainpryor.com

SAVE THE DATES: Elli & Friends Return to the Stage for Chanukah!

SAVE THE DATES:

Elli & his Friends Return to the Stage
again for Chanukah in

“Elli the King of Broadway
& Friends
Celebrate Chanukah
at The Metropolitan Room”

Chanukah Festival
Sunday December 21st @ 9:30pm
the 6th light of Chanukah
and
Monday December 22nd @ 7:00pm
the 7th light of Chanukah

63959_10150104395955883_189609100882_8247978_6087900_nThat’s right!

Two Chanukah Shows
with an All Star Cast
at the Metropolitan Room
34 W 22nd Street, NYC

Music, Comedy, Menorah Lighting,
Dreidels, Chanukah Gelt & MORE!

Come for One Show or Both!

More details to coming soon.
Thank you for your continued support!

-elli-

Tickets available here:
SUNDAY SHOW and MONDAY SHOW

PRESS RELEASE: Joan Jaffe’s FOOD at Don’t Tell Mama

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JOAN JAFFE WINNER 2012 MAC Award – Best Musical Comedy Performer, was named one of the Top 15 in New York Cabaret 2010 by Kevin Scott Hall – EdgeNewYork.com, and was also a 2010 MAC Award nominee. Joan Jaffe’s FOOD is a smorgasbord of comedy and music guaranteed to make you laugh. You’ll thrill to hear Joan sing songs about FOOD – most funny, some very tasteful and some obscure. The patter written by Joan, is so good – there won’t be a dry seat in the house – you’ll hunger for more.

Internationally acclaimed Matt Baker is the musical director and arranger for Joan’s
show, and Adam Kabak is on Double Bass.

Consultant for the show – and additional lyrics – Rob Lester.

Thursday October 31
Saturday November 2
Saturday November 30
Sunday December 1
All shows at 7 PM

Don’t Tell Mama 343 W. 46th St., NYC
Reservations: 212-757-0788
$20 Cover + 2 Drink Minimum CASH ONLY (no credit cards)
($5 Off Cover for MAC, Cabaret Hotline, AEA-SAG/AFTRA, Seniors)

The incredible JOAN JAFFE is excited to present her new show Joan Jaffe’s FOOD – a smorgasbord of comedy and music. Joan was the WINNER -Best Musical Comedy Performer- 2012 MAC Award for her show Joan Jaffe’s MAN-ha-ha-ha-TAN. Moon* of stage, screen and TV, she was ranked as one of The Top 15 in New York Cabaret 2010 by Kevin Scott Hall – Edgenewyork.com and was a 2010 MAC Award Nominee for her critically acclaimed show, Joan Jaffe Sings Funny… Her CD Joan Jaffe Sings Funny… received tremendous praise from her family – and exciting accolades from the press.

Joan has understudied some of the theatre’s healthiest women, was featured with her late husband Hal Blankenship as Burt & Lizzie in the award winning film THE SAVAGES. Other recent films in which Joan was featured: Alex Tressor’s award winning 74th & BROADWAY, Disney’s ENCHANTED (Gentle Folk), THE PRODUCERS (Little Old Lady), APPROACHING UNION SQUARE (Mom). She appeared on Broadway in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and BAJOUR; Off-Broadway -(Mrs. Bucket) TROPHY WIFE; (Nellie Cohan) THE GEORGE M. COHAN REVUE, & YANKEE DOODLE BOY, to mention just a few. A veteran of tours, cabaret, films and commercials, TV appearances include soaps, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O’BRIEN, Comedy Central with Slovin & Allen, as well as live appearances with Slovin & Allen at COMEDY BELOW CANAL (92ndY Tribeca), UCB and Here. Producer and host of her stand-up comedy show, JOAN JAFFE’S COMEDY ON SUNDAY for over three years. She and husband Hal Blankenship appeared with THE JOAN & HAL SHOW at the prestigious Friars Club four years in a row. She has written & directed several cabaret acts and is also the Performance Director of the Steps On Broadway (NYC) Vocal Performance Workshop for Dancers.
Member: AEA, SAG-AFTRA, MAC
*(moon – not a star – yet)
www.joanjaffe.com

Matt Baker – Musical Director – Internationally acclaimed jazz musician Matt placed fifth in the 2003 Montreux International Solo Jazz Piano Competition and was a semi-finalist in 2004 and 2005. The Matt Baker Trio was the exclusive in-house band for The Montreux Jazz Festival 2 years straight, where they accompanied and supported many of the festival’s leading artists. In March 2011, Baker recorded his ‘New York’ debut album Underground featuring Gregory Hutchinson, Joe Sanders, Jeremy Pelt and Dayna Stephens. The album features original works alongside some classic jazz standards. Matt has played engagements at noted NY Jazz venues including Smalls Jazz Club, Zinc Bar, Le Cirque and Birdland and has played gigs with some of New York’s top musicians including drummer Gregory Hutchinson and an impromptu set at Smalls Jazz Club in duo with trumpet legend Roy Hargrove. He has performed for Quincy Jones and played in support for Jazz legends Tony Bennett and Al Jarreau. To date Matt has released four albums………And now his first musical venture into comedy…..uh-oh………

Rob Lester – Consultant and additional lyrics – works with playwrights, songwriters and journalists: coaching, collaborating, commiserating, etc. He’s currently working on several plays by Russ Weatherford. As a journalist, he writes on theatre and music for Cabaret Scenes Magazine, TalkinBroadway, and is editor and writer at NitelifeExchange and its online magazine Nite. When it comes to musical theatre scores, he has a lifelong connection, collection and affection.

For Press Reservation Please Contact
Don Schaffer At Either 646 770 6221 Or
DSPR@NYC.RR.COM
30-30-30

PRESS RELEASE: BOOK – BACKSTAGE PASS TO BROADWAY by SUSAN L. SCHULMAN

FROM: HELIOTROPE BOOKS   (212) 921-4344
info@backstagepasstobroadway.com

BACKSTAGE PASS TO BROADWAY
True Tales of a Theatre Press Agent
by SUSAN L. SCHULMAN

 

will be published on September 16th, 2013
with Book Signing and Q&A at Drama Book Shop

Heliotrope Books will publish Susan L. Schulman’s memoir, BACKSTAGE PASS TO BROADWAY True Tales of A Theatre Press Agent, on September 16th, 2013. At 5 pm that day, Ms Schulman will be joined by theatre journalist Peter Filichia for a Q&A and book signing at the Drama Book Shop, 250 West 40th Street, NYC. Theatre press agent Susan L. Schulman has worked with some of Broadway’s most talented and creative people – sometimes behaving badly and often with astonishing grace – as they struggled to create theatre magic.  In this entertaining, dishy book, she shines the spotlight behind the show curtain, sharing true tales of her life in the theatre.

Schulman was a New York City ‘theatre kid’ who waited outside stage doors, not for autographs, but to tell actors how they had enhanced her life.  After learning her craft from some of Broadway’s legendary press agents, she handled the publicity for many Broadway shows including DREAM, DANCIN’, SLY FOX, STATE FAIR, APPLAUSE, DEATH OF A SALESMAN, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, SCAPINO, DEATH AND THE MAIDEN and REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT.  She shares her adventures working with Mary Martin, George C. Scott, Lauren Bacall, Yul Brynner, Robert Redford, David Merrick, Bob Fosse, Raul Julia, Zero Mostel, Vanessa Redgrave, Henry Winkler, Lesley Ann Warren, Katharine Hepburn, Glenn Close, and many more.   Schulman has survived some spectacular theatrical train wrecks including the play that killed Zero Mostel; legendary producer David Merrick’s final hurrah, and the fading film diva who sabotaged her own return to Broadway.   Schulman also explains what a theatrical press agent does, how she does it, and how theatre promotion has changed.

Broadway’s top graphic designer, Frank Verlizzo, known as FRAVER, has designed the cover for BACKSTAGE PASS TO BROADWAY.
susan bookBACKSTAGE PASS TO BROADWAY is available in paperback and eBooks at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.  In New York City, it is also available at Theatre Circle, 268 West 44th Street and at The Drama Book Shop, 250 West 40th Street, where Susan will celebrate the publication on Monday, September 16th at 5 PM with a book signing and Q&A with acclaimed theatre journalist Peter Filichia.

For more information visit www.BroadwayPassToBroadway.com.

 BACKSTAGE PASS TO BROADWAY
Paperback ISBN # 978-0-9832940-9-2   $17.95
eBook ISBN # 978-0-9816198-2-8   $6.99

QUOTES about BACKSTAGE PASS TO BROADWAY

Take this backstage tour from an insider who lived it.  Like Susan, this book is smart and funny.
—TV icon HENRY WINKLER

Susan L. Schulman’s scintillating “tell-some” contains just enough backstage dirt and glitz to be compulsively readable from start to finish. An impressive galaxy of egos and artists is sprinkled like stardust over four decades of theatrical press-agentry and repairs–Lauren Bacall, Zero Mostel, Mary Martin, George C. Scott, Yul Brynner, Bob Fosse and The Mighty Merrick, whom she actually bested. Worth the price of the book alone is the hilarious chapter on “Dream.”
—HARRY HAUN, PLAYBILL MAGAZINE

An expert press agent makes sure the spotlight is focused on the show, never themselves. No press agent embodies that credo better than Susan L. Schulman, and now – after serving in the Broadway theatre during some of its most exciting times and with some of its biggest stars – she pivots that giant klieg light behind-the-scenes. Her stories and incomparable insight are smart, witty, sometimes harrowing and often hilarious.
—BERT FINK, THE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN ORGANIZATION

The book is a great read!   Susan leads us into a world of magic and craziness and captures what it’s really like behind the scenes on Broadway.
—Tony Award-winner KAREN ZIEMBA

Susan L. Schulman is one of Broadway’s best press agents. Everyone knows that.  Now, with this book, we can see why her publicity and marketing ideas have filled theaters. Her shockingly honest, funny, and insightful reporting of how this amazing industry really works makes this a captivating, easy read. From her unique vantage point we get the down and dirty, and it makes us admire her even more.
— TV, film and stage star JOHN DAVIDSON

Susan L. Schulman’s wonderful memoir will make you feel like you were there.  She is the insider’s insider. Buy it.  Read it. You will love it.
—Award-winning actress KATHLEEN CHALFANT

This book is full of juicy backstage stories.  I love it!
—Three-time EMMY Award winner SUSAN HAMPSHIRE

PRESS RELEASE: Iridium NYC hosts “A Tribute to Julie Wilson” – Tuesday, August 13th @ 8 & 10pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE

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56 Seventh Ave. Suite 4E • New York, NY 10011
(212)366-4345/fax-(917)475-1835 • E-mail: MayaPRNY@aol.com
Contact: Penny M. Landau

Clipboard02Presents

A Tribute to Julie Wilson
Tuesday, August 13th @ 8 & 10pm

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On Tuesday, August 13th at 8 & 10pm, ScoBar Entertainment will present A TRIBUTE TO JULIE WILSON at Iridium NYC. Performers confirmed thus far are Eric Comstock, Baby Jane Dexter, Natalie Douglas, Antonio Edwards, Eric Engelhardt, Barbara Fasano, Terese Genecco, Jeff Harnar, Mark Hartman, Tanya Holt, Sue Matsuki , Marissa Mulder, Christine Pedi, Colm Reilly, Julie Reyburn, Ricky Ritzel, KT Sullivan, Stacy Sullivan, Grace Wall, Lennie Watts & Carol Woods. Accompanying the performers is The Barry Levitt Trio, Barry Levitt on piano, Dick Sarpola on bass & Ray Marchica on drums

JULIE WILSON! Just the mention of her name evokes the essence of cabaret. “I’m Still Here;” it could be her anthem.  Long before JULIE WILSON tackled that classic Sondheim survivor saga, she was described as “a pioneer who could have become a prima donna.”  Her own roots are deeply embedded in the soil of her Omaha, Nebraska home & its family values allowing sustaining strength through decades of winning & losing, dizzying heights & the deepest of depths.

Clipboard03A young tomboy with secret dreams of stardom & a fondness for the 1920s pop song “Mary Lou,” Julie was barely enrolled at Omaha University when she grabbed at a chance to join the company of the Broadway revue Earl Carroll’s Vanities. This led to early nightclub work, the chorus line of the Latin Quarter & finally, the Copacabana. It was wartime; she was making $75 a week & feeling pretty good. After a Copa/USO European tour, she was promoted to a singing spot in the legendary nightspot’s lavish production numbers, introducing “They’ve Got an Awful Lot of Coffee in Brazil” (“The Coffee Song”).

Club dates in Miami & Hollywood followed, including the famous Mocambo.  But New York lured her back & there she fine-tuned her stagecraft in musical comedies like Kiss Me, Kate, replacing Lisa Kirk as Bianca. She repeated the role in the London production, remaining there for four years, appearing in shows such as South Pacific & Bells Are Ringing & enrolling in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. To study there, she had to give up the chance to open on Broadway in the lead role of what would become a long-running hit, The Pajama Game. Ironically, several years later, she replaced Janis Paige’s replacement in the very role she had rejected.

Julie returned to Broadway in 1955, appearing in Kismet & touring in Show Boat, Panama Hattie, Silk Stockings & Hi Fidelity.  During the 1950’s, Julie made several recordings & also some of those wonderful black & white films, like The Strange One & This Could Be the Night, where she played Rosebud, a blonde nightclub chanteuse.

But her niche & her reputation was in the clubs; the glamorous, romantic rooms of the period.  There she reigned in the finest rooms in the finest hotels. And there she sang the naughty, torchy, gutsy songs she loved.

Julie is aware that real life is not upon the stage. She married twice, first very briefly. Her second marriage produced her two sons, Holt & Michael, but the marriage ended and the boys went to live with Julie’s parents in Omaha so she could work & support them.

Much like a marriage, the aura of a New York nightclub can burst like a bubble, as it did in the ’60s, when rock stadiums replaced plush supper clubs & the active nightlife dissipated. In the years that followed, Julie’s performances were in the small “unpretentious” clubs that opened around New York City, a world away from the Maisonette. In 1967, she appeared in a short lived Broadway musical, Jimmy. Despite the show’s short run, Julie says, “I had great songs.” She later had roles in Stephen Sondheim’s musicals, Company, Follies & A Little Night Music, growing to love the composer-lyricist’s work.

Family responsibilities beckoned & Julie heeded the call of home.  By late 1983, her brother & both parents had died & her sons were grown & Julie was ready to once again begin carving out a career. She got a phone call asking if she could be ready to do a Cole Porter show at Michael’s Pub in New York.

Julie Wilson’s legendary shows of the 1950s were remembered. Cabarets were reviving. The Russian Tea Room, Rainbow & Stars, The Algonquin’s Oak Room, venues in California & Chicago all opened up to her. Peter Allen wrote a part for her in his Broadway musical, Legs Diamond, for which she was nominated for a Tony. In 1992, a PBS TV special showcased her cabaret act.

On September 30, 1999, the Mabel Mercer Foundation spotlighted Julie’s upcoming 75th birthday with a special evening in her name. She chose all the acts, so everyone was outstanding. Finally Julie herself came out, in glorious glamour & capped the whole show with selections from her then-new Cy Coleman show & added her favorite Sondheim songs, including practically the whole score of Follies!

Julie’s understanding of life deeply influences her music. The vampy, flirtatious Porter classics are still a staple, but today there is a depth to everything she sings, so that her life, her views, her grasp of what the lyrics & music are about, are all conveyed to her audience. If the tone is not so clear and pure (she’ll be the first to admit that), she can still sustain those notes & the voice is dramatically strong. But most of all, Julie Wilson’s down-to-earth attitude toward life, her outspoken views of inequities, her high personal standards, have brought her universal love & respect throughout the industry.

Performing in the 8pm show  will be Eric Comstock, Baby Jane Dexter, Natalie Douglas, Barbara Fasano, Terese Genecco, Jeff Harnar, Mark Hartman, Tanya Holt, Colm Reilly, Julie Reyburn, KT Sullivan & Carol Woods.

The 10pm show will feature Antonio Edwards, Eric Engelhardt, Terese Genecco, Eric Michael Gillett, Nina Hennessey, Helen Klass, Sue Matsuki, Marissa Mulder, Christine Pedi, Ricky Ritzel, Stacy Sullivan, Grace Wall & Lennie Watts. Speakers will include Jamie deRoy, Sherry Eaker, Peter Leavy, Julie Miller, Arthur Pompesello Michael Estwanik, Adam Feldman, Rob Lester & Scott Siegel. 


$25 cover/$10 food/beverage minimum
$5 off for MAC, Cabaret Hotline, Cabaret Scenes, NiteLife Exchange,
802, AEA, SAG, AFTRA, ASCAP, BMI

Clipboard04   1650 Broadway (@ 51st)
www.theiridium.com 212-582-2121 or www.ticketweb.com

 FOR PRESS SEATS: MayaPRNY@aol.com

                                                                                        PHOTO CREDIT: Maryann Lopinto

PRESS RELEASE: New Artist – New Album aims to help with “FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES.”

Aaron HolderAaron Holder breaks the mold with his debut album “Something Stronger.” Already being featured on reverbnation.com home page, a worldwide media outlet for all artists. This skillfully constructed album expands the boundaries between Jewish and mainstream music by using elements of Folk, Pop, Country, Rock and hint of Reggae, laced with a deeply spiritual vibe. Aaron has already made a name for himself in the Jewish community with his inspiring songs and moving performances but this much anticipated album takes him to another level, crossing him over to the general public. He has already gained the respect from fans worldwide and played internationally with various seasoned musicians. In the process of making his album, Aaron graciously accepted the help from musical heavyweights such as 27 time gold and platinum musician Steve Gordon, Matt Kramer, the lead singer of Saigon Kick who’s album, “The Lizard” reached Top 10 on the Billboard charts, and produced by the owner of W4M Studios, Ovadiah Tank.

Aaron truly speaks to the listener, and with his unique soulful voice ranging over threeSomething Stronger Album Cover
entire octaves, he keeps you captivated and yearning for more. Aaron has overcome
challenges of his own after being bullied throughout his youth and set apart from his
peers for being different. The positive outlook instilled in him by teachings of the
Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, gave Aaron the strength to remain true to himself and use his uniqueness to create a masterpiece. “Something Stronger” is the canvas for Aaron’s own experiences and struggles. The lyrics paint a beautiful picture that can be interpreted in multiple ways, allowing the subjective ear to incorporate these messages into their own life’s challenges. Aaron’s approach to this album is very well rounded and diverse as evident by various influences such as Mumford & Sons, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Matisyahu, One Republic, Josh Groban, Bruce Springsteen, and Shlomo Carlebach.

“Aaron Holder comes out and shows a unique style that is radio friendly with a voice that relayspassion and conviction.” – Steve Gordon (27 time gold platinum musician)

“Something Stronger is a true original, setting new standards for alternative Jewish Music” -Moshe Hecht (Hassidic Folk singing superstar)

“To capture relatable emotion through a song takes going through life with a open mind and letting people into your own. When listening to “Something Stronger” I felt connected to the songs as though they were being sung to me, with its unique twist on County-Pop, deep vocals relatable lyrics with its sing along tunes, Aaron surpassed all my expectation with this album.” -Avi Werde (CEO of Event Connection Source)

For more info on Aaron Holder go to http://aaronholderworld.com/

To preview or purchase this album you can go to any distribution site such as iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/something-stronger/id655787984
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3S_OO7TMcY

To contact Artist: info@aaronholderworld.com
Aaron Holder
3303 Flamingo Drive
Miami Beach FL, 33140
305-527-3544