Cast Party & the Upcoming Rhonda Ross Concert!
It seems slightly self-indulgent to comment on the Monday night concert Billy Stritch, Steve Doyle and I performed at Birdland. I could tell you that we changed the course of show business with our extravaganza, and that nothing will ever be the same in this or any other galaxy. The fact is that after eleven years of booking the Broadway at Birdland concert series, it seemed high time to enjoy the platform that so many of my friends and musical heroes have performed upon! Birdland is an iconic music room, and even after a decade of hosting Cast Party, I had butterflies before charging the stage. We had so much fun, and were thrilled that so much Cast Party and Broadway/cabaret talent showed up to support us! It was so kind of Jane Monheit to sing an impromptu “Gotta Have Me Go With You,” too. Billy and I will sing backup for her any old day, and this song has become our go-to party trick! Thanks to everyone who helped make the night so special. If you missed it, we’ll be holding court at Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel Sundays in September and December!
The following Cast Party was a sold-out, jam-packed festival of fine Open Mic-ery. No wonder it’s been called ‘extreme’ in the press. To have talent like Clint Holmes (left, by Kecin Alvey), Ms. Monheit, Natalie Douglas, Christine Lavin, Eleri Ward, Jenna Esposito, Brett Pruneau, Trevor McQueen, Angelo Di Loreto, Seth Sikes, Richard Lee, Dennis Ruffelock, Anthony Barbagallo, Cynthia Scott and so many more taking the stage for a spontaneous song is fairly awesome. We sure loved “Broadsway,” too. They’re three talented Toronto ladies who know their way around jazz harmonies, sing their heads off, and actually entertain the hell out of their audiences! We hope to hear much more from Heather, Diane and Julie! Of course, Mr. Stritch, Mr. Doyle and Daniel Glass kept the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra tight and swingin’, as they are known to do. We do it all over again this coming Monday, and hope you’re there to join in the fun!
Coming up:
The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce that after captivating audiences at Madison Square Garden and The Montreal Jazz Festival, singer-songwriter Rhonda Ross, along with her slamming jazz band (Terry Burrus on piano, Dominick Maybank on bass, Kevin Harrington on drums, Terelle Tipton, Keesha Gumbs, & Sheniqua Trotman on background vocals, Duane Eubanks on trumpet, and Darrly Yokely on sax) will appear on the historic stage on Monday, August 18 at 7pm.
Neo-Soul Jazz Stylist, Rhonda Ross’s uplifting and resonant voice immediately strikes a chord with music lovers. And her unique phrasing and authenticity to her art sets her apart from other vocalists. As the only child of Diana Ross and Motown Founder Berry Gordy, it has become evident that Rhonda not only has the talent, but the significance to carry on her parents’ legacy, all the while establishing her own unique musical destination. Rhonda’s music is based in Black-American traditional jazz. In 1994, she met, married, and began a 20-year musical collaboration with jazz pianist and composer Rodney Kendrick. Through him, Rhonda started to study with the late jazz great Abbey Lincoln. “It was Abbey and Rodney who convinced me to begin my journey as a singer-songwriter.” Rhonda says, “I primarily consider myself a story-teller and poet. I use my music to inspire and to uplift…to teach people – including myself.” Their live CD, “Rhonda Ross Live: Featuring Rodney Kendrick” is a hot internet-seller.
Now a mother to a preschool-age son, Rhonda’s music has taken on the more mature stance of a woman “with the understanding and wisdom of a 40 year old, but the passion and dream-seeking of a 20 year old!” Her story-telling jazz has expanded to include the grooving sounds of Neo-soul and Gospel. New songs are emerging, like “Nobody’s Business,” a groovy, bass-led reminder that “your joy comes from the inside and that it’s nobody else’s job to make you happy.” “Summer Day” is an upbeat realization that even after the harshest winter, the sun will re-emerge and “the buds of hope can still bloom.” Through Rhonda’s individual and creative expression, the legendary Ross sound continues to live on and expand. Last year, she headlined President Obama’s 2nd Inaugural Ball, and later performed to rave reviews at The Hollywood Bowl. This year has included performances at The Montreal International Jazz Festival, Wolf Trap, and The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
Rhonda Ross
Monday, August 18 at 7pm
Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
$30/40 cover, $10 food/drink minimum per person