Bistro Bits: Let’s Hear It for the Guys—King, Skipper, and Harnar Do the Things They Do

Mark Dundas Wood
First things first. I join Sherry Eaker in thanking everyone who made the Bistro Awards evening such a memorable event! Though a Bit Overdue.... This winter and early spring, much time was spent by the Bistros Committee in preparation for awards night. Consequently, content for Bistro Bits columns piled up. So I’m happy to return...

Bistro Bits: A Greeting—Plus, What Makes for Super-Great Cabaret?

Mark Dundas Wood
As you may have noticed, cabaret singers customarily perform two songs before greeting their audience at the top of a show. Occasionally, though, a performer will break the unwritten rule and make opening remarks after the first song. I’ve decided to follow that bit of “alt” protocol and extend a greeting now, at the top...

Welcome back! … and other matters

Roy Sander
Last month, after not having done new solo shows for a while, Lucille Carr-Kaffashan and Maureen Kelley Stewart unveiled their latest offerings. Making welcome returns is not all these vocalists have in common. Both are in top form and giving very strong performances in excellent shows with marvelous arrangements and exceptional instrumental support—and both are MAC...

I had no idea what I was letting myself in for

Roy Sander
Over the past several weeks, I attended a couple of shows not knowing what lay in store for me. On the other hand, there were two other shows I went to with high expectations.   Shawn Moninger For twenty-one years, Shawn Moninger was a technical director at Don't Tell Mama. Several years ago, he packed...

Heart to Heart: Carol Fredette on communicating with an audience…and much more

Bistro Awards
By Wendy Lane Bailey To interview jazz singer Carol Fredette is to get a master class in the art of musicianship taught by a smart savvy woman who is passionate about her craft. Bronx born and raised, she says what she thinks and her thoughts are always worth hearing.   WENDY LANE BAILEY: What was...

Current and Recent Shows

Roy Sander
In this column I discuss one show that is currently running, a handful of others that played within the past couple of months, and two that will be returning. In the process, I make a few observations that have broader relevance.   Vickie Phillips A short while ago, Vickie Phillips celebrated her birthday at the...

A Few Shows and a Pet Peeve

Roy Sander
This is my first Bistro Bits column since June 11, 1999. I trust you'll forgive the slight interruption. In this return column, I discuss a few shows I've seen in the intervening years—more precisely, during the past few months. And I comment on a lamentable practice that has become almost as commonplace as it is...