THE BIG BARRY BIRTHDAY BASH Returns for Seventh Annual Celebration

THE BIG BARRY BIRTHDAY BASH, celebrating the birthday and music of Barry Manilow returns to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/) on Monday, June 17th, with performances at 7:00 & 9:30 pm. This unabashed bash, which originated in Minneapolis in 1996, is back for its seventh annual incarnation, in its fourth year at MAMA'S. Cover charge is $15.00 plus a 2-drink minimum.

Hosted by Laura Davis, "The Big Barry Birthday Bash" salutes the music that the number one adult/contemporary artist of all time has composed, arranged and sung for over two decades. Jazz, swing, jingles, and of course, those power ballads. The winner of Tony, Grammy and Emmy Awards, Barry Manilow is also the recipient of the 2000 MAC Board of Directors Award honoring his roots as a musician in the New York cabaret scene of the 70s. Performers this year include Doug Anderson, Cornelius Bates, Jarrod Cafaro, Michelle Carter, Debbie Lesser, Jeanne MacDonald, Sidney Myer, Chanelle Schaffer and Tracy Stark. The lineup of songs includes "Somewhere Down The Road," "And When October Goes," "Even Now," "Weekend in New England," "One Voice" and the "Very Strange Medley." Producer Laura Davis, who is "very out" about admiring Barry Manilow, originated "The Big Barry Birthday Bash" in Minneapolis in June of 1996. This tribute to The Man of Many Modulations -- complete with key changes and cake -- was successfully reprised for three years. Davis and the show then moved to New York.

The Big Barry Birthday Bash features the talents of top-notch performers with a wide range of musical credits.

Jarrod Cafaro has performed in the national tour of CATS and also in the national tour of CHICAGO (playing Mary Sunshine; in the Big Barry Birthday Bash, Jarrod will take on the pivotal role of Lola in the tropical disco drama "Copacabana"). He recently performed his own solo cabaret show at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/).

Cornelius Bates has played Chuck Berry in the TV movie SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL and has appeared in New York in THE PRINCESS AND THE BLACK-EYED PEA (with Stephanie Mills) as well as a recent workshop of CARNIVAL (a spectacular which will premiere at Radio City in 2003).

Jeanne MacDonald recently presented her cabaret show "Harbour" (available on CD) at THE FIREBIRD CAFE (363 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-586-0244 - http://www.firebirdrestaurant.com/) and earned a MAC nomination this year for Best Female Vocalist.

Debbie Lesser just wrapped up her cabaret show "Come Fly With Me" at JUDY'S CHELSEA (169 Eighth Avenue, NYC - 212-929-5410 - http://www.judyschelsea.com/) and will release a debut CD this summer.

Chanelle Schaffer, a singer/pianist, is a DramaLogue winner who has entertained internationally and is currently the Musical Director for Judson Church.

Minneapolitan Doug Anderson, who just finished a run of NUNSENSE, AMEN, has been with The Big Barry Birthday Bash since its inception, as has Minneapolis-based Michelle Carter who just finished a run of SMOKEY JOE'S CAFÄ.

Tracy Stark, the Musical Director for Lesley Gore and Karen Black, is a singer/songwriter who will have a new show at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/) in August.

Sidney Myer, who has appeared in New York productions of GRANDMA SYLVIA'S FUNERAL and DRESSING ROOM, has received 5 MAC and Back Stage Bistro Awards and is a regular beloved performer at "The Poole Party" at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/).

The band is led by Jim Abbott, currently the first keyboard player/dance arranger at Broadway's AIDA, and keyboard player for numerous Broadway shows and tours. Ray Grappone, equally seasoned in Broadway and road shows, and the creator of Hipbone Records, is on drums; Owen Yost, who plays for Lesley Gore, is on bass.

Visit the website of The Big Barry Birthday Bash at http://www.tomschmid.com/barry.

 

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