Tom Toce & Sue Matsuki are proud to present
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WE ARE BACK LIVE! Join uS for a celebration of Winter Rhythms’ return to the stage. This award-winning benefit festival brings the talents of well-known and up-and-coming singers, musicians, lyricists and composers to the attention of the New York theater community. All proceeds go to Urban Stages’ Outreach, a program that brings admission-free educational plays and workshops to libraries across NYC and online.
All tickets are $30 (except Opening Night Gala). All proceeds benefit art, theater and education (via Urban Stages Outreach Program). Check Out Our Two-Show Deal. $50 for any 2 shows. Details Below!
FULL SHOW DESCRIPTION & SCHEDULE:
(Proof of Vaccination and ID Are Required For Entry)
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Tuesday, December 7 2021
6:30PM CHAMPAGNE AT URBAN STAGES
7PM STEVE ROSS & FRIENDS! OPENING NIGHT GALA.
8:30PM DINNER AT OCABANON
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Called “The Crown Prince of NY Cabaret” by the New York Times, the incomparable Steve Ross opens this year’s Winter Rhythms as only he can! Doing a program of American Songbook tunes and other surprises! He will be joined by his special guests: Romulus Drake,Tony Cangelosi, Shana Farr and Madalynn Mathews. Photo credit: James Gavin.
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Wednesday, December 8 2021
7PM MICHAEL COLBY PRESENTS LUDLOW LADD IN CONCERT
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This comic Christmas musical, Ludlow Ladd, is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. This acclaimed piece, once a radio special on WBAI-FM, has been described as “an original musical based on the works of Charles Dickens, Hans Christian Andersen, Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., and thousands more.” Learn how a Victorian orphan, born on Christmas Eve, finds happiness through a lump of coal. Starring: Shawna Hamic, Nick Lunetta, Luke Naphat, Isabel Robin, Adam B. Shapiro, Megan Styrna, Maureen Taylor and Joshua Turchin as Ludlow Ladd. Musical Direction by Michael Lavine. Directed by: Sara Louise Lazarus.
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Thursday, December 9 2021
7PM TOO CLEVER BY 20% - AN EVENING WITH JOHN FORSTER
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Four-time Grammy nominee JOHN FORSTER bursts out of lockdown to perform his uniquely inspired and hilarious songs which have won comparisons to the likes of George Carlin and Frank Zappa. The Boston Globe: “If Joni Mitchell and Daffy Duck had a love child, he’d probably write songs just like JOHN FORSTER. His sharply observed satires range from sheer slapstick to Jon Stewart-acute, so it’s little wonder that songwriting legend Tom Lehrer said, ‘You don’t need me anymore—you’ve got John Forster to kick around.’” More about John here and here
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9PM HONORING PIANO BAR ARTISTS – Part 1
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It’s time to recognize and honor the incredible talents that sit behind the piano night after night leading others to sing along. These are all incredibly talented singers, songwriters and pianist. Featuring: Clare Cooper, Alex Frederick, Eric Yves Garcia, Yasuhiko Fukuoka and Bill Zeffiro.
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Friday, December 10, 2021
7PM RICHARD SKIPPER CELEBRATES BROADWAY & CABARET LEGEND KAREN AKERS!
MAKE YOUR OWN KIND OF MUSIC
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Described at the “Merv Griffin of our time”, Richard Skipper brings his Podcast LIVE to our stage to have a conversation with the one-and-only Karen Akers. Karen will then perform a few tunes with her Musical Director, Alex Rybeck at the end of this celebration. More about Akers here. More about Skipper here and here
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9:30PM HONORING PIANO BAR ARTISTS – Part 2
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It’s time to recognize and honor the incredible talents that sit behind the piano night after night leading others to sing along. These are all incredibly talented singers, songwriters and pianist. Featuring: John DiPinto, Ricky Ritzel, Sheree Sano, Tracy Stark and we will open the show with the “OG” of piano bar players, Larry Woodard! More about Larry here
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Saturday, December 11, 2021
2PM MICHAEL COLBY PRESENTS LUDLOW LADD IN CONCERT
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This comic Christmas musical, Ludlow Ladd, is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. This acclaimed piece, once a radio special on WBAI-FM, has been described as “an original musical based on the works of Charles Dickens, Hans Christian Andersen, Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., and thousands more.” Learn how a Victorian orphan, born on Christmas Eve, finds happiness through a lump of coal. Starring: Shawna Hamic, Nick Lunetta, Luke Naphat, Isabel Robin, Adam B. Shapiro, Megan Styrna, Maureen Taylor and Joshua Turchin as Ludlow Ladd. Musical Direction by Michael Lavine. Directed by: Sara Louise Lazarus.
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7PM HERE'S TO US - AN EVENING WITH LORI BROWN MIRABAL
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After her triumphant Summer performances of her heart-warming world premiere "Charmed Life" (see here), award-winning opera singer and Broadway performer Lori Mirabal will return to Urban Stages. Mirabal and stellar pianist Steven Gross will toast life, while performing popular tunes from Gershwin to Puccini. loribrownmirabal.com
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Sunday, December 12 2021
4PM FOREVER IS NOW: ORIGINAL MUSIC BY KENNY PASSARELLI & AMY LOPER
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Renowned bassist Kenny Passarelli has recorded, toured and written with such notables as Elton John, Joe Walsh, Dan Fogelberg, Stephen Stills, and Hall & Oates. He co-wrote “Rocky Mountain Way” with Walsh. Kenny’s ultimate dream has always been to be a songwriter. He didn’t find the perfect lyricist for his many melodies until 6 ½ years ago when he met his life partner Amy Loper. Come for “Forever Is Now”, an evening of all original music and the unlikely and romantic story of a musician and retired lawyer who have become songwriters.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Passarelli
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Tuesday, December 14 2021
7PM THE FUTURE OF CABARET & THEATER – Part 1
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David Sabella and Sue Matsuki are proud to present their very talented Fordham University Cabaret class featuring: Stephanie DiDonato - Tori Sen - Giordana Simurdiak – Anahita Subramanya - David Wilson. Musical Direction by: David Gaines. This was the first time Sabella and Matsuki’s Book, “So You Want to Sing Cabaret” was used to teach a university level, credited class.
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9PM THE FUTURE OF CABARET & THEATER – Part 2
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Part 2 of this evening features two 30-minute solo cabaret shows by Michael Stack and Justice! (Somerville-Adair). Michael will offer a mini-cabaret about the drama and trauma of his first year in college. Justice! will be doing some of her favorite tunes and a few original compositions. Musical Direction by: David Gaines.
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Wednesday, December 15 2021
7PM SUTTON PLACE TRIO FEATURING: ALEX LEONARD, JAY LEONHART & AL GAFA
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The Sutton Place Trio has a New York sensibility reminiscent of the combos that filled the nightlife, clubs and hotels of the Manhattan skyline. Performances include jazz and original music influenced in the classic style by composers and performers such as Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Nat "King" Cole, Duke Ellington, The Modern Jazz Quartet and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Starring: pianist/vocalist Alex Leonard. Legendary bassist/songwriter Jay Leonhart. Virtuoso guitarist Al Gafa. suttonplacetrio.com
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9PM AN EVENING WITH SOFIA TOSELLO & YURI JUAREZ AND MARILYN CASTILLO
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Join us as Urban Stages presents and evening of Latin American and Mexican American Music with these very special artists celebrating their culture and music. Visit sofiatosello.com/ and facebook.com/marilyn.castillo.7568
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Thursday, December 16 2021
7PM RAISSA KATONA BENNETT in CAN’T HELP SINGING – THE MUSIC OF JEROME KERN
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Broadway actress-singer, MAC and Bistro Award winner, Raissa Katona Bennett, comes to Winter Rhythms with her critically acclaimed show, CAN'T HELP SINGING - THE MUSIC OF JEROME KERN. This romantic celebration of Kern’s greatest hits, includes “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” “All the Things You Are” and “The Way You Look Tonight.” Joining her are Musical Director Jon Weber on piano and Tom Hubbard on Bass. Raissa is best known for playing the role of “Christine” in Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, has performed in the First National Tours of Cats and Parade, and been a guest star on Law & Order: SVU. She has headlined at Feinsteins, The Metropolitan Room, The Laurie Beechman Theatre and Don't Tell Mama. raissakatonabennett.com/
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9PM FOUR (none of whom were married to Henry VIII)
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Four royally talented women sing about life in THIS century. Kea Chan: Whether on stage at The Green Room 42, Feinstein’s 54 Below or virtually on Metropolitan Zoom, Kea has been called “breathtaking” by Broadwayworld.com. Mollie Downes: Recently starred as Roxie Hart in the Broadway National Tour of Chicago and in numerous regional and Off-Broadway roles. Jennifer Noble: an actor, singer, dancer and writer most recently seen on Broadway in King Kong. Sarah Parnicky: recently seen off Broadway in the award winning Desperate Measures where she created the role of the heroine. Pianist: John DiPinto. Directed by Vincent Scott. Conceived by Craig Horsley.
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Friday, December 17 2021
7PM LIBERACE & FRIENDS (STARRING DAVID MAIOCCO)
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You will not believe your eyes and ears as you watch Mr. Maiocco's "incarnate" performance of this legendary performer. The costumes, the glamour, the virtuoso piano playing and "Lee's" imaginative, one-of-a-kind arrangements will knock your bejeweled socks off! Maiocco is a multi-award winner for Musical Direction and Outstanding Musical Comedy Performer. Tonight, Liberace's friends are: jazz vocalist Maria Corsaro and our very own Winter Rhythms' Co-Producer, Sue Matsuki! facebook.com/davidandleeofficial
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9:30PM AN EVENING WITH JAZZ VOCALIST VICKI BURNS
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Ms. Burns will be join by Art Hirahara on the piano. Vicki Burns is a jazz singer who has been delighting audiences for years. A vocalist with impeccable taste, a sure sense of rhythm and a glorious tone, she infuses each song with heartfelt expression, digging into the lyrics and melody to reveal their richness. No wonder the great jazz drummer; Max Roach once described Vicki’s singing as “a gold mine”! vickiburnsjazz.com
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Saturday, December 18 2021
3PM JASON OSTROWSKI IN SING US A SONG
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Broadway and TV star, Jason Ostrowski started playing piano in the second grade. Since then, its been a lifelong ride that has led him to many stages and places as an actor, but always with the piano along for the ride. He’s met his piano idol, performed on broadway and on TV. Join Jason as he shares stories, highlighted by rock and roll songs by Elton John, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond and more, that will have you singing along! TheJasonO.com
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8PM MARVIN GAYATGAY'S THIS IS THE MOMENT
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Marvin’s exposure to world-class choral performing began with the College of the Immaculate Conception Chorale in Cabanatuan City, Philippines. He eventually became a bass baritone soloist of the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, and has traveled the world through its various tours, most notably as part of the batch that gave the group the rare feat of a second victory at the 2007 European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in Arezzo, Italy. A proud city employee of New York as an engineer, Marvin continues to showcase his broad and flexible vocal range to different audiences through various concerts and events, as a soloist, as a member of The St. Paul Inspirit Ensemble in Manhattan and as choirmaster of The Voice of Friendship Singers. He is thrilled to be debuting his first solo show at Urban Stages. Pianist: John DiPinto. Directed by Vincent Scott. Conceived by Craig Horsley.
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Sunday, December 19 2021
3PM SONGS OF HOPE III - Tom Toce Presents: D. C. Anderson, Danny Bacher, Emily Bindiger,
Douglas J. Cohen, Ann Kittredge, Laurie Krauz, Madalynn Mathews, Megan Styrna, Tom Toce, Michael Wingate and others with Music Director Jon Delfin.
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Songs of Hope and More Songs of Hope closed Winter Rhythms in 2018 and 2019. More than ever, we need hope and hopeful songs. Tom Toce will produce the closing program, featuring some of the best cabaret singers in New York, each performing a hopeful song. If this concert doesn’t provide uplift, nothing will! Jon Delfin will once again be the musical director.
Technical Director: Kim T. Sharp. Lighting designer: Madeleine Burrow. Sound designer: Jaime Terrazzino. Graphic Design by Roman Petrov.