Two of Michael's biggest fans, Roger and Rita Zeeman, have attended a number of Michael's performances and have written reviews - which are now featured here for your enjoyment. You might call Roger and Rita our "Concert Correspondents."

[NEW] Bernstein on Broadway... and More

On Wednesday, October 22, 2008, Michael Feinstein joined the roster of distinguished artists participating in Carnegie Hall's ongoing tribute to Leonard Bernstein on the 90th anniversary of his birth and the 50th anniversary of his appointment as music director of the New York Philharmonic. This first performance of this season's series, Standard Time with Michael Feinstein, focused on the musical work of Bernstein. It was hosted by Michael and featured special performances by Jason Danieley, Karen Morrow and Karen Ziemba. Following in the tradition of these evenings at Zankel Hall, Michael Feinstein and his guest Phyllis Newman delighted the audience with personal anecdotes and remembrances.

The evening began with Michael accompanying himself on the piano to two memorable Bernstein songs, "New York, New York," and "Lucky to be Me." A brief history of the life and times of Bernstein followed. He was a lover of every kind of music: classical, opera, jazz, popular, and symphonic. He composed the music for Wonderful Town, Candide, West Side Story and On The Town. Leonard Bernstein was acknowledged to be the preeminent conductor of his generation and was seen as "a media star in the service of music." Leonard Bernstein was a frequent collaborator of lyricists Betty Comden and Adolph Green and Green's widow, Phyllis Newman, shared her experiences as the wife of Bernstein's "best friend forever." Bernstein's favorite song by Green was "Luigi the Elephant Keeper" and we were treated to Phyllis Newman's rendition of this infrequently heard tune!

The distinguished guests were easily recognizable to New York theater goers. Jason Danieley made his Broadway debut in Bernstein's Candide and sang "Nothing More Than This" from that show. Karen Morrow, who has numerous Broadway credits and has performed at The White House, Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center, sang selections from On The Town, including "It's Gotta Be Bad to Be Good." Karen Ziemba, a Tony-winning actor-singer-dancer, performed "Why O Why Ohio" from Wonderful Town. Among other selections, Michael performed "Lonely Town" from On The Town and "There's a Place for Us" from West Side Story.

The cast gathered together for their finale to honor this musical great, who died in 1990 at age 72, by singing "Some Other Time," which included the beautiful lyrics, "...where has all the time gone to – haven't done half the things we want to – oh well, we'll catch up some other time..."

-Roger & Rita Zeeman

A Salute to Leo Robin

Zankel Hall, April 23, 2008, was the perfect setting for an intimate evening celebrating the music of Leo Robin. This third installment of the season of "Standard Time with Michael Feinstein" brought together a memorable supporting cast that included composer Alan Bergman, vocalist KT Sullivan, and musicians Ted Rosenthal & Aaron Weinstein. An evening of piano, song, anecdotes and reminiscence highlighted the contributions Leo Robin has made to the Great American Songbook.

Michael Feinstein opened the program with two Robin songs, "Love is Just Around the Corner," and "True Blue Lou." Robin's prolific career included writing 115 film scores, nominations for 10 Oscar awards, and 24 songs on the Top Ten Hit Parade. Robin met George Kaufman, the assistant drama editor at The New York Times, and this association led to Robin's introduction to the world of lyric writing. He had many collaborators, including Arthur Schwartz, Jule Styne, and Vincent Youmans, but the most significant was his long-term relationship with Ralph Rainger. With Robin as the lyricist and Rainger as the composer, Jack Benny's theme song, "Love in Bloom," and Bob Hope's theme song, "Thanks for the Memory," became part of our musical landscape. Another collaboration, "Blue Hawaii," enjoyed success as a hit when sang by Bing Crosby and later by Elvis Presley.

KT Sullivan, a cabaret performer with numerous Broadway credits, performed two of Leo Robin's easily recognizable songs, "Just a Little Girl from Little Rock" and "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." She brought cheers and applause from this audience that was, no doubt, remembering Marilyn Monroe as Lorelai Lee. Special guests Ted Rosenthal and Aaron Weinstein, two notable jazz musicians, brought back memories to many in this group as they played "Love in Bloom" in the style of the "Jack Benny Show" which was an early television classic. A casual conversation between Michael Feinstein and composer Alan Bergman followed. Bergman has, with his wife Marilyn, been a featured subject of the Standard Time series. He spoke with fondness of his relationship with Leo Robin, who he described as a very modest man who loved writing for movies. He was Robin's apprentice when he wrote for the movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blonds" and sang "Bye, Bye Baby" from that film.

When Ralph Rainger died in a plane crash at age 41, Leo Robin was unable to work for quite a while. He wrote with others, but never stopped feeling that Rainger was a true genius. Leo Robin sang "If I Should Lose You," at his own wedding…a favorite collaboration with Leo Robin.

The evening ended with Michael Feinstein, Alan Bergman and KT Sullivan performing "Thanks for the Memory," a song recorded on an early Feinstein album and one that was a poignant ending to a beautiful evening.

NEW:

HOORAY FOR LOVE...
...A Valentine Collection

Could there be a better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than an evening of romantic music and songs with Michael Feinstein? The audience at the second installment of Standard Time With Michael Feinstein at Zankel Hall in February, 2008 would agree that this was the perfect valentine. Prior to this evening, the concerts in the Standard Time series each celebrated the work of a particular composer. On this night we heard the best of the best.... love songs that have become standards in the Great American Songbook performed by Michael Feinstein and guests Nancy Anderson and George Dvorsky.

Michael started the program with two Burton Lane songs, "It's Time For A Love Song" and "How About You." Love songs by Cole Porter were occasionally banned from the airways due to the double meaning of some of the lyrics, but "I Concentrate On You" was not one of them. Michael performed several songs we have heard and enjoyed in concerts over the years..."Remember" and "Always" by Irving Berlin; "I Won't Send Roses" by Jerry Herman. Not all love songs are serious, as we learned when he included Ronny Graham's "Unrequited Lover's March."

George Dvorsky has performed with symphonies worldwide as well as with regional and off-Broadway theaters. He selected two Jerome Kern songs, "Long Ago and Far Away" and "All The Things You Are." Not all love songs are serious, as we learned when George sang "Sara Lee" by Kander and Ebb...a song extolling the virtues of that lady who makes those delicious desserts! Nancy Anderson has appeared on Broadway and in London's West End as well as in regional theaters. She is a "regular" at the New York jazz club Birdland. She chose Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do" as well as a selection from her jazz album. Many more favorites by composers Arlen & Mercer, the Gershwins, and Dietz & Schwartz rounded out this lovely performance. As a finale, Michael and his guests ended the evening with one of the most memorable love songs of all..."As Time Goes By."

NEW:

"Let Me Entertain You"...
...Michael Feinstein at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia

It was the Cherry Blossom Festival weekend in Washington, D.C., and in nearby Alexandria, Virginia, Michael Feinstein entertained a sold out crowd in the best possible way: voice and piano. The Birchmere is an unusual venue, an old-fashioned dinner-theater with marvelous home-style "comfort" food. Seating was at long, family style tables and casual conversation suggested that this audience had been to many Feinstein evenings. This concert was reminiscent of past shows, with many selections from earlier albums.

The program began with "That's Entertainment" and "Let Me Entertain You," two songs setting the tone for the evening. Selections from a variety of composers including Cole Porter, Jerry Herman, Irving Berlin, Stephen Sondheim, Rogers and Hammerstein, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, and, needless to say, George and Ira Gershwin highlighted this performance.

From the early days at The Algonquin in New York, we heard "I Love a Piano," "Rhode Island is Famous for You," and "Alexander's Ragtime Band." From previous concerts, we heard Michael's sixty second version of the score of "Oklahoma," "Isn't it Romantic," and "I Won't Send Roses." From "The Wizard of Oz" Michael sang all of the lyrics to "If I Only Had a Brain."

When it was time to ask the audience for suggestions for a Gershwin medley, the choices included "Embraceable You," "Someone to Watch Over Me," and "Our Love is Here to Stay.” Although this concert was the last of a lengthy tour before returning home and a four hour drive to New York was about to begin, Michael was most welcoming and gracious to the many fans who asked for some backstage time.

NEW:

Michael Feinstein with The New York Pops...
...That's Entertainment: Hollywood's Golden Era.

The New York Pops, founded by Skitch Henderson, is a Carnegie Hall institution. This orchestra presents a series of concerts that are somewhat different from the usual programs in this great hall. The Pops concerts are not classical in nature, but represent a wide range of popular music. On October 26, 2007, the conductor Stuart Molina presented a program of music from Hollywood's golden years. The first half of the evening highlighted orchestral arrangements from such movies as Ben-Hur and Gone With The Wind. But, as conductor Molina stated in the program notes: "In the second half of our program, we will be treated to the stylings of one of the great interpreters and performers of American popular song—Michael Feinstein---whose prodigious musical abilities are matched only by his charm and vast knowledge."

Michael presented a program of songs that achieved fame via Hollywood stars and films. They were all not originally written for Hollywood, but their strong connection with the movies in which they were performed warranted inclusion in this program. Present in the audience was Mrs. Johnny Mercer, and one of Mercer's songs, written with Richard Whiting and Stan Freeman is the memorable "Hooray for Hollywood." Other selections that Michael performed included songs that he has recorded, such as "That's Entertainment," "Nice Work if You Can Get It," "How About You?" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me." He sums up the feelings of many in the audience when he notes: "We are lucky that in today's disposable world so many of these works have survived." Michael Feinstein remains one of the rare performers dedicated to ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy the music from Hollywood's golden era.

NEW:

Michael Feinstein with The New York Pops...
...That's Entertainment: Hollywood's Golden Era.

The New York Pops, founded by Skitch Henderson, is a Carnegie Hall institution. This orchestra presents a series of concerts that are somewhat different from the usual programs in this great hall. The Pops concerts are not classical in nature, but represent a wide range of popular music. On October 26, 2007, the conductor Stuart Molina presented a program of music from Hollywood's golden years. The first half of the evening highlighted orchestral arrangements from such movies as Ben-Hur and Gone With The Wind. But, as conductor Molina stated in the program notes: "In the second half of our program, we will be treated to the stylings of one of the great interpreters and performers of American popular song—Michael Feinstein---whose prodigious musical abilities are matched only by his charm and vast knowledge."

Michael presented a program of songs that achieved fame via Hollywood stars and films. They were all not originally written for Hollywood, but their strong connection with the movies in which they were performed warranted inclusion in this program. Present in the audience was Mrs. Johnny Mercer, and one of Mercer's songs, written with Richard Whiting and Stan Freeman is the memorable "Hooray for Hollywood." Other selections that Michael performed included songs that he has recorded, such as "That's Entertainment," "Nice Work if You Can Get It," "How About You?" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me." He sums up the feelings of many in the audience when he notes: "We are lucky that in today's disposable world so many of these works have survived." Michael Feinstein remains one of the rare performers dedicated to ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy the music from Hollywood's golden era.

NEW:

Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish:
...Stardust Memories

...and poignant recollections of two legendary composers were orchestrated by Michael Feinstein at this season's first installment of Standard Time With Michael Feinstein.

On November 14, Zankel Hall at Carnegie was filled with a sold-out audience as Michael Feinstein, along with special guests Elaine Stritch, Jason Graae, and Mary Lane Haskell, performed songs by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish that were both familiar and never before heard in public. Anderson, the composer, and Parish, the lyricist, collaborated on only seven songs, and each had separate careers working with others. Michael opened the show with two notable collaborations, "Serenata" and "Sweet Lorraine."

Leroy Anderson had a long and diverse career. He attended Harvard College, where he was the director of the band as well as a musician. Arthur Fiedler, long-time conductor of the Boston Pops, often called Leroy a genius and was a major influence upon him in his lifetime. He wrote orchestral miniatures for Fiedler, all under four minutes long. Those of us who can recall The Late Show of the 1950's will never forget the theme song, "The Syncopated Clock." Other memorable Anderson songs included "Blue Tango," and "Belle of the Ball." Anderson's widow, Eleanor, was introduced to the audience and Michael played "What's the Use of Love," an unpublished song, for the first time in public. A film clip of Anderson's "The Typewriter" was shown, with the Boston Pops playing in the background.

Unforgettable songs by Mitchell Parish were also performed by Michael. His most famous, "Stardust," was written with Hoagy Carmichael. "Deep Purple" and "Stairway to the Stars" have also established their place in the Great American Songbook. Michael's rendition of "Sophisticated Lady," a collaboration between Parish and Duke Ellington, was another highlight of the evening.

Michael's special guests for this concert included Elaine Stritch, well-known to theater and cabaret enthusiasts; Jason Graae, multi-talented Broadway and television actor; and Mary Lane Haskell, making her New York debut. She is a freshman at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and, guaranteed, you will be hearing more about her. Elaine Stritch reminisced about her starring role in "Goldilocks," a 1958 musical written by Leroy Anderson and Walter & Jean Kerr. She performed a song from this show, "Give this Little Lady a Great Big Hand," with Michael at the piano. Michael asked Mary Lane Haskell to select two songs she especially liked for her performance. She belted out Anderson's "If I Can't Take it with Me, I'm Not Gonna Go," followed by Parish's memorable "Stars Fell on Alabama." Jason Graae's charm and exuberance filled Zankel Hall with his renditions of "Stardust" and "The Syncopated Clock."

The evening's finale brought Michael Feinstein, Jason Graae, and Mary Lane Haskell together for the upbeat Anderson-Parish collaboration, "Sleigh Ride." The audience was encouraged to sing along, and readily obliged!

An Evening Celebrating The Music of Yip Harburg...
...needs to begin with a song about a rainbow.

After greeting the Zankel Hall audience with these words at the January 31, 2007 concert, Michael Feinstein sat down at the piano and opened the show with "Look to the Rainbow." This was followed by "Anything Can Happen in New York," and a little bit of history about Yip Harburg. The artists adding their own special touches to the evening included Noah Racey, Catherine Russell and Maureen McGovern. An on-stage interview with Ernie Harburg, Yip's son, added a personal perspective of life with this remarkable man. Yip Harburg was best known as a composer of songs characterized by wit, humor, pathos and social commentary. He was born into the tradition of the Jewish composers who were raised on Manhattan's lower East side. He was born Isidore Hochberg but was always known as "Yip," a Yiddish word taken from "Yipsele," meaning "little squirrel." He had a career that spanned 50 years and collaborated with composers that included Burton Lane, Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, Sammy Fain and Jule Styne. He wrote songs for some of the greatest performers of the 20th century, including Judy Garland, Groucho Marx, Bert Lahr, Lena Horne and Frank Sinatra.

If you have attended Michael Feinstein concerts, surely you have heard a variety of Yip Harburg songs. On this evening, we had an audience sing-along to "Lydia The Tattooed Lady," originally introduced by Groucho Marx. During this concert Noah Racey, a Broadway performer of renown, performed "If I Only Had a Brain" from The Wizard of Oz. Yip Harburg did very well with that movie, as demonstrated by Maureen McGovern's acapella rendition of "Over the Rainbow." Catherine Russell, a vocalist who is a familiar face on the cabaret and concert stages, chose some of her favorites to perform: songs written in collaboration with Jule Styne and Burton Lane. Needless to say, a highlight of the evening was a Michael Feinstein medley of love songs by Yip Harburg that included "I'll Be Tired of You," "Old Devil Moon" and "April in Paris." Michael and the ensemble ended the evening on an upbeat note with one of Yip Harburg's most memorable tunes, "It's Only a Paper Moon."

The Way They Are: Celebrating The Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman...
"Where Do You Start?"

The first evening in the 2006-2007 Zankel Hall series Standard Time With Michael Feinstein was a celebration of the music of Alan and Marilyn Bergman and, surely, it is difficult to know "where to start" when looking at their vast contribution to the Great American Songbook. Their songs have been nominated for 16 academy awards and they have won 3. The Zankel Hall audience had the pleasure of learning about this musical collaboration from the source...as Marilyn and Alan shared the stage with Michael Feinstein for this evening of intimate conversation and music. They attended Music and Art High School in New York and married in 1958. Johnny Mercer had, perhaps, the greatest influence upon them and Alan regarded him as his mentor. As a tribute to this relationship, Michael began the evening by singing Mercer's "Too Marvelous for Words" and followed it with the Bergman's "Where Do You Start." We learned of their many successful collaborations, including the show Queen of the Stardust Ballroom. "How Do You Keep the Music Playing" is another notable Bergman collaboration, this one with Michel Legrand. Michael sang it beautifully, as he has done so often as a part of many concerts.

Broadway notables Carolee Carmello, Rupert Holmes, Lari White and Billy Stritch joined Michael in this wonderful evening of song. Among the memorable Bergman originals performed by this ensemble included "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life," "Windmills of Your Mind," and a medley of songs from the movie Yentl. A highlight of the evening featured Michael dedicating a special song to the Bergmans. "What I'm Singing Tonight is a Song About You" is a Feinstein/Bergman collaboration written and heard one time—at a Log Angeles tribute to Rosemary Clooney. The performance ended with a request for Marvin Hamlisch, who was in the audience, to join the cast for a song written by him and the Bergmans, "The Way We Were." What a perfect conclusion to a perfect evening.

Two for the Road

A Rendezvous with Michael Feinstein and Linda Eder

By Rita and Roger Zeeman
Concert Correspondants

The Great Auditorium of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association was host to Michael Feinstein and Linda Eder on July 29, 2006 for an evening of magnificent music and song arranged and orchestrated by John Oddo. A high level of energy pervaded this auditorium from the start.

When the announcer stated that due to electronic difficulties there would be no Star Spangled Banner that night, there were a few audible mumbles before approximately 5,000 fans stood up and sang it themselves. This spirit and enthusiasm continued throughout the evening as Michael and Linda captivated their audience.

The selections were perfect for this duo, and they began with Some Enchanted Evening and followed with Hey Old Friend and Teach Me Tonight. In the spirit of the traditional torch song they continued with Stormy Weather and As Long As She Needs Me. What would a Feinstein evening be without an opportunity to hear some Gershwin? Linda Eder took a break and Michael took audience requests. Among the favorites that comprised a sentimental medley were Embraceable You, Who Cares, You Can't Take That Away From Me, and Our Love is Here to Stay. Jerry Lee Lewis' Great Balls of Fire completed Michael Feinstein's solo segment.

Linda Eder returned to the stage for additional duets with Michael that included Two for the Road, Side by Side, Together, and a rendition of I Got You Babe complete with a Feinstein "impersonation" of Sonny Bono.

The conversations overheard during intermission were nothing short of the highest praise for Michael and Linda who performed in this historic wooden auditorium without air conditioning on this steamy July night. When the audience returned to their seats the concert continued with additional numbers, perfect for duets. Me and My Shadow and If I Had You were followed by several solo selections by Linda Eder that included Both Sides Now and Don't Rain on My Parade.

Michael Feinstein and Linda Eder spoke about early influences on their careers. They acknowledged Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland with a memorable medley that included Zing Went the Strings of My Heart, Come Fly With Me, Rockabye Your Baby, I've Got a Crush on You, and, needless to say, New York, New York.

Following what must have been an exhausting evening for Michael Feinstein and Linda Eder, eager fans were not disappointed at the stage door as requests for photos, autographs and conversation were all fulfilled.

Autumn in New York

...and another season of the "Michael Feinstein: Now and Then" series begins at Zankel Hall. On November 3, 2004, Love Makes the World Go "Round: Celebrating the Songs of Bob Merrill featured the music of this renowned composer and lyricist. Michael presented many charismatic solo renditions of the songs associated with Bob Merrill and then, in the customary format of the series, invited guest artists to join him in the tribute.

Featured performers were Karen Mason and Neva Small. Karen Mason is a noted cabaret artist in New York and announced from the stage that she would be headlining at "Feinstein's at the Regency" the following week. Karen's Broadway credits include roles in Sunset Boulevard, Jerome Robbins' Broadway, and Torch Song Trilogy. She has also appeared at several noted night spots in New York: Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Algonquin to name a few.

Neva Small has enjoyed a lifetime personal association with Bob Merrill. As a teenager, she was cast in a feature role in Henry Sweet Henry and Merrill continued to write with her in mind as his performer. Readers who recall the film version of Fiddler on the Roof will remember her as Chava, one of Tevye's daughters. Neva Small and Michael Feinstein have enjoyed a long friendship and she recalls a time, many years ago, when they both entertained senior citizens in nursing homes.

"How Much Is That Doggy in the Window?"

……was a question posed by Bob Merrill in this popular hit of the 1950's recorded by Patti Page, and judging by the audience response, there were many that night with poignant memories of this tune and other novelty numbers written by this composer. Rosemary Clooney recorded "Mambo Italiano", Jimmy Rogers recorded "Honeycomb"; add to those "If I Knew You Were Coming I'd ‘ve Baked a Cake" and you have the whimsical songs that were heard on early television shows and reached many American households. As a special attraction of this evening, Michael Feinstein brought Mrs. Bob Merrill, (Suzanne), to the stage. She spoke with fond memories of their shared years. From her seat in the audience, Mrs. Jule Styne, (Margaret), elaborated upon Michael's comments about the Merrill/Styne collaboration on Funny Girl. This was the first time that Merrill had set his lyrics to another composer's melodies and produced two show-tune hits, "Don't Rain on My Parade" and "People."

"Love Makes the World Go Round"

……is the song best-remembered from the hit musical Carnival. For this production, Merrill created songs to suit the beautiful voice of Anna Maria Alberghetti, a popular vocalist of the 60's. Other Broadway shows to which he contributed the score were Henry, Sweet Henry, Take Me Along, and New Girl in Town. In the early 70's, Bob Merrill once again teamed up with Jule Styne to compose the lyrics for Sugar.

Michael performs and hosts two additional concerts in this unrivaled series, scheduled for March and May.

Another Night, Another Song

…..Actually, it was three nights of Michael's concerts that we attended and are happy to recount for the Fan Club. Three very different venues played host to these May events. On May 5th, Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall was the setting for a concert featuring Jim Brickman and Stacy Kent. May 19th was the third and final performance of the "Michael Feinstein—Now and Then" series for the season at Zankel Hall at Carnegie.

The end of May saw Mohegan Sun Casino hosting Michael for five days of performances in their beautiful 300 seat cabaret. These three diverse performances each demanded creative energy, research, preparation, and needless to say, the incomparable voice and music of Michael Feinstein.

The Carnegie Hall concert featuring Jim Brickman and Stacy Kent was titled "Michael Feinstein: The Great American Love Songs" with the orchestra under the direction of John Oddo. This evening marked the 113th anniversary of the opening of Carnegie Hall. Michael's first number was Moondance. In the Playbill concert notes, Michael recognizes the place of romance in our high-tech impersonal world. He believes that the love songs in the great American songbook have survived and reappear in many musical versions by a variety of contemporary artists because they are resilient and malleable. Michael writes that "…the classic love songs are unique to their time and yet completely relevant for now."

Stacy Kent is a young British performer who has been most popular on the New York cabaret circuit for several years. She has a beautiful voice that filled the Stern auditorium with her renditions of The Trolley Song, Say it Isn't So, and The Boy Next Door. She and Michael performed a duet of the Gershwin classic Isn't it a Pity. Jim Brickman is another contemporary artist who is composing and performing original music. He is best known for Simple Things, Love of My Life, and his platinum-selling holiday album The Gift. Following several of Jim's solos, Michael joined him for a duet of The Glory of Love.

Michael's program of solo numbers included the standards the audience loves to hear as well as some surprises with selections including the works of George and Ira Gershwin, Cy Coleman, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Cole Porter and Jerry Lee Lewis (Great Balls of Fire). Several poignant moments of the concert included an introduction of Van Alexander, the 89-year-old arranger of Sing, Sing, Sing and a tribute to the 1938 Benny Goodman concert at Carnegie Hall.

Blue Skies: Celebrating the Songs of Irving Berlin

….. was the season finale of the "Now and Then" series at Zankel Hall. In addition to a cast of performers that included young composers from Chicago, fans were treated to the lovely voice of KT Sullivan and an interview with Irving Berlin's daughter, Mary Ellin Barrett. Michael filled the evening not only with the memorable songs of Irving Berlin, but also adding anecdotes which provided insight into the life and times of this great American composer.

As Michael sang, one could visualize Fred Astaire singing Change Partners, Cheek to Cheek, and Let Yourself Go. When Michael performed I'm Happy, written for Al Jolsen, he reminisced about singing it for President and Mrs. Reagan at the White House. Next, Michael sang Irving Berlin's Alexander's Ragtime Band and I Love a Piano, pleasing the audience with these two "signature" pieces. KT Sullivan performed her beguiling rendition of You'd Be Surprised.

Following the format of the "Now and Then" series, contemporary composers (Cheri Coons, Chuck Larkin, Beckie Menzie, Susan Werner) performed their own works as well as favorites of the artist being honored for the evening.
Mary Ellin Barrett shared some memories of growing up in the extraordinary Berlin household and sharing a musical life with her father and his friends. She said that her father liked simple songs best—songs that expressed basic feelings. The last lines of the song were the most important to him, and when he developed what he felt were good endings he would frequently change the interior of a song to make it fit. Michael chose the perfect heartrending finale for this evening—the ensemble performing God Bless America. A composer whose love for his country is legendary, Irving Berlin is noted for donating royalties from this and other patriotic songs to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other organizations.

Beginner's Luck

…..was an apropos number that Michael chose for his performance at the 300 seat cabaret at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. This venue was perfect for an intimate show with John Oddo as musical director. Judging from the fans sharing our table, there were many in attendance who bypassed the casino and came to Mohegan Sun solely to attend Michael's show. Michael started this evening with The Birth of the Blues and then sang one of Ed Feinstein's favorites, The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else. Michael sang selections from Johnny Mercer, Sammy Cahn, Rogers and Hart, and of course, George and Ira Gershwin.

Michael's experiences with, and anecdotes about the composers and other personalities, are always a welcome addition to any show. He recounted his first meeting with Frank Sinatra. Michael was hired to play for a party in Sinatra's honor. Michael researched and performed songs that even Sinatra had forgotten existed. This led to a long-standing relationship with the Sinatras. Another anecdote featured Hugh Martin, the composer of The Trolley Song. After being drafted into the Armed Forces, he listened to the Army band play his song for him and the other inductees as they marched off to active duty.

Michael took Gershwin requests from the audience and reminded everyone, as he has before, that if a request was omitted, some of the "very same notes" would be used in those songs that were heard! During a backstage visit, Michael was generous with his time despite the demands of an intense evening of performing. He is unique in the regard and appreciation he shows to his fans.

Until next time…
Roger and Rita Zeeman

Archives

Another Opening, Another Show………

..But it is not just "another" when the opening is Zankel Hall at Carnegie and the show is the first in the season's series, Michael Feinstein: Now and Then. This performance on October 29th was a celebration of Michael Feinstein and Jimmy Webb's collaboration on their new CD, Only One Life. The stage held a pair of pianos facing each other and Michael and Jimmy Webb spent part of the evening performing arrangements designed for the two instruments. They spoke about the history of their friendship and the years of thought and planning that concluded with the production of this current work. Jimmy Webb is best known as the songwriter who has authored "Wichita Lineman", "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", "Didn't We" and "Up, Up and Away." These selections, as well as many others from the new CD were performed by Michael and Jimmy during the evening. As native Bronxites, we especially enjoyed Jimmy's new song, "Belmont Avenue," which will be featured in the forthcoming musical version of A Bronx Tale. The evening also included guest appearances by the composer John Bucchino and composer/saxophonist Tom Scott, who added to the musical diversity with their special talents.

The Feinstein fans in the audience were of course delighted when Michael included a Gershwin medley and took requests from the audience. It couldn't be a Michael Feinstein evening without favorites that included "Embraceable You," "Our Love is Here to Stay," and the classics from the American Popular Songbook that identify Michael with his longstanding love of George and Ira Gershwin's melodies. Needless to say, the audience reaction to "I Love a Piano" at the end of the evening should convince Michael to continue to include this in each show.

Zankel Hall, the new home of the Now and Then series, is a multi-leveled contemporary concert space with graduated seating that affords excellent sightlines throughout. The sleek, stark lines are enhanced by wooden ceilings, floors and staircases. It was built with state of the art acoustics in mind and intermission chatter suggests that no one was disappointed. At the conclusion of the program, Michael and Jimmy Webb signed their CD, Only One Life, and warmly greeted the many concert-goers who waited for them.

Stormy Weather….

….Couldn‘t keep the fans away from the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia for the August 7th concert. Michael performed with his special guest Jane Monheit and with the accompaniment of the thirty-six piece Mann Festival Orchestra. The orchestra was led by John Oddo, whom Feinstein concert-goers have seen in the past. Michael made a point of acknowledging his new arrangements. By coincidence, Michael included several numbers related to the weather (Stormy Weather, On a Clear Day, Come Rain or Come Shine) in this performance which took place during a prolonged period of East coast rain!

The program began with a performance by Jane Monheit, a powerful jazz singer with a beautiful voice and repertoire. Her reputation at age 24 as a strong and accomplished new voice was evident as her selections, some familiar and some new to the audience, were performed with her own sense of style, depth and versatility.

How Do You Keep the Music Playing?...

…was one of the premier numbers in the second half of the program which belonged to Michael Feinstein. He included two audience favorites that were standards during the early concerts and now seem to be back by popular demand, Alexander's Ragtime Band and I Love a Piano. He told a wonderful anecdote about his first meeting with Frank and Barbara Sinatra-he was hired to play at a party in their honor-and prepared a program that included many obscure and dated Sinatra songs. At one point "Old Blue Eyes" came up to him astonished that anyone of Michael's generation would know these songs and asked "…how old are you, twelve?" As the story goes, that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. It was also a great introduction to a Sinatra favorite, Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry. Some selections from West Side Story were included as well as a sampling of Michael's performance with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. In acknowledging Rodgers and Hammerstein, he sang and played his creative, humorous sixty second synopsis of the entire score of Oklahoma. Of course, it wouldn't be a Michael Feinstein evening without Gershwin numbers and Swanee and ‘S Wonderful were greeted enthusiastically by the audience.

Michael greeted fans and guests of the theater backstage. As gracious as ever, he answered questions, posed for pictures and gave generously of his time. It was a terrific evening and we look forward to the upcoming season.

New York City, May 2003

Aren't You Glad
You're You…

We were certainly glad to be us as we were part of the audience at Weill Recital Hall for the recent tribute to Johnny Burke!

For a number of years, Michael Feinstein has been the host and artistic director of the series Michael Feinstein: Now and Then. The last of three evening performances in this season's series was held on May 15 at Weill Recital Hall before an enthusiastic and, as usual, sold out audience.

For those of our readers who have not had the opportunity to enjoy an evening in this space, it is a small concert hall holding 268 people and, as some say, it is where you perform "Weill you wait" to get to the adjoining Carnegie Hall! This setting adds to the intimacy and personal flavor of the performances selected for this space. As we know very well, Michael Feinstein no longer needs to wait to get to Carnegie Hall, but this smaller venue affords the opportunity to host evenings that combine highlighting the life and work of a particular composer who is an established part of the American Popular Songbook while introducing the new generation of lyricists, composers and artists.

As the artistic director of this series, Michael has invested a tremendous amount of preparation and research in these evenings, and each show is seen one time only. In addition to the performances, there are frequent surprise interviews from the stage with the artists' family members and an occasional appearance by a composer! How thrilling it was to listen to Betty Comden, Adolph Green and David Raskin talk about their lives in music during these past seasons. Who would ever have thought that an audience would be treated to Mary Rogers, daughter of Richard Rogers, chatting with Michael about her life, or Mrs. Sammy Cahn, reminiscing about her life with this renowned composer.

One memorable evening for us featured, in addition to the composer David Raskin, John Bayless and Marni Nixon. Marni Nixon spoke about her experiences as the voice behind Natalie Wood in West Side Story, Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, and Deborah Kerr in The King and I and An Affair to Remember. When Michael introduced John Bayless as the John Bayless orchestra he was not kidding. He had a fascinating story to tell of discovering music by coming home from the movies, sitting at the piano and playing a song he had heard for the first time, Moon River. These are just a few examples of what this extraordinary series has been.

Every Time it Rains, it Rains…
Pennies from Heaven

And the music was heavenly at this season's three shows devoted to the work and lives of Dorothy Fields, Frank Loesser and Johnny Burke. Johnny Burke's readily recognizable songs include Pennies from Heaven, Moonlight Becomes You and lyrics to several songs from "Road" pictures with Bing Crosby, Dorothy Lamour and Bob Hope. Some of the familiar faces that were seen in these shows included Kristen Chenoweth, Liz Callaway and Mary Cleere Haran.

Each show begins with Michael sitting at the piano and performing several songs associated with the evening's highlighted performer. This is always followed by interesting biographical notes and memorable stories that by now are an anticipated feature of the series. Contemporary composers and lyricists are then ushered on stage to perform original works.

For example, this latest show starred David Friedman, who introduced some of his pieces that we have heard in Disney films and in the recordings of the late, wonderful Nancy LaMott. Faye Greenberg was also part of the program and her songs have been recorded by Debbie Gravitte and Randy Graff, among others. Her husband, David Lawrence, has written music for numerous movies, orchestrated several off-Broadway shows, and has written original songs for Earth, Wind and Fire and Diane Schuur. Ben Schaechter was also featured in the show and his music has been sung by Nancy Dussault, Tovah Feldshuh and Andrea Marcovicci. Each artist selects a personal favorite of the evening's composer to perform as well. Michael joins the ensemble for a final number to conclude the evening.

Next season Zankel Hall, a new auditorium with the capacity to seat approximately 500 concertgoers will open underneath Carnegie Hall, and this will be the new home of the Michael Feinstein: Now and Then series. This hall will be wired with the most modern communications technologies and we are hoping that this may make the distribution of these shows to a wider audience possible.

You Could be Swinging on a Star…

Or do the next best thing and join us for this wonderful series in what is sure to be an exciting concert space…