FEBRUARY HOUSE STARS SET TO PERFORM SOLO SHOWS AT JOE’S PUB IN JUNE

The Public Theater is presenting the world premiere of February House, with music and lyrics by Gabriel Kahane and book by Seth Bockley, beginning Tuesday, May 8th in The Public’s Martinson Theater, and running through June 10th. Three stars of the show – composer and lyricist Gabriel Kahane, actress Kacie Sheik, and actor Julian Fleisher have all been tapped by Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater for solo performances this June.  February House is based on actual events at a dilapidated house in Brooklyn Heights that became, in the early 1940’s, a bohemian commune of sorts for intellectual misfits that included poet W.H. Auden, novelist Carson McCullers, and composer Benjamin Britten.


GABRIEL KAHANE
June 4 at 9:30pm
$15
Gabriel Kahane, composer and lyricist of the Public's February House, returns to Joe's Pub for an intimate solo show. His most recent recording as a singer-songwriter, Where are the Arms, was hailed by the New York Times as "an album of empathy and reverie... conveying "emotional intelligence along with its extravagant poise." As a composer of concert works, he has been commissioned by Carnegie Hall, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Kronos Quartet, American Composers Orchestra, the Caramoor Festival, and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, for whom he serves as Composer-in-Residence from 2011-2013 through a Music Alive! grant from Meet-the-Composer. He has performed and/or recorded with, among others, Sufjan Stevens, Chris Thile, Brad Mehldau, and composer/conductor John Adams. In October, he makes his Carnegie Hall solo debut in a concert devoted to his music. A MacDowell Colony Fellow in 2010 and 2011, Gabriel lives in Brooklyn, NY.

KACIE SHEIK
June 4 at 7:30pm
$15
Kacie Sheik of Broadway's "Hair" and the Public Theatre's February House will play her first solo concert in 5 years at Joe's Pub on Monday, June 4th.  The evening will include brand new material for Sheik's upcoming EP, cover songs of pop/rock hits as well as special guests from the Broadway community. Singer-songwriter and Broadway actress Kacie Sheik completed almost 1,000 performances as Jeanie in the Public Theatre's Tony Award winning production of "Hair-The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical"(Central Park, Broadway, The West End, National Tour). Kacie received a Helen Hayes nomination for her performance, resulting from the show's National Tour opening engagement at The Kennedy Center.  Prior to her hippie life, she worked alongside Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen and writer/director Ben Elton as the heroine rock chick "Scaramouche" in the Original American company of their smash hit musical "We Will Rock You". Kacie has been seen in "Julie

JULIAN FLEISHER
June 11 at 7:00pm
$20 Advance / $25 Door
Before the art of song was divided into narrow stylistic slices, before there was Jazz or Pop or Rock, there was Nightclub Singing. Like Sammy Davis, Jr, Ethel Water and Mel Tormé before him, Julian Fleisher mixes masterful interpretations of a wide range of popular songs with kick-ass showmanship and a generously endowed band that - as the Washington Post put it - "blew the roof off of Joe's Pub."

Son of world-renowned concert pianist Leon Fleisher, Julian was first heard as a boy soprano, a student of the classical repertoire at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of music in his hometown of Baltimore. After a four year stint as an undergraduate at Yale—where he sang in concerts, and on stage in roles ranging from The Threepenny Opera's Mack the Knife to Guys and Doll's Sky Masterson, Julian took on New York, the inevitable next step in any young entertainer′s journey. Now, he′s enjoying a reputation as one of that city′s most exciting young nightclub stars. His collaborations with a growing roster of celebrities-turned-singers now has him on a new trajectory: Host Extraordinaire. Molly Ringwald, Isaac Mizrahi, Ana Gasteyer, Martha Plimpton, Lauren Graham, Jennifer Holliday, Keith Carradine, and Kiki & Herb.

MISS RICHFIELD 1981 - Performing at Joe's Pub Friday, May 11th

"2012 - We'll All Be Dead By Christmas!"

 Dedicating her life to the friendly citizens and responsible merchants of her hometown of Richfield Minnesota ("where butter is a spice and gravy is a beverage"), Miss Richfield 1981 is winning over audiences around the country with truly hysterical performances that combine homespun warmth with edgy improv. In "2012: We'll All Be Dead By Christmas!", the Midwestern beauty title holder offers a celebratory take on the impending rumored apocalypse, and gets us “Armageddon ready” through songs, videos, and audience activities “ The must see show in Provincetown each summer" - NY Daily News. “Miss Richfield 1981, long a favorite performer in Provincetown, made her New York City debut with the holiday production Fall on Your Knees. With her oversized white specs, bouffant hairdo and white gloves, she is a cartoonish, time warped Midwestern beauty pageant queen.” – Edge Magazine

Below is an excerpt from a recent G Philly Interview - Find the full piece here

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A lot of your fans know and love that you are an expert saw player. How did you learn how to play the saw anyway?

It all goes back to the Miss Richfield Beauty Pageant in Richfield, Minnesota. I was one of 11 contestants that day as Trudy Olson twirled three gas-laden fire batons and lost control, igniting the entire fow of beauty contestants in a blaze that would remind you of a successful NASA launch – lots of smoke and noise. Considering the level of AquaNet and the scent of Charlie in the air, it was amazing that any one of us made it out of that alive. I was the only one that day to stop, drop and roll, which saved me – and my hair. Also the fact that I wore Old Spice that day helped keep me fire retardant.

Well, after they hauled all the other beauty contestants off to the burn unit and a couple to the morgue, so all but two made it out alive, I realized I was the only contestant left to vie for the title of Miss Richfield 1981. That’s when I had to do a talent. But since my puppet – Chopped Liver – was lost in the mayhem, I didn’t know what to do! Just then a firefighter named Hal, which is short for Cynthia, offered me the saw and a quick lesson.

Ever since that day, I have always included lesbians in my show. And I’ve always done a number on the musical saw, honoring Hal.

I personally had the opportunity to see you dive into the pool at the Crown and Anchor in P-Town a few years ago, in full costume, I might add. You know, Miss Richfield, Philly has a lot of great public fountains if you’re considering a press opp…

A fountain sounds like an interesting and fun spot for a dip! But I wouldn’t want to be confused with those Occupy people. The last thing I’d need is to be arrested before my show, not to mention that people might start to think I’m unemployed. Now taking a dip at the Crown and Anchor in P-Town is another story! As you’ve seen, I’m a regular Esther Williams when it comes to water. And though you mentioned “costume,” I want your readers to understand that I never wear make-up, which allows for swimming publicly, singing emotionally, and eating all types of Mexican food.

What is it about the apocalypse that inspired your new show?

I don’t know if I’d call any of my show “inspired” as much as launched. As I’m known to share the spotlight, I should note that my I’ve modeled most of my professional ministry by the life of Virginia Christine (God rest her soul), who played Mrs. Olson, the Folgers coffee lady. Although I am a strict Sanka drinker myself, because caffeine makes me run like a faucet, I remain a huge fan of any woman who’s still not to proud to make her man a pot of coffee – and good enough for a second cup, every time! And when the world is careening into a nuclear meltdown, a cup of coffee may be the only thing we left.

So when you’re not on stage, where can your fans find you?

I’m usually on the road, with a generous and steady stream of one-way bus tickets from the Esther Circle, a women’s group of my home congregation – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Lutheran Church in Richfield. But sometimes they don’t realize that I’ve returned to Richfield and I have a day or so at home. And nothing makes me happier than sitting in my kitchen sipping Sanka and watching the children in the trailer park, who don’t have a lot, so they play with what’s available – you know, rocks, broken glass and discarded needles. Such a creative bunch!

I also love to keep up with my fans on my Apple IIE computer. So keep an eye out for my Tweeters, Facing Books, and soon – a YouTube special weekly column – “Miss Richfield’s Q & You!” I’ll be answering questions, much like I’m doing here, only with a camera and a set and no keyboard. Yikes!

RACHEL POTTER "LIVE THE DREAM" CD RELEASE 

GUEST APPEARANCE BY CONSTANTINE MAROULIS 

Rachel Potter, who is currently portraying the Mistress in the Broadway revival of Evita, will play the intimate stage of Joe's Pub May 13. The 9:30 PM concert will celebrate the release of Potter's debut country EP, "Live the Dream." The evening will also feature a guest appearance by Tony-nominated actor Constantine Maroulis.

This highly anticipated independent release marks her first collaboration with songwriter and producer, Justin York. The result of a remarkably successful Kickstarter campaign, an online independent fund raising platform, Rachel surprisingly doubled her fundraising goal with the help of family, friends and fans. "It's got real guts," says Potter of the co-written EP, "We wanted to make a record that joined pop country music with a rock edge - Think Carrie Underwood or Taylor Swift with a Paramore twist. It's a risk, but it's exciting."

Ms. Potter is currently appearing as the Mistress in this season's buzzworthy Broadway revival, Evita. She appears alongside Ricky Martin, Elena Roger, and Michael Cerveris at the Marquis Theater. Rachel made her Broadway debut as "Wednesday Addams" in The Addams Family starring Brooke Shields, following a tour with Stephen Schwartz's smash hit musical, Wicked. Rachel has also performed the roles of Ariel, Belle, and Nemo, among others, at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The evening will feature some of New York's finest musicians performing songs from the EP, as well as guest appearances by Constantine Maroulis, Cosmo-Country sensation The Vanity Belles, and The Country Band featuring Marty Thomas.

Jazzrael: A Festival of Israeli Jazz & World Music at Joe's Pub

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ALON YAVNAI BIG BAND
WITH SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST SAXOPHONIST DAVE LIEBMAN
May 8 at 9:30pm
$15
This big band project is called “Shir Ahava”, which means in English “A love Poem.” The title track “Shir Ahava”, was composed to lyrics of a poem by Yehonatan Geffen, an Israeli writer and storyteller.  It was the first arrangement, which led into writing the rest of the arrangements for this big band project. Alon recorded this project in 2010 in Hamburg with the renowned NDR Big Band.  In February of 2012 it was released on an album under AYM (Alon Yavnai Music). Alon Yavnai’s big band is comprised of some of the most superb musicians in New York. Joe’s Pub is honored to be graced with a walking legend for this performance, saxophonist Dave Liebman.
Musicians performing include Alon Yavnai - piano, compositions & arrangements; Sam Sadigursky: lead alto saxophone, flute, clarinet; Oscar Feldman: alto & soprano saxophone; Donny McCaslin:tenor & soprano saxophone, flute; Eli Degibri: tenor & soprano saxophone; Paul Nedzela: baritone saxophone, bass clarinet; Diego Urcola: lead trumpet; Itamar Borochov: trumpet; Tatum Greenblatt: trumpet; Brandon Lee: trumpet; Rafi Malkiel: lead trombone; Noah Bless: trombone; Kaji Tokunori Kajiwara: trombone; Max Siegel: bass trombone; Haggai Cohen-Milo: bass; Ziv Ravitz: drums.

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AVI AVITAL TRIO
WITH URI SHARLIN & SHANE SHANAHAN
May 10 at 9:30pm
$20
The Israeli jazz and world music festival hosts a sizzling performance of classic Klezmer melodies, folk songs from the Balkans, and original composition by the soulful and virtuosic trio. featuring Grammy Award nominee mandolinist Avi Avital, accordionist Uri Sharlin, percussionist Shane Shanahan and some very special guests.  

Avi Avital is internationally regarded for his performances at venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, Berlin Philharmonic Hall, KKL Luzern, Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing and Wigmore Hall in London. He has appeared as soloist with the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, I Pomeriggi Musicali di Milano, San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and Berliner Symphoniker under the batons of Mstislav Rostropovich, Sir Simon Rattle and Philippe Entremont, among others. Avi Avital is the first mandolin player to receive a Grammy nomination in the category “Best Instrumental Soloist” for his recording of Avner Dorman’s Mandolin Concerto with Andrew Cyr and the Metropolis Ensemble. He has won numerous competitions and awards, including Germany’s ECHO Prize for his 2008 recording with the David Orlowsky Trio and the Aviv Competition, the preeminent national competition for Israeli soloists. Avital has released numerous recordings in the disparate genres of klezmer, baroque, and new classical music. Avi Avital recently signed an exclusive agreement with Deutsche Grammophon who will release a Bach album in June, 2012.

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AMIR GWIRTZMAN WITH NURIT GALRON
May 16 at 7:30pm
$15
Amir Gwirtzman, world renowned Israeli multi-culti jazz artist, masters more than 20 different woodwinds from all over the world as a one-man band called Inhale–Exhale. This event is part of Jazzrael, A Festival of Israeli Jazz & World Music that will take place in New York May 6–16. With thanks to our friends at the Office of Cultural Affairs, Consulate General of Israel in New York, for their support.Gwirtzman infuses Inhale-Exhale with a combination of R&B, jazz and rhythms of Cuban jazz, along with Middle Eastern, Gypsy, Jewish klezmer, Armenian, Irish Celtic and Native American influences. Of the Presidential Featured Artist Concert Series, Gwirtzman has also performed and recorded over the past 3 decades with many artists, such as Sleeping Camels, Philip Glass {notably the Olympic Opening Ceremony of 1996}, Mino Cinelu, Spyro Gyra, Johnny Almendra {Ray Barreto & Mongo Santamaria’s Big-Band}, as well as some of Israel’s finest musicians, including Rita, Shlomo Artzi, Rami Kleinstein, Yehuda Poliker, Arik Einstein, Shalom Hanoch, Shlomi Shabbat, Gidi Gov and Ofra Haza.
 
"One of Israel's leading jazz musicians...a kind of cultural ambassador for the Jewish state..." –The Jewish Week NY“Music tradition meets 21st-century technology as this gifted Israeli jazz artist performs on 20 instruments, instantly recording one part atop another until the music crescendos into an orchestra of sound, a blend of rhythms, melody and harmony.” – Jerusalem Post

RACHEL POTTER: CD RELEASE SHOW 5/13

Q&A with TheaterMania

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After coming to national attention on MTV's Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods, Rachel Potter has starred in such hit shows as Wicked and The Addams Family. She is currently appearing as the Mistress in the Broadway revival of the musical Evita, now at the Marquis Theatre, and will appear in concert at Joe's Pub on Sunday, May 13 at 9:30pm to celebrate her new country music EP, Live the Dream, with special guest Constantine Maroulis.

TheaterMania recently talked to Potter about working with her Evita co-star Ricky Martin, receiving praise from Andrew Lloyd Webber, and her upcoming album and concert.

THEATERMANIA: How was the opening night of Evita?
RACHEL POTTER: It was such a bundle of emotions. There was so much excitement, and it was overwhelming. My mother flew in that day and we met in the Starbucks at the Marquis. I remember crying. I was so happy, but at the same time, I wanted to know what people would think and write about the show.

TM: What amazes you most about this story?
RP: In my mind, Eva Peron is like a modern day Robin Hood. She's such a powerful phenomenon. She was a force to be reckoned with. To understand the influence she had on her country is incredible.

TM: Your big moment in the show is your solo, "Another Suitcase in Another Hall." What is performing that song like for you?
RP: It's lovely. I had been cast as the Mistress at a local production in Florida, and Andrea McArdle was set to play Eva. In the end, I couldn't do it because I landed another gig. I never thought I would have the opportunity again. So it's a moment now that I love to share, because so many people have felt what the song says and because Andrew Lloyd Webber's melodies are never predictable.

TM: Speaking of Andrew Lloyd Webber, I heard he had something to say about your performance?
RP: Yes! The first time he saw us perform, he came backstage to meet everyone. He came over to me, shook my hand, and said, "Beautifully sung." It didn't register right away. I had to think about it. I was telling myself to write it down!

TM: What is it like working with Ricky Martin, who plays Che?
RP: It's awesome. He was all over MTV's TRL when I was in middle school and high school. It was so bizarre to be around him at first. Now, he's our friend Ricky. It's been a joy. He is so warm and supportive.

TM: What can we expect from your Joe's Pub concert?
RP: I'll have my Country Band with me. We will do all of the songs from the record, and we will also do these pop covers which we have never performed live.

TM: Was doing country music always a dream of yours?
RP: Yes, I always dreamt of being a country artist since I was a kid. I would even design my own album covers. A few years ago, I thought about giving up musical theater in order to move to Nashville, but then I booked the Wicked tour. I thought I would leave for Nashville when the tour ended, but then I booked The Addams Family. Finally, when we got the closing notice, I thought I would be moving to Nashville. And then came Evita.

TM: You put this whole CD together, though, didn't you?
RP: The whole process began when I was on tour with Wicked. I had free time on the road and I started writing songs. Then, at one point, we weren't far from Nashville; so I called my friend Justin York, and we started writing some songs together. Then over the next two years, we got together as much as possible to make the CD. I saved as much money as I could, but still didn't have enough. So I began a Kickstarter campaign. The response was so overwhelming that I ultimately doubled my goal.

TM: One lyric from the CD really stood out for me: "I don't know how to get there, but I will get there, just watch me live the dream." There are so many young people with aspirations to perform in this business who feel the same way. What advice would you give them?
RP: One thing that I've learned is when something is meant for you, it will be there for you. I first auditioned for Evita in March 2011. I had just landed The Addams Family, learned everything for that show, and then came down with a bad cold, so I didn't have time to learn the song for Evita. I never heard back after my audition. Then, in October 2011, I found out that they still hadn't cast the Mistress. I reached out to the casting director, explained the situation, and asked if I could come back in. They agreed, and I booked the job. I feel that the part waited for me. You can't be upset when others get the job. That was part of their journey. Keep doing the work and showing up. This isn't a business for the weak.

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Tickets For Her Upcoming Performance on Sunday, May 13th: BUY TICKETS  

NPR Classical Reviews New Ronn Yedidia & Alexander Fiterstein Record

"World Dance" LP by Alex Fiterstein

Here's a lighthearted album that meanders across various classical and world music genres. There's a natural fluency to the way Israeli composer and pianist Ronn Yedidia writes for the terrific clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein, whether Yedidia is borrowing from Arab, Spanish, klezmer or jazz idioms. The tune "World Dance" for clarinet and piano is jaunty and irresistible. The more straightforwardly classical "Concertino" for clarinet, piano and strings is more serious, with an extraordinary cadenza that shows Fiterstein at the top of his game.

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The Pairing Performs Live at Joe's Pub on May 27th at 9:30pm. 

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