Last night, 54 Below opened its doors to something new and exciting. “Basement After Dark: The Music of RAYE” brought a fresh musical voice to the legendary cabaret room. Produced by 54 Below’s own Stephanie Lazard in collaboration with music director and co-producer Elmo Zapp, the evening featured a first-rate band and an exceptional cast of singers who delivered RAYE’s music with energy, style, and passion. The enthusiastic audience responded with standing ovations, embracing the songs of this award-winning British superstar singer/songwriter and discovering just how powerful her music can be in a live cabaret setting.

From Stephanie Lazard, co-producer

“Elmo and I have actually been friends for about 14 years! We met when we were both living in LA and worked on shows together there, and we’ve continued collaborating since we both ended up in New York. Last night was our sixth show together at 54 Below. We previously produced 54 Sings Hanson, 54 Gets Warped Discs 1 & 2, 54 Sings Sammy Rae & The Friends, and 54 Sings Across the Universe.

Basement After Dark: The Music of RAYE was the first installment of a new series we’re calling Basement After Dark. After doing several of the “54 Sings” shows together, we started talking about what we could do next and how we could take that general idea a step further. We wanted to create something that felt a little more elevated and theatrical, still celebrating the music of an artist we love, but making the evening feel like its own cohesive show rather than simply a collection of songs.

That was a big part of what we tried to do with RAYE. Elmo created an overture to open the evening, as well as musical interludes and transitions that allowed certain songs to flow directly into one another. We also thought a lot about the order of the music, the combinations of performers, and how we could build an arc throughout the night so there was a real sense of momentum from beginning to end.

RAYE felt like the perfect artist to launch the series with because her catalogue gave us so much to work with. Her music can be theatrical, soulful, jazzy, incredibly vulnerable, and then completely explosive, sometimes all within the same evening. It also gave us the opportunity to put together an incredible group of performers and let each of them bring something different to her music while still making the show feel like one complete piece.

Our hope is absolutely to continue Basement After Dark and build it into an ongoing series at 54 Below. The idea is that each installment can have its own identity depending on the artist or music we’re exploring, while keeping that same goal of creating something more theatrical and intentionally constructed than a traditional tribute concert.”

The performers: Sara Al-Bazali, Sydney Jones, Charlotte Odusanya, Sarah Pansing, Morgan Reilly, Debbie Christine, Tjong, Zalah Vallien.

The Band: Elena Bonomo, drums, Manny Houstan, piano, Devon Meddock, vocals/trumpet, Jordan Petty, saxophone, Kat Rodriguez,vocals,Mike Rosengarten, guitar, Elmo Zapp, bass.

54 Below LIVESTREAM

CHARLOTTE ODUSANYA,ZALAH VALLIEN, MORGAN REILLY, DEBBIE CHRISTINE TJONG, SARAH PANSING,SARAH AL-BAZALI, SYDNEY JONES, KAT RODRIGUEZ, DEVON MEDDOCK

SYDNEY JONES

SYDNEY JONES

DEBBIE CHRISTINE TJONG

DEBBIE CHRISTINE TJONG

MORGAN REILLY

MORGAN REILLY

MORGAN REILLY

ZALAH VALLIEN

KAT RODRIGUEZ

KAT RODRIGUEZ & DEVON MEDDOCK

CHARLOTTE ODUSANYA

CHARLOTTE ODUSANYA

SARAH PANSING

SARAH PANSING

ZALAH VALLIEN & DEBBIE CHRISTINE TJONG

SARAH AL-BAZALI

SARAH AL-BAZALI, KAT RODRIGUEZ, DEVON MEDDOCK

BASEMENT AFTER DARK: THE MUSIC OF RAYE

STEPHANIE LAZARD, CO-PRODUCER

DEBBIE CHRISTINE TJONG

ZALAH VALLIEN, MORGAN REILLY, KAT RODRIGUEZ

SYDNEY JONES & SARAH AL-BAZALI

The Hamptons went to the dogs—in the very best possible way—as NYC Second Chance Rescue gathered animal lovers, philanthropists and familiar faces at a private Bridgehampton estate for its 5th Annual Concert for a Cause.

The summer benefit honored legendary entrepreneur, philanthropist and longtime animal advocate John Paul DeJoria, while also marking the world introduction of Pawpoint.

Beth Stern (Image Credit: BFA / David Benthal)

DeJoria, whose philanthropic work has long extended to animal welfare, was recognized for a commitment that dovetails naturally with the mission of Second Chance Rescue.

“It is an honor to be recognized by NYC Second Chance Rescue,” DeJoria said. “Their compassion, dedication, and commitment to animals are truly inspiring, and I am grateful to be part of an evening that will help so many animals in need.”

Hamptons benefit should never forget the party, the evening came with some serious musical wattage.

Ashanti (Image Credit: BFA / David Benthal)

Grammy Award winner Ashanti headlined alongside platinum-selling artist Fabolous, giving the intimate Bridgehampton gathering considerably more star power than the average summer fundraiser.

Fabolous Photo by Rose Billings

Fabolous (Image Credit: BFA / David Benthal)

The generosity continued offstage. A live auction featured experiences including a yacht charter donated by Lauren and Eddie Shapiro of NestSeekers, while a paddle raise brought in additional funds for the rescue’s work with some of the animals most difficult—and expensive—to save.

Beth Stern (Image Credit: BFA / David Benthal)

Among those joining the evening were Beth Stern

Caroline Radziwell (Image Credit: BFA / David Benthal)

Carole Radziwill, Peter Cook,

Bradley Fishel, Alexandra Fishel, Maria Fishel, Kenneth Fishel Beth Stern (Image Credit: BFA / David Benthal)

Kenneth and Maria Fishel, Blair and Margit Brandt, Jennifer Brooks, Lisa Blanco, Lisa Rose, Katie McEntee, Daisy Toye, Eric Muschinski, Tina Guidipipietro and Rocco Guidipipietro, along with DeJoria, Ashanti and Fabolous.

Lisa Blanco, Ashanti, Jennifer Brooks (Image Credit: BFA / David Benthal)

Behind the glamour is a mission with very real consequences. Founded in 2009, NYC Second Chance Rescue concentrates much of its work on animals that frequently have the fewest options: large-breed dogs and critically injured or medically complex dogs and cats pulled from overcrowded municipal shelters.

Since its founding, the nonprofit has rescued more than 17,000 animals, providing medical treatment, rehabilitation, foster care and ultimately the possibility of a permanent home. Its work extends beyond rescue through community programs designed to help people keep the animals they already love.

The evening was presented with support from Alexander Capital Ventures LLC, Montauk Project and the Phenom Foundation, with Renaissance Properties, Margot Brandt Palm Beach and Cindy Karen serving as Champion sponsors.

There are plenty of beautiful parties in the Hamptons every summer. The best ones manage to send everyone home having accomplished something besides being photographed.

Concert for a Cause did exactly that—turning one glamorous Bridgehampton night into second chances for animals who desperately need them.

If you are a regular reader of mine you know that Eda and I will follow gifted talent wherever they are. Meet Hershey Felder. If you are an avid theater goer in NYC you’ll be aware he just completed a lengthy sold out run at 59E59 Street Theaters with a show he called The Piano And Me. This show was sublime in every sense of the word and the reason we went was because Billy Stritch told us about him as he had just returned from performing in Teatro Niccolini, Hershey’s theatre in Florence, Italy. We became instant fans of Hershey because of his extraordinary piano skills, his storytelling is hypnotic, and he has a unique niche in history and popular culture and that found us headed on a train to Philadelphia to the People’s Light Theatre to see another show he created… Rachmaninoff And The Tsar which had Hershey as Sergi Rachmaninoff and Jonathan Silvestri as the Tsar.

From an early age, I’ve been captivated by piano legends, both renowned and unsung. Men and women who have completely dazzled and bewildered me with their skill…a spectacular blend of natural-born DNA talent and rigorous discipline.  Their artistry often moves me to tears or sparks an overwhelming excitement that I can barely contain. This lifelong passion first sparked under the guidance of my first piano teacher, Mr. Dave Roberts. Later, when I met Eda, (and her piano playing) who would become my wife, she became a member of my personal “piano club”. The remaining icons who shape my inspiration will keep their anonymity, purely so I can avoid offending anyone or creating an artistic debate….except, that is, for the latest addition to my club..Hershey Felder after we saw The Piano And Me opening night at 59E59. Hershey’s deeply personal journey was brought to life through a remarkable blend of humor, tragedy, history, and the highest degree of classical concert level performance. Mr. Felder doesn’t simply tell a story…he invites the audience into it, creating an experience that is both intimate and unforgettable. . Somehow, despite his brilliant 30 year career as an actor, pianist, and playwright, he had completely escaped my radar.

Thankfully now, Eda and I can say we “discovered” him and can now share him with you.

PEOPLE’S LIGHT, Malvern, PA.

EDA SOROKOFF & HERSHEY FELDER

STEPHEN SOROKOFF

HERSHEY FELDER

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HERSHEY FELDER & JOHATHAN SILVESTRI

New York has never been particularly interested in the idea that dogs should stay home while the humans have all the fun. On Wednesday, August 26, National Dog Day gives the city’s four-legged social set an excellent excuse to hit the town, with restaurants rolling out treats, swag, special menus and a proper Yappy Hour. Frankly, considering how many New York dogs have better wardrobes and social calendars than the rest of us, it seems only fair.

At Loulou, 176 Eighth Avenue, National Dog Day takes over the restaurant’s outdoor cabana beginning at 11 a.m., turning it into a celebration for pups and their people. Humans can settle in with a specialty Tito’s cocktail while their companions discover that “dog food” has taken on an entirely different meaning in Chelsea.

Loulou already has a dedicated dog-friendly menu, and these are not exactly scraps from the table. Four-legged diners can choose from Steak & Eggs, Grilled Chicken, Seared Salmon and the “Loulou” Burger, followed by a “Pup”sicle made with yogurt, peanut butter, banana and apple. Somewhere, a Labrador is currently wondering why every Wednesday isn’t National Dog Day.

There’s also a little something to take home. Every dog arriving with an owner beginning at 11 a.m. will receive a complimentary swag bag filled with Tito’s branded toys or accessories, additional dog toys and treats, while supplies last.

For pups whose tastes run more café chic than cocktail hour, Loulou is also partnering with Isshiki. Guests purchasing a matcha will receive a complimentary Pup-Cha for their dog—a pup-friendly cup of whipped cream topped with green spirulina. Because apparently even the dogs have entered their matcha era.

Downtown, Clinton Hall FiDi, at 90 Washington Street, is answering National Dog Day with an all-day Yappy Hour beginning at 11:30 a.m. Bring your dog and the humans receive happy-hour pricing throughout the day, including $6 draft beers, $7 well drinks and house wines, and $8 select bites. The guest of honor gets a complimentary dog treat or branded bandana while supplies last.

The restaurant’s Supercraft beer program will also be flowing, while Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4, chess, Uno, Cards Against Humanity and other complimentary games provide entertainment for the humans. The dogs, naturally, will be busy doing what dogs do best: meeting everyone, investigating everything and quietly determining which table presents the greatest possibility of dropped food.

National Dog Day began as a celebration of dogs and a reminder of the enormous number still waiting in shelters for homes. There is something rather wonderful, then, about giving the dogs already sharing our lives a day devoted entirely to them. They ask surprisingly little of us considering what they give back: food, walks, somewhere comfortable to sleep and the occasional opportunity to accompany us somewhere far more interesting than the living-room sofa.

On August 26, New York is giving them the good table. Really, hasn’t your dog earned it?

For four decades, Ken Fallin has been looking at famous faces and seeing what the rest of us miss.

Joan Crawford

A few strokes of ink become a raised eyebrow. A slightly exaggerated jaw becomes an entire personality. A familiar silhouette suddenly tells you everything you need to know about the person inhabiting it. That is the peculiar magic of caricature when it is done brilliantly: exaggeration somehow produces something closer to truth.

Alfred Hitchcock’s website

This fall, Fallin celebrates that remarkable career on two fronts. On Wednesday, October 7, from 5 to 7 p.m., New World Stages will host the opening reception for an exhibition of his work, offering audiences an opportunity to see the drawings beyond the pages and screens where so many first encountered them.

Gregory Peck

At the same time, Fallin is assembling a self-published book featuring selected drawings from his 40 years as an illustrator and caricaturist—and for those who think they know his work primarily through Broadway, the collection may contain a few surprises.

Ethel Merman in London

Because Ken Fallin’s world has always been considerably larger than the theatre district.

Karl Lagerfeld

The proposed book reaches through an astonishing range of subjects and assignments: actors and filmmakers, politicians and journalists, fashion royalty including Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent, architect Jean Nouvel, and hundreds of figures drawn during Fallin’s long association with The Wall Street Journal. Taken together, the images become something more interesting than a conventional career retrospective. They are a visual record of the people who shaped several decades of American culture.

Fallin’s first major break came in 1983 when he began creating the posters and advertising artwork for Gerard Alessandrini’s deliciously wicked Forbidden Broadway. It proved an ideal marriage of artist and subject. Fallin’s ability to lovingly skewer a famous face mirrored exactly what Forbidden Broadway was doing musically to Broadway itself.

Andy Warhol

Those drawings eventually traveled far beyond Manhattan, with Fallin’s Forbidden Broadway artwork appearing as productions reached London, Tokyo and Sydney. His visual language became inseparable from the show: you could recognize Forbidden Broadway before reading its title.

Bassets

By 1987, The Boston Herald had commissioned Fallin to create a weekly celebrity caricature for its Sunday arts and entertainment section. But another chapter of his career would eventually introduce his work to an enormous national readership.

Jean Nouvel

For The Wall Street Journal, Fallin has illustrated roughly 500 notable figures, ranging from presidents to movie stars, cultural figures and newsmakers. His subjects have included Barack Obama and Paul Newman, as well as journalist Tim Russert, whom Fallin drew for Peggy Noonan’s memorial following Russert’s death.

Bernard-Henri Levy

That work reveals something particularly interesting about Fallin’s gift. Caricature can easily become cruelty. Fallin rarely needs cruelty. His drawings can certainly be wicked—and anyone who has followed his theatrical work knows that his pen possesses teeth—but underneath the exaggeration is observation.

Warren Buffett

He isn’t merely drawing what someone looks like. He is drawing what makes us recognize them.

Cole Porter

Sometimes it is posture. Sometimes hair. Sometimes the architecture of a face. Sometimes it is simply attitude. Fallin understands that likeness has surprisingly little to do with photographic accuracy. Capture the right three things about somebody and suddenly there they are.

DOVER Quartet

That ability made him equally valuable outside editorial illustration. His commercial clients have included American Express, HBO, Showtime, CNBC and Walt Disney Productions, while assignments have taken his distinctive line into national advertising campaigns and commissioned work far removed from Broadway.

Patti LuPone

LuPone Carnegie Hall

Then there are the subjects themselves.

Gloria Vanderbilt

Sunset Blvd. Gloria Swamson

Fashion designers. Architects. Movie stars. Presidents. Broadway legends. Journalists. Cultural eccentrics. Fallin has spent forty years quietly assembling an extraordinary paper cocktail party populated by people who, in many cases, would never otherwise have occupied the same room.

John Williams

The forthcoming book promises finally to invite us into that room.

Judge Douglas Ginsburg

What makes the project especially appealing is the possibility of seeing work that even longtime admirers may never have encountered. Editorial illustration is ephemeral by nature. A drawing appears beside an article, advertisement or review and then disappears into an archive. Decades later, an artist can discover that he has created an enormous visual history almost accidentally. Fallin has.

Lani Bell

While the mediums surrounding illustration have transformed dramatically during those forty years—from newspapers and print advertising to digital publishing and social media—the fundamental appeal of his work hasn’t changed. A Ken Fallin drawing remains unmistakably a Ken Fallin drawing.

Robert Glasper

That may be the greatest achievement of all. In an age increasingly dominated by photographic perfection, filters, digital manipulation and now artificial intelligence capable of manufacturing faces that never existed, there is something wonderfully human about the visible intelligence of a hand-drawn line. You can see the decision. You can see the joke. You can almost see the instant when Fallin looked at his subject and thought, Ah. That’s it.

Steve Jobs

The October exhibition at New World Stages brings that line back where so much of Fallin’s story began: the theatre.

Yves Saint Laurent

The book promises something larger.

Vivek Ramaswamy

It reminds us that Ken Fallin hasn’t simply been drawing Broadway for forty years. He has been drawing his time. And what a cast he has had.

Ken Fallin