Sony Hall was packed for last night’s Sydnie Christmas concert with a wait-list of lines down 46th street, and quite frankly, I’ve rarely witnessed an audience respond to a performer with the kind of enthusiasm that Sydnie received. Coming from the era when black and white television talent shows were often the launching pad for extraordinary careers it was my opportunity to discover whether the phenomenon that began on Britain’s Got Talent can evolve into something far bigger.

The applause meter on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, one of the most widely watched television shows of the 1950’s was a proving ground for some remarkable talent. Vic Damone, Tony Bennett, Pat Boone, Connie Francis, Eddie Fisher, and Rosemary Clooney all went on to become household names after appearing on the show (Elvis Presley auditioned but was rejected). Other contest winners were Frank Sinatra on Major Bowes’ Original Amateur Hour and Gladys Knight on Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour.

As the 2024 winner of the British counterpart to America’s Got Talent, Christmas captured audiences with a series of remarkable performances before taking the title. Now, with a string of successful concerts behind her, the real question is whether that television triumph can be the beginning of a substantial and enduring career.

The manufactured drama woven into today’s television talent shows often dictates not only the songs contestants choose but also the vocal fireworks they unleash. A singer’s style can be every bit as important as the voice itself when it comes to winning over judges and the public. Does Sydnie Christmas have something else besides that type of performance that targets the judges and the public?….She attempted to answer that question from the very start, opening with a haunting “Amazing Grace,” followed by a two-act concert filled with Pop, Broadway, Soul and Disco standards, as well as several originals. Many of the songs received standing ovations from an audience that had clearly come to celebrate—and exalt—their hero.

There is no question that Sydnie Christmas is likable, possesses a powerful instrument, and brings an original approach to a song. It’s easy to understand why the jury and audience at BGT gave her such an enthusiastic thumbs-up. But this “jury” is still deliberating. We need to hear more before reaching a final verdict.

Like a Bolt of Lightning (and shinny cloth) fashion icon Isaac Mizrahi charged onto the stage of 54 Below last night wearing a silver suit and declaring to a cheering audience…”It’s  a mess out there but it’s beautiful in here”! There are singers whose earthy, distinctive voices may not necessarily send chills down your spine, yet they can be enormously appealing because of their innate musicality and their ability to deliver a lyric with honesty and sincerity. Isaac Mizrahi is that kind of performer. He is chaotic, lovable, bawdy, witty, hysterical, and most importantly, completely authentic in his performances. What this product of the Garment Center may lack in vocal chops, he more than makes up for with a musician’s innate sense of time and phrasing. The result is an exciting reimagining of the dozen excellent tunes Isaac weaves (also knits) seamlessly between his humorous exchanges with the audience.

Having also spent my career in the Garment Center and also being a pianist, I like to think I know good “material” when I hear it—whether in textiles or music. Isaac, newly appointed Creative Director at Large for Target Stores performed several of our favorites, and on more than one occasion he tugged at our musical heartstrings with his interpretations of “Baubles, Bangles & Beads,” Laura Nyro’s “Save the Country,” and “Some Other Time” from On the Town, to name just a few. His story about meeting Betty Comden is absolutely hysterical, but I won’t spoil it’s surprise ending for you.

Whether he is entertaining or enlightening us through his music, fashion, or commentary, Isaac Mizrahi is truly a one-of-a-kind and formidable force in the entertainment world.

In his current show “Hooray” at 54 Below Isaac again appears with his excellent band of six musicians playing world class arrangements..Music director Benjamin Waltzer, Daniel Freedman (drums) Bruce Jamar Christopher (trumpet) Kellin Hanas (trumpet), Daniel Duke (bass), Dan Aran (percussion)

ISAAC MIZRAHI

One of Tony Bennett’s signature songs famously reminds us that “The Best Is Yet to Come.” But for the audience at Dizzy’s Club last night, there was no need to wait—the best had already arrived with the latest edition of Songbook Sundays, hosted by Deborah Grace Winer and with Debby Boone opening the show with Tony’s signature song.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Columbus Circle and Central Park, Dizzy’s offered the perfect stage for a stellar gathering of world-class entertainers, adding another memorable chapter to New York City’s cabaret celebrations honoring the music and legacy of Tony Bennett during his Centennial Year.

Ms. Winer assembled an impressive roster of talent to celebrate the timeless music of Tony Bennett, including two Grammy winners. Billy Stritch, fresh from his critically acclaimed Tony Bennett solo show at 54 Below, served as the evening’s musical director, pianist, and vocalist. Joining him was Debby Boone, also a Grammy winner who became a household name with her legendary, chart-topping hit “You Light Up My Life.” Rounding out the stellar lineup were celebrated jazz vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli and rising young artist David Marino.

As usual, I won’t give away any spoilers, although I suspect most readers are already quite familiar with the Tony Bennett songbook. Still, hearing these timeless favorites brought to life by such talented vocalists was a wonderful reminder of just how enduring Bennett’s music remains. His music was represented beautifully throughout the evening, and, as always, Deborah Grace Winer—one of the foremost experts on the American Songbook—added fascinating stories and insights that brought the songs and their history to life.

Tony was a perfectionist when it came to choosing his musicians, and he undoubtedly would have approved of Marc MacLean on drums, Caylen Brant on bass, and Jacob Chung on saxophone. And, of course, Billy, who served as Tony’s musical director during one momentous year with the legend, provided the perfect musical foundation and created the ideal accompaniment for the evening.

Tony Bennett lived just a few blocks from Jazz at Lincoln Center, and it wasn’t unusual for Eda and I to see him walking these very streets on his way to an event at Dizzy’s Club. Somehow, it feels especially fitting to imagine him taking in this particular Songbook Sunday. He would have loved every moment of it.

Photos: Stephen Sorokoff

THE BEST IS YET TO COME

BILLY STRITCH & DEBBY BOONE

BILLY STRITCH

DEBBY BOONE

GABRIELLE SSTRAVELLI

DAVID MARINO

GABRIELLE STRAVELLI, DAVID MARINO, DEBBY BOONE

DEBBY BOONE

BILLY STRITCH & DEBBY BOONE

DAVID MARINO

DAVID MARINO

GABRIELLE STRAVELLI, DAVID MARINO, DEBBY BOONE

GABRIELLE STRAVELLI, DAVID MARINO, DEBBY BOONE

DEBORAH GRACE WINER

DIZZY’S CLUB

DIZZY’S CLUB

CAYLEN BRANT, BILLY STRITCH, GABRIELLE STRAVELLI, MARK MacLEAN, DEBBY BOONE, DEBORAH GRACE WINER, JACOB CHUNG

ELANOR & HOWARD MORGAN, Sponsors, EDA SOROKOFF

Mr. Billy Stritch hit new heights this evening with an SRO crowd making him fly higher than I have ever seen before. The premise of the evening was as honest and simple as can be – a year he spent with the legend. Billy confessed that it was actually 11 months and 2 weeks (to the delighted audience who laughed) but once the music took hold, the place was on fire. The legendary Mr. Bennett’s birthday is today, August 3, and, last night, Mr. Stritch performed his valentine to the man for the very first time. Billy entered and took center stage to sing while Andy Ezrin “sat in” on the piano for tonight’s star, for the first two numbers and a heartfelt closer.

The show is called “Billy Stritch: My Year with Tony Bennett – Celebrating 100 Years of an Icon” and this could play (and should) all over the world.

As usual, I won’t give any spoilers, but the gifted Mr. Stritch explains how he came to meet Bennett and end up going on the road. The stories are heartfelt, touching and funny and the visual support of images from their time together can only make you smile.

Admittedly, it’s difficult to pick from the plethora of material to choose from and the slew of recordings accumulated over the singer’s 7 decade career.

The onstage band was comprised of Stritch, Andy Ezrin on keys, Michael O’Brien on Bass and Eric Halvorson on Drums. The musicians and Billy chewed up those brilliant charts and it got hotter and hotter and hotter. Billy seemed to get more vocally versatile as the crowd lifted him up and put air under his wings. Eda and I have always loved the man, but, tonight, he surprised the daylights out of both of us, as he dedicated two love songs to our celebrating  57 years of marriage. I was embarrassed, humbled, happy and proud (in that order). Also, more generosity of spirit when 54 Below graced our table with a beautiful candle lit cake.

It was a great night out and I can promise you Tony Bennett is all smiles today. I hope this show comes to somewhere close to where you live and it should grow every year with additional songs for the treasure trove of music.

Billy’s incredible year with Tony Bennett gave the evening its theme, but in my heart it was also a tribute to the 57 extraordinary years ( and counting) I’ve been privileged to share with Eda.

Well done, Billy!

The most important information I can share with you is that there is another performance tonight, at the club, and a birthday surprise is that you can stream it this evening, live.

https://54below.org/events/livestream-billy-stritch-my-year-with-tony-bennett-celebrating-100-years-of-an-icon/BILLY

BILLY STRITCH

TPMU BENNETT & BILLY STRITCH

BILLY STRITCH

BILLY STRITCH

BILLY STRITCH

JANE (BILLY’S MOM) & TONY BENNETT

BILLY STRITCH

BILLY STRITCH

BILLY STRITCH

BILLY STRITCH & TONY BENNETT

ERIC HALVORSON, BILLY STRITCH, ANDY EZRIN, MICHAEL O’BRIEN

MELISSA ERRICO, STEPHEN SOROKOFF, BILLY STRITCH, EDA SOROKOFF, PATRICK McENROE

MARILYN MAYE & MELISSA ERRICO

PATRICK McENROE & MELISSA ERRICO

RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER, MELISSA ERRICO, PATRICK McENROE

STEPHEN SOROKOFF, EDA SOROKOFF, HERSHEY FELDER, TREVOR HAY, RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

BILLY STRITCH & HERSHEY FELDER

RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER & BILLY STRITCH

EDA SOROKOFF & HERSHEY FELDER

JAMIE deROY, BILLY STRITCH CHRISTINA ROSE

JIM CARUSO & MATT LENZ

ERIK SCOTT ROMNEY, BILLY STRITCH, CHRISTINA ROSE

MARDIE MILLIT & KIMBERLY YBARRA SHEINWALD

ADRIAN GALENTE, MELISSA ERRICO, BILLY STRITCH, PATRICK McENROE

CARLOS CLEMENZ & RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

DOUG MAJOR & CHRISTINA ROSE

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

On Friday night singer and actor Nicolas King celebrated turning 35 here in New York City and, unlike Bobby in COMPANY, was more than happy to sing for his supper and hug the SRO room at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, with his singular voice, vocal stylings and stories. His opener was very clever and came loaded with images of him as a child, marching directly into show business.

This young man has “winner” written all over him and his “partner in crime” for the beautifully calibrated evening was none other than the legendary Billy Stritch.

The night’s selections were very personal and Mr. King is gifted in both content and brevity as he takes us through his choices and the “whys” of the reasons for singing this particular set of songs for this very special evening. There is nothing phony about him and he enters the ring like a champ, putting us all at ease to relax and enjoy a very smooth ride. Gleaming in a black patterned suit and being fit as a fiddle, his confidence is a pleasure to watch and the way he turns a phrase or faces a lyric head-on is a joy to witness. The truth of the matter is that he can clearly sing anything and make it work. He has worked with some of the greatest in the business and has learned his lessons well. Very well. He proved this with his last new show, honoring the revered musician/arranger Mike Renzi, which was recorded live at 54 Below and will enter the ethos in October. Put it on your list.

Each song came with its own acknowledgement of oohs and aaahs and the audience response was authentic and robust after every number. Nicolas swings. So does Billy Stritch and, on that stage, they became one during this “one night only” event. Nicolas is an instrument of his own making, which doesn’t require lots of fussy instruments and Mr. Stritch was powering the keys to full advantage. There were plenty of thrills and King gave the stage to Billy for a solo, which was a beautiful Brazilian song.

Eda and I were thrilled to be among a loaded “name dropping” collection of friends and fellow performers like Michele Lee and her husband Fred Rappaport, Susie Mosher, Jim Caruso, Max Von Essen, Scott Nevins, Richard Jay-Alenander, Pamela Adlon,  Jeff Harnar, Marty Millet & Michael Garin, Adrian Galante, newcomer Erik Scott Romney, KT Sullivan, Lee Roy Reams, Randy Rainbow, RHONY fan favorite Luann de Lesseps, Karen Mason,  Paul Rudnick, Jamie deRoy,  Barry Kleinbort, Tom Postilio & Mickey Conlon, Paul Kreppel, Bill Hutton, Adrian Galante, Mark Sendroff and Soledad O’Brien with husband Brad Raymond.

It was a real New York night.

NICOLAS KING

BILLY STRITCH & NICOLAS KING

BILLY STRITCH & NICOLAS KING

NICOLAS KING

BILLY STRITCH

NICOLAS KING

NICOLAS KING

BILLY STRITCH & NICOLAS KING

RANDY RAINBOW, BILLY STRITCH, COUNTESS LUANN de LESSEPS, NICOLAS KING

EDA SOROKOFF, NICOLAS KING, COUNTESS LUANN de LESSEPS, STEPHEN SOROKOFF

RANDY RAINBOW, RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER, BILLY STRITCH, SOLEDAD O’BRIEN, NICOLAS KING

SOLEDAD O’BRIEN, BRAD RAYMOND, EDA SOROKOFF, RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER, COUNTESS LUANN de LESSEPS, JAMIE de ROY

KAREN MASON, PAUL ROLNICK, MARK SENDROFF

RANDY RAINBOW & RICHAR JAY-ALEXANDER

SOLEDAD O’BRIEN, BRAD RAYMOND, MICHELE LEE, EDA SOROKOFF

MICHELE LEE, NICOLAS KING,PAMELA ADLON

RANDY RAINBOW & NICOLAS KING

JAMIE deRoy, Richard Jay-Alexander, ADRIAN GALENTE, EDA SOROKOFF

PAUL KREPPEL & BILL HUTTON

BRADRAYMOND & SOLEDAD O’BRIEN

KT SULLIVAN & RUSS WOOLEY

COUNTESS de LESSEPS & MICHELE LEE

ERIK SCOTT ROMNEY & RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

JIM CARUSO, FRED RAPPORT, MICHELE LEE

JEFF HARNAR, ERIK SCOTT ROMNEY, LEE ROY REAMS

MICKEY CONLON & TOM POSTILLO

TOM d’ANGORA & SOLEDAD O’BRIEN

LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE

LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE

BILLY STRITCH

RICHARD JAY-ALENDER, SUSIE MOSHER

RANDY RAINBOW, PAMELA ADLON, SOLEDAD O’BRIEN

MICKEY CONLON

MICHATEL GARIN & MARDIE MILLIT

BILLY STRITCH, SOLEDAD O’BRIEN, BRAD RAYMOND

JIM CARUSO & COUNTESS LUANN de LESSEPS

RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER & NICOLAS KING

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICOLAS