Eric Krebs presents SING! A South African and American Musical Holiday Celebration is so musically thrilling, that if you don’t feel uplifted and ready for the holiday season, you seriously have a heart two sizes too small. The acoustics at St. Clement’s work perfectly with this powerful cast of musicians. Led by Thuli Dumakude, (Rafiki in The Lion King on Broadway), this songstress has pipes that are heaven sent. Her powerful vocals are sensational and through the roof. Ms. Dumakude also narrates the piece which though more of a concert, has a lot of interesting information. I actually wish there had been more of a book because, I was riveted. A lot of talk was of Miriam Makeba. The information was treated like we knew a lot about her and I actually had never heard of her before, so to expound that information would definitely be helpful. Also Nelson Mandela’s memory was honored and it was especially touching in the last song.
I can’t really tell you about the songs as they are not listed. The program is rather nondescript. You will here native South African songs, “In The Jungle” and the coolest version of “Jingle Bells,” played on a Kalimba. The music however permeates your soul and for the most part will have you chair dancing. I found I could not keep moving as the beats are so infectious.
The back-up singers also add a great deal of color. Silindile Sokutu, toured the US with Miriam Makeba, Nomthi Langa toured with South African singer Busi Mhlongo and Tanya Nomaziko Zondo, is a Zimbabwean singer, dancer and actress completes the trio of songbirds. The three women are all different types, with different sounds, but when the four get together in harmony it is rapturous.
Mar Gueye is blessed with the “Spirit of The Drum.”He is the nephew of master Senegalese drummer, Doudou N’Diaye Rose. Rose was considered the father of a musical dynasty and began performing in the 1930s, but continued to make his living as a plumber for some time. He performed and collaborated with Josephine Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Peter Gabriel, and the Rolling Stones. He was also the founder and chief drum major of the Drummers of West Africa and developed 500 new rhythms and that talent has definitely been passed on. His drum solo is one of the highlights of the show.
Saving the best for last Mthakathi’s is a one-man orchestra, whose musical talents are truly remarkable. He is also the musical director of the show creates musical magic. I tried to figure out how many instruments he plays and then loops to make amazing arrangements and spectacular sounds. His musicianship is unbeatable. Look for an interview shortly as Mthakathi is one of the best finds of 2016.
Zulu harmonies, phenomenal arrangements and sheer love of the craft permeate. Here the sounds of a nation bring forth it’s soul.
SING! A South African and American Musical Holiday Celebration is a do not miss if you love music, musicianship, heart and a eternal exuberance that is completely infectious.
SING! A South African and American Musical Holiday Celebration: Theatre at St. Clement’s, 423 West 46th St, through December 31st.
Events
Indigenous Climate Warriors in Times Square

(Photo by Honor the Earth)
On Tuesday September 19, 2023, the Indigenous peoples took to the frontlines of the climate crisis on Turtle Island and took over Times Square painting a giant mural with the message, “No Green Colonialism; Land Back NOW!”
This mural came the day before the UN Climate Ambition Summit, where world leaders are expected to come together and make decisions around the climate crisis.
The Indigenous communities are organizing to push back on the Biden Administration’s push toward solutions to the climate crisis that threaten the lives of Indigenous people across Turtle Island, which they call “Green Colonialism.” “For too long, Native lands and communities have borne the brunt of harm from mining and other extractive industries. As the federal government moves to support clean energy development, this cannot come at the expense of clean water or Indigenous rights. This familiar assault on Native lands and communities is another wave of colonialism, and we will not stand by and allow our lands to be sacrificed,” Krystal Two Bulls, executive director of the national Indigenous organization Honor the Earth said in a press release.
The mining projects violate treaty rights and threaten clean water and land in places such as Thacker Pass, Oak Flat , and the Talon-Tamarak mine near the Mississippi headwaters.
We should all be fighting this fight!
Food and Drink
White Wine for Summer Send Off

It is hard to believe that summer is officially wrapping up. But as days get shorter there is still plenty of time to toast the season in style with these favorite white wines.
Kenwood Vineyards Six Ridges Chardonnay 2019
This refreshing chardonnay crisp apple and crunchy peach flavors is electrifying and oh, so yummy! It brings out the feeling of velvet caressing you. This is simmply all of the best the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County has to offer.
Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Divinely balanced wine with zesty aromas and highlights of pink grapefruit, melon and gooseberry. It refreshing and perfectly sweet. Every sip will have you singing praises to the wonderful summer you just had.
Entertainment
Beatles Brunch at City Winery Where Strawberry Fields Lives Forever

I was taken to City Winery by Eli Marcus for the Beatles Brunch with Strawberry Fields.
This show plays every Sunday with an unlimited brunch buffet that includes coffee, tea and juice, starting at noon. A bottomless brunch cocktail package is also available and children get in free. Here tourists mingle with New Yorkers, eating scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, dried out French toast, spicy potatoes with onions and peppers, perfectly done chicken, salad and fresh fruit. What is so nice, is that everyone seems happy to to be here, to see and hear the Fab Four.
The show starts off without fan fare. The lights dim and four men enter, not quite looking like the originals. Tony Garofalo (John Lennon), Billy J. Ray (Paul McCartney), Ira Siegel (George Harrison), and Michael Bellusci (Ringo Starr) and their costumes and wigs have seen better days. Then the music starts. You can watch one of our video’s here.
From the early hits like “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You,” “Ticket To Ride” “Eight Days A Week” and more the first act is nostalgia at it’s best. It was adorable to watch the audience, especially the young ones “Twist and Shout.”
After a break in came the Sergeant Pepper era, clothing and all. From that we got “Nowhere Man,” “My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “When I’m 64,” “Penny Lane” and songs that dig into your soul. They are done well and the Beatles live again. You can see our video here.
Then the later songs like “I Am The Walrus” and “Don’t Let Me Down” end a show that is almost two hour long of music, that is classic. I have to admit I wanted to hear “Blackbird” and “Norwegian Wood,” but what you get is a well rounded assortment of those songs that shaped several era’s.
Ira Siegel stands out with his guitar playing that is out of this world. I really loved all the songs he sang as well.
Michael Bellusci, gives Ringo a run for his money on the drums.
Tony Garofalo is the founder, creator and producer playing rhythm and lead guitar and singing lead vocals along with Alan LeBoeuf from the original Beatlemania playing bass guitar. Ray looks the most like the Beatle he is playing.
Strawberry Fields has been covering The Beatles for over three decades. They used to have a residency at B.B. Kings, but these days their home base is City Winery and it is definitely a great way to spend a Sunday. All four are consummate musicians and obviously have a love for what they do and that rubs off on their audience.
For a souvenir up a City Winery Strawberry Fields Rose Wine and have it signed by the cast. With its is its strawberry pink color, you get a combination of kiwi, watermelon and the taste of strawberry that lingers.
City Winery is right next to Little Island, Chelsea Market, The Highline, the Meatpacking district, Chelsea, and West Village. Everything is nearby to make a perfect outing for the whole day and this is one brunch where you definitely get your money’s worth. Click HERE for tickets
Events
A Fun Night at Dave and Buster’s 42nd Street

Thank-you again to Eli Marcus and the staff of Dave and Buster’s, at 234 West 42nd Street.
Eli was sending the concierge’s to the show The Shark Is Broken.
There were lots of new friends to be made such as Carol Mennie, Caroline Rosado from the Hilton, Dinnella Collado from the Washington Square Hotel, Benjamin Maddy from Dave and Buster’s and Michaela Paratore of Benjamin Steakhouse Prime
This destination for sports enthusiasts, foodies, and arcade offers space, fun and some fabulous happy hour deals.
All across the multiple screens were football, basketball, and hockey games from across the sporting world. At the sports bar an impressive selection of drinks, including craft beers, signature cocktails await. I sampled some their tasty bites and was impressed.
To sooth your inner child air hockey and arcade games are waiting to be played.
If you are looking for entertainment they have a legendary Trivia Night with fantastic prizes.
This is actually a great place to throw your holiday parties.
I am so glad the Mayor of Times Square invited me to his event.
Book Reviews
We’re Here to Help – When Guardianship Goes Wrong

-Kent Walz, attorney & journalist
Diane Dimond’s book on the scourge of abusive adult guardianships is coming out very soon. It only took her 8 long years of investigation and countless interviews with affected people to get to the bottom of this extremely flawed part of the justice system.
People who have lived through this nightmare knows first hand what this “protective” part of the court system can do to rip apart families. But because it’s such a secretive system few Americans realize that they – or someone they love – could be guardianized without warning. It’s not just Britney Spears – up to 2 million people currently live under guardianship/court control.
All it takes is for someone (a vindictive relative, a greedy business partner, a former lover, even a landlord) to file a guardianship petition with the court saying someone is not competent to care for themselves. The judge usually agrees – often without ever seeing the targeted person – and the guardianship is established. Judges routinely appoint a total stranger as guardian to make all life decisions for the new “ward of the court.” All their civil rights are stripped away and, suddenly, the person has no say in their own life –they can’t even hire their own lawyer to fight it. There are many more horrific aspects to this “justice” system and Ms. Dimond spells it all out in the book.
We’re Here to Help – When Guardianship Goes Wrong not only reveals the predatory nature of the system (which controls a collective $50 billion in ward’s money every year!) but also tells what to look out for. It provides a guide for readers to protect themselves and those they love.
Diane Dimond is the author of four books including the upcoming, “We’re Here to Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong,“ published by Brandeis University Press, released Sept. 19, 2023
-
Food and Drink1 day ago
White Wine for Summer Send Off
-
Broadway2 days ago
Theatre News: Wicked, The Wiz, Hypnotique, Female Troubles and Love In The Time Of Crazy
-
Events2 days ago
A Fun Night at Dave and Buster’s 42nd Street
-
Events1 day ago
Fashion 4 Development Hosts Stylish First Ladies Luncheon
-
Out of Town4 days ago
The Master Plan Unravels Brilliantly and Hilariously at Crow’s Theatre Toronto
-
Beauty1 day ago
How to Get Your Fall Fabulous Face with Masktini
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Beatles Brunch at City Winery Where Strawberry Fields Lives Forever
-
Out of Town4 days ago
Opening Night Beautiful: The Carole King Musical