By Bill Zimmermann:
New York City’s top cabaret acts fill hotspots ranging from Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Algonquin, Birdland, and the Metropolitan Room. But on one night only, Thursday, October 25th, New York’s finest will inhabit one room together, at Kleinhans Music Hall, to fete Buffalo’s Community Music School. The special event is touted “88 Keys: A New York City Cabaret-Style Show”
Seniors often refer to their 88th year as their “piano birthday,” and 2012 features Community Music School of Buffalo marking quite a string of “88’s” to celebrate:
• Founded in 1924, Community Music School turns 88
• Their over 20 Steinway pianos each boast 88 keys!
• The evening will pay tribute to Andy Anselmo who so energetically celebrates his 88th birthday. Andy is a Buffalo native who began his career at Community Music School as a youngster and went on to found New York City’s Singers Forum, where he is known as “Voice Coach to the Stars.” Anselmo has worked with such luminaries as Tony Bennett, Liza Minnelli, Mandy Patinkin, Alec Baldwin, Regis Philbin, Brooke Shields and Joanne Woodward.
Helping Andy headline the event will be the beautiful, talented Caroline Jones, a singer, songwriter who is a featured entertainer at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency in New York. Also participating are Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano, who have been called “the New York nightclub world’s most celebrated team”. Also featured will be singer and actress Margaret Curry, a frequent New York City nightclub entertainer. Jazz saxophonist Bobby Militello and crooner Michael Civisca, both Buffalo-based artists with national profiles, will be featured as well.
Tickets are $40 per person, with all proceeds going to Community Music School. VIP tickets are available for $100, which includes a post-event reception with an opportunity to meet the performers. Group discounts are available. For tickets or information, visit www.cms-buffalo.org/88keys or call Community Music School at (716) 884-4887.