PETER GALLAGHER AT FEINSTEIN'S

I can always count on a great cabaret performance at the Loews Regency Hotel's nightclub, Feinstein's (who I have yet to see perform).  The intimacy of a room with just enough tables to sit anywhere and still be close enough to the entertainer is what makes it works.  This hotel will be up for some renovation as Feinstein's will soon be having a new venue, although I won't know until a few weeks (when it's announced) as to where nor whether it will be temporary.  In the meantime, we have the month of December to look forward to.

I had the pleasure of seeing Peter Gallagher do his thing, calling his act, "How'd All You People Get In My Room".  On this particular evening Gallagher had some friends and family as he sang and told heartwarming stories about his career while imitating many of those he met (such as Jimmy Cagney).

Back in 1977, for instance, while auditioning for the Broadway show, Hair, he sang Paul Anka's hit "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" and whereas performers are halted after eight bars, they allowed him to finish the song. "My knees buckled, and my eyes filled with tears". 

Gallagher had a story for each of the songs including a duet with his 19-year-old daughter Kathryn singing "Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)".  He then took a break to allow her to perform her original "rock-ballad" song, "Damaged".

A quartet, led by pianist Jeff Collela, accompanied the evening's performance as Gallagher strolled through the audience a few times singing to the ladies.  We got to hear, "Luck Be A Lady" from when he was in Guys And Dolls.

Gallagher certainly has a whole bunch of talent, with a career that spans Broadway, movies and television (including "The O.C.").  He's a mere 57-years-old.  Expect to see and hear a lot more of him.

LINDA PURL AND DESI ARNAZ, JR

Suzy Habedansk came in from Traverse City, Michigan as well as follower from Japan just to see one of their favorite singers, Linda Purl, performing at Feinstein’s.  Purl has been doing her nightclub act for years with a motivation of having listened to the music on her parent’s record player.

Purl opened with “I Feel A Song Coming On” followed by “Let Me Love You”.   A chat with the audience focused on seeing the Dali Lama in Bloomington, Indiana.   Back to the singing it was “Autumn In New York” and “Them There Eyes”,

She told us about growing up in Japan and that is why a friend from long ago was sitting in the audience.  After she shared about her time in France and learning the language, Purl sang a French Song, which seemed to be called “The Pond” in English.  Onto a Johnny Mercer tune, “I Thought About You.”

This lead to a surprise visit from entertainer, Tom Wopat. They sang two Gershwin duets; “Oh Me! Oh My! Oh You!” and “Cheerful Little Earful”. 

Purl went into “Easy Living” and then introduced Desi Arnaz Jr. to the stage who drummed with more than verve while Purl sang a rendition of “Shall We Dance”.   He certainly looked as though he was having loads of fun doing it and the audience having loads of fun enjoying it. 

Exit Arnaz (temporarily) as Purl soloed with, “When My Ship Comes In” and “It’s Time To Fall In Love”.  Arnaz returns as he accompanies Purl to “Caravan”.  We then get to find out the Desi’s sister Lucie is in the audience as well as another great drummer, Papo Pepin.  Desi and Lucie will be going into the studio to record an album and Papo will be joining them.  Papo came up on the stage to have him and Desi dueting the drums and percussion with the background of “Caravan”.  Lucie’s last recording was an album called, Latin Roots. 

Purl then continued her performance with, “My Romance”, “Give Me A Good Night Kiss” and an encore of a Nat King Cole tune called, “’Tis Autumn”.  Linda Purl is a fine singer and personable performer. Loved the show!  Check out www.feinsteinsattheregency.com for a calendar of some great artists. 

DEAN MARTIN LEGACY VIA DEANA MARTIN

It’s been a running thing for years that my friend Susan Liben, who has been more than an avid fan of Dean Martin, wants to team up with me, an avid fan, but not necessarily a follower, of Jerry Lewis.   Susan knows all of Dean’s songs and life.   I can do a pretty good imitation of Jerry Lewis…really.  

Dean Martin has “passed on” some years ago leaving his legacy to his daughter, Deana, a singer and performer.    I did meet her when Susan and I attended an annual Dean Martin festival in Steubenville, OH.   Now here she was performing at Feinstein’s at the Regency Hotel, which may be the last of the legit nightclubs in New York City.  

Deana was joined by her talented band: Vincent Falcone conducting and at the piano; Lincoln Millman on the bass; Ted Sommer on drums and Bucky Pizzarelli on the guitar. 

The night brought songs such as Mack The Knife, Volare, Return To Me, Ain’t That A Kick In The Head, That’s Amore and The Lady Is A Tramp.   Deana talked about her father and members of “The Rack Pack”.   Memories Are Made Of This…and yes, that was sung as well.  

She came out into the audience to have us participate in That’s Amore and brought up three women from the crowd to join her in Memories Are Made of This as they sung the line, “sweet, sweet, the memories you gave to me”.

Her father’s humor came through during her banter.    No, she doesn’t sound like Dean and that’s okay. However, she does do his schtick of taking a sip of what is supposed to look like a martini.   

Deana had written a book entitled, “Memories Are Made Of This”, Dean Martin through his daughter’s eyes, soon to be movie.    It looks as if Jennifer Love Hewitt will portray Deana and rumor has it that Johnny Depp will take the Dean role although Deana said that it was still open. 

We also got a glimpse into a future recording of her singing a duet with her father.  Dean Martin was on screen singing, “True Love”  as Deana sang her part.  

Some celebs were there that evening including Pia Zadora and Sal Scognamillo, chef of the famous Patsy’s restaurant.   Sal brought sample bottles  of his sauces.   

Photos:  Susan and Deana;  Deana and her husband, John; Bucky Pizzarelli;  Pia Isadora; Sal Scognamillo

You can check out the schedule of entertainment at Feinstien’s by going to www.feinsteinsattheregency.com