Soul to Soul returns to New York City!

One of my favorite projects is returning to New York City for a special performance, brought to you by the National Yiddish Theatre — Folksbiene.
 
Soul to Soul is a cross-cultural mix of Jewish and African–American folk music that tells the story of immigrants, who were different but very much experienced similar things as they made their way through the American experience.
 
We’ve done the show all around the country, and in Canada, and I’m thrilled to be performing it once again in New York City!
 
I humbly get to share the stage with Broadway veteran Elmore James and Israeli-born singer-songwriter Magda Fishman once again, under the musical leadership of Zalmen Mlotek with a terrific four piece klezmer-jazz band.
 
Now you might think the combination is odd, but the traditions of overcoming persecution and celebrating life through spiritual songs run deep through many cultures, and this show really displays that.
 
Music by Cab Calloway, Benny Goodman and Paul Robeson are featured, as well as staples from the world of Yiddish theater and soul and gospel music. And there will be a sing-along involved, so get ready to have a great time!
 
The show will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 17 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Plaza, New York NY 10280. Tickets are available at www.mjhnyc.org.
 

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Happy 2014!

Happy New Year!

The best way to celebrate the New Year every day is to share our blessings with others. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to do that this past weekend, performing the song “I’ll Follow You” during a worship service at Judson Church.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to make art, and to share it with others. It is my hope that whatever blessings you are carrying, you will take a moment and share them too.

I have a few things on the horizon: Later this month, I will be appearing in a staged reading of Brian Arthur Brown’s play, Three Testaments: Shalom, Peace, Salam. The play, based on dramatic sections of his book “Three Testaments; Torah, Gospel and Quran”, will be read at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, in the Loft Salon at Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square South.

I’ve got at least one other play reading and a concert planned in the coming months, and the possibility of not one but two different recording projects could make for a very exciting spring.

In the meantime, I am putting 2013 squarely on my gratitude list. Appearing in “The Bonus Army,” traveling North America singing with “Soul to Soul”, continuing to workshop Leslie Lee and Charles Strouse’s “Martin”, narrating a comedy podcast, appearing in a short film, performing a set of original music for Bailout Theater, taking audition classes and improv classes — It was my honor to work and play and perform with so many talented artists.

And I’m grateful for all of you, who keep me growing and pushing forward on this path!

Tony

2012: The Year of Favor!

I’ve personally declared this year to be one filled with favor and blessings and prosperity. And wattaya know, it’s starting out right in keeping with that theme!

I’ve got a couple of busy weeks ahead, and that’s a blessing. And it includes performing with some of my favorite people!  

First up, the talented Zalmen Mlotek is doing a couple of songs with me for the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center’s 2012 Kick-off Party. The event is being held Jan 7, at Romemu in New York City, 165 West 105^th Street at Amsterdam Ave. It starts at 7. I’ll probably be on around 8.

My good friend David Weisberg is executive director of the Freedman Center, so it will be great to see him again

Unfortunately I’ll only be on for a short while, since Zalmen and I have a private function to perform at later that evening. But there will be some very gifted musicians there, including Rabbi Greg Wall, Chana Rothman and Etta Abramson.

Next up, an expert from the Soul to Soul show will be performed at Symphony Space in NYC (Broadway and 95^th Street) as part of the Jewish Community Center’s “Artists Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.” The Free event on Jan 16, will also feature a keynote address by Rev. Dr. Suzan D. Johnson Cook, Juel Lane performing choreographer Bridget Moore’s “Remembrance of Things Past,” and vocalists Neshama Carlebach and Reverend Hambrick.

Then, on Jan 18^th the entire Soul to Soul will come to The Metropolitan Room!  We’ve got some new songs, some new arrangements, and the lineup of Broadway veteran and opera star Elmore James, Israeli-born singer-songwriter Magda Fishman and me, accompanied by a four-piece klezmer-jazz band led by Zalmen Mlotek. I’ve long wanted to perform at that venue, having seen many amazing artists on that stage. I hope to see many of my cabaret friends there!

If you don’t know about Soul to Soul yet, you will soon. There’s a great promo video here: http://youtu.be/SZEMPgm7ORM.

Later in the month, an Equity 29-hour reading of Allen and Pat Harris’ “Cross That River” and then February includes Soul to Soul in Florida, an appearance at Judson’s Valentine’s Day Cabaret/Dance Party, and a short run of Five Guys Named Moe, also in Florida.

In all, a great beginning to a fantastic year! Hope to see you at one of these events!

Holiday cabaret

what a week! I had a bit of a cold, leading me to lose my voice. and this was the week where I had to take a day off from my current project to sing for the National Yiddish Theater’s holiday cabaret, honoring Elie and Marion Wiesel and Joseph Lauder.

to the rescue: steam, Ginger and prayer. the concert went off without a hitch and all the performers were great!