Monday, December 21, 2009

Just a reminder!!!

MARQUEE FIVE AT DON’T TELL MAMA
ONE NIGHT ONLY – DECEMBER 23rd, 2009 at 9:15pm!

Marquee Five brings their successful debut show, “We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander & Ebb” to Don’t Tell Mama for one night only!

"We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander & Ebb" is an exhilarating evening of your favorites from Cabaret, Chicago, Flora The Red Menace, The Rink, and more, including stunning new arrangements.

Joining them will be Mark Janas at the piano
Directed by: Peter Napolitano
Musical Direction: Adam West Hemming

Marquee Five, “We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander & Ebb” at Don’t Tell Mama

December 23, 2009 at 9:15pm
$15 cover ($10 MAC and all Actor’s Union members), 2-drink minimum - CASH ONLY
Approximate running time: 60 mins

Don’t Tell Mama
343 West 46th Street
Restaurant Row, near the 42nd and 50th street ACE subway stations
Reservations and Information (after 4pm): 212-757-0788
or: http://www.donttellmamanyc.com/eventdetails.php?day=23&month=12&year=2009&eid=1410

More information: http://www.donttellmamanyc.com

More information on Marquee Five: http://www.marqueefive.com

BECOME A FAN OF MARQUEE FIVE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=181739391372#/pages/Marquee-Five/307780025423

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Marquee Five one night only at Don't Tell Mama! December 23, 2009.

MARQUEE FIVE AT DON’T TELL MAMA
ONE NIGHT ONLY – DECEMBER 23rd, 2009 at 9:15pm!

Marquee Five brings their successful debut show, “We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander & Ebb” to Don’t Tell Mama for one night only!

"We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander & Ebb" is an exhilarating evening of your favorites from Cabaret, Chicago, Flora The Red Menace, The Rink, and more, including stunning new arrangements.

Joining them will be Mark Janas at the piano
Directed by: Peter Napolitano
Musical Direction: Adam West Hemming

Marquee Five, “We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander & Ebb” at Don’t Tell Mama

December 23, 2009 at 9:15pm
$15 cover ($10 MAC and all Actor’s Union members), 2-drink minimum - CASH ONLY
Approximate running time: 60 mins

Don’t Tell Mama
343 West 46th Street
Restaurant Row, near the 42nd and 50th street ACE subway stations
Reservations and Information (after 4pm): 212-757-0788
or: http://www.donttellmamanyc.com/eventdetails.php?day=23&month=12&year=2009&eid=1410

More information: http://www.donttellmamanyc.com

More information on Marquee Five: http://www.marqueefive.com

BECOME A FAN OF MARQUEE FIVE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=181739391372#/pages/Marquee-Five/307780025423

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Tomorrow the magic of Marquee Five begins...!

We had our tech early this afternoon, and man can you say "5 people + 5 mic cords =?!?!?!?" eight times fast? But it was thrilling to be on stage and are very proud with the way we look and sound. We hope you can make it so we can share it with you.

Tomorrow, Dec 7th, 7:00 pm is the first show of our run at the Metropolitan Room -- other nights are the 9th (9:45 pm), 12th (5:00 pm) and 14th (7:00 pm)!

Please note that we are extending our $5 off offer to ALL Acting Unions beyond AEA - so SAG/AFTRA/AGVA please come and claim your discount!

Reservations: (212) 206-0440
Venue Website/tickets: http://www.metropolitanroom.com or at the door.
More info: http://www.MarqueeFive.com

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

A letter to all the Senators in NY who voted "No" on the Marriage Equality Act today

Senator,

Because of your choice to vote "No" in today's Marriage Equality Act voting, you will not get my New York vote in the future. I have too many friends, family members, and loved ones who are being treated like second-class citizens. My husband and I are able to enjoy full citizenship but not my friends and other family members? Your act today is a shameful one, and many of my New York friends from across the state are listening, seeing your actions, and will adjust their votes accordingly to reflect a new future of tolerance and legal freedom.

I hope one day some of your rights are taken away so that you may experience what hundreds of thousands of people are now feeling every day of their lives.

Ashamed of my state,

Sierra


Sent to:

addabbo@senate.state.ny.us, friendsofjimalesi@gmail.com, aubertin@senate.state.ny.us, diaz@senate.state.ny.us, farley@senate.state.ny.us, flanagan@senate.state.ny.us, fuschill@senate.state.ny.us, golden@senate.state.ny.us, hannon@senate.state.ny.us, shuntley@senate.state.ny.us, ojohnson@senate.state.ny.us, kruger@senate.state.ny.us, lanza@senate.state.ny.us, larkin@senate.state.ny.us, lavalle@senate.state.ny.us, leibell@senate.state.ny.us, senator@senatorlibous.com, marcelli@senate.state.ny.us, maziarz@senate.state.ny.us, mcdonald@senate.state.ny.us, monserra@senate.state.ny.us, morahan@senate.state.ny.us, nozzolio@senate.state.ny.us, onorato@senate.state.ny.us, padavan@senate.state.ny.us, ranz@senate.state.ny.us, robach@senate.state.ny.us, saland@senate.state.ny.us, seward@senate.state.ny.us, skelos@senate.state.ny.us, stachows@senate.state.ny.us, volker@senate.state.ny.us, cyoung@senate.state.ny.us

Tonight! And NEXT WEEK's DEBUT!!!

Tonight!
December 2nd, 8:00 pm
Marquee Five will be featured in a short set for:

“Wednesday Night At The Iguana"

Other special guests include Raissa Katona Bennett, Hector Coris, and Cynthia Crane! Plus bring your sheet music for open mic signup! Doors open at 7:30pm.

Iguana Cafe
250 W. 54th Street (between 8th & Broadway)
New York, NY 10019

(212) 765-5454 for Reservations!
$10 cash cover, NO food/drink minimum

THEN! We open next Monday, December 7th at 7pm, at the Metropolitan Room!!! Have you made reservations? Call (212) 206-0440

http://marqueefive.com/MarqueeFive/news.html

Agh I'm so excited!



Saturday, November 21, 2009

MARQUEE FIVE performs SOON!!!



Yes....yes I am.

Are you?

So excited for our soon-to-be debut!!!

www.marqueefive.com

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

TAKE ACTION

TAKE ACTION

New York Marriage Equality needs your help.

GOVERNOR PATERSON IS ASKING THE STATE SENATE TO VOTE ON S.4401 IN THE SPECIAL SESSION BEGINNING NOVEMBER 10TH.

ALREADY SENT A LETTER AND MADE A CALL? DO IT AGAIN AND REMIND YOUR STATE SENATOR THAT YOU SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALITY FOR ALL NEW YORKERS.

The bill to bring Marriage Equality to New York has reached the State Senate..
And out of state opponents are doing everything they can to stop it…
BUT NOTHING IS MORE POWERFUL THAN YOUR VOICE.

Physical letters are the most reliable way to impact your
State Senator and ensure your voice is counted. Write, then call.

Write a Letter then Call Their Office

By clicking the above "Write a Letter" link, you will be able to send this email, which will also be hand-delivered to the Senator of your zip code:

"Senator-
I, like you, am one of the 53% of New Yorkers who want to see Marriage Equality legalized in the State of New York. I live in your district, and it makes me proud to know that my State Senator is right on this issue. Governor Paterson has proposed legislation, the Assembly has a record of approving it, and I support your effort to bring it to a vote in the NYS Senate.

Please use this letter in any way you can to help bring your colleagues around on this issue. We need to let this legislation have a hearing on the floor of the Senate. Debate the bill on its merits. Put it to a vote. Let us see democracy return to Albany. Let us have marriage equality."

Thank you!

-S

Monday, November 9, 2009

@KayThePal Says: NOH8!!!!


@KayThePal
says: NO H8!!! http://www.noh8campaign.com <-- go and take or get instructions to submit your own NoH8 pic!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Marquee Five now on the Metropolitan Room Calendar

Go to: http://www.metropolitanroom.com/calendar/view/783/148

To see our calendar dates on the Metropolitan Room web site.


- Sierra

Saturday, October 31, 2009

My husband is doing National Novel Writing Month!

My husband Pete is doing http://www.nanowrimo.org/ this November, starting TOMORROW!!!! The challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel in one month, and he will post what he writes on his Tumblr.com blog. Follow the RSS feed or just hop by his blog when you can!

Go to: http://manhattanstory.tumblr.com/

and use http://manhattanstory.tumblr.com/rss to follow the blog on your RSS reader. Or sign up to get the posts in your email each day! As he says "you reading along as I write is a huge help! Please @ reply me on Twitter to let me know you're reading. Thanks!"

You can @ reply him via Twitter using @thepete

Go Pete, GO!!!!!

Happy Halloween from my friend Drakayla!!!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Introducing MARQUEE FIVE - Press Info For Immediate Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Website:  www.marqueefive.com

Contact: marqueefive@gmail.com

Club website: www.metropolitanroom.com


NEW VOCAL GROUP

TO DEBUT AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

DECEMBER, 2009


Marquee Five will be appearing at the Metropolitan Room in December, 2009, in "We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander & Ebb": an exhilarating evening of your favorites from Cabaret, Chicago, Flora The Red Menace, The Rink, and more, including stunning new arrangements.


Joining them will be Mark Janas at the piano.

Directed by: Peter Napolitano

Musical Direction: Adam West Hemming


Marquee Five, “We Can Make It: The Songs Of Kander & Ebb” at the Metropolitan Room

 

December  7th - 7:00 PM

December  9th - 9:45 PM

December 12th - 5:00 PM

December 14th - 7:00 PM

 

$17 cover ($12 MAC/AEA members), 2-drink minimum

 

The Metropolitan Room

34 W. 22nd Street (between 5th & 6th Ave, near the 23rd Street stops of the N, R, W & F,V lines)

New York, NY 10010

Call for reservations: (212) 206-0440


About Marquee Five


Tight harmonies,clever arrangements, and an actor’s sensibility characterize Marquee Five, the collaboration of singers Mick Bleyer, Adam West Hemming, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein, and Julie Reyburn. In the vein of The Manhattan Transfer, Marquee Five brings a spunky, intelligent flair to New York’s cabaret world with exciting five-part arrangements running the gamut of the Broadway canon.



Clockwise from upper left:

Mick Bleyer, Sierra Rein, Adam West Hemming, Vanessa Parvin and Julie Reyburn.


TO DOWNLOAD AN EXTENDED PRESS RELEASE PDF, GO HERE: http://tinyurl.com/marqueefive-press

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Sierra Rein sings "Fifteen Pounds (Away from My Love)"

I'm uploading past videos onto YouTube, here's the latest:
From "Ridin' High" my one-woman cabaret, June 22, 2007.
Directed by Calvin Remsberg
Glenn Sidwell on piano
Brian Boyce on drums

Thursday, October 22, 2009

"Women on Love at the Square One Series" November 1, 2009


Yeah, it's my first Christmas Caroling gig today (October?!?! Yup!) and I'm still in rehearsals for my vocal group (www.marqueefive.com)'s Metropolitan Room debut in December, but why not throw in a composer showcase?

"Women on Love at the Square One Series"
Presented by "Golden Fleece: the composers chamber theatre"

An excerpt from 'Women on Love", a theatrical song cycle by Katya Stanislavskaya, will be presented along with excerpts from three other works. A talk-back will follow the performances.

Starring:
Amy Linden
Sierra Rein
Cristen Page

Accompanied by Katya Stanislavskaya

Sunday, November 1, 2009
8:00pm - 10:00pm
353 Studios
353 West 48th St., 2nd floor

I sang a few songs of her's last December for a Christmas new-works show put on by Reed Prescott & The New York Theater Barn. Katya's music is beautiful, intricate, funny and haunting. I'm looking forward to this!

And then I can be seen either in hoop skirt/bonnet or classy little black dress - whichever floats your boat.

-Sierra

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Monday, October 19, 2009

ANNOUNCING: MARQUEE FIVE

Here's a nice big update for you!

Introducing a new vocal group:


Tight harmonies, clever arrangements, and an actor’s sensibility characterize Marquee Five, the collaboration of singers Mick Bleyer, Adam West Hemming, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein, and Julie Reyburn. In the vein of The Manhattan Transfer, Marquee Five brings a spunky, intelligent flair to New York’s cabaret world with exciting five-part arrangements running the gamut of the Broadway canon.

Check out our new website, which has more pictures, bios, and information about our December Metropolitan Room Debut "We Can Make It.": WWW.MARQUEEFIVE.COM

Sunday, October 18, 2009

"GetCrackin" video posted on 12seconds.tv

On another note, I shot, edited and uploaded this 12second clip for a Pistachio campaign on 12seconds.tv


How Maria Callas Would Get Crackin on 12seconds.tv


If you're on Twitter, sign in, bump, comment (with a nicer tone than one of the previous commenters) and see if you want to join in the fun! The interesting thing about 12seconds is the constant challenges to be creative, which is a wonderful thing to have on hand when you're artistic. Plus, I can flaunt my high notes if I want to...

Enjoy!

And to prove I'm incredibly humble, here's an outtake from the shoot:


Awwwwwwww....outtake from my Get Crackin video on 12seconds.tv

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Sierra for Hire in the Definitely Dickens Holiday Carolers!

For the third year in a row, I will sing with the Definitely Dickens Holiday Carolers, a professional company made up of 4-part groups who sing contemporary and traditional Holiday, Christmas and even Hanukkah songs a cappella. We arrive in festively traditional hoop-skirt-and-bonnet and top-hat-and-cape Dickens-era finery (but can also perform in classy black if you wish). Perfect for office and home parties, promotional events, and kids love us when they can sing/dance/play those jingle bells along with us.

All of our groups are incredible singers with fantastic harmony and solo abilities; however, if you want ME at your party, ask for my quartet in particular. :)

Visit the company's official webpage (covering Los Angeles to New York, and some cities inbetween)

For New York City and the outlying boroughs, go here. Call (888) 225-1331 or (949) 295-6500 or email Adam at adam@definitelydickens.com

For New Jersey State prices and info, go here. Call (973) 327-4671 or email Vanessa at vanessa@definitelydickens.com



Want to see video of the group? Go check out my mini-playlist of us in 2008 here. Or just watch us here:



Saturday, October 10, 2009

Pictures from "Smokin'" at The Duplex

Some pictures, taken by George Bonnano, of “Smokin’: Warning, the Songs of Jay Alan Zimmerman” at The Duplex, NYC October 5, 2009. With Kevin Massey, Mick Bleyer, Matthew Lutz, Lori Marinacci, and Kay “The Pal” Pringle. With Jay Alan Zimmerman on piano.



Sierra, Matt, Lori “My Mistake”



Sierra, Kay The Pal, Matt, "Bald Barbie"



Sierra



Sierra, Lori, "Only Words"



Lori, Sierra



Matt, Lori, Kevin, Sierra, Mick



Matt, Lori, Kevin, Sierra, Mick



Matt, Lori, Kevin, Sierra, Mick

Jay, Matt, Lori, Kevin, Sierra, Mick




- Sierra

Friday, October 9, 2009

Plugging Away!

I have to spend some time (now that I’m finished promoting the composer showcase I was in on Monday) to plug some of my friend’s upcoming work.

First of all, I’ve already mentioned “Rob Langeder: Undead in Hell’s Kitchen,” October 30th and 31st, which I’m interested in checking out. The guy can do jazz and scat like no other, but this show is all about Rock n’ Rolling-in-your-Grave! I do hope to be there! www.RobLangeder.com You can get $7 tickets if you make reservations by the end of TODAY, October 7th!!!!
****************************************
October 10th @ 11:45pm at the Metropolitan Room: Jenna Esposito sings Connie Francis. One of the hardest working women in Cabaret, Jenna Esposito, will combine her sweet but sassy voice with the songs of Connie Francis, which to me is a perfect match. From her website www.JennaEsposito.com: “Join Jenna as she sings the songs of "America's Sweetheart," Connie Francis. You’ll hear favorites such as "Where The Boys Are," "Stupid Cupid," and "Who’s Sorry Now," as well as some lesser-known gems! Directed by Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Fortune Esposito. Call 212-206-0440 for reservations.”

****************************************
Next, is one of my favorite Open Mics – BIG NIGHT OUT! Hosted by the fabulous Jennifer Wren, with musical genius Bill Zeffiro! They have a number of really cool shows coming up in October and November: most evenings have an hour of open mic followed by a special guest composer, performer, or event.
October 15th will feature a composer showcase featuring Jonathan Larson Award-winning Lance Horne. This evening will be at Don’t Tell Mama’s instead of Etcetera Etc, so make reservations ahead of time by calling 212-757-0788.
October 29th will feature co-host Julie Leedes, who was with me in the top 5 finalists of 1930’s Idol. This lovely and talented lady will help the evening flow.
November 5th will be an entire evening featuring 2009’s 1930’s Idol Champion Sigali Hamberger! She has a lovely soprano voice and some unique choices in repertoire, so it will be a great evening of music!
November 19th will feature composer Mario Sprouse!
PLUS! I saw the lovely Jennifer Wren and the equally charming Doug Shapiro will sing with Marisa Rosen for the Madison Avenue Baptist Church on November 18th.
****************************************
October 30th and November 4th,the Metropolitan Room will feature my friend and Champion of 2008’s 1930’s Idol, Danielle Grabianowski! From her website: “Danielle is making her solo cabaret debut at the Metropolitan Room with a show of early songs from the Great American Songbook and new tunes from the likes of Christina Courtin, Regina Spektor and the White Stripes.
Friday, October 30 at 9:45PM & Wednesday, November 4 at 7:30PM
All shows are $15.00 with a two drink minimum.
The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 West 22nd Street in New York City.
For reservations, please call (212) 206-0440 or visit them on the web at www.metropolitanroom.com
****************************************
November 22nd: And finally, I have to promote (and will blog on later) “I’ve Got A Little Twist,” 3:30pm – “New York Gilbert & Sullivan (NYGASP)’s original cabaret act featuring a fresh take on G&S favorites and the legacy of Gilbert and Sullivan in musical theater – at The Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 West 42nd Street”

More info can be found at the website of David Auxier and a Backstage.com review and a NYTheater.com review of the earlier January 2009 performance of the work.


- Sierra

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

A plug for a Halloween Show: "Rob Langeder: Undead in Hell's Kitchen"!

This man's voice and control, style and humor is to DIE for...literally!

**************
Please note! As usual, you get my best discount if you reserve early! October 7th is the last day to reserve for this show at the low, low price of just 7 bucks plus the drink minimum!
Such a deal!

Call 212-757-0788 or log on at DontTellMamaNYC.com!

**************

Hey, kids, do you like the rock and roll?

Well, then, you are going to LOVE my upcoming Halloween show, ROB LANGEDER: UNDEAD IN HELL’S KITCHEN! After all, what better way to get in the spirit of the holiday than by groovin’ along to a little of “the devil’s music?”

Miles Phillips, Tracy Stark and I are cookin’ up a witch’s brew that is fun, hip, smart, naughty, and oh-so-tasty! Think cabaret-meets-haunted-house-meets-rock-concert! And, since I’ve scheduled the shows at 7:00, it’s the perfect way to whet your appetite for the weekend’s costume parties and parades! *

You’ve seen me do gospel. You’ve seen me do jazz. Now, come on over to Don’t Tell Mama for Halloween and GET READY TO ROCK!

The most fun you’ll ever have being scared!



Mwahahahahahaaaa!!!

- Rob


* Costumes welcome at the show, but not required.
*********************************
ROB LANGEDER: UNDEAD IN HELL’S KITCHEN
A New Halloween Show!

Don’t Tell Mama
343 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Friday, October 30 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 31 @ 7:00 PM

Reservations: 212-757-0788
or DontTellMamaNYC.com
Cover + 2 drink minimum

$13 (Ooooh, scary!) for the regular cover
$11 (Much luckier!) for MAC/Cabaret Hotline members
$7 (Luckiest of all!) for reservations made on or before October 7


The multiple award winning team who brought you the gospel smash
Rob Langeder: Broadway Revivalplumb the depths of the dark side for
an unholy thrill ride of a show guaranteed to put you in the Halloween spirit!
Tons of fun, but definitely not for the faint of heart ... Enter, if you dare!

Director – Miles Phillips
Musical Director – Tracy Stark

For more information, please visit: RobLangeder.com


- Sierra


Monday, October 5, 2009

It's THE DAY of the Show "Smokin': The Songs of Jay Alan Zimmerman"! Tonight! Monday, Oct 5th, 7pm - The Duplex, NYC



Smokin'! @ The Duplex

WARNING: The Songs of Jay Alan Zimmerman

You know you shouldn't, but you're gonna anyway: smoke, drink, eat donuts, fall in love with the wrong people. So come celebrate your vices with Jay and abunch of hot next-gen Broadway singers: Kevin Massey, Lori Marinacci, Matt Lutz, Mick Bleyer, Sierra Rein and her puppet (!)

It's all written by Jay Alan Zimmerman -- who really should give up music because he's deaf now, but what the #$@%?!

SMOKIN'! is only 10 bucks, and because you need to stop drinking, there's a two-drink minimum. Sure, it's hazardous to your health, but it's gonna feel soooo good.


To make a reservation, click here.

Date: Monday, October 5, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: The Duplex
61 Christopher Street (at 7th Ave.) New York, NY
map

Price: $10 cover & 2 drink minimum
Phone: (212) 255-5438



Sunday, October 4, 2009

A very special "Sounds from the Subway"

Haven't done one of these in a while, but I found the perfect opportunity to break my "no posting cool sounds and music I hear while in the Subway system" fast.

Friday, my hubby Pete & I were on our way down to Trader Joe's, taking the A line. Two young men entered, threw down their knit caps in the center of the train. One had a guitar, the other a violin. The guitarist started strumming a pounding background tune, and after about 16 bars the other musician started playing..."Billy Jean" by Michael Jackson.

Really well.

I had to first hit record on my iPhone, then took one of my precious $1 bills from my wallet (I say precious both in comparison to my wallet and in comparison to the rest of my checking account) and put it in one of the caps. I was the second to do so, and within 2 minutes of them playing, about 6 other people added (one put a wad of about 3-5 bills in). I'd say within the totality of their playing, they made roughly $10, maybe $15. That's damned good for 1/20th of an hour's work.

Pete & I had to get off at 14th street, and hung around the closing door long enough to get a few more last notes. I don't know who those guys are, but I'd grab their CD. Maybe the recording won't do them justice, and certainly it won't capture the energy of the violinist, who bent his knees and really dug into his notes.

Here's the mp3 of what I was able to capture on audio of this duo.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Beka Goschiashvilla (update from last blog entry)

An update to the last post about Cast Party: the young jazz pianist (13 years old!) who blew the roof off is
Beka Goschiashvilla <---learn and look out for this name!

(Image stolen from Cast Party blog entry...yes, I admit it.)

You can read the Cast Party Blog of the night's events here. I and some of my fellow singers are also mentioned.

Oh and for those reading this who are still interested in my Duplex showing for Jay Alan Zimmerman's "Smokin: Warning: the songs of Jay Alan Zimmerman" showcase, tickets can be reserved by going here. There is a cover and a two-drink minimum. Show starts at 7, and there will be a puppet.

Yes, a puppet!

-Sierra

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

A great mention on Broadwayworld.com!

"Smokin': Warning: the Songs of Jay Alan Zimmerman" is on Broadwayworld.com <---Check it out!

We're also listed in the nydailynews.com and TimeOutNY's online listing. Jay loves the TimeOut description of the event: "Five singers and a puppet give musical advice about vice."

Kay will be so happy to read that!

Birdland, Puppet tech, and rehearsals, rehearsals, rehearsals.

I had a wonderful, music-filled past couple of days. Sunday afternoon, I hiked over to New Jersey to meet up with a quartet of mine. We're rehearsing for a December-planned project (due for an announcement soon - we just have to get the details ironed out). After that, the home we were rehearsing in was filled with Christmas Carolers for our first full rehearsal of 2009. We have a few terrific new additions to the group, who will undoubtedly look and sing fabulously in quartets. (www.definitelydickens.com is the group, we're for hire come Thanksgiving). So that lasted until 9pm, and I got home around 10:30pm.

Then Monday reared it's beautiful head, in that I had even more music to apply myself to. I showed up at the Duplex cabaret theater on Christopher Street to Tech through "Smokin: Warning: the Songs of Jay Alan Zimmerman", performing there next Monday night. To read more info about it: www.jayalanzimmerman.com, or read the post below this one. Kay - my puppet, who has a solo in the show - got to experience the stage for the first time and I had to re-think some choreography with her due to the use of a microphone stand. I then cut out of the theater right on time to get to Chelsea Studios for an appointed audition call for "Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas" show (role of Mrs. Mink). Those guys from Goodspeed (they were all men in the room) were so sweet and funny, and there were a lot of good vibes in the audition.


I had just enough time to relax a bit, curl my hair, then head on out to Birdland to experience Jim Caruso's Cast Party open mic for the first time. As soon as I stepped in, I was impressed by the venue. This was a serious night club, gorgeous interior and setup. My knees knocked a bit at the thought of singing here for the first time. Pianist Tedd Firth was there, as was Steve Doyle on upright bass. Those guys are terrific, and were able to handle every bit of music put in front of them. Scott Siegel hosted the evening (in place of Jim Caruso, who is in Las Vegas) and - in a great hosting gag - changed into as many differently colored shirts as he could throughout the evening.

I sang "Thanks a Lot But No Thanks," and Tedd & Steve followed and played and ebbed and flowed around my vocals effortlessly. I want little pocket versions of them to carry around, but NO I have to go to Birdland to sing with them when I want to. Reality sucks...

There were many singers of amazing talent and caliber there. Scott Coulter of Spot On Entertainment opened the evening, introducing me to his gorgeously pure tenor voice and smooth jazz tones. Mark Watson sang "Begin the Beguine" WITHOUT THE MIC in a semi-audition for Scott's upcoming Broadway Unplugged concert. The room's not acoustically made for unmic'd voices, and I was sitting far in the back row of tables, but Mark's voice was huge, strong, and with perfect diction. I could hear it all. Danielle Grabianowski and Sigali Hamberger, two ladies I know from Big Night Out and 1930's Idol, were in attendance and sang. I know Danielle has a show of her own October 30th and November 4th, and Sigali will be a featured singer on November 5th's Big Night Out showcase after her win at 1930's Idol this year.

Rob Langeder sang a popular Portuguese song (argh don't remember the title) and threw out a wonderful series of vocal scatting towards the end. He has a show coming up on the 30th and 31st for Halloween entitled "UnDead in Hell's Kitchen." Christine Pedi sang "Otto Titslinger", a funny song about the creation and theft of the now much-appreciated boulder-holder. Ray Jessel also sang two songs, the first was his MAC-award winning song about a lovely lady's certain...um...surprise...and the second was a cute song about turning "80," which indeed Jessel is doing in a week or so. Newcomer-to-Birdland-as-well Candy Benge also sang - she has a lovely high soprano trill!

However, the jaw-dropping surprise of the evening came early on when a 13-year old boy named Beca (spelling? Last name? I'll try to find it!) replaced Tedd at the piano and performed his own jazz piano song. Steve joined in as well, and the entire room was hushed into astonishment. This kid already had "it" - he was stunning in his jazz interpretive skills and knew even how to mimic Steve's musical lines as well. I was shaking my head with disbelief at his maturity and skill. I want to find out his name just so I can warn the music world to watch out for him!

I came home happy and fatigued, although I could have listened to more open mic music for a few more hours, it seemed. A memorable few days of music, that's what keeps me going!

October 5, 2009 - Smokin'! The Songs of Jay Alan Zimmerman



Smokin'! @ The Duplex

WARNING: The Songs of Jay Alan Zimmerman

You know you shouldn't, but you're gonna anyway: smoke, drink, eat donuts, fall in love with the wrong people. So come celebrate your vices with Jay and abunch of hot next-gen Broadway singers: Kevin Massey, Lori Marinacci, Matt Lutz, Mick Bleyer, Sierra Rein and her puppet (!)

It's all written by Jay Alan Zimmerman -- who really should give up music because he's deaf now, but what the #$@%?!

SMOKIN'! is only 10 bucks, and because you need to stop drinking, there's a two-drink minimum. Sure, it's hazardous to your health, but it's gonna feel soooo good.


To make a reservation, click here.

Date: Monday, October 5, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: The Duplex
61 Christopher Street (at 7th Ave.) New York, NY
map

Price: $10 cover & 2 drink minimum
Phone: (212) 255-5438



Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

I won something! Thank you!

A week or so ago, I used my @SierraRein twitter account in a Backstage.com contest for Actorfest.com (a convention for Showbusiness people - behind the camera/table and in front). The challenge was to respond to the question "Why should actors attend Actorfest?" in 140 characters or less, after of course following @ActorFest. I obliged - usually these are just to get cute prizes and help a company create buzz and some interesting sound bytes/tweets for their own marketing. My husband & I participated in the Mountain Dew tasting competition with our puppets and got a flip phone, and recently he won another digital video camera via Kodak with his involvement in trying to name a new upcoming camera. In any event, these Twitter competitions are usually harmless, take 15 seconds to do, and you usually forget you entered them...

My response:

"@actorfest Because us actors are the CEOs of our individual slice of the Show Biz pie. Proactivity + creativity in 1-Actorfest helps us."

You can tell my copywriting talents were in full gear there. I can also hang my head in shame as the daughter of an English Professor...it should have been "Because WE actors are"...ugh!

But I WON the #1 slot!!!


If you read that carefully, I won a "four look shoot" with headshot photographer Ken Weingart, who looks to be a fantastic, celebrity and headshot photographer. Check out www.kenweingart.com. This is great news for me, since I'm hoping to get going on an enhanced branding focus by working with Doug Shapiro of TheSavvyActor.com. It feels like Kismet - just last night I took a free seminar with Bobbie of BobbieHorowitz.com, who specializes in image, color, and style consulting to make your individual style and personality shine. The combination of these three events are telling me one thing: revamp, restyle, refocus myself. So, I hope some good haircuts, good photos, good clothes, and great attitudes come out of this. Hurrah!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

"I Can Cook Too" at the Algonquin Salon's Happy Birthday Bernstein Celebration

August 23, 2009 was very special at the Salon. Two days after, on the 25th, it would have been composer Leonard Bernstein's (pronounced BernstAHEEN, there was some confusion) 91st Birthday. Mark Janas, the co-host of the Salon and pianist, was a protege and assistant to Bernstein, so this evening meant a lot to him. It turned out to be part open mic in Bernstein's name and part rehearsed concert, with many people bringing in solos, duets and trios of his work from shows like On The Town, Candide, Trouble in Tahiti, West Side Story, and many others. I was asked by Mark on Friday - FRIDAY - if I knew "I Can Cook Too" from On The Town. I didn't off the top of my head, but once I found it and heard an mp3 of it, I was hooked. I wanted to do this song (and it's going permanently into my book once I memorize it) and I brought in the sheet music (Mark Janas knew it off the top of his head!) to read on a music stand, madly turning pages and the lyrics went quickly by. While it wasn't a polished performance, I had a lot of fun spewing the words out.

Man, if I don't mention a singer below, it's because there was a LOT of great material to absorb and applause. I only mentioned a snippet of the more than 30 performances that night - some Bernstein, some others - but it was all great and positive and a perfect celebration of the man's creative legacy. I think it really meant a lot to Mark too; he kept us intrigued and entertained by talking about how he first was picked out of a group of musical students by Bernstein at a party to be his assistant, as well as other interesting tales of the maestro's life and attitude. Some highlights were the opening two-pianist arrangement of music from Candide with Matthew Ward, the gorgeous-voiced guest host Miles Phillips (fellow SF/Bay Area boy!), Ritt Henn singing a sweet original song of his called "Trip Mama" that made me miss my mom - Hi Mom!, a trio with Stephen Wilde, Danielle Erin Rhodes and a 2nd Stephen (last name?!) singing from "Trouble in Tahiti," then a tour de force version of the title song from the same show by Julie Reyburn (and backed up by the same trio). Arianna (@OperaKitty) sang "Glitter and Be Gay," 'cause someone had to do it, Janice Hall did a hilarious version of "I Am Easily Assimilated" from Candide (backed up by Stephen Wilde and Edd Clark), and Erin Cronican (@ErinCronican) and Tanya Moberly did a blonde-only version of "A Boy Like That/I Have a Love." About 15 people picked up sheet music and harmonized the ensemble when the end of "Make Our Garden Grow" came to wrap up the evening. And I couldn't forget the multi-harmonied version of Happy Birthday we sang for the man, Lenny, himself.

Happy Birthday, Leonard Bernstein!

Hear the mp3 of "I Can Cook Too" (with Mark Janas at the piano, produced by Peter Napolitano and guest host Miles Phillips).

Photo: Jim Cohn

Friday, August 21, 2009

1930's Idol Wrapup!

Had a blast at 1930's Idol last night. Didn't place, but got to sing in both rounds, making me a semi-finalist and a finalist in one night. First round, I sang "I Got You Under My Skin," and for the second round, I sang "Mon Homme/My Man." The winners of the evening were Merrill Grant for Audience Favorite, Ritt Henn for Runner Up and Sigali Hamberger for 1930's Idol Champion. If you haven't read up on the evening's judges and performers, check out it's page on the Big Night Out website here.

My glorious husband, Pete, videotaped it (digitally recorded?) the evening, so once I have a breather, I'll post my entries from last week and last night on my new YouTube account, which is sorely lacking in content right now...

In the meantime, congrats to the winners, thanks go to the judges and all the wonderful singers and guest artists who entertained, to Bill Zeffiro who tirelessly kept the piano warm, and to Jennifer Wren, Jon Campbell, and Alex De Suze, who produced and organized the evening so wonderfully.

On to the next big thing!



And for a completely different version of "I Got You Under My Skin" skip forward to 2:00 in this YouTube Video (thanks David Rigano for pointing it out!).

Sunday, August 16, 2009

The Oak Room Open Mic August 13th, 2009 at the Algonquin Hotel

The Oak Room Open Mic August 13th, 2009 at the Algonquin Hotel

Wednesday night last, I had a wonderful evening at the 1930's Idol, singing a short version of the 1905 song "I Don't Care," which I was originally introduced to by Judy Garland's version in the movie musical "In the Good Old Summertime." I always wanted to sing it, so I cut a 32-bar version down to meet the requirements of the contest. Happily (see former blog entry) I am now a 1930's Idol Finals contestant, and will sing one, maybe two, more songs next Thursday night (check www.bnonyc.com if you want info!)

On Thursday, I attended the Summer-weekly Oak Room Salon, the smaller but more snazzy version of the Algonquin Salon Open Mic. Still hosted by Mark Janas and Peter Napolitano, this version requires a minimum and cover, but offers some amazing guest hosts and guest singers. This week, Sue Matsuki helmed the microphone introductions, and Will Trice sang two gorgeous songs from his Bistro-award winning repertoire. The master guest artist of the evening was Martin Lass on his violin and his wife, Ingeborg, at the piano. I'll let Martin's web site speak for him, because there is no amount of praise I can give him that hasn't been said already. He's spectacular, and Ingeborg is fantastic on the piano as well. Their daughter also sang a heavy jazz-rock version of the Beatles "HELP!" and proved that the family has musical chops that must run deep in the DNA.

The evening was one for the record books, and I was happy to be there. Of course, I recorded my longer version of "I Don't Care" and posted it, enjoy -->

Hear the mp3 of "I Don't Care" (with Mark Janas at the piano, hosted by Peter Napolitano and guest host Sue Matsuki).

Thursday, August 13, 2009

I'm a FINALIST for 1930's Idol!


Last night I had a fun time for 1930's Idol Preliminaries - singing the first Contestant song of the evening, and winning a spot within the 10 Finalists for next week's double-round contest. I sang the 1905 song "I Don't Care", it was over in a flash!

The other contestants who made it to Day 2 included a few good friends and some new ones:

1. SIERRA REIN
2. NATALIE WILSON
3. SIGALI HAMBERGER
4. JULIE LEEDES
5. ALEX BROOK LYNN
6. RITT HENN
7. CHERRY DUKE
8. HENRY KAISER
9. MERRILL GRANT
10.COURTNEY ROTTENBURGER

More pictures can be found on my Flickr Set for 1930's Idol Prelim's.

INFO FOR 1930'S IDOL FINALS:

Big Night Out's official home page is http://www.bnonyc.com
Information on the FINALS AUGUST 20th are here.

AUGUST 20TH

8:00-10:00PM AT

DON’T TELL MAMA
343 West 46th Street (Restaurant Row) New York City

$12 Cover/2 Beverage minimum

RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

212-757-0788(after 4:00 PM daily)



After singing, I took a nice break and had a conversation with a dirty martini


Myself and lovely Julie Leedes


Me and beautiful Sigali Hamberger


Myself and cool-cat Ritt Henn

Monday, August 10, 2009

"Pet Me, Poppa" at the Algonquin Salon, in honor of Matilda the Algonquin Cat

On Sunday, beautiful and talented Sarah Rice hosted the themed open mic at the Algonquin Salon - this time, entitled "Waltzing Matilda." Matilda is the beautiful grey Algonquin Cat, and her birthday is the 12th (her 14th). In her honor, any song in 3/4 time or having to do with cats, kittens, or other feline persuasions would be welcome.

You can follow Matilda on Twitter at @Algonqueen, if you wish!

I was excited to sing the song "Pet Me, Poppa," a song I had in my sheet music book for years but had never performed. This was the time to do it. Vivian Blaine sang this song in the movie version of "Guys and Dolls" (replacing the original song "I Love You A Bushel and a Peck" from the stage version).

Hear the mp3 of "Pet Me, Poppa" (with Mark Janas at the piano, hosted by Sarah Rice).

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Renegade Cabaret: Balcony Singing.

Okay, just discovered Renegade Cabaret. I originally read about it in an "I, New York" interview in Time Out New York (August 6-12, 2009). It has been featured in the High Line Blog site, has a Facebook Group, and the New York Times has written about it's emergence as one of those "only in New York" performance options. As the Times explains "Patty Heffley, a former punk rock photographer, enlisted her jazz singer friend Elizabeth Soychak to help transform her fire escape from a laundry dryer into a bona fide stage."

I must visit this soon!!!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Algonquin Salon - winging it on "After You, Who?" by Cole Porter - Bill Zeffiro at the piano

August 2, 2009

Listen to the mp3 here: "After You, Who?"

And thanks to Jim Cohn for snapping these pix while I was singing!




Enjoy.

More mp3's of past open mic performances can be found at :

http://soundcloud.comsierrarein

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

What Biz is it at Saint Malachy's?

While I was leaving the free yoga class (free 'cause I won a month membership! Yay!) from Levitate Yoga on 49th street, I was startled by the peal of church bells across the street. I was also then startled to recognize a popular musical theater tune by a particularly famous musical theater composer.

Irving Berlin?!?

Listen to it here.

The church is Saint Malachy's, The Actors' Chapel. Fitting...!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

A new experience for a California girl - FIREFLIES!!!


A firefly in my hands on 12seconds.tv

Troy Hussman visits NYC from California!


One of the great joys of living in NYC is that it is a mecca for creative people. So, I was very excited to hear that Troy Hussman (a young man who I performed with in "Great Expectations" the musical in Los Angeles while it was at the Hudson Theater) was coming to New York with his friend Sy Adamowsky (a NY/NJ native) to see musicals and hang out. Troy and Sy worked together last year on the tour of the Radio City Arena Tour doubling the same part, and they will again this year too. Both boys are super-nice, professional, talented, and way ahead of the game compared to me, so I'm very jealous.

The cast & bio of Troy and "Great Expectations" as performed at the Odyssey Theater can be found here. Sy Adamowsky's web site is here, and you can see them both alternating a role at the Radio City Xmas Show National Tour.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

"Ruddigore or the Witch's Curse" Nominated for an IT Award!


The show I did for Theater Ten Ten last May, "Ruddigore," has been nominated for a New York Innovative Theatre Award, which were announced today (July 20, 2009). The nomination is in the category of "Outstanding Production of a Musical" and I was happy to note that my friend Sarah Lowe's show "The Apple Sisters" shares the spotlight in that category as well.

Congrats to everyone involved!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Join the Revolution - Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra

http://brotherjoscephus.com/

My friend, Samia Mounts, can SING. She's awesome - high belt and soprano, sass, young and positive energy. She invited me to the Sequoia Restaurant down at the end of Pier 17 in South Street Seaport to see her sing in a band called Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra. I didn't know what to expect, but showed up to see them just as they were doing a sound check.

It's a HUGE band - I counted 13 instruments played by 11 people, plus 3 backup singers (Samia included) and lead vocals and guitar by Brother Joscephus himself. They wear all white, sunglasses, and mardi gras beads plus various other hilarious acoutrements. White parasols provide New Orleans glamour, and the lighting they brought created a fantastic visual scape to highlight the band's theatricality. The band consists of keyboards, xylophone, guitar (electric, bass, lead), oboe, tuba, trumpet, sax, trombone, drums, 2nd keyboard, harmonica, tamborine, and various bells and whistles.

But the SOUND eminating from this band is amazing - a huge mix of New Orleans traditional jazz-gospel(the drums and brass section played a bit outside while the girls danced to busk tourists from the outside in, playing "When The Saints Go Marching In"), plus Funk Rock, R&B, and even some old-fashioned popular music from the 1900's were included. But all the music was dance-able, heavy-beat and had tight, complicated harmonies. I was particularly struck by how amazing their arrangements were: these were not songs that merely were sung-through, but original and cover versions that had archs and depths, stops and starts, humor, musical homages, tight harmonies, and ebbs and flows. It was unexpected music - both traditional and zany. You could tell these band members have rehearsed and played a lot together; there was choreography, and everything was done with both easy-going grace and precision. The pianist, who also played xylophone, conducted this jazz/funk orchestra while wearing a full suit, gloves, goggles and a gold & purple king's crown.

I felt that the band was almost too big for the back of the Sequoia bar - the band's high and theatrical energy almost demands a full stage and dance floor to complement them. They played BB Kings a few weeks ago, which sounds perfect. I can't wait to recommend them to friends for other venues, New Year's Eve parties, hell - even big-blast wedding parties and birthdays could enjoy their work.

Brother Joscephus can be followed via @brojolive on Twitter

Cute pix can be found here here here and here

From their website:

"Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra is a new act that has recently completed its first recording (debut CD released Feb. 24, 2009) & in its short history has already shared the stage with New Orleans stalwarts such as Trombone Shorty, the New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars and Eric Lindell. The band is a musical and visual spectacle of such ferocity that it leaves all in attendance shouting "Amen!" and dancing in the aisles. It's like a big ol' shot of love and adrenaline. It feels that good.

BroJo blends together the perfect gumbo of New Orleans party music, Soul in the style of Ray Charles and Al Green, a good helping of jam-bandy Roots Rock and a righteous splash of good, upbeat Gospel without the religious overtones (we like to call it "Secular Gospel").

Each BroJo tune has been meticulously arranged for the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra: The three-piece horn section (the Shepherds of the Wind), the gospel choir (the Voices of Reason), and the most righteous rhythm section (the Guardians of the Groove) lay it down for Brother Joscephus to sing about the pain, joy and wisdom that is in his heart.

The core group is twelve pieces, but the Revolution been known to expand to over sixteen (adding additional members to the gospel choir, mandolin, percussion, etc.) and can also play a stripped-down version with as little as four brothers and sisters of the Revolution.

But a Brother Joscephus show is more than just the music - there is also an emphasis on spectacle and pageantry. The band is decked out in their finest whites (accented with the appropriate gold, purple and green of Mardi Gras). They break out parasols, march through the audience and throw out hundreds of Mardi Gras beads over the course of a show.

When the band starts vibing with the audience you can't help but have a good time - it's undeniable!!"

Thursday, July 9, 2009

BOOKED! July 16th - Ritt Henn at Big Night Out's Featured Composer Series!

Please join me at Big Night Out's Featured Composer Series on July 16th, 2009, with Ritt Henn!

This funky, funny, tall composer/singer/bassist was the Winner of the 2005 Back Stage Bistro Award forOutstanding Songwriter/Instrumentalist and 2005 MAC Award Winner for Best New York Debut-Male. He is a great, quirky guy! I will be singing an amazingly funny original song of his co-written by D.C. Anderson. Hostess with the mostess Jennifer Wren will be on hand to run the open mic and keep the evening flowing, and Bill Zeffiro will be on piano.

Ritt has a number of CD out now, including the latest one, Timber.

Details on the evening:

THURSDAY June 16th 9:00-11:00PM

Etcetera, Etc Restaurant
352 West 44th Street, NY
b/w 8th and 9th Avenues

Open Mic Sign Up Begins at 8:30PM Sharp
Composer Showcase begins roughly at 10:00PM

$10 Cover/$12 Minimum
(1/2 Price Cover for MAC, AEA, and EMC Members.)