Raissa Recommends

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Raissa hosts at the Algonquin and Iridium this week!

Hi Friends:

I lifted this announcement directly from Peter Napolitano's newsletter- read on:

This SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH from 7 to 10pm, THE ALGONQUIN SALON, hosted by Mark Janas in the lobby of the historic Algonquin Hotel, will be co-hosted by the incomparable Raissa Katona Bennett and her singing surgeon husband, Doctor Garrett Bennett! The optional theme is "DUETS!" Join us as our Salon regulars and surprise guests pair up inunexpected ways. But if you choose to perform "stag", so to speak, that's fine, too! Speaking of two, there are many songs with "two" in the lyric that would fit the theme as well. And if you're a musician, bring your instrument of choice and jam with Mark!

This Sunday's co-host, Raissa Katona Bennett, is a busy gal! OnTuesday, November 18th, at the Iridium Jazz Club (1650 Broadway, at51st St.), Raissa will be hosting the first in an ongoing seriesproduced by Scott Barbarino of Scobar Entertainment entitled "Broadway Jazz on Broadway with Don and Raissa". Don is the incredible Don Rebic who is the musical director of many notables such as Eric Michael Gillett, KT Sullivan and Karen Akers, plus a ton of Broadway shows up his sleeve. He's joined by Tom Kennedy on Bass and Joe Rosenblatt on Drums to form the Don Rebic Trio who will be jamming with Broadway stars singing Broadway songs in a jazz style. Joining Raissa (Phantom of the Opera) will be Ilene Kristen (Grease, TV's OLTL, Ryan's Hope), Julie Reiber (Wicked), Devin Richards(Tale...Cities, 110 in the Shade) and Lee Summers (Dreamgirls). There will be two sets at 8:30 and 10:30pm. The $25 cover is for both sets, with a $10 minimum for each. MAC and cabaret website members get a$10 discount. For reservations, call 212-582-2121 or visit http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/.

Here's some important information about the Algonquin Salon you should all know. The Salon is a weekly event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members in the lobby of the Algonquin Hotel, an informal, yet elegant setting with a grand tradition of artists gathering to socialize. There is NO COVER AND NO MINIMUM, but we're sure you'll want to liberally order from the hotel's delicious drink and food menu. You DO NOT need to sign up in advance to perform. Just show up and see me, Mark or the co-host to fill out a card. All types of material including spoken word are welcome at the Salon but please keep your selections within the bounds of good taste (no profanity, please) and under five minutes. And do come early to be sure of a good seat and a shot at those $10-off-your-check tickets given out to the first performers of the evening. If you would like to add your name to our list, e-mail me at http://us.mc371.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=algonquinsalon@aol.com. Also, if you have an upcoming event you'd like mentioned (space permitting, of course), let me know that,too.

So join us this Sunday, November 16h from 7 to 10pm for "DUETS!" with your co-hosts Mark Janas, Raissa Katona Bennett and Dr. Garrett Bennett in the lobby of the legendary Algonquin Hotel (59 West 44thSt., between Sixth and Fifth Aves.).

So, that's what Peter wrote - now I'm reminding those of you I've mentioned this to directly to come, bring your show flyers, and let us help you fill your show seats!

Love and light,Raissa