How is it already February?? Where did the time go? As the new decade enters its second month, I’m very excited to be working on the Los Angeles regional premiere of Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein’s Kinky Boots at 3-D Theatricals! I saw it on Broadway two years ago, with Wayne Brady and David Cook, and it’s a show with a great message and tremendous heart. This marks the first time I’ve played a show after seeing it on the Great White Way, my second show with 3DT, and my fourth regional premiere in the last year and a half.
Right before Kinky Boots starts, I’ll be playing an exciting show at Black Rabbit Rose, a magic/music venue in LA. Presented by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Musik! Fantasie! Revolution! honors the Weimar Republic Era in Germany by putting a 1920’s jazz cabaret-style performance in a modern context. It’s part of the LA Phil’s Weimar Festival, which includes several performances by the Philharmonic. Our show is going to feature an awesome band, burlesque performances, a great line-up of singers, and some sleight of hand(!), all under the brilliant music direction of Jack and Benny Lipson. I’m very excited to be playing a lot of banjo (and a little bit of guitar) for this one. And it’s not every day you get to see your picture and bio on the LA Phil’s website (unless you’re Gustavo Dudamel)!!
In past news, I’ve had a very eventful first month of the year, hence this post coming in February. I had an awesome time recording some punky rock and roll for the Geffen Playhouse’s upcoming production of Vampire Cowboy’s new play Revenge Song. It’s got killer music, an outrageous (and true!) story, and a kickass (prerecorded) band (Adam Alesi on drums, Carlos Rivera on bass, and Ryan O’Connell keys/MD). Those guys are truly the best of the best and it’s always a treat to play/hang with them. Getting to record with the 1971 Marshall JMP 100 amp at Dave’s Room in North Hollywood, was the cherry on top of this exciting project. There’s nothing like a Les Paul going into a Marshall.
Last month I also got to play my friend Ben Carroll’s original music for the first time and it was completely up my alley. Ben and I have crossed paths over the last year-plus on the religious music circuit, playing together at Open Temple and The Loft at Westwood UMC, but this was the first time we did a secular gig. His music is retro-soul/blues/gospel-inspired, in the vein of Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Jackie Wilson. Together with a stellar band and back-up singers, his album was put out into the world with a forceful, memorable, very fun release show.
As the year continues, I’ll have a few more musical theatre projects in the works as well as a trip to New York City with the John Burroughs High School show choir program. A ton of awesome stuff is in store this year and I can’t wait to keep going with all of it.
