“Hidden Treasures V: Songs of Larry Kerchner” at The Metropolitan Room presented a great cast of singers with a special Lifetime Achievement Award to Sidney Myer, hosted by Klea Blackhurst

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by Linda Amiel Burns

 

The prolific composer, Larry Kerchner, was presented for his fifth version of “Hidden Treasures” at The Metropolitan Room, including some old favorites and several new songs sung by a remarkable roster of performers which included Dennis Chiccino, Amra-Faye Wright, Jeff Harnar, Nina Hennessey, Marissa Mulder, Sidney Myer, Mark Nadler, Karen Oberlin, T. Oliver Reid, The Starlite Sisters, Carol Woods, and Karen Wyman. The legendary Tex Arnold on piano led the band with Tom Hubbard on bass, Scott Kuney on Guitar and Ray Marchica on drums and they did justice to Kerchner’s lush arrangements.

 

This event was produced by Sandi Durell, the Publisher and Editor of Theater Pizzazz. Sandi presented the first “Theater Pizzazz Lifetime Achievement Award” to the beloved Sidney Myer who has been involved in the cabaret world both as a performer and booker at Don’t Tell Mama for over three decades. After a gracious thank you speech, Sidney sang “My Deepest Love” a beautiful love song Larry wrote to express his feelings for his wife, Annette.

 

The brilliant Klea Blackhurst hosted the show and brought her great sense of humor and warmth to the proceedings. Larry has written over 1000 songs and Michael Feinstein said that his ”music is an oasis of joy.” This was demonstrated throughout the evening and especially with the opening song that Jeff sang, commissioned by Bernie Furshpan, the Managing Partner of the Metropolitan Room, called “Metropolitan,” a clever swing tune.

 

There were too many highlights to mention them all but Mark Nadler shone on the well-acted “It Was Paris” and brought down the house with “A Jewish Christmas.” Jeff Harnar, singing the double entendre “My Dinner With Mrs. Farnsworth” in a Noel Coward style, Marissa Mulder’s sexy “You’re Getting To Me” and T. Oliver Reid with “Jazz is What You Make it.” The lovely harmonies of The Starlite Sisters added to the show with “Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash” and “Together at Christmas” and Christmas Day.” Carol Woods’s powerful voice was perfect for “Can’t Stay Away From You” along with Karen Oberlin’s “When Winter Comes.” Amra-Faye’s “Nasty McJive” resounded with all the sexy overtones.

 

Richard Skipper announced the CD Release of Larry’s latest offering called “Love Is Love” recorded by the NYC Cabaret Community (65 cabaret singers) to Benefit The Orlando Center. Many singers gathered on stage to perform this inspirational song led by Larry himself.

 

This show was a perfect showcase for the brilliant material of this talented songwriter and we all await “Hidden Treasures VI” and will be in the audience on that date.

 

Visit: www.LarryKerchner.com to hear more of Larry’s songs

www.LoveisLoveSings.com (to order the Benefit CD)

and www.MetropolitanRoom.com for schedule of shows.