All posts tagged Tommy Igoe

This is what BIG FUN looks like: The Tommy Igoe Big Band debut at The RRazz Room

by Lisa Bautista on April 3, 2012 in Blog with No comments

Musicians are my heroes, and music is my life force.  Through the years, I have been blessed to not only meet but also connect with amazing musicians.  Legendary big band leader Tommy Igoe is one of my new heroes.  Last January, Team RRAZZ traveled to APAP-NYC, and I met Tommy Igoe for the first time with his Birdland Big Band.  Since his relocation to the San Francisco Bay Area, I have spent time getting to know Tommy at various work-related events.  He is a husband, father of twins, and overall great guy.  Last night, I had the opportunity to witness Tommy’s new beginning at The RRazz Room, and it was spectacular.

The Tommy Igoe Big Band is scheduled to perform (18) Monday nights at The RRazz Room.  He specifically asked me not to invite media for the first two installments, but oh, how I wish media could have reviewed last night’s performance.  The (15) piece big band included four familiar faces:
~Pianist Adam Schulman, whom I met through Bay Area vocalist Natasha Miller
~Trumpeter Louis Fasman and the legendary Trombonist Wayne Wallace, whom I have worked with for The Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra
~Trumpeter Steffen Kuehn, who was part of my original JFM Presents roster

There were two members of the band, whom I know through their connections:
~Trumpeter Larry Lunetta, who is married to Tony Award Winner Faith Prince
~Trumpeter Alex (?), who works with NYC vocalist/bandleader Terese Geneco

What made last night’s debut stand out in my mind is Tommy’s sincerity:
“Band leaders acts as if they know what they’re doing; I’m bringing you with us.”

The 70-minute set was as fresh and organic as they come.  Throughout the night, Tommy engaged the audience with statements like, “Witness live birth,” and “Thank you for keeping live music alive.”

And at the end of the night, every person who attended this debut could see that Tommy Igoe knows how to have BIG FUN.  Talented and full of personality, Tommy Igoe is unassuming, kind and gracious.

I highly recommend you become part of this truly amazing experience taking place Monday nights at The RRazz Room.  And THANK YOU, Tommy Igoe, for changing the face of Bay Area Nightlife on Mondays!!!

THE TOMMY IGOE BIG BAND
Live at The RRazz Room
Featuring 15 of the Bay Area’s finest musicians
Including members of Tower of Power, Santana and The Doobie Brothers
Mondays at 7:30pm $25
Apr 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
For the last five years, Tommy Igoe developed a new big band at Birdland, and it became the most popular weekly event in New York City. He brings the same musical acumen to San Francisco, and endeavors to change the face of nightlife on Mondays. Igoe brings his big band pedigree (his father Sonny Igoe was the drummer for Benny Goodman and Woody Herman during the 40s-50s) to create a big band for the 21st Century. This is not nostalgia, but a forward-looking spin on a uniquely American format.  Tommy Igoe prides himself on finding music you may not have heard, but will love nonetheless.  Eighteen Monday night performances beginning April 2nd.  More…
15-Piece Big Band

Photo Credit: Pat Johnson

 

4th RRAZZiversary artists on St. Jude

by Lisa Bautista on March 19, 2012 in Blog with No comments

Every year, President Rory Paull and Vice President Robert Kotonly have donated a portion of their annual gala celebration proceeds to non-profit organizations: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (2009), Haiti Relief (2010) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (2011) and (2012).  When late entertainer Danny Thomas opened the doors to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in 1962, he not only changed the lives of those children who walked through its doors, he changed lives across the world.  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering research and treatment for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.  Ranked the No. 1 pediatric cancer hospital by Parents magazine and the No. 1 children’s cancer hospital by U.S. News & World Report, St. Jude is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children.  http://www.stjude.org

Check out what the performers are saying about the benefit concert:

“Supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital means the world to me. Being a father and blessed with healthy sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, I can only imagine the pain and sorrow of parents whose children are stricken with sickness. I will help St. Jude in any way that I can.”
~Pete Escovedo

“Taking care of our young is our responsibility.  As a mother of three, I can’t even imagine having a terminally ill child.  It’s a devastating thought.  We must realize how lucky we are and help others.  It can happen to anyone.  My mother was a huge supporter of St. Jude.  I am a Catholic girl, and must follow in her footsteps.”
~Pia Zadora

“I’ve always been a fan of Danny Thomas who really brought St. Jude’s to the limelight.  And though I don’t have any children, I think I was a child once upon a time or I acted childish recently.  My motto has always been ‘children and dogs: ya gotta love ‘em,’ so I came back home to help out.”
~Sharon McNight

“As long as I can use my talent to help others, I will, especially the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”
~Freda Payne

“I am very honored to take part in the Rrazz Room’s concert in support of St. Jude Children’s Research hospital.  This is a very important cause, and to fly in from New York for the night, to sing alongside such gifted singers and entertainers…it’s all good.  I’m happy and blessed to entertain alongside my brother Will all the while keeping in mind the children and families this concert is benefiting.  Robert and Rory and everyone at the Rrazz Room have created a very special evening that I am honored to be a part of.”
~Anthony Nunziata

“When I was asked to come from NYC to San Francisco to perform for an event for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, I didn’t even think twice.  ’Yes!’  Growing up, I would watch Marlo Thomas on television, along with other celebrities, talk about the positive, comfortable, and hopeful environment St. Jude’s provides it’s patients and their families.  To be able to donate my talent and time for an organization whose message I believe in, and for the thousands of children they impact in the most positive way on a daily basis, I feel honored to be apart of this great event and excited that all the money raised is going to one of the most important hospitals in the world.”
~Will Nunziata

“Being a part of this evening celebrating Rory Paull, Robert Kotonly & the Rrazz Room is an utterly wonderful experience made even more meaningful thanks to the project’s involvement with St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  After 50 years of service, St Jude is widely known & justifiably lauded for its commitment to sick kids & their families. Since Rory, Robert & the entire staff of the Rrazz Room go out of their way to make all of us artists feel like family – this fundraiser is a perfect fit!”
 ~Natalie Douglas

“My father, brother and I are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this very important cause. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is working hard to find cures for pediatric illness and never turns a family away. I can’t imagine a more important approach or mission. We’re appreciative for the contribution The Rrazz Room continues to make and we’re very grateful for including us in their efforts tonight.”
~Juan Escovedo

“James 2:14-17
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
‘St. Jude. Thank you for walking in faith, and for putting that faith to work.  May God continue to bless you.’”
~Peter Michael Escovedo
Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2008/09/The-10-Most-Healing-Bible-Verses.aspx?p=2#ixzz1plg0k1rc

I really feel blessed to be a part of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital charity event because the health of our society begins with the health of our children.  I am fortunate to have had a wonderful family and a healthy childhood, and it is an honor contribute to an organization that gives other children that chance.  St. Jude’s does such important work, and I am proud and honored to be associated with this wonderful event.
~CeCe Peniston

“I’ve had warm feelings for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for years.  We were asked to sing at Christmastime for the children.  After that, I wanted to see what I could do to help.  All children should be able to go to a place like St. Jude.  Their concern is not just for the children, but for the families, parents.  Naturally, my hope is for ‘ALL’ children to be well and whole of all disease.  Until then, St. Jude is the place for them, so that they can ‘Stay Hopeful and Happy Little Ones!!’ Love you, St. Jude.”
~Edna Wright

4th Annual RRAZZiversary Gala Celebration & Benefit for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Wed, 3/21, 8pm
$75 General Admission Rear Of House Seating
$125 Preferred Seating
$175 Limited Golden Circle Seating (includes post-show wine and reception with the artists.)
The RRazz Room
222 Mason Stree
San Francisco, CA 94102
For tickets and more information: 800.380.3095 or http://therrazzroom.com

Sharon McNight to host 4th Annual RRAZZiversary

by Lisa Bautista on March 13, 2012 in Blog with No comments

Next Wednesday, March 21, 2012, is our biggest event of the year: the annual RRAZZiversary.  I joined Team RRazz in November 2009, so this will be my third RRAZZiversary.  The 2010 and 2011 hostesses were Sterling James and Nikki Thomas respectively, both radio personalities for 102.9FM KBLX.  Hosting this year’s 4th Annual RRAZZiversary Gala Celebration & Benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is Sharon McNight, an entertainer who performs on Broadway and the Cabaret stage. She was nominated for Broadway’s 1989 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for “Starmites.”

Two things are different this year:
1)  The RRAZZiversary is not on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day and
2)  The hostess has requested bios in advance of the event.

Note that in 2010, Sterling James filled in last minute for Jan Wahl, and Sterling received my handwritten notes about each performer just minutes before the event!  Both Sterling James and Nikki Thomas are Johnny on the spot when it comes to hosting events.  As hostess for this year’s event, Sharon McNight will have one week to prepare, and if you have seen Sharon on stage, she is a brilliant entertainer.  Tickets are selling fast, so do not wait until the last minute!

4th Annual RRAZZiversary
Gala Celebration & Benefit For St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Wed, 3/21, 8pm
$75 General Admission Rear Of House Seating
$125 Preferred Seating
$175 Limited Golden Circle Seating (includes post-show wine and reception with the artists.)
The RRazz Room
222 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
For tickets and more information: 800.380.3095 or http://therrazzroom.com
San Francisco’s Party Of The Year!
A Special Evening In Celebration Of The Premier Nightclub Of The West Coast
Musical Director, KELLY PARK, and Special Guest Hostess Sharon McNight
Star-Studded Lineup**
Natalie Douglas
Pete Escovedo, Juan Escovedo & Peter Michael Escovedo
Edwin Hawkins
Tommy Igoe
Linda Lavin
Deana Martin
Will & Anthony Nunziata
Freda Payne
CeCe Peniston
Billy Stritch
Mary Wilson
Edna Wright
Pia Zadora