This was my fourth appearance at Parnell’s as the “Spotlight Singer” on their open mic night, which is Thursday. On this night, pianist Bill Zeffiro plays for everyone. Bill is often mistaken for me and the other way around — we’re the same age within three months, are shaved-headed, wear fedoras and love Sinatra, but he’s Italian and I’m Jewish… go figure.
I get a dozen songs at this gig, six songs in two sets. I make it a point to play mostly different songs each gig, so that anyone coming to see me more than once won’t have heard my set before. There might be one or two repeats, usually if I feel I didn’t nail it the previous time. I know hundreds of songs, so why stick to a handful?
The night was fairly successful, with over 25 people coming to see me, plus a few who were there anyway. I had a couple of Broadway people who came — Loren and Kelly Lester, both successful. Loren is about to hit the road starring in “The Band’s Visit” for the next year. It was quite an honor for them to show up. Loren got them go give me a seventh song. I played guitar and ukulele in the second set, including one number where I played guitar without Bill on piano. A friend of mine from grade school came well after I was done, and after my friends left. Bill kindly invited me to sing a song for her.
Best part — Brian, the owner, who is a fan, told me to talk to Cheryl, who books the talent, to get booked for a Saturday gig. So I’ll be there September 28th, a Saturday. I have to supply the pianist (paid for by the club) but this means I’ll get to control the night, and sing many more songs. #Winning!