When I lived in River Edge I sang to Tony Bennett — or, more realistically, I sang at him. At that time my neighbors were the Benedettos. The singer was born Anthony Benedetto and my neighbors were his mother and sister. Almost every weekend a big, black limo would pull up in front of their house so I knew that Mr. B was visiting. What a good son! Well, one Sunday the crooner made the mistake of standing outside and leaning on his car. At that time I was part of a singing act called “June and Judy.” My friend and I ran over to him gushing loudly. Even worse, we started to sing — a long song. Gentle and polite Mr. B could not escape. He smiled weakly and was stuck listening to us. Poor man! At the end he thanked us politely and quickly escaped into his mom’s house, never to be seen by us again. That was a long time ago, so hopefully, he’s recovered from that encounter. Tony Bennett has been entertaining for more than 68 years and I think he looks better now than when he was young. The legendary crooner, 88, is now in a surprising collaboration and fast friendship with an unlikely talent — you’ll never guess who. Here’s some hints: she’s the dance-pop sensation known for flamboyant costumes and she’s 28 years old — Lady Gaga! The two actually have a lot in common. They both sold millions of albums and won many awards and they share the love of the music I love — Ellington, Porter, Berlin, Gershwin. It’s a great friendship, a tuneful one. Lady Gaga says she was happy upon meeting Bennett. He didn’t say, “You’ve got to take off all those crazy outfits and just sing.” He said, “Be yourself.” My son, Andy, is a senior executive at Live Nation, the largest entertainment company. He told me they have an exclusive booking relationship with Lady Gaga. If all the above whets your appetite, tune into Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek LIVE! on Channel 13 October 24.
Life takes many twists and turns. Here’s an example. Seth W, born in Bayonne, now lives in Evanston, Illinois. His neighbors are the Mueller family who, it turns out, are a theatrical one: father, mother, and kiddies. Seth and Barb are also a theatrical family. When they come to New York, they head for Broadway where their two children are Broadway babies. Now, if you go to the theater often enough you know who won the Tony award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. It’s Jessie Mueller in “Beautiful,” a show that tells the story of the early life and career of Carole King. The hit show is not simply a juke box musical. Years ago I played from a piano book filled with her songs: “You’ve Got a Friend,” “A Natural Woman,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” and more. Carole King was one of the twentieth century’s best-selling stars and Jessie Mueller, a Broadway-star-in-waiting for several years (hey, Rachel, she’s a graduate of Syracuse University — that’s an inside reference) — got the part. It’s interesting to note that the modest actress said she initially felt she wasn’t pretty enough for the lead. Pretty enough? Huh, the gal is perfect in the role. Everyone who’s seen the show agrees. If you’re looking to go to a Broadway show lose yourself in the Tony-winning “Beautiful.” You’ll understand why Jessie Mueller received the Tony and you’ll feel good enjoying the inspiring story of the rise of Carole King to stardom.
Women of a certain age who sing, dance, and enjoy entertaining love Rick Bogart. Rick Bogart? Who he? Well, he’s not related to Humphrey (I hope you know who he was), but Rick, too, is equally talented in his own field. A smooth stylist, Rick is a jazz clarinetist, vocalist, and composer. He’s been described as “a relaxing musical treat.” I’ve tried to see him wherever he and his trio plus the charming Louisa are appearing. My most recent Bogart fix occurred at a new restaurant called Room 53, a piano bar and lounge on West 53rd Street in New York City. With Rick there the restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere greatly enhanced by his trio and his many extraverted musical friends. Those friends don’t need much encouragement to grab the mike and sing, dance, tell jokes, play instruments, and frolic onstage. When I was invited to join in I also needed no encouragement. It’s a great pleasure to sing accompanied by Rick and his trio. Sometimes he puts his swinging clarinet aside and sings a duet with me. Heaven can wait — this is paradise! Rick, born in New Orleans, knows how to make his clarinet sing and his vocals can charm the wild beast. So, if you are looking to enhance your happy life whether by singing, dancing, joking, playing an instrument, or being part of a joyful audience, the Rick Bogart Trio is the answer. Currently the multi-talented musician is appearing in several places in New York. Google for locations and, if that doesn’t work, and you want to add to the joy in your life, email me. Frequently New York City is called “Fun City.” The Rick Bogart Trio helps it live up to its name.
Boy, oh boyhood! – I’m referring to an amazing movie, “Boyhood.” It was filmed over twelve years – from 2001 to 2013. The central character is Mason Evans, Junior, played by Ellar Coltrane, who is six years old when the film begins. Largely through his eyes we watch him grow up, literally, until he is eighteen and a high school graduate. Do I make this clear? In other words, Coltrane, the star of the film really was six years old when filming began and now he really is nineteen. And the entire cast is subject to the same time span. The director-writer, Richard Linklater, is known for being a master at following characters over a long period. In 1995 I enjoyed his “Before Sunrise,” in 2004 I enjoyed “Before Sunset,” in 2012, “Before Midnight,” all wonderful movies and fodder for another story. But back to “Boyhood,” Linklater’s 2014 coming-of-age drama. As you can guess from the title, it follows the growth of Mason as he transforms from a small boy to a young man. We see him grow before our eyes as he switches haircuts, views world news, and has love interests. It’s the gradual maturing of what appears to be an ordinary unremarkable male. Life is really memories strung together and woven into a single thread. “Boyhood” is a daring film, innovative, ground-breaking, and unique. It has never been done before letting its audience experience the fun and the pain, daring to honor small moments and the life they add up to. I feel that in years to come “Boyhood” will be held up as a classic influence informing countless other films. It might take effort to find it but, if you do, you might agree that it was worth it even going far from home.
You can e-mail June Sturz at intunejune@optonline.net