For much of the past year I’ve been working at Statlers on Mondays and either Wednesdays or Thursdays. The following is a brief explanation of what those nights are all about.
On Mondays, I accompany and co-host “SINGular Sensation” with a phenomenally talented young lady by the name of Jeni Walls. She’s an amazing singer, host, personality, actor, etc. and between the two of us we put on a fabulous night of musical mayhem. “SINGular Sensation” is an open mic night specifically geared towards musical theatre repertoire. In addition to the several books Statlers has in house, I have the scores to several musicals loaded onto my iPad, so it’s fairly convenient if someone wants to get up and sing a song for which they don’t have the sheet music. It’s great for people who don’t have a lot of experience to come out and perform on our little stage, but it’s also a place for people who are established and in shows about town who are looking for something fun to do on their “dark night”. Every week, we have a theme, and will usually feature a cast who are promoting their show about town. It’s almost too much fun for words!
That’s Mondays. Wednesdays/Thursdays are more the “Donavon Show”.
When Statlers first opened back up in October of 2010, I was there on Wednesdays but when 2011 came around I switched to Thursdays. I ended up being booked throughout much of November/December on Thursdays so I asked to be switched back to Wednesdays. I wanted to have a specific night when I could say I would be there without fail. For much of the past year I’d said: “Yes, I’m the Thursday night entertainment, except I won’t be here next Thursday. I’ll be here in two weeks.” It got confusing.
In any case, come the New Year and I’m able to give full commitment to Thursdays at Statlers!
What is the vibe on Thursdays, you ask? If you’ve never seen me perform before, it’s sort of like watching TV with someone who likes to change the channels all the time. Sometimes I’m playing Rock & Roll, sometimes it’s blues, or jazz, or easy listening. Sometimes I perform comedy and/or parody songs. Sometimes I’ll play TV themes. Ok, OFTEN times I play TV themes. Over the course of the night I take requests for songs, invite people to come up and share the stage with me, but most of all I try to ensure that every member of my audience is having a good time.
More often than not, lately I’ve had a guest join me on stage for much of the night. His name is Jamie Bird and he is a phenomenal percussionist. He shows up with his cajón and provides an amazing rhythmic backdrop while I play my heart out. Not only that, but he also sings background harmonies and helps with onstage banter… (our “Muppet Show” bit is the stuff of legend.)
I always have a fun time at Statlers and my audience does too, so if you’re looking for some fun on a Monday or Thursday night in 2012, I highly recommend you come check it out!
Statlers is located at 487 Church St, just South of Wellesley St and there is never a cover charge!