MARK AUERBACH
Iron Horse Showcases Longmeadow Native
David Rosenthal, the Longmeadow native turned international jazz guitarist, releases his new CD, “Family” at a concert at Northampton’s Iron Horse Music Hall on June 10. Rosenthal calls “Family “ a tribute album to his family, as he describes them as “my friends, relatives, and countless others who have offered such wonderful gifts of love and presence throughout my life.”
Rosenthal graduated from Longmeadow High School in 2006, and went to New York to study guitar with Rodney Jones at the Manhattan School of Music, which launched his career as a jazz musician, freelancer, composer and producer, and got him involved with other recording activities. He credits his parents, Dr. James Rosenthal and Dr. Halina Wiczyk with providing him the support to pursue music at an early age.
David Rosenthal
“My dad, who is a sculptor and photographer, took me to jam at local clubs, when I was in school, and he’d wait for me until the gigs ended at midnight, even though he had surgeries the next day” says Rosenthal.
“David was a wonderful student of mine,” said Peter Thomsen, retired Longmeadow High School music teacher, and a voice teacher and professional musician. “David’s love for music was intense from the beginning. He always looked beneath the surface for deeper understanding. His abilities as a musician today don’t surprise me at all. I imagine that this is only the beginning for him. He is a wonderful person from a wonderful family”.
Today, the New York based Rosenthal is a guitarist/artist/producer/instructor. He has worked and recorded with Anthony Hamilton, Ledisi, Sevyn Streeter, Tori Kelly, Chuck Harmony, Claude Kelly, Christian McBride, and Alicia Olatuja. He is a multi instrumentalist and plays a variety of genres including R&B, funk, jazz, and blues.
Capitol Steps. 76 Unknowns (Photo by Peter Dervin)
Rosenthal sums up his passion for music. “For me, sharing love through music, and seeing the joy in people’s faces when they hear the sounds, is why I’m passionate about what I do.”
Details on his new CD “Family” are available at his website: www.davidrosenthalsound.com. For tickets to his Iron Horse performance: Northampton Box-Office, 413-586-8686 or www.nbotickets.com.
Capitol Steps: Don’t Cry, I’m From Argentina (Photo by Peter Dervin)
A Majestic Summer Line-Up
Open-mic nights, improv comedy and a host of concerts with some of the area’s best tribute bands highlight the summer at West Springfield’s Majestic Theater. The season kicks off with a Beach Boys Tribute (June 27). Other programs include a Motown tribute, music by Johnny Cash, Ray Guillemette Jr’s “A Ray of Elvis” (July 16-18), tributes to the Beatles, Stevie Nicks, The Moody Blues, and more.
Also returning will be Improvisational Comedy with The Majesters, which features a troupe of the best improv comics from across the Pioneer Valley for an evening of unscripted comic mayhem. The program begins with improv scenes similar to “Whose Line is it Anyway,” and is followed by a storyline that’s developed with help from the audience. Improvisational Comedy with The Majesters takes place Wednesday nights, July 8-August 26.
In addition to the concert series, the Majestic will also hold its popular Open Mic Nights, hosted by Floyd Patterson, on Tuesday nights, July 7 – August 25. Singers, musicians, comedians, magicians and other performers must call the Majestic Theater at (413) 747-7797 to book a spot during one of the weekly shows. Audience members will be able to vote for their favorite performers. Weekly prizes of $100, $75 and $50 will be awarded to the acts that earn the most ballots, then each top act will face off for grand prizes ($200, $150 and $100) at the Grand Finale Show on August 25.
For details: :http://www.majestictheater.com/summer.html
Politics As Musical Comedy
The Capitol Steps bring their latest show “Mock The Vote” to the Berkshires, when they’re in residency this summer at Cranwell in Lenox (July 3 through August 31, with performances nightly except Tuesdays). There’s nothing like a lame-duck president to make politicos like Jeb Bush, Harry Reid, Hillary Clinton, Brian Williams come to life in song and satire. That’s something The Capitol Steps has been doing for over 30 years, according to co-founder Elaina Newport.
The political musical satire troupe began in Washington, when a group of Congressional staffers put together an evening of songs an skits to celebrate some of the zany Republicans and Democrats of the day. Now, the troupe performs weekly in Washington, and has several touring units, has recorded over 30 CDs, perform on almost all the major TV networks, and do a twice-yearly NPR show called “Politics Takes a Holiday”.
The show, which pokes fun at both sides of the aisle, changes as the cast of characters in government make new headlines.
“With the presidential primary candidates emerging, and all of the material they’re providing”, says Newport, “we’re working on a new opening number, “76 Unknowns” (based on “76 Trombones” from “The Music Man”).”
For program information with snippets of their past and current hits: www.capsteps.com. For Cranwell tickets: 413-881-1636 or http://shop.cranwell.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=105&pg=1
Keep in Mind…
Life in the 413, New Century Theatre’s annual tradition, takes place on June 6 at Theatre 14, Mendenhall Center, Smith College, Northampton. WRSI Radio personality Monte Belmonte hosts. The guest list includes: Mitch Chakour, Greg Alexander, and Casey Opal. For details: 413-587-3933 or www.newcenturytheatre.org.
Hair, the 1960s rock musical that brought Broadway and hippies together in song, is the summer musical at West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park through July 19. Its playlist includes “Aquarius”, “Let The Sun Shine In” and “Good Morning Starshine”. Sean Harris directs. For details: 860-523-5900 x10 or www.playhouseonpark.org.
Disney in Concert. The Hartford Symphony Pops performs hits from “The Lion King”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Mary Poppins”, “Tarzan” and more on June 6 at The Bushnell. Laura Jackson is the guest conductor. For tickets: 860-987-5900 or www.hartfordsymphony.org.
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio.
