CHICAGO - MIDWEST CABARET REVIEWS

AMY COLE HOSTS "LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH"
AT CLUB 3160

Reviewed by Carla Gordon

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A little known entertainment gem sparkles slightly south of the bustling Halsted Street scene at Chicago's CLUB 3160. Amy Cole, along with Jeff Roscoe at the piano hosts "Last Friday of the Month." Not only does the honey-voiced Cole present pop hits, and jazz standards, she can belt out boffo Broadway numbers. I particularly liked "Home" from the musical "The Wiz"with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls). Jeff Roscoe accompanies Cole behind the piano and often joins her in effective harmonizing. That Roscoe is among the best sight reading pianists in town adds greatly to "Last Fridays."

What "Last Friday of the Month" has become, however, is a celebration of singers. Each 'Last Friday,' Cole presents a special guest offering a full set. Cole's guests have included Robert Whorton, a powerful baritone, and thoughtful interpreter of lyric. Another featured performer was Tim Hairston. Hairston is best known for his tributes to the late (and much missed) Bobby Short. Hairston's voice has lilt and warmth. An especially entertaining moment occurred as Hairston joined Cole for a duet of the 59th Street Bridge Song. Jazz singer, Sabina L. Lilly was featured recently. Lilly has remarkable vocal range and command of complex jazz rhythyms. Lilly performed selections from her newly released, CD, "Let the Music Speak."

July's guest was yours truly bringing cabaret and burlesque to the listening alcove at CLUB 3160. (I always aspired to be "Miss July.") Above the bar area, 3160's listening alcove is an intimate cabaret seating roughly thirty guests. Its candle glow adds just enough light to the space for the singer to really see listeners. It is an excellent environment for cabaret and jazz vocals.

Tony Bittner offered a jazz flavored set as Cole's featured August guest. While Bitter honors songbook standards well, he particularly shines at swing. "Hazel's Hips" (by Oscar Brown, Jr.) was a standout. Bittner finds the humor in Brown's lyrics such as: "Hazel's eyes are divine, and her hair so fine. But it's her hips that bring the tips."

Singers from Chicago's cabaret community hang out at "Last Friday" and Ms. Cole asks them to perform. This is no duffers' open mike; these folks can really sing. I enjoyed Marsha Harmon's wistful interpretation of the Gershwins' "Someone to Watch Over Me."

CLUB 3160 has an unusual dynamic. It is owned by Jim Flint who also owns The Baton Show Lounge. A Chicago institution, The Baton, showcases female impersonators. Flint is also the sponsor of the national Miss Gay Continental Pageant for female impersonators. (Recently, I enjoyed receiving a thank you letter from an impersonator who performs to some of my original material to which she was introduced by Mr. Flint). This last Friday in August, Flint arrived at CLUB 3160 with current and past Continental winners. Past winner Antonio Edwards brought energy and vocal power to "Route 66" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

With no cover charge, CLUB 3160 is also a good entertainment value. The fun of CLUB 3160 is its surprise. Dress casual.

CLUB 3160 is located at 3160 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL - 773-327-5969

Copyright, 2007 by Carla Gordon

 

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