Forest Hills Stadium Welcomes The New York Pops

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Colin Donnell, Musical director Michael Rafter, Megan McGinnis, Sutton Foster, NY Pops director & conductor Steven Reineke

Sutton Foster with The New York Pops, Aug 6, Photo by Michael Perlman

It was history in the making at Forest Hills Stadium, as The New York Pops graced the stage with Sutton Foster on August 6, followed by their collaboration with Pink Martini on August 7. While the scene transformed from sunny skies to starlit evenings, multi-generational concertgoers were already anticipating The New York Pops’ return to Forest Hills in 2016.

Music director and conductor Steven Reineke said, “The New York Pops has performed in New York City parks quite a bit, but we’ve never had a permanent summer home. We are so excited to establish something lasting in Queens, in such a legendary music venue.”

The New York Pops, which was founded in 1983, is recognized as America’s largest independent pops orchestra and the sole professional symphonic orchestra in New York City which specializes in popular music. The New York Pops’ “Kids in the Balcony” program offered over 1,000 complimentary tickets to underprivileged children, and to further make live music accessible, family packages began at ten dollars. “Our PopsEd programs are designed to engage kids, and make them excited about working together and learning many life skills through singing, playing, and listening to music,” said Reineke.

Michael Perlman with Sutton Foster

Tony Award-winning artist Sutton Foster has performed in 11 Broadway shows including “Anything Goes” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Special guests were television actor and Broadway artist Colin Donnell who appeared in “Violet” and “Jersey Boys” and Megan McGinnis who played Eponine in Les Misérables. In an interview, Donnell explained, “Making my debut with The New York Pops in such an awesome venue is a dream come true!”

Michael Perlman with Colin Donnell

Michael Perlman with Megan McGinnis 

Nearly 20 performance numbers consisted of “Begin the Beguine,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Neverland,” and “On the Streets of Dublin.” Both acts opened with Overtures from “Anything Goes” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” “The History of the TV Overture” was a medley of classic American television theme songs including “I Love Lucy” and “The Addams Family.”

Pink Martini delivered another evening of brilliance, with bandleader and pianist Thomas Lauderdale, co-lead vocalists China Forbes and Storm Large, and special guest Meow Meow. Considered the “little orchestra,” Pink Martini has a huge following with their international tours. Over 20 multi-lingual hits included “Amado Mio,” “Sympathique,” ¿Dónde estás, Yolanda?” “Ne me quitte pas,” “Quizás Quizás Quizás,” and “Let’s Never Stop Falling in Love.”

The audience was actively engaged in both concerts. Rego Park resident Edward Aronowitz said, “Sutton Foster is a show-stopper type of performer, who is warm to her audience and has great control of her vocal chords.”

 Lisa Gwasda, a music teacher, who takes pride in her past experience in singing as part of a chorus with The New York Pops said, “The best thing to do as a New Yorker is to enjoy a concert under the stars, and The New York Pops and Sutton Foster can’t be beat.”

Native Forest Hills residents Ricky Salem and his mother Mary Salem also made plans to enjoy the first night. Glancing at the diverse audience, he said, “This is a great addition to the ambiance of our neighborhood and city, and the turnout shows that the stadium is not just for rock concerts.”

The NY Pops & Pink Martini concert - Pianist & Bandleader Thomas Lauderdale, Vocalists Meow Meow, China Forbes, Storm Large

When the Pink Martini concert featured an open call to dance in front of the stage, Marlene and Jacques Winter of Cold Spring Harbor, NY, who have attended many New York Pops at Carnegie Hall concerts, began swinging.  “We feel like star swing dancers in Forest Hills, and next year we hope to dance on the stadium stage,” said Marlene.

Swing dancing couple Marlene & Jacques Winter at Pink Martini concert

Meow Meow with Tim Brown, left at Pink Martini concert

Tim Brown of Midtown Manhattan, who attended the Pink Martini concert, is a retired FDNY survivor of 9/11. “Music is a healing art, which helps me deal with the murder of so many of my friends on 9/11,” Brown said. He would often sing along, and “Brazil” was one of his favorite numbers. He said, “The entire ensemble was on stage and it got everyone up out of their seats.” That was when audience members formed a Conga line around the aisles.  

Brown also had a moment under the spotlight. He explained, “When Meow Meow pointed to me and said ‘You!,’ my face turned red. When she told me to get on my knees, well, what can you do? After all, how often does a hot cabaret star demand you wrap your arms around her, as she gyrated to the beat?”

The concerts also elicited fond memories. For Magda Katz, a theatrical entertainment correspondent, it marked her return to Forest Hills Stadium, after seeing Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland in the 1960s. In reference to Pink Martini’s “Amado Mio,” she said, “I love its Latin flavor, which reminds me of songs I grew up with.”

The New York Pops with Pink Martini

Michael Perlman with Meow Meow & Storm Large

Drake vs. Lil' Wayne: A Success Despite Concert Concerns

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Drake, Courtesy of Suzan Causey

Lil Wayne, Courtesy of Suzan Causey

The iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium has hosted “Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne” on August 19, which marked its third concert for the summer 2014 season. It proved to be a success, despite hearing a buzz in prior weeks over a scheduled rap concert, increased noise levels, and rowdy crowds in a residential area.    

    

Sometime between the August 9^th Modest Mouse & Brand New concert and the Drake and Lil’ Wayne concert, a vague email from a small local group addressed from “concerned citizens” was circulated to some stadium neighbors in a vicinity that includes the Forest Hills Gardens and 69^th Avenue.

An excerpt read: “After the last two concerts, we heard complaints about the noise levels inside peoples’ homes. One person on 69^th Ave. told us she was forced to leave her house on the night of the last concert because it was so loud. Others have described their homes shaking from the bass levels. We have conveyed these concerns directly to the promoters, our elected officials, and the city’s Department of Environmental Protection, which is responsible for enforcing the city’s noise code.”

The letter then read: “After the last concert (Modest Mouse), we also received complaints about the sound check that went on from 6 PM to 8:30 PM the day before the performance. We spoke to the promoters about that issue during a meeting this past week. They told us that for Drake and Lil’ Wayne, they will test the p.a. system on Monday, but promised us that it will not be an extended rehearsal like last time.”

In an interview with concert promoters Jon McMillan and Mike Luba, they issued a joint statement after the concert: “Drake and Lil' Wayne are world-class performers at the top of their respective games, and they put on an unforgettable performance. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric. We continue to work closely with city agencies, local officials, community groups, and individual neighbors to improve the overall concert experience for our patrons and residents in the areas surrounding the Stadium. We're looking forward to hosting the legendary Replacements on September 19, and Phil Lesh and Friends on September 21.”

Local residents inclusive of concertgoers also praised the concert experience. “The 10 PM concert curfew is more than reasonable, and we're talking only about six shows a year spread out of over the summer months,” said Pat Lannan. “I walked around our neighborhood not long before the Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne concert, and the restaurants and pubs were packed. Our police department has done a wonderful job to make sure these concerts are orderly, so by allowing them to happen, we’re showing support for our businesses and the neighborhood.”

BarbaraAnn Balzaretti Flannery agreed. “There are no safety issues, and the concertgoers and the cops have been great. The concerts not only bring revenue to the neighborhood, but inspire budding young artists to follow their dream.” She added, “Music is food for the soul, so let’s embrace it!”

“I’m sorry that some people are complaining about noise, but the concert ended at 10 PM sharp,” said Matthew Mandell, who has attended the Zac Brown Band and Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne concerts with his family. He explained, “The concert had a young and high energy crowd. The stadium has a historic feel, it's a good size, and it’s awesome to be able to walk to concerts in our neighborhood. There's nothing like an outdoor concert in the summer, and I am looking forward to next year.”

On the contrary to the predictions by a small group of locals, the performers applied their creative vision to an organized and interactive concert experience. On August 9, Drake’s Twitter feed read, “Everybody coming to the show, download the Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne app free and put the power in your own hands! You decide who STARTS the show, who WINS the show, and of course what side you are on! Just choose your city, and from there it’s on YOU.”

Opening the concert in unison, Drake and Lil’ Wayne were ready to energize their fans. “Blunt Blowin” was first performed by Lil’ Wayne, and then a comeback was delivered by Drake with “We Made It” and “Draft Day.” Independent numbers followed, along with a face to face rap battle. A climactic moment was witnessing Drake being hoisted 20 feet above Forest Hills. According to the app, the fans pronounced Drake as the winner, but then the artists proved that the fans made a mid-summer’s night in Forest Hills one to remember.

Zac Brown Band Opens Summer 2014 at Forest Hills Stadium

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Forest Hills knew how to celebrate the first day of summer. On June 21^st, the three-time Grammy winner, two-time CMT winner, and Multi-Platinum Zac Brown Band took the Forest Hills Stadium stage, and launched the summer 2014 concert series. The southern country-rock band, known for their albums “Uncaged,” “You Get What You Give,” and “The Foundation,” has sold an excess of six million copies. It was a sunny and mild summer night, and at 5 PM, crowds began filling the venue which accommodates an estimated 16,000 concertgoers.        

America’s first concrete tennis stadium, dating to 1923, has undergone additional restoration work and upgrades which include numbered metal benches on the upper levels, seats with backings on the lower level, improved ADA accommodations, widened aisles, handrails, and easier access to food and beverages. A new stage was transported from a Toronto tennis center, and erected in Forest Hills Stadium in May. To address last summer’s public safety concerns, where concertgoers speculated that the stadium was overbooked, a reserved seating system was implemented and fewer tickets were sold.

  

In August 2013, the stadium reopened with Mumford & Sons, which became the first major musical act at the stadium since the 1980s. It struck a chord for patrons who recalled the annual Forest Hills Music Festivals of the 1960s through the early 1980s. Memorable summers featured music greats including Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Peter, Paul, & Mary, Donna Summer, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, and the Rolling Stones.

Zac Brown Band specials were offered by local restaurants, and some erected concession stands near the stadium. Among the restaurants which experienced an increase in patronage were Banter, Bareburger, Forest Hills Station House, and Austin Public. Earlier this month, some local organizations played a role in concert promotions, such as the 112^th Precinct which raffled front row tickets to their Twitter followers.

Air personality Jesse Addy of Nash FM 94.7 opened the concert and asked, “Has anyone come for a tennis match? Who is here to see the Zac Brown Band?” With much enthusiasm, that was followed by “Country is back in New York City!” A Zac Brown Band documentary was screened around 6:30 PM, and as it approached 7 PM, some patrons chanted “We want Zac!”

The band began performing at 7:30 PM, and then announced, “Everyone who bought a ticket made a donation to help kids with Autism and ADD.” Fans enjoyed a wide range of numbers for two and a half hours. That included “Jump Right In,” “Chicken Fried,” and “As She’s Walking Away.” In between songs, “USA” chants were heard. As the sun set over Forest Hills Stadium on the longest day of the year, fans continued dancing, while laser beams contributed to a dance club feel. The band highly interacted with fans by throwing tennis balls into the audience and stepping off the stage to shake hands.

Concertgoers, some of whom wore country western clothes, mostly commuted from the tri-state area. “I kept thinking, it's really incredible to know some of the big names that performed at the stadium, and how close you feel to the performers,” said Manny Morelli of Jersey City. “I've seen the band before, and they always look like they are having a blast, which the audience feeds off of.”

Amie Valois of Rockland County agreed, and referred to the band as energetic and interactive. She said, “In addition to their own songs, they covered an eclectic range of classics from Billy Joel to Metallica, which I loved. Also, the sound in the stadium was great, as well as the stadium’s history, charm, and size.”

However, she complained about the beer line setup. She said, “It may be the number of taps or the staff, but for $8 a beer, they should be able to offer more and better of both.” Referring to the porta potties, she said, “I am not sure why there are no restrooms.”

“My concert experience was excellent,” said Jeannine Barr of Center Moriches, NY. “Once our train arrived, I was quite taken by the charm of Forest Hills. I could appreciate that this was no modern structure, and I felt safe with the layout. The staff was excellent in showing us our way, and I felt good knowing where the exits were.”

Barr is a huge Zac Brown Band fan, and saw them perform at MetLife Stadium and Mohegan Sun. She explained, “The Forest Hills venue was much smaller and more intimate. One of the highlights was when they covered Billy Joel's “Piano Man” …some way to woo a Long Island crowd!”

Stay tuned for more summer 2014 concerts. Recently announced bookings are Modest Mouse and Brand New on August 9^th, Drake vs. Lil Wayne on August 19^th, and The Replacements on September 19^th. Visit www.foresthillsstadium.com for more information. 

Up Close & Personal with Adam Lambert

We met with Adam Lambert at the Fresh 102.7 FM Meet & Greet on February 15, 2012 in New York City. It was also welcoming to see some fortunate Glamberts. This event featured a brief chat between Adam and the station host, a question and answer session between Adam and his fans, photos with his fans, and his two songs in acoustic style. They were "Whataya Want From Me?" from his For Your Entertainment album, and "Better Than I Know Myself" from his upcoming album, Trespassing, due in March or April 2012. Shedding sunlight upon a misty morning was Adam's up close and personal with flawless vocals and charisma, and his latest scoop in anticipation for his new album. It seems as if fans had the opportunity to know him even better than Adam knowing Adam, or in other words, better than he knows himself.

Adam Lambert performing "Better Than I Know Myself"
http://youtu.be/oFz6b5IwEUc 

Adam Lambert performing "Whataya Want From Me?" after you sit through his intriguing responses to a few interview questions
http://youtu.be/3Ekvp-2T8Aw 

A multi-octave moment

Perlman PR in the studio

Perlman PR outside the studio

Adam Lambert Trespassing Your Soul....

Following the 2-year success of worldwide star Adam Lambert and his Glam Nation Tour, Adam belted out his new single, Better Than I Know Myself to audiences worldwide, which fans young and old eagerly awaited, and began purchasing and downloading on December 20, 2011 on iTunes, Amazon, and other platforms. It was produced by Dr. Luke and co-written by Claude Kelly, who are top-league faces in the industry. Some critics referred to his new single as more mainstream and radio-friendly than his hit singles on his prior album, which included Whataya Want From Me, If I Had You, and For Your Entertainment. His new single consists of a more subdued dance vibe than the 2009 For Your Entertainment album, with less Glam pop, and a greater concentration on his rare and captivating feature alongside every decibel of emotion - Adam's extensive vocal range and his higher register!

Fans may have gotten a sneak peak of his newer sound, but will have to not get too carried away, since his second album, TRESPASSING will be released on March 20, 2012. Until then, fans can only speculate. Better Than I Know Myself is a showcase of his soulful self which translates into his voice and delivery of phrases. In a public statement, Adam Lambert foreshadowed his new album, explaining it as "an exciting journey through the past two years of my life. It's been a transformative period, and I really wanted to make music from what I've experienced. All these songs honestly explore the ups and downs of my reality." Adam is the Executive Producer and co-wrote many songs. Besides Dr. Luke, and Claude Kelly, the album will also have a literal touch of inspiration from award-winning industry members such as BC Jean, Bonnie McKee, Nikka Costa, Nile Rogers, Benny Blanco, Pharrell Williams, Sam Sparro, and Bruno Mars.

In just more than a few years, the public has witnessed the uniquely extensive progression of Adam Lambert. We recall Adam Lambert's charismatic American Idol season 8 audition and star-studded performances, the release of his For Your Entertainment album which achieved over 1 million sales, and his Grammy nomination for "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" for Whataya Want From Me. It is also remarkable how only a year after his spotlight on American Idol, he rocked the world on his Glam Nation Tour with over 100 performances in countries including the US, Canada, Asia, Australia, and Europe. In November 2011, he led a memorable performance at the MTV European Music Awards with Queen, who was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Audiences saw him as a front-runner to the famed group, but yet Adam was humble enough that he arranged for Queen to have the only introduction. Before the curtain went down, audiences walked away with visions and sounds of a rock solid soloist and rock group. Undoubtedly, Adam Lambert is a man of firsts, so the public will continue to hold Adam Lambert listening parties, birthday parties, Glamfests, purchase albums and digital downloads, and brainstorm on forums, as they stay tuned to his March 20th release. Better Than I Know Myself is a cliffhanger for the next chapter.

12/9: Anthony Fedorov To Rock The Bitter End In NYC

The talented Anthony Fedorov will be singing in the footsteps of the legends who made their home at NYC's club, The Bitter End (147 Bleecker St) on Friday, December 9th at 8:30 PM. The Bitter End opened in 1961, and is deemed "NYC's oldest rock club." Within its brick walls, New Yorkers and tourists have witnessed the likes of performers including Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, Bill Joel, Neil Diamond, Bill Cosby, Woody Allen, Billy Crystal, and Peter, Paul, & Mary. For more information, call (212) 673-7030 or visit http://www.bitterend.com

Anthony Fedorov was the 4th place finalist on American Idol's Season 4 in 2005. His debut CD, "Never Over" became available in July 2011. In June 2011, fans received a taste of his CD with his single, "You're Perfect." In response, he said, "When people hear it, they won’t expect to hear what they are going to hear. What people remember me doing on American Idol was ballads, but it has been 6 years, and my voice has gotten deeper and has developed a lot of color and a lot of strength." To preview and purchase his music, visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/anthony-fedorov/id446804654

Anthony Fedorov played Joseph in six productions of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in cities including Seattle and Boston. He also played the prince in two productions of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella" in Nashville. He played Matt in the Off-Broadway production of "The Fantasticks" in NYC. In 2009, he performed at the BMI Latin Music Awards. His rendition of "The National Anthem" was performed in front of the New York Knicks, the NY Mets, and the L.A. Dodgers, among other teams. In November 2011, Anthony was in "Hairspray" at the Hartford Children's Theatre in Connecticut.

When Anthony's brother died of Sarcoma in 2006, he became the national spokesperson for the Sarcoma Foundation of America, and in 2008, he was placed on their Board of Directors.

His most recent interview with CT.com: http://www.ct.com/entertainment/tmi/wtxx-tmi-anthony-fedorov-former-american-idol-finalist-20111130,0,3593488.story

Now patrons will have the privilege of seeing Anthony Fedorov being added to the long and varied list of The Bitter End's half-century reign.

Adam Lambert's Glam Nation Tour Culminates With Potential Grammy In Hand

Adam Lambert's famed Glam Nation Tour ended in his hometown of Los Angeles, CA on December 16, 2010, but will live on in the hearts of newborn Glamberts forever. His final shows took the stage on December 15th at the Music Box, and on December 16th at Club Nokia. It signified his stardom from his pre-American Idol days to his mighty accomplishments over the course of his first tour. Fans had many cherished moments to relive. A historically significant moment took place at the Music Box in Los Angeles on December 15th, when he performed A Change Is Gonna Come as his encore. That was 6 years to the date of his performance of the piece at The Zodiac Show, and was also where he first met his current musical director, Monte Pittman.

Adam's Glam Nation Tour transported his fans into an exotic world of love, peace, and enlightenment, where he gave them an experience of a lifetime. His captivating voice, extensive vocal range, and great charismatic performances mesmerized the public, and left ethnically-diverse generations spell-bound, as they shared performance spaces worldwide. His music doesn't distinctly fall into a genre, but is a combination of cross-overs and much of what the public deems as his own. He is not only a gifted artist, but is also an individual with a humanitarian soul. Based upon offline and online dialogue with fellow Glamberts, meeting and conversing with Adam, and experiencing many of his performances, it can be proclaimed that Adam is a miracle, and his miracles continue to branch out, with a growing network of fans internationally.

The Glam Nation Tour began June 4, 2010 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, continued throughout the United States, and then went International. It was recognized as a 6-month success. He went abroad on September 26th, and toured Singapore, Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, and traveled back to the U.S. in late October, performing in Hawaii. On November 6th, his next destination was abroad again, where he performed in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, back to Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, Scotland, and returned to the U.K. on November 29th. Upon his return to the US, Adam's Acoustic Live! EP became available to fans: http://www.adamofficial.com/us/music/acoustic-live  On December 8th, Adam performed at the Jingle Ball in Camden, NJ, and on December 11th at the Jingle Ball in Sunrise, FL. A Glam Nation DVD may be in the works, as rumor has it.

Adam Lambert's days as an American Idol season 8 runner-up are long-gone, and on February 13, 2011, he may be called up on the stage to receive his Grammy. Adam is nominated for "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" for Whataya Want From Me, which is his second single from his album, For Your Entertainment. Many Glamberts on Twitter found out about his Grammy nomination before Adam did. He was awoken by his manager in Paris, and was very excited to hear the news. He later tweeted, "Woah!!! Just got the news! A Grammy?!?! I'm floored and honored. There are no words...."

Join the Adam Lambert Fan Club: http://adamlambertfans.com