Gramercy Nightingale Music |

I SO ENJOY CELIA'S BEAUTIFUL VOCAL SOUND
AND STYLE, AND HER TASTE IN SONG CHOICES. MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
Ms. BERK MAKES YOU FEEL ABOUT NEW YORK
THE SAME WAY A COLE PORTER SONG
MAKES YOU FEEL ABOUT PARIS.
STEPHEN HOLDEN THE NEW YORK TIMES
THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS TO LOVE THIS ALBUM – THE LUSH ARRANGEMENTS, THE EXTRAVAGANT ORCHESTRATIONS AND, OF COURSE, CELIA BERK’S KNOWING VOCALS SUNG WITH CHARM, WARMTH AND WIT.
DAVID ZIPPEL from MANHATTAN SERENADE Liner Notes
ONE OF THE BEST SINGERS I'VE HEARD IN A LONG TIME. REX REED
YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING IS ONE OF THE MORE AUSPICIOUS DEBUT RECORDINGS OF RECENT YEARS… AN INTOXICATING REVELATION!
DAVID HURST NEW YORK ARTS REVIEW
CELIA’S ABSOLUTE SIMPLICITY AND RESPECT FOR THE MATERIAL
MAKE THE SONGS ON YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING SHINE.
AND ALEX RYBECK FRAMES THEM BEAUTIFULLY WITH HIS
METICULOUS ARRANGEMENTS AND PRODUCTION.
JAMES GAVIN AUTHOR OF “STORMY WEATHER: THE LIFE OF LENA HORNE”
AND “IS THAT ALL THERE IS?: THE STRANGE LIFE OF PEGGY LEE”
SPLENDID, UNIQUE AND WONDERFUL. CELIA DELIVERS THE MESSAGE
AND HEART BEHIND EACH SONG WITH VELVET INTELLIGENCE.
HER ALBUM YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING IS IN MY PERMANENT
“MUSIC TO GO WITH A GLASS OF FINE WINE AT SUNSET” ROTATION. AMANDA McBROOM
IT'S SO LOVELY WHAT CELIA BERK DID WITH MY SONG
"YOU CAN'T RUSH SPRING" WITH ITS LILTING SOFT SWING FEEL
AND THE TENDER BREEZE OF GUITAR. YOU CAN ALMOST FEEL
THE CROCUSES AND DAFFODILS STARTING TO BLOOM! ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY
THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I’VE HEARD MY SONG "I’VE BEEN WAITING
ALL MY LIFE" TRULY DONE WITH SUCH SENSITIVITY. CELIA BROUGHT IT
TO LIFE, AND THAT’S ALL ANY SONGWRITER COULD DESIRE. BILLY GOLDENBERG
AN UTTERLY IMPECCABLE INTERPRETATION OF “THE PEOPLE THAT YOU NEVER GET TO LOVE”, AS WARM AS IT IS WISE. AND SO BEAUTIFULLY FRAMED, ALMOST AS IF "THE ROMANCE OF A LIFETIME" WERE THE ORIGINAL INTRODUCTION (REMEMBER THOSE?) FOR THE SONG AT THE CENTER. RUPERT HOLMES
IT’S ALWAYS NICE TO HEAR AN OBSCURE SONG OF OURS,
AND EVEN BETTER WHEN IT’S A WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE.
ALAN & MARILYN BERGMAN, lyricists, “I’ve Been Waiting All My Life”

I SO ENJOY CELIA’S BEAUTIFUL VOCAL SOUND AND STYLE, AND HER TASTE IN SONG CHOICES.
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

ONE OF THE BEST SINGERS I’VE HEARD IN A LONG TIME.
REX REED

MANHATTAN SERENADE

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First Class all the way, champagne cocktails, cashmere blankets, Rockefeller Center. These are the images that come to mind listening to Celia Berk’s elegant second album “Manhattan Serenade.”

A tribute to her hometown, this collection is anything but renditions of the obvious New York songs. “Manhattan Serenade” is curated: a connoisseur’s compilation of one exquisite, undiscovered musical gem after another. Celia Berk and her arranger/conductor, the esteemed Alex Rybeck, consider themselves to be “musical truffle hounds,” and they have indeed rooted through the Great American Songbook to uncover superb, overlooked songs by the crème de la crème of composers and lyricists: Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, Kurt Weill, Langston Hughes, Richard Whiting & Gus Kahn, Burt Bacharach, Rupert Holmes and Cy Coleman. I have to admit I am flattered to have one of my songs included among those of my songwriting heroes.

There are so many reasons to love this beautiful collection of songs—the lush arrangements, the extravagant orchestrations and, of course, Celia Berk’s knowing vocals sung with charm, warmth and wit. Celia has impeccable taste. She chooses great songs, has superb arrangements and then trusts her material. Her interpretations are honest, unadorned and imbued with intelligence, sensitivity and an intuitive understanding of what she is singing about.

And, like the City of New York, with this eclectic and unexpected mixture of songs there is the joy of discovery.

The more familiar of these selections have been reimagined. Kander & Ebb’s All I Need (Is One Good Break) from Flora, The Red Menace, which was Liza Minnelli’s break, gets a Latin twist. And a lovely intimate performance of Gerry Goffin & Carole King’s Up On The Roof, shed of its R&B/Pop roots, is reborn as a soulful delight.

Irving Berlin’s wacky Manhattan Madness and Rodgers & Hart’s I Gotta Get Back To New York deliver the period punch their creators intended. There is a sly pairing of Kurt Weill & Sam Coslow’s The Romance Of A Lifetime and Rupert Holmes’ The People That You Never Get To Love that becomes a wistful, touching mini-musical play about missed romantic opportunities. And totally new to me is Spring In Manhattan, which is merely lovely.

One song being recorded for the first time is The Broadway Song, which Cy Coleman and I wrote for Pamela’s First Musical, an as-yet unproduced musical adaptation of Wendy Wasserstein’s delightful children’s book of the same name. Celia and a chorus of cabaret stars, aided by Alex Rybeck’s witty arrangement and Larry Moore’s sumptuous orchestration, capture all of the affectionate whimsy of our love song to Broadway musicals.

But my favorite cuts are a bluesy, mournful performance of Lonely House from the Kurt Weill & Langston Hughes opera Street Scene and a shimmering rendition of Rodgers & Hart’s A Tree In The Park, two very contrasting pictures of New York City.

And wait! There’s more!

Like me, I bet you will listen to these recordings over and over. Enjoy!

David Zippel, Manhattan 2016

1	MANHATTAN HOMETOWN David Heneker [break] Chappell & Co. OBO Chappell Music Ltd. LOVE IS HERE TO STAY used by permission[break] George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin[break] Imagem Music LLC d/b/a OBO Nokawi Music; Songs Of SMP OBO Frankie G Songs; WB Music Corp. OBO Ira Gershwin Music Arrangement by Alex Rybeck Celia Berk, vocals[break] Jered Egan, bass[break] Michele Fox, violin[break] Dan Gross, percussion[break] Sean Harkness, guitar[break] Tom Malone, trombone[break] Marc Phaneuf, flute, tenor saxophone[break] Dave Rogers, trumpet[break] Alex Rybeck, piano [break] Peter Sachon, cello[break] Mark Thrasher, clarinet, tenor saxophone [break] Krystof Witek, violin[break] Sarah Zun, violin Celia: This song was suggested by several friends, and it couldn’t be more accurate. I was born in Manhattan. Its size doesn’t intimidate me. It never pales in comparison to other great cities (and I’ve seen quite a few). And it is – and always will be – my home. The song has the added attraction of being a hidden gem, which Alex and I take particular pleasure in finding. Alex reached out to his friend Ann Morrison, who originated the title role in the 1983 musical “Peg,” and she kindly shared her original score with us. It’s the perfect way to set the scene for the songs to come. Alex: I love the lighthearted wit of the lyric, in which a native New Yorker describes the great city in terms of someone from a small town. Melodically it’s quite fetching. As for the instrumental interpolation of a certain Gershwin tune, it just felt appropriate and organic to conjure that authentic native voice. (Perhaps the singer is away from New York, nostalgically dreaming of being back home.) Ann Morrison: How wonderful to hear this great song in someone else’s voice! Here is the Story of the Song: In 1983, I was cast in a new musical called “Peg” based on the old play by J. Hartley Manners (written for the great America stage star Laurette Taylor). “Peg” was American-produced but British-owned. The music and lyrics were by dear British composer David Heneker, known for his musical “Half A Sixpence.” When I was cast as the lead, Peg O’Connell, he hadn’t finished the score. I was asked to do backer auditions and spend time at the Cooperstown, New York, home of Louis Busch Hager, the American producer, along with the creative team. We had more money to raise for the production Mr. Hager wanted for London’s West End. One evening over dinner, David Heneker told me he was stuck on a song he wanted to write about Peg’s homesickness for her New York hometown. Since the story took place in 1912, David thought she would describe Manhattan like a small town. So he began to describe Manhattan as he and I imagined it to have been in the early 1900s, yet reminiscent of a small town. The next morning I awoke with David calling me into the parlor where a baby grand lived. He played me this song. I learned it very quickly and boy was I thrilled to be a part of the hit showstopper of the musical. In 1984 we opened at the Phoenix Theatre in the West End to tame reviews, but MANHATTAN HOMETOWN was considered hands down the favorite of the critics.	3:38
2	ALL I NEED (IS ONE GOOD BREAK) John Kander/Fred Ebb [break] Trio Music Company, Inc.; Alley Music Corp. Arrangement by Alex Rybeck; Orchestration by Jeffrey Klitz Celia Berk, vocals[break] Dan Gross, percussion[break] Sean Harkness, guitar[break] Jeffrey Klitz, piano[break] John Miller, bass[break] Roger Squitero, percussion Celia: After we had chosen quite a few songs, we decided we needed one that expressed “striving” and the particular urgency of pounding the New York pavement to get your one, big break. Kander & Ebb wrote it for Liza Minnelli in “Flora, The Red Menace” and it foreshadows NEW YORK, NEW YORK, which they also wrote for Liza, with its lyric “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.” Alex: Celia and I looked at a number of songs that dealt with striving and climbing, dreams and ambition. I had an instinct this tune might lend itself to a Latin feel. Pianist-arranger Jeff Klitz took a sketch that Celia and I conceived and fleshed it out, aided by dual percussionists Dan Gross and Roger Squitero.	2:54
3	UP ON THE ROOF Gerry Goffin & Carole King [break] Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. Arrangement by Alex Rybeck; Orchestration by Jeffrey Klitz Celia Berk, vocals[break] Dan Gross, percussion[break] Sean Harkness, guitar[break] Jeffrey Klitz, piano[break] Matt Lepek, flute[break] John Miller, bass Alex: This is one of those songs that doesn’t mention NYC specifically but seems to have Manhattan in its DNA. We were also looking for some familiar contemporary songs to balance the lesser-known numbers on the album. Musically, I wondered if the song could exist beyond its original R&B origins in order to feel like it belonged intrinsically to Celia’s sensibility. We tried it as a laid-back jazz waltz. We tossed the sketch to Jeff Klitz, and he brought it to fruition with an arrangement featuring guitar and flute entwining in peaceful harmony. Celia: I remember making a mental note of this song when I saw the Broadway musical “Beautiful” early in our search for album material. But it was only when Alex pared it back to its essence that I began to see the opportunity to offer a fresh take. It’s a great example of how a sensitive arranger can help a singer and a song find their way to each other.	2:58
4	SECONDS Burt Bacharach/Neil Simon [break] BMG Gold Songs OBO New Hidden Valley Music Co.; Nancy Enterprises Arrangement by Alex Rybeck Celia Berk, vocals[break] Jered Egan, bass[break] Michele Fox, violin[break] Dan Gross, percussion[break] Sean Harkness, guitar[break] Tom Malone, trombone[break] Marc Phaneuf, tenor saxophone[break] Dave Rogers, trumpet[break] Alex Rybeck, piano and keyboards [break] Peter Sachon, cello[break] Krystof Witek, violin[break] Sarah Zun, violin Alex: I am a die-hard fan of Burt Bacharach’s music – the unexpected twists and turns of rhythm and harmony, the yearning, the bursts of big emotion, and the sudden, subtle poignant nuances. This is one of his least-known songs. Research reveals that it was written in 1974, for a proposed film version of the 1968 Broadway smash “Promises, Promises,” which featured a score by Bacharach and lyricist Hal David. But by this time, their writing partnership had ended, so Neil Simon (who’d written the book for the musical) tried his hand at writing lyrics. Where this song fits into the story, I’m not sure, as there’s no corresponding number in the stage version. The film never happened. The song ended up, oddly enough, as filler on an album by Gladys Knight & The Pips! As far as I know, that’s the only previously recorded version. I love the drama of this song, including the gorgeous instrumental coda, so typical of Bacharach’s unconventional style. And who hasn’t been stuck in a cab in traffic, heart sinking, knowing you will not make that appointment on time? Celia: Knowing of Alex’s deep admiration for Burt Bacharach’s music, I was delighted when he told me he had a Bacharach hidden gem for our project. It’s certainly a song from another era; today you’d just text the person who was waiting to say you’re on your way!	3:16
5	MANHATTAN MADNESS Irving Berlin [break] Irving Berlin Music Company Arrangement by Alex Rybeck and Vince Giordano & Earl Norman Celia Berk and The Gramercy Nightingales, vocals[break] Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks Combo Orchestra[break] • Vince Giordano, tuba, banjo[break] • Adrian Cunningham, clarinet[break] • Jon-Erik Kellso, trumpet[break] • Harvey Tibbs, trombone[break] Jered Egan, bass[break] Dan Gross, percussion[break] Alex Rybeck, piano Celia: This one was suggested to me by producer-writer-actor William Baldwin Young, who had just come to see my debut show and wanted to know what I was working on next. He immediately mentioned MANHATTAN MADNESS, and when I shared the suggestion with Alex, of course he knew it. I have long wanted to do backups on one of my recordings, and this one seemed to fit the bill. With a nod to the Boswell Sisters, Alex created harmonies to be sung by my “studio sisters” Robin, Wren and Lark. (We think they have a bright future ahead of them!) We then shared our initial rhythm session recording of this 1931 song with Vince Giordano. More than anyone else, he keeps the music of that era alive. He replied, “Hehehe…that’s fun!” and agreed to bring a few members of his famed band The Nighthawks into the studio to complete the arrangement. We had to wait for them to finish work on the latest Woody Allen film, but we then had a recording session I will remember for many years to come. And Scott Lehrer did an extraordinary job of mixing all these elements together. Alex: A bit of retro fun, aided and abetted by the amazing Vince Giordano and his crew. We wanted an authentic period sound for this Irving Berlin novelty. Vince took my sketch and revamped it as only he could with his mastery of that style. To me, this is a black-and-white Warner Brothers movie in miniature.	2:14
6	LONELY HOUSE Kurt Weill/Langston Hughes [break] Hampshire House Publishing; Chappell & Co. Arrangement by Alex Rybeck Celia Berk, vocals[break] Jered Egan, bass[break] Dan Gross, percussion[break] Dave Rogers, trumpet[break] Alex Rybeck, piano Celia: Alex pressed for this one, and I’m so glad he did. After years of learning opera roles, I loved the idea of approaching it as a jazz aria. And the music and lyrics are so perfectly paired, and so evocative, that I just let them, and these great musicians, lead me into the heart of the song. Alex: This is another song I’ve loved for many years. In “Street Scene,” the opera for which it was written, it’s sung by a tenor. Yet I began thinking of how it might sound as more of a bluesy jazz song, less as an aria. I really think that Kurt Weill’s music and Langston Hughes’s lyrics lean in that direction already. We actually recorded it twice – once as a straight theater ballad (true to the score), and then as a jazz improv, with Dave Rogers adding some muted trumpet licks. We went with Version 2. (It’s a great song either way, and contains what I think is one of the best lyrics ever: “Sparrows have companions; even stray dogs find a friend.”)	3:43
7	THE ROMANCE OF A LIFETIME / THE PEOPLE THAT YOU NEVER GET TO LOVE Kurt Weill/Sam Coslow; Rupert Holmes [break] EAMC/Kurt Weill; WB Music Corp. Arrangement by Alex Rybeck Celia Berk, vocals[break] Jered Egan, bass[break] Michele Fox, violin[break] Dan Gross, percussion[break] Sean Harkness, guitar[break] Tom Malone, trombone[break] Marc Phaneuf, tenor saxophone[break] Dave Rogers, trumpet[break] Alex Rybeck, piano and keyboards [break] Peter Sachon, cello[break] Krystof Witek, violin[break] Sarah Zun, violin Celia: Being a self-styled “musical truffle hound,” I started yelping the minute I heard soprano Lauren Flanagan sing THE ROMANCE OF A LIFETIME one evening at OPERA America. The next morning, I emailed The Kurt Weill Foundation and quickly obtained the song. It turned out to have been written for the 1938 Fritz Lang movie “You And Me,” but fell victim to a change in concept. I took it straight to Alex, who immediately connected it to Rupert Holmes’s THE PEOPLE THAT YOU NEVER GET TO LOVE. That song has gotten some lovely recordings by singers as diverse as Nancy LaMott, Susannah McCorkle and Margaret Whiting, but I think our pairing offers a unique take on both songs. Alex: Celia brought over the Kurt Weill/Sam Coslow song during our song search. It was a discovery for both of us. We both agreed the melody was intoxicating. But it’s a short song. So we wondered if it might go together with something else. The subject matter – passing ships in the night – put me in mind of Rupert Holmes’s terrific contemporary ballad. When we tried them together, we felt we had something special that made for a more complete story. Rupert Holmes: An utterly impeccable interpretation of “THE PEOPLE THAT YOU NEVER GET TO LOVE”, as warm as it is wise. And so beautifully framed, almost as if “THE ROMANCE OF A LIFETIME” were the original introduction (remember those?) for the song at the center.	5:16
8	A DAY AWAY FROM TOWN Richard A. Whiting & Hubert “Tex” Arnold/Gus Kahn [break] Gilbert Keyes Music Co.; One Less Car Music; Etienne Marrix Music; My Ideal Music, Inc.; Bamboo Bay Publishing, LLC.; Riverdale House Music. Arrangement by Alex Rybeck Celia Berk, vocals[break] Jered Egan, bass[break] Dan Gross, percussion[break] Mark Phaneuf, clarinet[break] Alex Rybeck, piano Celia: Early in our search for songs, I had coffee with my friend Debbi Bush Whiting, granddaughter of Richard Whiting and daughter of one of my idols, Margaret Whiting. When I told her we were working on a New York album, her eyes lit up and she said, “I have something for you.” That night, a wonderful recording of A DAY AWAY FROM TOWN, sung by Carol Woods, arrived by email and was immediately forwarded to Alex. The song had languished in a box in Debbi’s basement until “Tex” Arnold, who was Margaret Whiting’s musical director for almost 30 years, rescued it. We are profoundly honored to be entrusted with this song more than 75 years after it was written. Debbi and Tex were in the studio when I did the vocals. Debbi brought a copy of the first page of the manuscript, in Richard Whiting’s handwriting, and I swear I could feel the musical guardian angels in the sound booth with me. Alex: What fun to be gifted with this unknown “trunk song” written by two of Tin Pan Alley’s greatest names, composer Richard (“Hooray For Hollywood”) Whiting and lyricist Gus (“It Had to Be You”) Kahn. The third collaborator is pianist-composer Hubert “Tex” Arnold, who harmonized Whiting’s melody. Another “helpful hand,” wordsmith Roger Schore, further personalized the lyric for Celia. The result is a truly lovely (and catchy!) song. I think it’s an undiscovered standard. Debbi Bush Whiting: I was thrilled that Celia and Alex chose A DAY AWAY FROM TOWN for their new CD. Their rendition is heartwarming. As they know, it takes dedication and hard work to preserve a legacy. So this kind of confirmation gives me reason to feel on top of the world. Hubert “Tex” Arnold: I was so happy to receive Celia’s heartfelt rendition of A DAY AWAY FROM TOWN. She sounds great and Alex’s arrangement certainly captures the era when it was written. This wonderful recording helps keep the memory of Richard Whiting and Gus Kahn alive!	4:35
9	I GOTTA GET BACK TO NEW YORK Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart [break] Williamson Music Co.; Chappell & Co. Arrangement by Alex Rybeck; Orchestration by Larry Moore Celia Berk, vocals[break] Jered Egan, bass[break] Michele Fox, violin[break] Vince Giordano, banjo[break] Dan Gross, percussion[break] Sean Harkness, guitar[break] Tom Malone, trombone[break] Marc Phaneuf, clarinet, tenor saxophone [break] Mark Thrasher, clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone[break] Dave Rogers, trumpet[break] Alex Rybeck, piano[break] Peter Sachon, cello[break] Krystof Witek, violin[break] Sarah Zun, violin Alex: This is quintessential Rodgers & Hart, with all the qualities one associates with their best work: an instantly catchy tune fitted with literate, witty lyrics. I asked Larry Moore to run with my piano/vocal arrangement, and orchestrate it in appropriate period style, because he has a great understanding of that era. I especially love how he brought the choo-choo train to life! Celia: This one had to come right after A DAY AWAY FROM TOWN! I’m not averse to leaving the city – but preferably only for “a day.” Then I gotta get back to “civilization”! It was originated by Al Jolson in the 1933 movie “Hallelujah, I’m A Bum” and has been known by several different titles: “I Gotta,” “I’ve Gotta,” “I’ve Got To…” I like the reference to six million New Yorkers, and started tracking the number that appears in other songs about the city. In fact, 1931’s MANHATTAN MADNESS says there are seven million people!	3:41
10	MANHATTAN SERENADE Louis Alter/Harold Adamson [break] Songwriters Guild of America OBO Louis Alter Publications; EMI Robbins Catalog Inc. Arrangement by Alex Rybeck Celia Berk, vocals[break] Jered Egan, bass[break] Dan Gross, percussion[break] Sean Harkness, guitar[break] Tom Malone, trombone[break] Marc Phaneuf, tenor saxophone[break] Dave Rogers, trumpet[break] Alex Rybeck, piano and keyboards [break] Mark Thrasher, tenor saxophone Alex: I came across this in a back issue of Sheet Music Magazine. There’s just something very appealing about this smooth, elegant tune. To me it conjures high society folks, dancing the night away at The Rainbow Room. Celia: Alex was so convinced about this one that he sketched out an arrangement, recording it on his phone, and sent it to me one morning. I was pretty quickly hooked. The music was written in 1928 for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, and when lyrics were added years later it became a hit for Jo Stafford & the Tommy Dorsey Band and Helen Forrest & the Harry James Orchestra. Alex’s arrangement captures that pedigree perfectly.	2:53
11	SPRING IN MANHATTAN Anthony Scibetta/Alice S. Reach [break] WB Music Corp. Arrangement by Alex Rybeck Celia Berk, vocals[break] Jered Egan, bass[break] Michele Fox, violin[break] Dan Gross, percussion[break] Marc Phaneuf, flute[break] Alex Rybeck, piano[break] Peter Sachon, cello[break] Krystof Witek, violin[break] Sarah Zun, violin Celia: Rex Reed and jazz singer Joyce Breach immediately recommended this 1952 song when we mentioned our search for New York songs. It was unknown to both of us, and has been blessed with only a few recordings, including those of Tony Bennett and Blossom Dearie. It’s simply lovely, and that’s how we approached it. So did the musicians in the studio, all of whom were as charmed by it as we were. Alex: I had never heard of this simple yet haunting song until jazz singer Joyce Breach mentioned it to me. Good choice, Joyce!	4:06
12	THE BROADWAY SONG Cy Coleman/David Zippel [break] Notable Music Co. Inc. (ASCAP). Administered by Downtown DLJ Songs (ASCAP); Williamson Music Co. Arrangement by Alex Rybeck; Orchestration by Larry Moore Celia Berk, vocals[break] The Rialtos (Joshua Lance Dixon, Jeff Harnar & Kristoffer Lowe), vocals[break] Jered Egan, bass[break] Michele Fox, violin[break] Dan Gross, percussion[break] Sean Harkness, acoustic guitar[break] Tom Malone, trombone[break] Marc Phaneuf, tenor saxophone, flute, piccolo [break] Dave Rogers, trumpet[break] Alex Rybeck, piano and keyboards [break] Peter Sachon, cello[break] Mark Thrasher, tenor saxophone, clarinet [break] Krystof Witek, violin[break] Sarah Zun, violin Celia: Andy Propst, who had just completed a biography of Cy Coleman, suggested this one to me. I mentioned it to Alex, who of course already knew it. It came together in layers. First we sketched it out in my key, then spent one giddy evening adding the musical theatre quotes. (There was one line that didn’t make sense out of context, so Alex emailed lyricist David Zippel. Within an hour, an alternate line had arrived!) We then agreed to give it a true Broadway orchestration by Larry Moore. And, as that took shape, it became clear we needed backup singers. I first approached Jeff Harnar, who had just directed my cabaret debut. Once he was on board, I approached several of my new cabaret friends and was thrilled that Joshua Lance Dixon and Kristoffer Lowe agreed to join us. We were then in the hands of our Co-Producer/Engineer Scott Lehrer, who made all those layers work together to create what we hope is a showstopper! Alex: Liz Callaway introduced me to this one years ago. It was in her extensive file of songs she has demoed through the years. Celia and I both felt it would be a great deal of fun to do. And enlisting a trio of male cabaret stars (and dear friends) to be our Broadway chorus boys upped the fun quotient even further when we got to the studio. The song is such a joyous celebration of all things Broadway, I couldn’t resist quoting a few iconic Broadway musical moments (“Gypsy,” “A Chorus Line,” “West Side Story” and “Funny Girl”). I hope Cy wouldn’t object to these musical winks. Larry Moore once again ran with my piano arrangement and orchestrated it for the pit orchestra of our dreams! (Special thanks to David Zippel for the lyric tweak we needed to make the song accessible to singers who aren’t named Louise.) David Zippel (excerpted from his album Liner Notes): One song on the album receiving its first recording is THE BROADWAY SONG, which Cy Coleman and I wrote for “Pamela’s First Musical,” an as-yet unproduced musical adaptation of Wendy Wasserstein’s delightful children’s book of the same name. Celia and a chorus of cabaret stars, aided by Alex Rybeck’s witty arrangement and Larry Moore’s sumptuous orchestration, capture all of the affectionate whimsy of our love song to Broadway musicals.	3:11
13	A TREE IN THE PARK Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart [break] Williamson Music Co.; Warner Bros. Music. Arrangement by Alex Rybeck Celia Berk, vocals[break] Alex Rybeck, piano Celia: We settled on this one pretty early on, and always knew we would keep it simple. In fact, it became the one track that is just the two of us (as we had done with one song on my debut album). After all the madness of the Manhattan we had depicted in the previous 12 songs, we wanted to end on something quiet and personal. It was recorded at the emotional end of our second album’s journey, and I think you can hear us talking to each other through the music. Alex: I think this song speaks to Celia because she looks out upon the serene, hidden oasis of Gramercy Park from her apartment. I love the simplicity of this song; to my ear, the tune shows the influence of Jerome Kern on the young Richard Rodgers. And Hart’s lyric is extremely touching, describing and romanticizing what would now be considered an act of vandalism. What could be more New York than that?	3:20

CLICK ON THE TITLES FOR MORE ABOUT EACH SONG.

Produced by Scott Lehrer and Alex Rybeck

Recorded and mixed by
Scott Lehrer at 2nd Story Sound, NYC
Additional Recording by
John Kilgore at Kilgore Sound & Recording, NYC
Mastered by
Oscar Zambrano / Zampol Productions

Art Direction by Stefan G. Bucher for 344design.com
Cover Photo: Sekou Luke · Hair & Makeup: JSterling · Stylist: Prince Riley
© 2016 Gramercy Nightingale Music Company. All Rights Reserved.

Biographies

Celia Berk released her highly anticipated second album, Manhattan Serenade, in April 2016. She celebrated with a return engagement at New York’s Metropolitan Room that was extended through the Fall and won her the 2016 BroadwayWorld New York Cabaret Award for Best Show, Female. In his review, Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote, “Ms. Berk makes you feel about New York the same way a Cole Porter song makes you feel about Paris.” The album, which won the 2017 LaMott/Friedman Award, is arranged and conducted by Alex Rybeck and co-produced by Tony Award-winning sound designer Scott Lehrer, the team behind her 2014 debut album You Can’t Rush Spring. That album and Celia’s solo cabaret debut, directed by Jeff Harnar, earned Celia a 2015 Bistro Award: Vocalist, 2015 MAC Award: New York Debut – Female, 2015 BroadwayWorld Award for Best New York Cabaret Debut, and The 2015 Margaret Whiting Award. Celia has attracted attention from some of the most prominent proponents of The Great American Songbook. Michael Feinstein said, “I so enjoy Celia’s beautiful vocal sound and style, and her taste in song choices.” Jonathan Schwartz has included selections on his iconic radio program. And Rex Reed wrote, “Charm, sophistication, good taste and a titanic talent are all rare gifts in cabaret…Ms. Berk displays them all, setting the bar very high indeed for every girl singer who follows…Intimate, exquisite, understated, her facial expressions are as exciting to watch as her lyrics are to hear…Where has she been all my life?” Reviewers and listeners are attracted to Celia’s song selections, which include hidden gems from great songwriters, and what Amanda McBroom describes as Celia’s “velvet intelligence.” Nominated for the 2015 LaMott Friedman Award for Best Recording, You Can’t Rush Spring appeared on a number of Best of 2014 lists and has found a global audience, with airplay and sales extending across the US and into Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada. David Hurst of the New York Arts Review called the album, “One of the more auspicious debut recordings of recent years… an intoxicating revelation!” Celia has made memorable appearances at Carnegie Hall and at Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Town Hall as part of the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s annual Cabaret Convention. In January 2018, she received the 2017 BroadwayWorld New York Cabaret Award for Best Female Vocalist. In 2019, she debuted “Comes Love”, a new collaboration with pianist Sean Gough, with appearances at Birdland Theater. Celia Berk’s recordings are available on iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon and Pandora.

Alex Rybeck is a pianist, arranger, composer and highly sought-after singers’ coach, well known for his work in theater, cabaret and on recordings. Recipient of two Best Musical Director Awards from The Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (2005, 2011), Alex has worked with Michael Feinstein, Tommy Tune, Faith Prince, Liz and Ann Hampton Callaway, Donna McKechnie, Rita Gardner, Jane Olivor, Jason Graae, Jeff Harnar, Lee Roy Reams, Metropolitan Opera diva Roberta Peters and “Voice of Hollywood” Marni Nixon. Broadway credits include MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG and GRAND HOTEL, and Alex conducted the world premiere of WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW, earning accolades from Burt Bacharach. His numerous CDs for such acclaimed vocalists as Liz Callaway, Jeff Harnar, Kevin Dozier and Celia Berk have won praise from critics and listeners alike. Original songs include What a Funny Boy He Is (recorded by Nancy LaMott), Bless Your Heart (recorded by Faith Prince), and the MAC-nominated And I’m Leaving Today (Todd Murray, lyrics) and He Remembers/She Remembers (Robert M. Levy, lyrics).

Scott Lehrer’s work as a sound designer and engineer/producer can be heard in a variety of media, from Broadway musicals to CDs, TV documentaries, radio dramas, film soundtracks and museum installations. His work as a music engineer and producer crosses genres from contemporary classical music to jazz to singer-songwriters, folk, blues and world music. Scott engineered Loudon Wainwright’s Grammy- winning High, Wide and Handsome, and he recorded and produced Judy Kuhn’s All This Happiness, Bebe Neuwirth’s Porcelain, and Bach in Brazil for EMI Classics, among dozens of others. Theatrical design work includes the 2008 revival of SOUTH PACIFIC at Lincoln Center Theater (for which he received the first TONY Award for sound as well as the Drama Desk), RAISIN IN THE SUN with Denzel Washington, Mike Nichols’ production of BETRAYAL, Nora Ephron’s LUCKY GUY with Tom Hanks, the musical CHAPLIN (Drama Desk Award) and DEATH OF A SALESMAN with Philip Seymour Hoffman (TONY nom). Off-Broadway and regional work include twenty seasons of the ENCORES: GREAT AMERICAN MUSICALS IN CONCERT series.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to … Everyone who offered song suggestions, shared music, or provided support on the way to this second album, including Jason Aylesworth, Phyllis Berk, Deb Berman, Joyce Breach, Ann Hampton Callaway, Jane Wilson Cathcart, Alix Cohen, Nate Cyphert, Frank Dain, Donald Feltham, Luis Feliciano, Billy Goldenberg, Stephen Hanks, Beth Howlett, Rick Jensen, Michael Kerker, John Kilgore, Barry Kleinbort, Marilyn Lester, Andrea Marcovicci, Nick Markovich/The Yip Harburg Foundation, Amanda McBroom, Mitchell McCarthy, John Meyer, Theresa Montgomery, Ann Morrison, David Pearl, Lynn Pinto, Chris Poe, Andy Propst, Rex Reed, Jay Rogers, Keith Sabado, Robert Sacheli, Mark Sanderlin, Mark Sendroff, Harold Simons, KT Sullivan, Joanne Yeoman, Peter Wagenaar, Ronny Whyte, William Baldwin Young, Oscar Zambrano and especially Steve Ross, who lent us his entire collection of New York songs. • Laura Thomas and Brian Hurley for creating the safest of places for me to keep learning. • Sekou Luke, JSterling, Prince Riley, Barbara Flood, Richard Nesbit, Giedrius Jankauskas, and my extraordinary collaborator Stefan Bucher for helping me develop my visual identity. • Jered Egan, Michele Fox, Dan Gross, Sean Harkness, Matt Lepek, Tom Malone, John Miller, Marc Phaneuf, Dave Rogers, Peter Sachon, Roger Squitero, Mark Thrasher, Krystof Witek, and Sarah Zun for their inspiring musicianship. Larry Moore for his joyous orchestrations. Joshua Lance Dixon, Kristoffer Lowe and my treasured friend Jeff Harnar for creating The Rialtos. Vince Giordano and Adrian Cunningham, Jon-Erik Kellso, and Harvey Tibbs for allowing this Nightingale to make music with the Nighthawks. • Debbi Bush Whiting and Tex Arnold for entrusting us with her grandfather’s trunk song, and Roger Schore for his artful assistance. • Jeffrey Klitz for his distinctive orchestrations and guiding us through our penultimate recording session. • David Zippel for his generous words about what we have created. • Scott Lehrer for his indefatigable support and friendship. At 2nd Story Sound, I truly found a paradise th Celia-Berk-Nightingale-BW at’s trouble proof. • And Alex Rybeck for turning the city’s roar into thirteen songs, each one beautifully wrought, to create our Manhattan Serenade.

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1	I’VE BEEN WAITING ALL MY LIFE Billy Goldenberg/Alan & Marilyn Bergman[break] Alamar Music CELIA BERK, vocals[break] MICHAEL GOETZ, bass[break] PAUL MEYERS, guitar[break] JOHN REDSECKER, percussion[break] CLAY RUEDE, cello[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano CELIA: We always saw this as the song that could start the album. For a while, it was even our working title because it conveys a lot about my personal story and where singing fits into it. When I shared that story with Alex, he got a faraway look in his eye. I now know that means a great song is about to appear. He dove into the file cabinet next to his piano and out came this wonderful number. It’s from the Broadway musical BALLROOM, which is a show about propelling yourself forward despite life’s challenges. ALEX: With its gentle bossa nova beat and Jobim-like harmonies, this doesn’t sound like most people’s idea of a Broadway show tune. But it is. As far as the arrangement goes, the only change I made was toward the end, musically stretching a phrase or two, allowing Celia to linger on Billy Goldenberg’s gorgeous melody. Incidentally, I also happen to think this is one of the Bergmans’ finest lyrics, its heartfelt declarations perfectly married to the music. The musicians on the session really fleshed out my chart and took this to a supreme level. I especially love those stylish guitar licks by Paul Meyers. BILLY GOLDENBERG: I have to say that this was the first time I’ve heard my song, I’ve Been Waiting All My Life, truly done with such sensitivity. In the show BALLROOM, it was merely a band song, and was subsequently overlooked. Celia brought it to life, and that’s all any songwriter could desire.	2:41
2	PENTHOUSE SERENADE / STAIRWAY TO THE STARS Will Jason & Val Burton; Matt Malneck & Frank Signorelli/Mitchell Parish[break] Jerry Leiber Music Co.; Robbins Music Corp. CELIA BERK, vocals[break] JERED EGAN, bass[break] DAN GROSS, percussion[break] DAVE ROGERS, trumpet[break] CLAY RUEDE, cello[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano and keyboards[break] DAN WILLIS, tenor saxophone CELIA: Penthouse Serenade was another song that emerged from one of Alex’s faraway looks. This time, we were sitting at Vanessa’s Dumpling House on the Lower East Side (NB: try the duck pancakes) and he suddenly said, “Penthouse Serenade! Do you know it?” I didn’t, but as soon as I heard it I knew we were going to record it. We even thought long and hard about having it as the album title. It is exactly how I experience Manhattan. There aren’t many recordings of this song, written in 1931. It seems to first appear in the 1933 animated short BETTY BOOP’S PENTHOUSE, sung by Mae Questel. It’s the title track of a Nat King Cole instrumental jazz quartet album and is the underscoring for the George Cukor film GIRLS ABOUT TOWN. Stairway to the Stars is a song I have always been drawn to (and every time I hear it I think of Sweet Sue and Her Society Syncopators in SOME LIKE IT HOT). Alex suggested we make it a medley with Penthouse Serenade, and in the space of one hour I watched him build the arc of the story. I particularly love the way he finds our way back to Penthouse Serenade, with an intimate vocal dip to end this very romantic fantasy. ALEX: In joining these two songs together, the main question was which song should come first? After looking at both possibilities, the order we chose seemed to flow more logically. The next issue was a musical one, of getting from the key of the first song (E flat) to that of the second (G flat). Not a problem; the ascent felt natural. Much trickier was how to return to the first (lower) key without the listener feeling like the song was “sinking.” I think we achieved our goal of modulating downward while creating the sensation of actually rising to a higher key.	4:52
3	FRIENDLY STAR Harry Warren/Mack Gordon[break] Robbins Music Corp CELIA BERK, vocals[break] MICHAEL GOETZ, bass[break] SCOTT KUNEY, guitar[break] PAUL MEYERS, guitar[break] JOHN REDSECKER, percussion[break] CLAY RUEDE, cello[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano[break] MARY JO STILP, violin[break] KRYSTOF WITEK, violin[break] SARAH ZUN, violin CELIA: Friendly Star was written for Judy Garland to sing in the movie SUMMER STOCK. Alex had never seen the movie (!) so the first thing I did was get him a copy. Then we set out to give the music a contemporary feel without obscuring the heart of a sweet but not very well known song about longing. ALEX: This song seemed to want a delicate approach. And a bit of structural tinkering. We split the refrain into two sections: the first serving as an “ad lib” verse to establish the story, the second half as a gentle bossa nova as the singer “finds her groove” in discussing her love life with a different kind of nova! It felt natural to go into the instrumental section after “There you are, there you are!” rather than completing the song. So we did. And rather than a strictly standard instrumental break, we chose instead a call-and-response structure between Celia and the soloist, to keep the starlit conversation going. Initially, I tried using a soft flugelhorn during this middle section, but even that proved “too much,” and a redo with classical guitar seemed a better fit. Now we could pick up those last few lines of lyrics (“Then my love, you will be standing here close to me,” etc.) to complete the song. To set the lyrics off, the guitar leads melodically, Celia echoes. As a final tag, we used a line of the otherwise discarded verse (“Ev’ry night I eagerly watch them all go twinkling by…”). I hope the spirits of Mack Gordon and Harry Warren aren’t displeased by all this “remodeling.” (And if they are, I will take their advice and “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”)	3:51
4	You’re All The World To Me Burton Lane/Alan Jay Lerner[break] Miller Catalog CELIA BERK, vocals[break] MICHAEL GOETZ, bass[break] PAUL MEYERS, guitar[break] JOHN REDSECKER, percussion[break] CLAY RUEDE, cello[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano and keyboards[break] DAN WILLIS, flute CELIA: When you listen to this Burton Lane melody, you may feel you’ve heard it before but aren’t quite sure where. It’s from the movie ROYAL WEDDING. Fred Astaire dances on the ceiling to the music, but he never sings Alan Jay Lerner’s great “list song” lyrics. You really can’t listen without wanting to do some kind of happy dance. It’s just joyful. ALEX: Something about the music in the verse (perhaps the modal harmonies) suggested Early Renaissance music, and that informed my choosing harp-like classical guitar and soft flute to set the opening section. Once into the first Refrain, I shed that sound for a more straight-ahead “Broadway show tune” arrangement. I love the original, breezy Burton Lane accompaniment with those memorable whole-tone figurations after each phrase. Saw no reason to “improve” upon them.	2:34
5	Sometimes I’d Dream Jeffrey Klitz/Julie Flanders[break] Harmony LLC CELIA BERK, vocals[break] JERED EGAN, bass[break] CLAY RUEDE, cello[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano[break] DAN WILLIS, tenor saxophone ALEX: This song is that rarity — a classy, adult, contemporary ballad. Simplicity was the key to approaching it. I initially overwrote the cello and sax parts, and once in the studio, kept cutting them back. With a song this eloquent, less is much more. CELIA: Another session of poring over music with Alex prompted him to share several songs by Jeffrey Klitz and Julie Flanders. Alex has long admired their work, and had always wanted to find someone who would admire Sometimes I’d Dream as much as he did. That would be me! It’s an honor to be the first to record it.	2:42
6	Sand Stephen Sondheim[break] Warner Chappell Music CELIA BERK, vocals[break] JERED EGAN, bass[break] JOHN REDSECKER, percussion[break] CLAY RUEDE, cello[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano and keyboards[break] DAN WILLIS, tenor saxophone CELIA: If you’ve waited all your life to record an album, you probably want to include something by Stephen Sondheim. Sand is from his score for an unproduced film, SINGING OUT LOUD. I remember one of our musicians laughing out loud when he heard the vocals and saying, “That can only be a Sondheim lyric!” Indeed. ALEX: I like the feel of this song: lazy, bluesy, and a bit ominous. The cello and vibes lend a touch of sensuality. Sondheim has said he wrote it as a sort of send-up — an intentional “bad song.” Not sure what he thinks is bad about it. Perhaps the notion of over-working a simile? But set to such beguiling music, the lyric doesn’t come off as either send-up or naïve, but a thorough (and clever) exploration of an idea — and one which proves true! Sand can be anything; so can love. And the music has a strange undertow (to borrow from the beach imagery) that renders it not merely clever but haunting. (OK, so I did allow myself a tiny musical joke: a punctuating pizzicato from the cello following the lyric “Now it isn’t there!” — Pling!)	4:16
7	This Dream Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley[break] Musical Comedy Productions Inc. CELIA BERK, vocals[break] JERED EGAN, bass[break] JOHN REDSECKER, percussion[break] DAVE ROGERS, trumpet[break] CLAY RUEDE, cello[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano[break] MARY JO STILP, violin[break] KRYSTOF WITEK, violin[break] SARAH ZUN, violin CELIA: I’ve long known this song from the Broadway show THE ROAR OF THE GREASEPAINT—THE SMELL OF THE CROWD. But as I allowed myself to dream about where my music could take me, I took a closer look. Then Alex and I looked at it together. While Penthouse Serenade and Stairway to the Stars came together in front of my eyes in an hour, he took this one away to work on alone. When it returned weeks later, it felt to me like a one-act play. He gave me so much to work with and so many choices to make. The orchestration also took time to build, and the end result is a great example of Scott Lehrer’s mastery as an engineer, sound designer and producer. ALEX: I attempted to shape this short ballad into a miniature drama with a beginning, middle and end. The opening bolero rhythm was intended to create a sense of anticipation, ambition and strength — briefly abandoned during the mention of lying awake at night (which required something more atmospheric).[break] Imagining “the wildest of things can come true!” signals a joyous jazz waltz with trumpet solo.[break] The bolero returns, more determined, eventually subsiding to something ethereal and ephemeral. The point was to make a non-dreamy statement about dreaming.	2:57
8	It’s the Strangest Thing John Kander/Fred Ebb[break] Kander & Ebb CELIA BERK, vocals[break] JERED EGAN, bass[break] JOHN REDSECKER, percussion[break] DAVE ROGERS, trumpet[break] CLAY RUEDE, cello[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano[break] MARY JO STILP, violin[break] DAN WILLIS, tenor saxophone[break] KRYSTOF WITEK, violin[break] SARAH ZUN, violin CELIA: This one is very much true to our pattern of choosing lesser-known songs by great songwriters. It’s from the Broadway show THE ACT. Maybe because it was written for Liza Minnelli, it always makes me think of the great scene in A STAR IS BORN when Judy Garland sings The Man That Got Away. I asked Alex if we could find a way to tip our hat to that number, maybe with a humming vocal at the top. Alex took it a step further and gave our version of It’s The Strangest Thing a 1950’s sensibility – so much so that when Dave Rogers came in to add his horn, he instinctively chose one true to that era. ALEX: We wanted to evoke a late-night, jazzy nightclub feel, but with the added elegance of strings. The major arrangement question in my mind was how to treat the title phrase, with its syncopation and unexpected chromatic note on the word “thing.” I hope John Kander, one of my idols, isn’t offended by my taking a few harmonic liberties. In my opinion this is another one of those songs that deserves to be better known.	3:57
9	The Folks Who Live On The Hill Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein II[break] Polygram Music Publishing CELIA BERK, vocals[break] JERED EGAN, bass[break] JOHN REDSECKER, percussion[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano[break] DAN WILLIS, tenor saxophone CELIA: This song was first sung by Irene Dunne in the movie HIGH, WIDE AND HANDSOME. I have loved singing it from the first time I tried it on. I even included it in the program DOUBLE STANDARDS I did with my friend Rich Flanders. As friends found out I was putting songs together for an album, they would invariably ask, “You’re going to do that song about the people on the hill, aren’t you?” Very happy to oblige. ALEX: Notice the abrupt change of key from verse to refrain! This was because the verse sits higher melodically than the rest of the song. Rather than compromise either portion of the song, we decided to let each section exist where it felt natural. I think the result is that one sits up and listens more intently when the refrain begins. As always, Dan Willis can be counted on for a touch of soulful sax.	5:39
10	Go, My Love Adapted from J.S. Bach /Norma Tanega[break] Norma Tanega CELIA BERK, vocals[break] JERED EGAN, bass[break] SCOTT KUNEY, guitar[break] CLAY RUEDE, cello[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano[break] MARY JO STILP, violin[break] KRYSTOF WITEK, violin[break] SARAH ZUN, violin CELIA: One day, Alex looked at the opera scores stacked on my piano and got one of his faraway looks. He said he had found an interesting track on an obscure Dusty Springfield album. The song was called Go, My Love. It turned out the music was derived from a bass aria from Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. Michel Magne had used it as the theme music for the 1962 Roger Vadim movie LE REPOS DU GUERRIER. Songwriter Eddy Marnay added lyrics, and as Cent Mille Chansons (A Hundred Thousand Songs) it was recorded by Moroccan-born singer Freda Boccara. Norma Tanega wrote these English lyrics for Dusty Springfield. Alex and I were intrigued. While I explored the sweeping music (Jered Egan gave me wonderful insights into how I could mirror the long, smooth lines of the bowed bass), Alex and Scott Lehrer set out to build a chamber ensemble. ALEX: A classical approach seemed natural for this song based on a melody by J.S. Bach. Thank you, string players! Thank you, Scott Kuney, for the sensitive guitar.	3:36
11	Rain Sometimes Arthur Hamilton[break] Harmony Grace Publishing CELIA BERK, vocals[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano ALEX: I first became aware of this song as sung by the great Julie Wilson. It’s the only song on the album with just piano accompaniment. It didn’t seem to require anything additional. CELIA: Arthur Hamilton is probably best known for Cry Me A River. His quiet melody and straightforward lyric express things that I believe are true. Life will bring inevitable challenges and occasional successes, but love is what endures.	2:54
12	You Can’t Rush Spring Ann Hampton Callaway[break] Works Of Heart Publishing CELIA BERK, vocals[break] STEVE DOYLE, bass[break] DAN GROSS, percussion[break] SEAN HARKNESS, guitar[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano ALEX: The last song picked for this album, it shares a similar theme to I’ve Been Waiting All My Life. We didn’t want to repeat the bossa feel of that song, although Ann Hampton Callaway conceived it that way. I was happy to discover that a gentle swing served it well, and moreover, it had the effect of tilting the lyrical intention toward a “glass half full” scenario: You can’t rush spring, true, but it’s definitely on its way! CELIA: We knew we wanted to add a number with a swing feel, and also circle back to the themes from I’ve Been Waiting All My Life. Over the course of a few weeks, it felt as if we looked at every song ever written. But from the moment Alex shared Ann’s beautiful song, it was clear we had found what we were looking for. Everyone can find themselves in these deceptively simple lyrics. And her lovely melody really does linger on. How could it not be the title of our album? ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY: I wrote this song many years ago on the QE2 for one of my heroes, Lena Horne. I sent it to my friend, the great pianist Mike Renzi, who was getting ready to record Lena’s last album. It was slated for the project, but at 6 p.m. when it was to be recorded, the engineer said, “Sorry, but we’ve run out of time.” It is one of my sorrows that Lena never recorded this song but am so happy it has found a life with singers like Karrin Allyson and Celia Berk.	3:23
13	I’m Glad There Is You Jimmy Dorsey/Paul Madeira[break] Morley Music Co. CELIA BERK, vocals[break] MICHAEL GOETZ, bass[break] DAN GROSS, percussion[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano[break] DAN WILLIS, tenor saxophone CELIA: This has been a quintessential jazz standard since it was written in 1942. I’ve been singing it for some time, but it was a particular pleasure to have a musical “conversation” with Dan Willis’s sax. Every girl singer’s dream…. Sigh. ALEX: A classic, this plays to Celia’s strengths as a musical storyteller: her expressivity, intimacy, warmth, and tenderness, conveyed through thoughtful, natural phrasing. For the arrangement, a touch of brushes, mellow stand-up bass, and an impeccable sax solo by Dan Willis — nothing else was needed.	6:10
14	The Broken Record Cliff Friend, Charlie Tobias & Boyd Bunch[break] Chappell & Co. CELIA BERK, vocals[break] MICHAEL GOETZ, bass[break] PAUL MEYERS, guitar[break] JOHN REDSECKER, percussion[break] DAVE ROGERS, trumpet[break] ALEX RYBECK, piano[break] KRYSTOF WITEK, violin ALEX: After a mostly earnest collection of songs, a touch of irreverent silliness seemed like a fun way to go! A nod of thanks to my good friend and mentor, director Sara Lazarus, who had the witty notion of ending the song with the repeated “about you.” CELIA: The novelty songs on Barbra Streisand’s early albums made a huge impression on me. So when Alex showed me The Broken Record, I knew I’d found a way to pay homage. And Scott Lehrer found the perfect way to end the album. We hope it leaves you with a smile.	2:27

CLICK ON THE TITLES FOR MORE ABOUT EACH SONG.

Produced by Scott Lehrer and Alex Rybeck

Recorded and mixed by Scott Lehrer
Mastered by Oscar Zambrano / Zampol Productions
Recorded at 2nd Story Sound, New York City

Art Direction by Stefan G. Bucher for 344design.com
Photography by Mike Dote
© 2014 Gramercy Nightingale Music Company. All Rights Reserved.

Biographies

Celia Berk released her highly anticipated second album, Manhattan Serenade, in April 2016. She is celebrating with a return engagement at New York’s Metropolitan Room that has been extended through October. In his review, Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote, “Ms. Berk makes you feel about New York the same way a Cole Porter song makes you feel about Paris.” The album is arranged and conducted by Alex Rybeck and co-produced by Tony Award-winning sound designer Scott Lehrer, the team behind her 2014 debut album You Can’t Rush Spring. That album and Celia’s solo cabaret debut, directed by Jeff Harnar, earned Celia a 2015 Bistro Award: Vocalist, 2015 MAC Award: New York Debut – Female, 2015 BroadwayWorld Award for Best New York Cabaret Debut, and The 2015 Margaret Whiting Award. Celia has attracted attention from some of the most prominent proponents of The Great American Songbook. Michael Feinstein said, “I so enjoy Celia’s beautiful vocal sound and style, and her taste in song choices.” Jonathan Schwartz has included selections on his iconic radio program. And Rex Reed wrote, “Charm, sophistication, good taste and a titanic talent are all rare gifts in cabaret…Ms. Berk displays them all, setting the bar very high indeed for every girl singer who follows…Intimate, exquisite, understated, her facial expressions are as exciting to watch as her lyrics are to hear…Where has she been all my life?” Reviewers and listeners are attracted to Celia’s song selections, which include hidden gems from great songwriters, and what Amanda McBroom describes as Celia’s “velvet intelligence.” Nominated for the 2015 LaMott Friedman Award for Best Recording, You Can’t Rush Spring appeared on a number of Best of 2014 lists and has found a global audience, with airplay and sales extending across the US and into Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada. David Hurst of the New York Arts Review called the album, “One of the more auspicious debut recordings of recent years… an intoxicating revelation!” Celia has made memorable appearances at Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Town Hall as part of the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s annual Cabaret Convention and will appear again in October 2016 in an evening devoted to Stephen Sondheim. Celia Berk’s recordings are available on iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon and Pandora.

Alex Rybeck is a pianist, arranger, composer and highly sought-after singers’ coach, well known for his work in theater, cabaret and on recordings. Recipient of two Best Musical Director Awards from The Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (2005, 2011), Alex has worked with Michael Feinstein, Tommy Tune, Faith Prince, Liz and Ann Hampton Callaway, Donna McKechnie, Rita Gardner, Jane Olivor, Jason Graae, Jeff Harnar, Lee Roy Reams, Metropolitan Opera diva Roberta Peters and “Voice of Hollywood” Marni Nixon. Broadway credits include MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG and GRAND HOTEL, and Alex conducted the world premiere of WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW, earning accolades from Burt Bacharach. His numerous CDs for such acclaimed vocalists as Liz Callaway, Jeff Harnar, Kevin Dozier and Celia Berk have won praise from critics and listeners alike. Original songs include What a Funny Boy He Is (recorded by Nancy LaMott), Bless Your Heart (recorded by Faith Prince), and the MAC-nominated And I’m Leaving Today (Todd Murray, lyrics) and He Remembers/She Remembers (Robert M. Levy, lyrics).

Scott Lehrer’s work as a sound designer and engineer/producer can be heard in a variety of media, from Broadway musicals to CDs, TV documentaries, radio dramas, film soundtracks and museum installations. His work as a music engineer and producer crosses genres from contemporary classical music to jazz to singer-songwriters, folk, blues and world music. Scott engineered Loudon Wainwright’s Grammy- winning High, Wide and Handsome, and he recorded and produced Judy Kuhn’s All This Happiness, Bebe Neuwirth’s Porcelain, and Bach in Brazil for EMI Classics, among dozens of others. Theatrical design work includes the 2008 revival of SOUTH PACIFIC at Lincoln Center Theater (for which he received the first TONY Award for sound as well as the Drama Desk), RAISIN IN THE SUN with Denzel Washington, Mike Nichols’ production of BETRAYAL, Nora Ephron’s LUCKY GUY with Tom Hanks, the musical CHAPLIN (Drama Desk Award) and DEATH OF A SALESMAN with Philip Seymour Hoffman (TONY nom). Off-Broadway and regional work include twenty seasons of the ENCORES: GREAT AMERICAN MUSICALS IN CONCERT series.

Acknowledgments

This first album proves that the wildest of dreams can come true. They do. But they only come true with wise teachers, generous collaborators, and treasured friends and family. In this world of extraordinary people, I’m particularly glad there have been…

Dominic Alldis, Jason Aylesworth, George Brooks, Emalynne Brushey, Jane Wilson Cathcart, Nate Cyphert, Kevin Dozier, Jeff Harnar, Scott Jacoby, Giedrius Jankauskas/Impress, Barbara Jones, JSterling, Jeffrey Klitz, Amanda McBroom, Alexander Ostrovsky, Sarah Rice, Paul Rolnick, Mark Sanderlin, J.J. Sedelmaier, Mark Sendroff, Jim Stenborg, Oscar Zambrano

Dan Block, Steve Doyle, Jered Egan, Michael Goetz, Dan Gross, Sean Harkness, Scott Kuney, Dan Levine, Paul Meyers, John Redsecker, Dave Rogers, Clay Ruede, Mary Jo Stilp, Dan Willis, Krystof Witek, Sarah Zun

Laura Thomas. Sitting beside her at the piano each week means all the world to me.

Brian Hurley, who challenges me to think differently about love songs, old songs, new songs.

Mike Dote, who can capture the view that seems to want to be seen.

Stefan Bucher and his ability to see me clearly from afar.

Ann Hampton Callaway. Her exquisite song is a wonder only time could bring us.

Michael Feinstein. His encouragement far exceeds anything I’d sometimes dream.

The discernment and generous guiding light of Scott Lehrer. And Alex Rybeck, who illuminates every song he touches. I would call it something magical.

Celia-Berk-Nightingale-BW This is for my brother. Rain sometimes leads you to sing the songs you’ve waited all your life to sing.

News

December 19 and 20, 2019 — Holiday Show

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And I’m so excited to be part of this merry band celebrating the holidays at The Beach Cafe.

November 21, 2019 — BroadwayWorld Awards

Pianist Sean Gough and I are delighted to be nominated in the Best Duo category in the 2019 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards.

October 31, 2019 — Jazz at Lincoln Center/Mabel Mercer Foundation

Honored to appear on the final evening of the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s 30th Annual Cabaret Convention, hosted by KT Sullivan. Pianist Sean Gough and I will be joined by saxophonist David Liebman, for a “haunting” number on Halloween.

September 5, 2019 — Jazz At Kitano October 2

I’m making my Jazz at Kitano debut with my first two-set evening. “COMES LOVE” returns to NYC with pianist Sean Gough and bassist Steve Doyle on October 2 at 8pm & 10pm. Reservations at (212) 885-7119. http://bit.ly/celiaberkjazzatkitano

July 1, 2019 — “COMES LOVE” Comes Back to Birdland July 9!

Thrilled to be invited back to Birdland Theater Tuesday, July 9 at 7pm. COMES LOVE is my new collaboration with pianist Sean Gough. We’ve met at an intersection between jazz and cabaret, and can’t think of a better place to share our evening of songs about love than in this new space at Birdland Jazz Club. We’re joined by Birdland favorite, bassist Steve Doyle. Here’s what the Bistro Awards said about our debut: http://bit.ly/BistroAwardsComesLove Tickets and info here: http://bit.ly/CeliaBerkComesLove

JUNE 30, 2019 — BITTERSWEET

To mark my new collaboration with pianist Sean Gough, we’ve released a demo of “Bittersweet”. You can hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNPO4H2oujw

April 27, 2019 — 2019 MARGARET WHITING AWARD

As a past honoree, I’m delighted to help celebrate Danny Bacher as he receives the 2019 Margaret Whiting Award from the American Songbook Association and My Ideal Music on June 25 at the Laurie Beechman Theater. Tickets are only available here: http://americansongbookassociation.org/index.html

April 14, 2019 — HERE COMES “COMES LOVE”!

To celebrate the debut of COMES LOVE at Birdland Theater on Tuesday, April 23 at 7m, we’re sharing a demo of the title song. This is my new collaboration with pianist Sean Gough, and we’re so pleased to be joined by Steve Doyle on bass. You can hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew-jcUneu7M

March 9, 2019 — BIRDLAND THEATER DEBUT APRIL 23!

I’m thrilled to make my Birdland Theater debut on Tuesday, April 23 at 7pm. COMES LOVE is my new collaboration with pianist Sean Gough. We’ve met at an intersection between jazz and cabaret, and can’t think of a better place to share our evening of songs about love than in this new space at Birdland Jazz Club. We’re joined by Birdland favorite, bassist Steve Doyle. Details here: http://bit.ly/celiaberkbirdlandtheater

January 9, 2019 — A NEW COLLABORATION BEGINS

The new year brings a new collaboration with pianist Sean Gough. Our topic is love, and we’re headed to the Beach Cafe on February 23 for a sneak peek of the songs we’ve chosen. Tickets and information here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celia-berk-with-pianist-sean-gough-tickets-53360628075?aff=eac2

December 22, 2018 — MAKE THEM HEAR YOU

Looking forward to joining my extraordinary cabaret friends in supporting Pax Christi Metro NY’s Peacemaking Through The Arts concert on Sunday afternoon, February 10.

September 9, 2018 — MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

So pleased to be part of the Simply Timeless Radio program on the night that “America’s #1 Full-Time Jazz Station” — Jazz88″ in Minneapolis joined the network.

September 4, 2018 — FEINSTEIN’S/ 54 BELOW

Thrilled to be part of the 40th anniversary of BALLROOM. Its glorious score is by Billy Goldberg and Alan & Marilyn Bergman. “I’ve Been Waiting All My Life” is the first track on my debut album “You Can’t Rush Spring”. But this time I get to sing a song that was cut.

June 11, 2018 — DORSET, ENGLAND

Thank you Sandy Letham for including me in the Just Trad Jazz Show on Abbey104. 104.7FM and www.abbey104.com

June 10, 2018 — THE JONATHAN CHANNEL

Delighted to be included in this new home of the Great American Songbook, broadcasting 24/7 from New York City. http://thejonathanstation.com/

June 1, 2018 — JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER

It Only Takes A Moment to say thank you to the Mabel Mercer Foundation for inviting me to be part of “The Best Of Jerry Herman” at this year’s New York Cabaret Convention. October 11 at Jazz At Lincoln Center. https://www.classy.org/event/the-29th-new-york-cabaret-convention/e182104

May 15, 2018 — CALAIX DEJAZZTRE

Hola Barcelona, Spain! Thank you Jordi Hatero for adding me to your May 15 program as one of the “las voces emergentes de la neoyorkina” https://www.ivoox.com/programa-121-15-mai-audios-mp3_rf_25968267_1.html

April 25, 2018 — THE JAZZ LOUNGE

Thank you Grace Black for putting my album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING into rotation in the UK on The Jazz Lounge Radio Show at www.k107.co.uk

March 30, 2018 — SIMPLY TIMELESS RADIO

Thank you Jay Daniels for putting my albums YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING and MANHATTAN SERENADE into rotation!

February 27, 2018 — MAC AWARDS

Not sure if it’s girl power, strength in numbers, or just a continuation of the gift that is TOGETHER….but it’s such a pleasure to earn a MAC Award Nomination alongside Sally Darling, Meg Flather, Josephine Sanges and Lisa Viggiano in the Revue/Special Production Category.

February 1, 2018 — THE BISTRO AWARDS

Delighted that It Helps To Sing About It: Songs of Ben Schaechter & Dan Kael has won a 2018 Bistro Award (and been designated the ASCAP Outstanding Revue Award). It was a pleasure to be part of the company, and I look forward to performing an excerpt at the gala event in March.

January 8, 2018 — BROADWAYWORLD AWARDS

Thank you to the voters of the BroadwayWorld Awards for earning me a place on this incredible list of honorees as Best Female Vocalist.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/2017-BWW-Cabaret-Awards-Carole-J-Bufford-Wins-Best-Show-Betty-Buckley-and-Charles-Busch-Take-Top-Celeb-Honors-20180108

January 2, 2018 — LOVE IS JUST SAND: CELIA BERK AT THE BEACH CAFE

What better way to step into the new year than to follow in the footsteps of two women I so admire. I’d follow them anywhere, including the Beach Cafe on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Join me for Dinner and a Show at New York’s loveliest new cabaret room on Saturday, February 3 at 8:15pm.

https://www.thebeachcafe.com/cabaret/

November 25, 2017 — WINTER RHYTHMS

The company of TOGETHER: 2017 Cabaret Award-Nominated Vocalists is thrilled to join Winter Rhthyms at Urban Stages at 7pm Friday, December 15. http://urbanstages.org/winterrhythms2017

November 1, 2017 — TOGETHER AGAIN!

TOGETHER: 2017 Cabaret Award-Nominated Vocalists is returning to Don’t Tell Mama the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. And this time we’re raising money for a food kitchen. http://www.donttellmamanyc.com/shows/main/together-2017-cabaret-award-nominated-vocalists-11-21

October 1, 2017 — WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE

Two songs from my album MANHATTAN SERENADE are featured on Women of Substance Radio & Podcast‘s annual “We’ve Got It Covered” series. “Up On The Roof” will be played on the “HIP 50S & 60S” Show and title track “Manhattan Serenade” on the “SOPHISTICATED STANDARDS” Show.

September 3, 2017 — ONE MORE CHANCE!

One more chance to sing at the Metropolitan Room’s current location, and one more chance to be part of IT HELPS TO SING ABOUT: SONGS OF BEN SCHAECHTER & DAN KAEL when it returns on September 16 and 17.

July 6, 2017 — THE MABEL MERCER FOUNDATION

S’Awful nice to be part of the October 17 evening celebrating the music of George Gershwin at this year’s Cabaret Convention at Jazz At Lincoln Center.

June 12, 2017 — THECITYVIEW.COM

My first inclusion in a Will Friedwald column! This one’s about the upcoming Dietz & Schwartz & Friends concert at Carnegie Hall.

https://thecitiview.com/nyc/articles/the-mabel-mercer-foundation-presentsthats-entertainment-dietz-schwartz-friends/8494/c1272/

May 13, 2017 — TOGETHER!

We’re told it’s unprecedented. The 2017 MAC Female Vocalists are coming together for an afternoon of song on June 25 at Don’t Tell Mama in New York. It’s a benefit for Trinity Place Shelter LGBTQ Youth Program. Sally Darling, Meg Flather, Josephine Sanges, Lisa Viggiano and yours truly. John M. Cook, Musical Director. http://donttellmamanyc.com/shows/main/together-6-25

May 4, 2017 — LONGISLANDHERALD.COM

This Rockville Centre native is practicing, practicing for her Carnegie Hall debut courtesy of the Mabel Mercer Foundation.

http://www.liherald.com/stories/rvc-native-to-debut-at-carnegie-hall,91387

March 31, 2017 — TIMES SQUARE CHRONICLES

IT HELPS TO SING ABOUT IT is a hit! And we’ll be back at the Metropolitan Room in September.

http://t2conline.com/it-helps-to-sing-about-it-is-a-hit/

March 28, 2017 — MAC AWARDS

Deeply honored that MANHATTAN SERENADE has received the (Nancy)Lamott/(David)Friedman Award for Best Album.

March 13, 2017 — CARNEGIE HALL

Thrilled to announce my participation in this very special evening.

March 5, 2017 — BROADWAYWORLD.COM

The cast of It Helps To Sing About It: Songs of Schaechter & Kael are heading back to the Metropolitan Room this month!

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/IT-HELPS-TO-SING-ABOUT-IT-to-Return-to-The-Metropolitan-Room-20170303

March 4, 2017 — SONDHEIM MEDLEY

This duet with Josephine Sanges has been added to the permanent collection of the Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center! https://youtu.be/B9WsBNj3mqY

February 23, 2017 — MAC AWARDS

So proud to have MANHATTAN SERENADE — the show directed by Jeff Harnar, and the album arranged and conducted by Alex Rybeck — recognized by the cabaret community with two MAC — Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs nominations.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Natalie-Douglas-Joe-Iconis-Molly-Pope-SPAMILTON-and-More-Among-2017-MAC-Award-Nominees-20170223

February 11, 2017 — NITE LIFE EXCHANGE

Thank you Marilyn Lester for catching the excitement of this special evening.

http://nitelifeexchange.com/a-benefit-for-cabaret-scenes-hits-all-the-right-notes/

February 7, 2017 — CABARET SCENES GALA

Excited to be included in this incredible array of cabaret artists (and friends) celebrating Cabaret Scenes Magazine at the Metropolitan Room.

January 19, 2017 — BROADWAYWORLD.COM 2016 CABARET AWARDS

So thrilled to received the BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret Award for Best Show, Female for MANHATTAN SERENADE. Musical Director Alex Rybeck was also honored, as was Director Jeff Harnar (who picked up his second consecutive Best Male Vocalist Award).

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/2016-BWW-Cabaret-Awards-Celia-Berk-and-Sidney-Myer-Win-Top-Show-Honors-Betty-Buckley-and-Tony-Yazbeck-are-Top-Celebs-20170119

January 1, 2017 — THE BROADWAY RADIO SHOW

What a nice New Year’s surprise from Donald Feltham’s The Broadway Radio Show. My second album MANHATTAN SERENADE is one of the “extras” at the end of his “MY TOP TEN FAVORITE CAST RECORDINGS OF 2016! (plus some extras).”

http://www.haineshisway.com/the-broadway-radio-show/

November 30, 2016 — BROADWAYWORLD NY CABARET AWARDS

Thrilled to be nominated for two awards: Best Show, Female and Best Vocalist, Female and to have my Director Jeff Harnar and Musical Director Alex Rybeck nominated as well. You can see some of our collaboration at YouTube.com/CeliaBerkMusic.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Voting-Now-Open-for-the-2016-BWW-Cabaret-Awards-20161129

November 3, 2016 — THEY WRITE THE SONGS

So pleased to be amongst the singers included in the submission of songwriters Ben Schaechter & Dan Kael for the MAC Dottie Burman Songwriting Award. They are finalists!

November 1, 2016 — A NEW DISCOVERY

Debbi Bush Whiting found this hidden gem in the files of her grandfather Richard Whiting. And she coaxed Jeff Harnar and Alex Rybeck into the studio to record it for me!

October 19, 2016 — JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER

What a thrill to be part of the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s 27th Annual New York Cabaret Convention, and especially to be part of the evening saluting Stephen Sondheim.

http://theaterpizzazz.com/saluting-stephen-sondheim/

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Review-Cabaret-Celebrates-Stephen-Sondheim-in-Night-Two-of-the-Mabel-Mercer-Foundation-Cabaret-Convention-1019-20161021

October 13, 2016 — BROADWAYWORLD.COM

Many thanks to Ashley Steves for this in-depth interview about my second album MANHATTAN SERENADE and my love affair with New York.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Interview-MAC-Award-Winner-Celia-Berk-Discusses-Her-Latest-Album-MANHATTAN-SERENADE-and-Her-Lifelong-Love-Affair-with-New-York-20161013

October 12, 2016 — CRAINS 5 BOROS

Thank you Deanna Cioppa for a lovely profile, featuring this photo by photographer Sekou Luke.

http://www.5boros.com/2016/10/manhattan-serenade-cabaret-singer-celia-berk-shares-her-greatest-love-affair/

September 19, 2016 — IT HELPS TO SING ABOUT IT

Happy Chuffed Ferklempt for my dear friends Ben Schaechter and Dan Kael, director Sara Louise Lazarus and fellow castmates Nora Davis (our producer), Joshua Lance Dixon, Kelli Rabke, Marissa Mulder and David Perlman. And personally appreciative of this generous review by Randolph B. Eigenbrode in Cabaret Scenes.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/09/19/it-helps-to-sing-about-it-the-songs-of-ben-schaechter-dan-kael/

September 10, 2016 — WE’RE A BISTRO PICK!

What a pleasure to help introduce (or re-introduce) these songwriters to a cabaret audience.

http://bistroawards.com/it-helps-to-sing-about-it/

September 5, 2016 — IT HELPS TO SING ABOUT IT

Pleased to be joining a wonderful cast celebrating the music of my friends Ben Schaechter and Dan Kael.

August 1, 2016 — HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

Thank you Hofstra University for this lovely feature. Thank you to my parents for PAYING for Hofstra University. And thank you Aaron Tomlinson for the great pictures!

http://news.hofstra.edu/2016/07/29/alumnas-manhattan-serenade-is-a-tribute-to-the-city-and-music-she-loves/?twitter

July 20, 2016 — NEW YORK OBSERVER

Thank you Rex Reed for this review of our July Metropolitan Room show. Director Jeff Harnar and I were thrilled to welcome you and songbird Joyce Breach.

http://observer.com/2016/…/with-old-chums-life-is-a-cabaret/

July 15, 2016 — NEW YORK ARTS REVIEW

Thank you David Hurst for this generous review of my “sophomore album” MANHATTAN SERENADE.

http://nyartsreview.com/home/manhattan-serenade-★★★★★/

June 26, 2016 — CABARET CONVENTION

Thrilled to be invited back to the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Cabaret Convention, which returns to Jazz At Lincoln Center this year. I’m part of the October 19 evening saluting Stephen Sondheim, hosted by Jeff Harnar and Andrea Marcovicci.

June 10, 2016 — PANDORA

MANHATTAN SERENADE has just been accepted by Pandora! That’s the second album arranged and conducted by Alex Rybeck and Co-Produced by Scott Lehrer to be selected. Coincidence? I think not. It joins my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING, which has had over 7,000 spins.

June 6, 2016 — CABARET SCENES/MUSIC REVIEWS

Thank you John Hoglund for this review of my second album, and especially for the final paragraph recognizing my extraordinary — and extraordinarily generous — collaborators.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/06/07/celia-berk-manhattan-serenade-2/

May 29, 2016 — CABARET SCENES/CABARET REVIEWS

Thank you Peter Haas for this review of my return to the Metropolitan Room celebrating my second album, Manhattan Serenade.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/05/29/celia-berk-manhattan-serenade/

May 25, 2016 — THE PENTHOUSE RADIO

My second album, MANHATTAN SERENADE, has been added to the playlist of THE PENTHOUSE at http://www.thepenthouse.fm/

May 23, 2016 — SOUTH AFRICA

Thank you Peter Wagenaar and Radio Today Johannesburg for adding MANHATTAN SERENADE to the playlist of “I’ve Got My Standards.”

April 25, 2016 — THE NEW YORK TIMES

Thank you Stephen Holden for this review as we ended our month of Sundays celebrating the release of MANHATTAN SERENADE. We are being held over!

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/26/arts/music/review-celia-berks-manhattan-serenade-exudes-romantic-nostalgia.html

April 20, 2016 — THE BISTRO AWARDS

Thank you Robert Windeler for this review of my second show, celebrating my second album. So glad he called out the inspired and inspiring contributions of Director Jeff Harnar, Musical Director/Arranger Alex Rybeck, Jered Egan on bass (who paired with Michael Goetz on our April dates), Dan Gross on percussion and Dan Willis on woodwinds.

http://bistroawards.com/celia-berk-4/

April 19, 2016 — TALKIN’ BROADWAY

Thank you Rob Lester for this thoughtful, extensive consideration of MANHATTAN SERENADE!

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/sound/april1516.html

April 15, 2016 — “ON THE AIR” IN AMSTERDAM

Thank you Virginia Music in The Netherlands for adding my new album MANHATTAN SERENADE to your female vocalist Jazzradio playlist!

http://www.virginiamusic.eu/highlights

April 7, 2016 — WOMAN AROUND TOWN

Fred Cohen’s fascinating comparison of albums and performances!

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/manhattan-serenade-celia-berk

April 5, 2016 — CABARET SCENES

We’re a Pick of the Week! http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/04/05/apr-10-celia-berk/

April 5, 2016 — BROADWAYWORLD.COM

Alix Cohen’s review of our opening night at the Metropolitan Room.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Review-Celia-Berk-Follows-Up-Multiple-Award-Debut-Year-With-Smart-Stylish-and-Meticulous-CD-Release-Show-at-the-Metropolitan-Room-20160405#

April 4, 2016 — THEATER PIZZAZZ

Marilyn Lester has written about our opening night at the Metropolitan Room. We’re back three more Sundays in April!

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/celia-berk-manhattan-serenade/

March 28, 2016 — BISTRO AWARDS

We’re a “Bistro Pick”! Thank you to the Bistro Awards for highlighting our upcoming shows at the Metropolitan Room. We’re there every Sunday in April, celebrating the release of my new album, MANHATTAN SERENADE.

http://bistroawards.com/celia-berk-3/

March 27, 2016 — THE BROADWAY SHOW

Thank you Donald Feltham for inviting me back on your show to discuss my new album, MANHATTAN SERENADE.

Thank you Donald Feltham for inviting me back to The Broadway Radio Show to discuss my new album, MANHATTAN SERENADE. Arranged and conducted by Alex Rybeck. Co-Produced by Scott Lehrer.
http://www.haineshisway.com/the-broadway-radio-show/

March 13, 2016 — THE SALON

I’m heading to The Salon, hosted by Mark Janas and produced by Tanya Moberly. Alex Rybeck and I are in the “Salon Spotlight.” We’re previewing three songs from our new album MANHATTAN SERENADE, which drops April 1.

March 6, 2016 — A BROAD SPECTRUM

Thank you to Mary Foster Conklin for including my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING on her new weekly show “A Broad Spectrum” on WFDU 89.1 FM/www.wfdu.fm ‘s HD2 channel “Jazz And What’s More.” She’s offering up an assortment of music by Women Who Inspire – Writers, Composers, Instrumentalists and Vocalists (and yes, there will be airplay of male artists too, in the Honorable Men-tion slot).

March 5, 2016 — JOE’S PUB AT THE PUBLIC THEATER

Looking forward to joining a fascinating group of highly accomplished women on the stage of Joe’s Pub for the next “Women of Letters, New York City.” Our topic is “A letter to the person I imagined I’d be.” http://joespub.publictheater.org/en/tickets/calendar/playdetailscollection/joes-pub/2016/w/women-of-letters-mar-2016/?SiteTheme=JoesPub

February 27, 2016 — CABARET SCENES MAGAZINE

Fun profile of the 2016 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award winners in the March/April issue of Cabaret Scenes Magazine! What a thrill to be in such esteemed company. And heartfelt thanks to everyone whose votes earned me the Best Debut Show honor.

January 20, 2016 — RADIO WORLD INDIE

Thank you Lucio Urbano for adding my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to “Straight Up Jazz With Luciano” from 12PM to 1PM on Radio World Indie. http://www.radioworldindie.org/

January 19, 2016 — BROADWAYWORLD AWARD

Thrilled to be voted the Best New York Cabaret Debut of 2015. And oh my, what wonderful company I am in!

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-2015-New-York-Cabaret-Awards-Alan-Cumming-Betty-Buckley-Are-Top-Celebs-Jane-Monheit-Takes-4th-Straight-for-Jazz-Vocalist-Todd-Murray-Wins-for-Best-Show-Vocalist-20160119#

December 28, 2015 — CABARET SCENES MAGAZINE

I’m Miss January! (Well, Miss January/February…) I’m the cover story of the first issue of 2016. Marilyn Lester’s profile is called “You Can’t Rush Success.”

December 23, 2015 — INAUGURAL SHOW OF A NEW SERIES

Thrilled to be part of the first show of a new series broadcasting David Kenney’s “Everything Old Is New Again” LIVE from the Metropolitan Room the first Sunday of every month. WBAI, 99.5 fm; WBAI.org; oldisnew.org

http://cabaretscenes.org/2015/12/19/everything-old-is-new-again-live/

December 6, 2015 — GOING LEGIT

What a pleasure to join fellow MAC Award-winner Dawn Derow for another performance of her BroadwayWorld Award-nominated show LEGIT: A CLASSICAL CABARET. With Tenor Victor Khodadad. Musical Direction by Mark Janas. Direction by Lina Koutrakas. Presented by Carolyn Montgomery-Forant as part of her new “Stronger Stuff” Series at the Laurie Beechman Theatre.

November 26, 2015 — BROADWAYWORLD NOMINATION

Thank you BroadwayWorld.com, New York Cabaret Section Editor Stephen Hanks, and Remy Block, David Clarke, Alix Cohen, John Hoglund, and Billie Roe for placing my debut show in nomination for a 2015 Broadway New York Cabaret Award. http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Announces-2015-New-York-Cabaret-Awards-Nominees-KAREN-MASON-and-MARK-NADLER-Named-Years-Best-Performers-MARILYN-MAYE-and-JEFF-HARNAR-Earn-Three-Nominations-Each-20151126

November 13, 2015 – WE’RE IN THE STUDIO

In the WFUV studio with Alex Rybeck, Sally Mayes, Kevin Dozier, Jeff Harnar and host Bob Sherman recording a special cabaret-focused Thanksgiving Sunday broadcast of his “Woody’s Children” series. November 29, 1-3pm ET on 90.7fm and streaming at wfuv.org.

November 9, 2015 – THE MAC CHANNEL

Selections from my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING are now streaming on the MAC Channel of Accuradio.com. It features members of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs, which honored me with the 2015 Award for Female Debut, and nominated the album for the LaMott Friedman Award. http://www.accuradio.com/channel/the-mac-channel/707/

October 14, 2015 – THE MARGARET WHITING AWARD

What a surprise and thrill to be presented with the 2015 Margaret Whiting Award by My Ideal Music, Inc. and the Mabel Mercer Foundation. Made all the more special by being presented onstage by Margaret’s daughter Debbi Bush Whiting, in-between my two songs at the Cabaret Convention.

October 3, 2015 – WE’RE A GREAT EVENT IN NYC

Thank you to The Three Tomatoes for including our November 8 return to the Metropolitan Room as one of the Great Events in NYC Life this Fall!

http://thethreetomatoes.com/nyc-life-great-events-in-october-and-November

September 24, 2015 – THE JAZZ UK

Thank you Ian Starling/thejazz.co.uk for adding my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to your playlist!

September 20, 2015 – SPINNING!

Pandora Radio reports over 5,000 spins of tracks from my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING.

September 19, 2015 – BLOOMING GROVE, NY

Broadway Concerts Direct ushers in Fall with a cornucopia of songs, hosted by Carole Demas.

September 1, 2015 – BACK AT 2ND STORY SOUND

Recording backups for my second album! Joshua Dixon, Jeff Harnar and Kristoffer Lowe under the Direction of Arranger/Conductor/Musical Director Alex Rybeck.

August 22, 2015 — MY VERSION OF SUMMER STOCK

Looking forward to finding out how a song from our new album lands on the ears of a friendly Orange County, New York audience.

July 18, 2015 – BACK TO BLOOMING GROVE, NY

Trying out new material for an audience that is more like family.

June 20, 2015 – BLOOMING GROVE, NY

Can’t think of a better way to spend a late Spring evening than making music with wonderful friends.

June 9, 2015 – BACK IN THE STUDIO

The start of the long journey to a second album. At 2nd Story Sound in New York City with Alex Rybeck, Scott Lehrer, Jered Egan and Dan Gross.

June 1, 2015 – CABARET CONVENTION!

Thrilled and honored to be part of The Mabel Mercer Foundation’s 2015 program. Wednesday, October 14 at Town Hall. Hosted by Jeff Harnar & Andrea Marcovicci. A Sentimental Journey: World War II Songs.

May 25, 2015 – A SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE

Thank you Dawn Derow for inviting me to join her for an opera duet in her new show LEGIT – A Classical Cabaret. May 26 and June 19 at the Metropolitan Room.

May 23, 2015 – BLOOMING GROVE, NY

Chirping away with Carole Demas, Rich Flanders, Mark Planner, Anne Tarpey-Flanders, David Vernon and Broadway Concerts Direct impresario Sarah Rice. Matthew Martin Ward at the piano.

May 10, 2015 – YOU MEET THE NICEST PEOPLE ON TWITTER

Thank you Nate & Paul for adding tracks from YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to today’s “Sunday Show Tunes” in Woking, Surrey, UK. http://www.radiowoking.co.uk/

May 2, 2015 – HELLO PALMETTO, FLORIDA!

Thank you Jan Eberle for including my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING on your May 2 “Swing Museum” program at KSAV.org Internet Radio. http://ksav.org/?page_id=8

April 27, 2015 – CELEBRATING JULIE WILSON

Honored to be invited to be part of 54 Below’s celebration of Julie Wilson on May 14.

April 26, 2015 – HOWZIT, SOUTH AFRICA!

Thank you Peter Wagenaar and Radio Today Johannesburg for introducing my debut album to your listeners. And in such esteemed company as Richard Rodney Bennett, Billie Holiday, Barbara Lea, Dick Haymes, June Christy and Chris Connor! The April 27 “I’ve Got My Standards” program promises to be “seriously STRANGE”. Hmm….what song from my album meets that criteria? Have a look at the song list in the “About the Songs” section of GramercyNightingale.com and see if you can guess.

April 23, 2015 – HELLO, NASHVILLE!

Rich Flanders and I thank Larry W Jones and Kingwood Kowboy Kountry Koral for putting our version of Kay Swift’s Sagebrush Lullaby into rotation to stream and broadcast worldwide. http://kingwoodkowboykountrykorral.playtheradio.com/

It has a special place in the Great American Songbook and is available on iTunes and at CDBaby.com

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sagebrush-lullaby-single/id872321534

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/richflandersandceliaberk2

April 4, 2015 – LOOKING BACK AT A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Backstage at the MAC Awards with Terese Genecco and Shaynee Rainbolt.

March 30, 2015 – IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE

Stephen Sorokoff captured the closing night of my New York solo cabaret debut for Times Square Chronicles and BroadwayWorld.com

http://t2conline.com/stephen-sorokoff-it-takes-one-to-know-one-sullivan-and-tatham-at-celia-berk/

March 26, 2015 – NEW YORK DEBUT (FEMALE) MAC AWARD

Thank you to the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) community for your generous welcome in my debut year.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/54-SINGS-Series-Named-Show-of-the-Year-at-2015-MAC-Awards-All-the-Winners-20150327#

March 23, 2015 – OUR FINAL TWO DATES AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

The latest news from Gramercy Nightingale Music Co. http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=051a9c9d7b923bf63ea8eb454&id=8c832c4038&e=[UNIQID]

March 22, 2015 – THE DRESS CIRCLE

Thank you Ted Otten and Michael Kownacky for including two tracks from my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING on tonight’s WWFM program featuring “new to us” releases. It’s the only solo album included, and we’re in the company of some great Broadway cast albums! http://www.dcsro.com/

March 21, 2015 – A SONG IS RE-BORN

Thank you Frank Dain and Cabaret Scenes for telling the story of “Such A Wonderful Town” by Tex Arnold and Lew Spence, featured in my debut cabaret show. http://cabaretscenes.org/2015/03/21/such-a-wonderful-town-a-song-is-re-born/

$Tex, Alex, Jeff$

March 12, 2015 – VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2015 BISTRO AWARDS

I’m at the 8:11 mark! http://stagebuddy.com/theater/cabaret-articles/video-highlights-30th-bistro-awards

March 10, 2015 – MARCHing INTO CABARET MONTH

Here’s the latest news from Gramercy Nightingale Music Co. http://us3.campaign-archive1.com/?u=051a9c9d7b923bf63ea8eb454&id=4e97d442f7&e=

March 9, 2015 – THE BISTRO AWARDS

A lovely summary by Darryl Reilly in TheatreScene.net of a very special evening.

http://www.theaterscene.net/features/the-30th-annual-bistro-awards/darryl-reilly/

March 7, 2015 – RED CARPET

This video captures the excitement of this week’s Bistro Awards.

http://stagebuddy.com/uncategorized/red-carpet-celebrity-interviews-bistro-awards

March 6, 2015 – CABARET SCENES MAGAZINE

A lovely shout out as “March is Cabaret Month” begins, courtesy of Richard Skipper.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2015/03/05/richard-skipper-cabaret-scenes-man-about-cabaret/

February 24, 2015 – RICHARD SKIPPER CELEBRATES

Thank you Richard Skipper for this wonderful blog about the Gramercy Nightingale Music Co. creative team!

http://t.co/XaBn7H2P7s

February 24, 2015 – THEATRESCENES.NET

What a privilege it is to be included in the First Annual Cabaret/Jazz Honors for TheatreScene.net as Outstanding Female Debut. And how wonderfully John Hoglund has put today’s cabaret world into context — past, present and future.

http://www.theaterscene.net/music/cabaret/2015-cabaret-honors/john-hoglund/

February 24, 2015 – THE 2015 MAC AWARD NOMINATIONS

Thrilled to receive two nominations for 2015 MAC – Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs Awards: New York Debut – Female and Recording (LaMott Friedman Award).

http://macnyc.com/

February 21, 2015 – CENTER ON THE AISLE

This Smiling Nightingale is thankful for Erik Jonathan Shuler’s kind words.

http://centerontheaisle.com/2041/celia-berk-thankful-for-this-smiling-nightingale/

February 17, 2015 – THE NEW YORK OBSERVER

Thank you Rex Reed for this staggeringly generous review. http://observer.com/2015/02/luxuriating-in-the-lush-phrasings-of-singer-celia-berk/

February 14, 2015 – MY 12 FAVORITE SHOW TUNES

Mary and Barbara and Nancy and Ethel,

Crowing or dreaming or proving their mettle.

Sondheim, Cole Porter, and yes Dennis King,

These are a few of my favorite things….

Thank you Donald Feltham for inviting me back to The Broadway Radio Show with my “12 Favorite Show Tunes”

http://www.haineshisway.com/the-broadway-radio-show/

February 10, 2015 – TIMES SQUARE CHRONICLES

Thank you Stephen Sorokoff for capturing the Sound Check for our first night back at the Metropolitan Room.

http://t2conline.com/stephen-sorokoff-my-view-when-e-f-hutton-talks-people-listen-when-rex-reed-recommends-im-there/

February 5, 2015 – FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

The latest newsletter highlights our new Metropolitan Room dates starting this Sunday, shares the first video on my YouTube channel, and more. You can subscribe to our mailing list in the lower left hand corner of this GramercyNightingale.com page!

http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=051a9c9d7b923bf63ea8eb454&id=e045d65f3a&e=2822a0d1c4

January 29, 2015 – THE BISTRO AWARDS

Honored to be amongst the wonderful artists to be recognized at the 30th Annual Bistro Awards Gala in March.

http://bistroawards.com/press-release-2015-winners-announced/

January 27, 2015 – VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

We’ve just released video highlights from my NY solo cabaret debut at the Metropolitan Room last November. It also launches my YouTube channel, Celia Berk Music!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxaEShCEj04

January 22, 2015 – SO, NU? WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE IN THIS LIST?

Two mentions in this Stephen Hanks/BroadwayWorld.com list of “Best and Most” of 2014!

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/CABARET-LIFE-NYC-Listmania-Redux-My-BestFavorite-20-Shows-Performances-of-2014-With-30-Bests-Mosts-of-An-Exciting-Year-in-Cabaret-20150121

January 21, 2015 – FEATURED SONG OF THE WEEK

We are so pleased that BwayTunes.com has chosen our version of SAND to be this week’s featured song and free download. Read our Song Notes about this hidden gem from Stephen Sondheim in the About The Songs section of GramercyNightingale.com

http://www.bwaytunes.com/free-song?utm_source=01%2F21%2F2014&utm_campaign=January+21%2C+2015&utm_medium=email

January 13, 2015 – JANUARY NEWSLETTER

Our latest newsletter announced new Metropolitan Room dates, shared some very generous reviews of our Fall debut, detailed my Year of Firsts, and much more. You can subscribe to our mailing list in the lower left hand corner of this GramercyNightingale.com page!

http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=051a9c9d7b923bf63ea8eb454&id=be1e91b1fc&e=2822a0d1c4

January 10, 2015 – BROADWAYWORLD.COM

Thank you Alix Cohen and Stephen Hanks for featuring my story in your Cabaret Profile series.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Cabaret-Profile-Vocalist-CELIA-BERK-Draws-Her-Own-Career-Map-From-Fear-to-Craft-20150110?PageSpeed=noscript

January 3, 2015 – TOP 14 of 2014

Thank you Kevin Scott Hall and Edge Media Network for including us on your list of cabaret highlights for 2014.

http://www.edgenewyork.com/entertainment/music/news//169967/kevin_on_kabaret_::_top_14_of_2014

December 30, 2014 – THE BROADWAY RADIO SHOW

Thank you Donald Feltham for picking YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING as one of his three favorite vocalist releases of 2014. At the 1:21 mark of Donald’s “The Ten Best Cast Recordings of 2014!” you can listen to our version of Stephen Sondheim’s SAND.

http://www.haineshisway.com/the-broadway-radio-show/

December 29, 2014 – MUSICAL THEATRE REVIEW

Thank you to Nick Wakeham and our friends across the pond for including us in this round up of recent CD releases. Yes, YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING makes a great belated holiday present!

http://musicaltheatrereview.com/book-cd-reviews-paradise-lost-west-end-goes-mad-michael-ball/#.VKA1LdbACc

December 26, 2014 – BROADWAYWORLD.COM

Thank you Stephen Hanks for including my Year of Firsts in this extraordinary array of artists I admire. I may be “mature” but I sure feel like a gawky kid surrounded by so many seasoned professionals.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Cabaret-Life-NYC-My-Second-Half-of-2014-Cabaret-Journey-or-One-Reviewers-Long-Long-Procrastination-Special-as-We-Bid-Farewell-to-Another-Year-of-Show-Hopping-20141226

December 22, 2014 – Fröhliche Weihnachten!

CDBaby is reporting sales of YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING in Germany!

December 21, 2014 – 344 DESIGN LOVES…ME!

A lovely memento of a happy (and ongoing) collaboration with Stefan G. Bucher and 344 Design, LLC.

http://www.344lovesyou.com/projects/celia-berk/

December 17, 2014 – AMERICAN THEATRE WEB

Thank you Andy Probst for including me in your review of this extraordinary array of performers with new albums in 2014.

http://www.americantheaterweb.com/index.php/topnews/2014/11/24/vocalists_cd_column

December 16, 2014 – CABARET SCENES MAGAZINE

Thank you Melody Breyer-Grell, Frank Dain and Cabaret Scenes Magazine for this review of the final night of my solo NY cabaret debut at the Metropolitan Room.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2014/12/16/celia-berk-you-cant-rush-spring-2/

December 9, 2014 – CABARABIA

Looking forward to seeing the interview Musical Director Alex Rybeck and I did with Clifford Bell for his special two hour edition “NEW YORK, NEW YORK: POSTCARDS FROM THE CABARET MOTHERSHIP”. MONDAY, DEC. 15 2pm PST

www.gvbradio.com/cabarabia

December 7, 2014 – BROADWAYWORLD.COM

Thank you John Hoglund, Stephen Hanks and BroadwayWorld.com for this review of our Metropolitan Room engagement.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Reviews-CELIA-BERK-Launches-Belated-Cabaret-Career-With-a-Solid-CD-Release-and-Debut-Show-20141207

December 5, 2014 – A YEAR OF FIRSTS

Thank you Kevin Scott Hall for the chance to talk about my Year Of Firsts as we got ready for the last show of my first NY solo cabaret engagement.

http://www.edgeboston.com/cars/lexus_lgbt_video_series/news//168898/kevin_on_kabaret_::_two_special_talents

December 2, 2014 – THE CHANCE TO BE PART OF HISTORY

Excited to be invited to participate in the Guinness World Record Breaking Event: The Longest Variety Show at the Metropolitan Room in New York. 60 hours of continuous entertainment. The most performers in one show, ever! Broadcast live. My slot is 9:15 am on Friday, January 2.

http://metropolitanroom.com/event.cfm?id=179517

December 1, 2014 – THEATRE PIZZAZZ!

Thank you Alix Cohen for this generous review of my solo New York cabaret debut.

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/cant-rush-spring-celia-berk-captivating/

November 25, 2014 – THIS WOMAN AROUND TOWN THANKS “WOMAN AROUND TOWN”

Thank you Fred Cohen for the kind review and wonderful pictures.

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/celia-berk-a-gracious-late-arrival

November 24, 2014 – SERIOUS CHUTZPAH!

Thank you Lucid Culture for the generous review of the opening night of my NY solo cabaret debut.

http://lucidculture.wordpress.com/2014/11/24/celia/

November 22, 2014 – TIM McLOONE RADIO SHOW

Heading down to Asbury Park, NJ on Monday, November 24 to tape a segment on Tim McLoone’s program. Delighted that guitarist Sean Harkness is joining me. We’ll be doing a live version of our studio recording of YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING.

November 13, 2014 – DOUBLE YOU ENNY DOUBLE YOU, ELEVEN THREE OH IN NEW YORK!

Thank you Joe Fay and Metromedia Radio for adding YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to your playlist. This girl singer is thrilled you are keeping alive the tradition of the great WNEW-AM 1130 New York.

http://www.metromediaradio.net/

November 11, 2014 – THE BROADWAY RADIO SHOW

Thank you Donald Feltham for our in-depth conversation about my debut album.

http://www.haineshisway.com/the-broadway-radio-show/

November 10, 2014 – WE’RE STREAMING!

YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING is now available on Pandora Internet Radio.

November 3, 2014 – CHICAGO

Thank you Rick O’Dell for adding the title track of YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to the playlist of Sunday Jazz Brunch at WDCB in Chicago. Ann Hampton Callaway wrote this beautiful song for Lena Horne. (See her story in our Song Notes!)

November 2, 2014 – CHEERS, ENGLAND!

CD Baby reports YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING has jumped the pond and is selling in your country.

October 29, 2014 – HARTFORD, CT

Thank you Bob Parzych and WRTC 89.3 FM Radio in Hartford, Connecticut for putting YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING into rotation!

October 25, 2014 – A SHEYNEM DANK…

… Woman Around Town Alix Cohen for the generous shout out in her review of Thursday’s joyful final evening of The Mabel Mercer Foundation’s 25th Annual Cabaret Convention at Rose Hall Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/come-on-and-hear-the-songs-of-irving-berlin

October 20, 2014 – RAISING THE CURTAIN ON A SPECIAL WEEK

http://dowhatyoulove.today/celia-berk-everythings-coming-up-roses-finally/

October 17, 2014 – FULL MOON RISING

Back to Blooming Grove, NY for this year’s Broadway Concerts Direct Halloween party.

October 1, 2014 – CABARET SCENES

Thank you Carla Gordon for this generous review of our album.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2014/10/01/celia-berk-you-cant-rush-spring/

September 21, 2014 – NEW YORK CABARET CONVENTION/JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER

Honored and thrilled to be invited by KT Sullivan and The Mabel Mercer Foundation to join the final night of the 25th New York Cabaret Convention at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall on October 23. Hosted by Klea Blackhurst, the evening’s theme is Come On and Hear: The Songs of Irving Berlin. I’ll be bringing an extra special Alex Rybeck arrangement, and happily he will be at the piano.

September 19, 2014 – COME TO THE CABARABIA

Thank you Clifford Bell for the apt shout out to Arranger/Conductor/Co-Producer Alex Rybeck, and the generous words about our album.

September 19, 2014 – FOLLOW, FOLLOW TO BLOOMING GROVE, NY

Tomorrow night we head back to lovely Blooming Grove for an evening of September songs.

September 16, 2014 – HELLO CANADA!

iTunes reports that our album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING is being downloaded by our music-loving friends to the North.

September 13, 2014 – HELLO PALM BEACH COUNTY!

On September 15, Jill and Rich Switzer will feature YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING on “New Music Monday” at Legends 100.3 FM WLML in Palm Beach County!

http://www.legendsradio.com/jill–rich-switzer.html

September 12, 2014 – A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING

Thank you Carol Montana and the Times-Herald Record for this lovely write up of our August Broadway Concerts Direct program in Blooming Grove, NY. We are a merry band of musicians!

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140911/COMM/409110301

August 28, 2014 – HELLO NEW ZEALAND!!

Rich Flanders and I are so pleased to have SAGEBRUSH LULLABY played by Wyn Machon on Oamaru Heritage Radio 88.3fm, New Zealand Country Music Radio 107.3fm Fielding, and The Peaks Radio 88.4fm North Canterbury. More about this lovely Kay Swift song at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/richflandersandceliaberk2

August 16, 2014 – NEW YORK ARTS REVIEW

Thank you David Hurst for your generous review. http://nyartsreview.com/home/celia-berk-you-cant-rush-spring/

August 15, 2014 – BACK TO MUSIC AT THE MANSION LATER THIS MONTH

Looking forward to my third visit to Music at the Mansion August 31 at the Oakeside Cultural Center in Bloomfield, NJ. Thank you Corinna Sowers-Adler and Nicholas Adler for the invitation! With Eric Sedgwick at the keyboard, we’ll preview material for my 11/23, 11/30 and 12/6 Metropolitan Room engagement celebrating the release of YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING. Add in my friend Craig Pomranz, Jamie Hartmann, Deborah Martin and of course Corinna herself and it promises to be a lovely way to spend a late Summer afternoon.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/MUSIC-AT-THE-MANSION-Announces-Performance-with-Craig-Pomranz-Celia-Berk-and-Jamie-Hartmann-on-831-20140815#.U_Dc92l0zIU

August 10, 2014 – MY VERSION OF SUNDAY BRUNCH

A lovely Summer Sunday at The Metropolitan Room, hosted by Susan Winter and Deb Berman. Singing YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING with Sean Harkness on guitar and Alex Rybeck just outside the frame of the photo on piano.

August 9, 2014 – BLAME IT ON THE SUMMER NIGHT

Saturday evening in beautiful Blooming Grove, New York: A Lew Spence gem and Stephen Sondheim’s SAND from our album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING.

August 5, 2014 – HELLO LONG ISLAND!

Thank you Bob Perry for playing our title track on 1100 WHLI and whli.com this morning! What better introduction of our album to the station’s listeners than Ann Hampton Callaway’s beautiful YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING, arranged by Alex Rybeck and featuring Alex on piano, Sean Harkness on guitar, Steve Doyle on bass and Dan Gross percussion.

http://www.whli.com/

August 2, 2014 – CITY WORLD RADIO NETWORK

Thank you John Lombardi for putting songs from our album “You Can’t Rush Spring” into rotation on the City World Radio Network this month!

http://www.cityworldradio.com/

July 26, 2014 – SATURDAY NIGHT JAZZ at KWIT-KOJI

Thank you Eddie Dunn, Host of Saturday Night Jazz at KWIT-KOJI, for sharing SAND with the good people of Sioux City, Iowa; Northeast Nebraska and Southeast South Dakota. We’re so pleased you played this lesser known gem by Stephen Sondheim.

And thank you for your kind words: “An assured and sophisticated sound…emotionally expressive and technically flawless.”

http://kwit.org/programs/saturday-night-jazz

July 21, 2014 – THE PENTHOUSE Radio

Thank you Bob Perry and The Penthouse Radio for adding PENTHOUSE SERENADE / STAIRWAY TO THE STARS (“an inspired pairing”), I’VE BEEN WAITING ALL MY LIFE, THE FOLKS WHO LIVE ON THE HILL and YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to your playlist!http://www.thepenthouseradio.com

July 18, 2014 – SOLO CABARET DEBUT THIS FALL!

Rapturously happy that Sean Harkness on guitar and Michael Goetz on bass are joining us at the Metropolitan Room November 23, November 30 and December 6. With Alex Rybeck as Musical Director and Jeff Harnar directing, this Girl Singer is making her solo cabaret debut encircled by the best of the best.

July 18, 2014 – EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN WBAI 99.5 FM

Thank you David Kenney for including us on this Sunday’s “Everything Old Is New Again” program.

July 14, 2014 – THE JAZZ CAFE WRHU 88.7FM

Thank you John Bohannon for playing MOONGLOW today on The Jazz Café WHRU 88.7 FM. So pleased this beautiful duet with Rich Flanders is in the spotlight. Music by Will Hudson and Irving Mills. Lyrics by Eddie DeLange. Arrangement by Alex Rybeck. Alex on piano. Michael Goetz on bass. Dan Gross on drums and percussion. Mixed by Paul Rolnick. Available on iTunes and CDBaby!

http://www.johnbohannon.com/radio_landing.html

July 11, 2014 – SUMMER LOVIN’

Tomorrow evening in Blooming Grove: Looking forward to singing back up for Carole Demas as Broadway’s original Sandy recreates Summer Nights from Grease for our opening number. Also revisiting IF IT’S ONLY LOVE from Metropolis with Mark Planner, spotlighting IT’S THE STRANGEST THING from “You Can’t Rush Spring” and trying on a new song for the first time: MANHATTAN IN JULY by my good friends and collaborators Ben Schaechter and Dan Kael. More information at http://www.BwayDirect.com

July 9, 2014 – LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE

Opening night of OUR TIME: SULLIVAN & HARNAR SING SONDHEIM. KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar brought new insights to familiar songs, and new songs to those of us who thought we knew it all. A wonderful evening.

With Jeff and Mark Nadler

And with Debbi Bush Whiting. Her mother Margaret Whiting is one of the singers in my personal pantheon of greats. Her grandfather Richard A. Whiting contributed treasures to The Great American Songbook including Hooray for Hollywood and On The Good Ship Lollipop. Thrilled to learn that Debbi found time to listen to YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING in and around preparing for the recent Carnegie Hall concert celebrating her mother.

July 8, 2014 – ANNHAMPTONCALLAWAY.COM

Honored to be amongst the artists who have recently recorded a song by Ann Hampton Callaway:

Barbra Streisand’s “The Classic Christmas Album” (Christmas Lullaby), San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’s “Illuminate- Live at 35″ (I Love You More), Janis Siegel’s “Nightsongs: A Late Night Interlude” (Slow), Julie Budd’s “They Wrote the Songs” (Perfect) and Celia Berk’s “You Can’t Rush Spring” (You Can’t Rush Spring)

July 7, 2014 – LUNCH AND JUDY SHOW

Thank you Judy Stadt for playing RAIN SOMETIMES on your show today!

https://soundcloud.com/judy-stadt/enjoy-yourself-its-later-than-you-think-193

June 26, 2014 – THEATRETRACK – MELBOURNE

Thank you to Henry Sachwald for playing our album on your famed Theatretrack program in Melbourne, Australia on 3MBS 103.5!

http://www.musicalsaustralia.com/Theatretrack/Theatretrack.html

June 18, 2014 – METROPOLITAN ROOM

Save the date(s)! We are coming to the Metropolitan Room on November 23, November 30, and December 6. Directed by Jeff Harnar with Musical Direction by Alex Rybeck.

Click here for tickets and more information:

http://metropolitanroom.com/event.cfm?id=159800&cart

June 11, 2014 – JUNE. MOON. SPOON.

This Saturday – June 14th, 2014 – we’ll celebrate June in Blooming Grove. Lilacs will be gathered thanks to Ivor Novello…The Doctor Will Be In for Charlie Brown and Lucy… The frustrations and charms of a cabaret audience will be explored… and we’ll enjoy the rewards that come from not rushing Spring. More information at http://www.BwayDirect.com

June 4, 2014 – ZANI’S FURRY FRIENDS BENEFIT

Looking forward to participating in a benefit for ZANI’S FURRY FRIENDS, a wonderful animal rescue organization, this coming Saturday, June 7th at Birdland. Artists include Carole Demas (original Sandy in Broadway’s GREASE & Carole of The Magic Garden), Sarah Rice (original Johanna in Broadway’s SWEENEY TODD) and Alice Ripley (Tony Award Winner for Broadway’s NEXT TO NORMAL). Click here for tickets:

http://www.ticketfly.com/event/539475-love-makes-world-go-round-new-york/

June 1, 2014 – SWING SUNDAY

Thank you Jim Wardrop and WDIY 88.1 Lehigh Valley Community Public Radio (part of the NRP digital network) for playing PENTHOUSE SERENADE/STAIRWAY TO THE STARS on the June 1 “Swing Sunday” program.
http://wdiy.org/programs/swing-sunday

May 31, 2014 – THE CABARET LEAGUE

Thank you to Daryl Taylor-Hazel and The Cabaret League for adding our album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to your playlist starting June 1!

http://www.thecabaretleague.playtheradio.com/

May 25, 2014 – BEMELMANS BAR AT THE CARLYLE HOTEL

What a thrilling unexpected opportunity to sing at the Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel on May 25th and to share the stage with Jim Caruso, Billy Stritch, Steve Doyle, Alex Rybeck, Jeff Harnar, Linda Lavin and many others. Click here to see more of this wonderful evening of music on BroadwayWorld.com:

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Photo-Flash-Linda-Lavin-and-More-Join-Jim-Caruso-and-Billy-Stritch-at-The-Carlyle-20140527#

Photo by Jeff Resnick

May 23, 2014 – FIRST REVIEW OF YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING

Thank you to Luha Thoughts for our first review of YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING!

“I can’t remember the last time I heard an album and told myself, ‘Wow. this is exquisite.'”

“I can’t think of a bad track in here, and it’s so cohesive and rounded that each song fits where it should be, not a note out of place. Alex Rybeck’s arrangements give all the songs a sheen that enhances their polish”

Visit Luha Thoughts to read the full review:

http://luhathoughts.blogspot.com/2014/05/spring-is-here-music-review-celia-berk.html

May 18, 2014 – EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Thank you to David Kenney for playing IT’S THE STRANGEST THING, arrangement by Alex Rybeck, on the May 18th episode of Everything Old Is New Again.

http://www.mixcloud.com/oldisnewradio/oldisnewradio_140427/

Notes on why we chose this great Kander & Ebb song for our album You Can’t Rush Spring, and musician credits, can be found in the ABOUT THE SONGS section here on GramercyNightingale.com

May 14, 2014 – YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING IS HERE!

My debut album, YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING, conducted and arranged by Alex Rybeck, is finally here! It is available for purchase on iTunes and CDBaby. Follow the links on the home page to purchase the album and click on the song titles to read the extended liner notes for each track.

May 4, 2014 – SAGEBRUSH LULLABY RELEASE

Just released a duet — SAGEBRUSH LULLABY — with my friend and singing partner Rich Flanders. Written by Kay Swift and arranged by Alex Rybeck, it’s available as a single on iTunes and CD Baby. This lovely song has a special place in The Great American Songbook. Read about it here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/richflandersandceliaberk2

April 28, 2014 – EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Thank you David Kenney at WLBT for including our version of YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING on the April 27 broadcast of “Everything Old Is New Again”. It’s a thrill to be on the same track list as Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, John Pizzarelli, Judy Garland, Billy Porter, Carmen McRae, Shirley MacLaine, Ella Fitzgerald, Peter Allen and others. And the program archive means everyone can hear your kudos for Alex Rybeck and Ann Hampton Callaway. Hear what David Kenney had to say here: http://www.mixcloud.com/oldisnewradio/oldisnewradio_140427/

April 10, 2014 – CO-HOSTING SALON WITH MARK JANAS

Excited to be Co-Hosting Salon on Sunday evening. This award-winning weekly Open Mic is hosted by Mark Janas and produced by Tanya Moberly. The theme for the evening is “Birds of a Feather: Songbirds and Spring.” The Salon Spotlight will feature Jaye Maynard. Alex Rybeck will be at the piano. Sarah Rice and I may add a little “cluckatura” to Mark’s “Classical Corner”… http://markjanasthesalon.com/

April 9, 2014 – BROADWAY COMES TO THE GARDEN

Looking forward to dusting off a golden oldie with my friend Rich Flanders on Saturday night. And Irving Berlin’s Yiddisha Nightingale will also be spotted in Blooming Grove that evening.

www.BwayDirect.com

April 8, 2014 – THE JONATHAN CHANNEL

Thank you to Jonathan Schwartz for playing a song from our upcoming album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING! What a thrill to appear on THE JONATHAN CHANNEL.

March 20, 2014 – YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING

The cover art from my upcoming debut album, YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING, is here! The album will be released on May 14th, 2014. Keep visiting GramercyNightingale.com for more news and updates.

March 15, 2014 — MARCH COMES IN LIKE A LION

Broadway Concerts Direct
Proudly Presents
Broadway Comes to Blooming Grove Series

MARCH COMES IN LIKE A LION
Where It Will Go From There, Who Knows?

Saturday, March 15, 2014 @ 6:00PM

Starring:

Celia Berk
Carole Demas
Rich Flanders
Rob Gardner
Joanna Morton Gary
Sue Matsuki
Mark Planner
Sarah Rice
Anne Tarpey-Flanders

Eric Sedgwick, Piano
Sarah Rice, Theremin

This evening will feature an eclectic evening of song, about well… just about everything — maybe even songs to bring an early spring. (One can always hope. Enough with all this snow!) Songs will include favorite selections from the American, International and Celtic songbook.

$20 General Admission
$15 Students/Seniors

For more information:
http://www.bwaydirect.com/webpages/sched.html

March 5, 2014 — OPEN MIC @ THE MET

What is Sunday without “A Bagel and A Song”?
Delighted to be joining Alex Rybeck at
OPEN MIC @ THE MET
a new series presented by Deb Berman & Susan Winter
12 Noon – 2:30 pm
The Metropolitan Room
34 West 22 Street.
I’ve been invited to sing two songs from our upcoming album!

Press

CELIA BERK’S MANHATTAN SERENADE EXUDES ROMANTIC NOSTALGIA

Stephen Holden//
The New York Times //
April 25, 2016

Ms. Berk made you feel about New York the same way a Cole Porter song makes you feel about Paris.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/26/arts/music/review-celia-berks-manhattan-serenade-exudes-romantic-nostalgia.html

WITH OLD CHUMS, LIFE IS A CABARET

Rex Reed //
New York Observer //
July 20, 2016

No clichés here, just an array of shifting New York moods, flavors and tempos in diverse songs that wander off the beaten path and hold you close in the arms of artistry.

http://observer.com/2016/07/with-old-chums-life-is-a-cabaret/

CELIA BERK: MANHATTAN SERENADE ★★★★★

David Hurst //
New York Arts Review //
July 15, 2016

Celia Berk’s terrific sophomore effort, Manhattan Serenade, is a worthy companion to her smashing debut disc, You Can’t Rush Spring (2014), the recording that established Berk as a savvy new singer with style and substance to burn.

http://nyartsreview.com/home/manhattan-serenade-★★★★★/

LUXURIATING IN THE LUSH PHRASINGS OF SINGER CELIA BERK: THE ONE-OF-A-KIND CHANTEUSE HOLDS COURT AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM THROUGH MARCH

Rex Reed //
New York Observer //
March 17, 2015

Charm, sophistication, good taste and a titanic talent are all rare gifts in cabaret…Ms. Berk displays them all, setting the bar very high indeed for every girl singer who follows…Intimate, exquisite, understated, her facial expressions are as exciting to watch as her lyrics are to hear. Celia Berk sings in tune and from the heart, with resonance in her lower register, power in her upper register, and passion in both. Where has she been all my life?

http://observer.com/2015/02/luxuriating-in-the-lush-phrasings-of-singer-celia-berk/

CELIA BERK AT BIRDLAND THEATER

Mark Dundas Wood//
Bistro Awards//
April 28, 2918

With COMES LOVE —a collaboration with accomplished jazz pianist Sean Gough, along with talented bassist Steve Doyle— she proved yet again what a poised and graceful performer she is.

http://bistroawards.com/celia-berk-3/?fbclid=IwAR0qLhvbjPFuk7eqvYzdwz-pnDDrbjfRQaaxlWpaFXm801BS-j9zFxAXyFc

CELIA BERK @ THE BEACH 2/23/19

Doug DeVita//
Cabaret Hotspot//
March 17, 2019

Berk and Sean Gough have embarked on a new collaboration in which Berk is delving into the jazzy roots of cabaret performance…both artists were in sync from the first note of the evening to the last, their burgeoning partnership already in full bloom and capable of not only elevating the music they’ve chosen to perform, but also the mood and heart rate of the audience lucky enough to be drawn in and, yes, seduced by Berk’s magnetic take on the yin-yang of love.

https://www.cabarethotspot.com/celia-berk-the-beach-2-23-19/?fbclid=IwAR3xkwwmDXViIjc4y9bG9RjF6UJhUrIumL3J9Pt2VhxEqfhXcVgDg48poRg

NIGHT 3 of THE 29th NEW YORK CABARET CONVENTION CELEBRATES THE EFFERVESCENT and ECLECTIC MUSIC OF JERRY HERMAN

Eugene Ebner//
BroadwayWorld.com//
October 14, 2018

Celia Berk’s transformative abilities sparkled once again, showing her adept interpretation and storytelling abilities and commanding the stage the entire time.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Review-Night-3-of-The-29th-New-York-Cabaret-Convention-Celebrates-the-Effervescent-and-Eclectic-Music-of-Jerry-Herman-20181014

S’WONDERFUL — THE MUSIC OF GEORGE GERSHWIN — AND IT WAS!

Alix Cohen//
Theatre Pizzazz//
October 19, 2017

Celia Berk and Karen Akers, “the two lowest voices in cabaret,” delivered another highpoint with a choreographed duet of “What Are We Here For?” The bubbly combination was urbane, polished, infectious fun.

http://theaterpizzazz.com/swonderful-the-music-of-george-gershwin-and-it-was/

ARTIST INTERVIEW: MAC AWARD WINNER CELIA BERK ON HER UPCOMING “JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER” PERFORMANCE, HER MUSICAL JOURNEY, AND HER ETERNAL LOVE FOR NYC

Shari Lifland//
Huffington Post//
October 10, 2017

A successful corporate executive by day, Celia Berk started out as an actor, then returned to music later in life.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/59dcd6f0e4b060f005fbd6f7

CELIA’S ONE WAY TICKET IS TO THIS IDEAL POINT IN HER LIFE

Steven Shalowitz//
The One Way Ticket Show//
January 16, 2018

Where would you go if you were given a one way ticket? No coming back.

http://bit.ly/2EMcvYL

MAC’S BEST FEMALE VOCALISTS CREATE CAMARADERIE FROM COMPETITION WITH TOGETHER

Ashley Steves//
BroadwayWorld Feature//
December 15, 2017

If it got off the ground, the show would be the first of its kind. For the performers themselves, it would be their first time working with one another, with the exception of Sanges and Berk, who had previously worked together on a duet during the 2016 Mabel Mercer Foundation Cabaret Convention, a beautifully sung and arranged medley of Stephen Sondheim’s “The Road You Didn’t Take”/”Growing Up”/”Move On” on the night honoring the composer.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Feature-MACs-Best-Female-Vocalists-Create-Camaraderie-From-Competition-With-TOGETHER-20171215

CELIA BERK DELIVERS A MANHATTAN SERENADE

Joe Montague//
Riveting Riffs Magazine//
November 22, 2017

Ms. Berk is a mezzo-soprano with a three octave range who has become celebrated in New York City as a Cabaret singer, but whose lavish vocals are genre bending and threaten to break those boundaries altogether.

http://www.rivetingriffs.com/Celia%20Berk.html

2016 BWW CABARET AWARDS: CELIA BERK AND SIDNEY MYER WIN TOP SHOW HONORS; BETTY BUCKLEY AND TONY YAZBECK ARE TOP CELEBS

Ashley Steves//
BroadwayWorld.com//
January 19, 2017

Celia Berk’s MANHATTAN SERENADE is the runaway winner of the award for Best Show, Female. This is the second major category win for Berk, who won in the Best Debut Show category last year for YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/2016-BWW-Cabaret-Awards-Celia-Berk-and-Sidney-Myer-Win-Top-Show-Honors-Betty-Buckley-and-Tony-Yazbeck-are-Top-Celebs-20170119

THAT WAS ENTERTAINMENT: A ONE-NIGHT CONCERT FOCUSED ON SONGWRITERS: DIETZ & SCHWARTZ (and some more recent ones)

Marilyn Lester //
Nite Life Exchange //
June 22, 2017

A play on words was delivered by the ever-evolving Celia Berk, with droll sophistication, and Alex Rybeck on piano, in “The Party Upstairs” by Ronny Whyte and Francesca Blumenthal. Berk also remembered Dietz and Schwartz with “Something to Remember You By,” sung with cool and smooth elegance.

http://nitelifeexchange.com/that-was-entertainment-a-one-night-concert-focused-on-songwriters-dietz-schwartz-and-some-more-recent-ones/

RVC NATIVE TO DEBUT AT CARNEGIE HALL

Brian Kacharaba//
LIHerald.com//
May 4, 2017

Berk will be performing at Carnegie Hall on June 20 as part of the “That’s Entertainment: Dietz and Schwartz and Friends” show presented by the Mable Mercer Foundation and hosted by KT Sullivan.

http://www.liherald.com/stories/rvc-native-to-debut-at-carnegie-hall,91387

TOGETHER

Chris Struck//
CabaretScenes.org//
August 11, 2017

Having five great performers at Don’t Tell Mama instead of one certainly made for an entertaining evening.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2017/08/11/together/

A CONVERSATION WITH THE 2017 MAC NOMINEES FOR FEMALE VOCALIST

CabaretScenes.org//
May 23, 2017

The 2017 MAC Nominees for Female Vocalist—Celia Berk, Sally Darling, Meg Flather, Josephine Sanges, Lisa Viggiano—will perform a group show, Together, at NYC’s Don’t Tell Mama. Among them, they have 16 nominations and 14 awards/honors.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2017/05/23/a-conversation-with-the-2017-mac-nominees-for-female-vocalist/

IT HELPS TO SING ABOUT IT IS A HIT

Cindi Marinangel//
Times Square Chronicles//
March 31, 2017/

When life gets you down, It Helps to Sing About It, crooned the stellar cast … The all pro cast included Celia Berk, who charmed with “I’ll Wait” (while the audience gets it together) and “Manhattan in July”, a lovely song that warmed the soul about New York.

http://t2conline.com/it-helps-to-sing-about-it-is-a-hit/

A BENEFIT FOR CABARET SCENES HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

Marilyn Lester//
Nite Life Exchange//
February 11, 2017/

For sheer amusement coupled with artistry, Celia Berk, displaying her awesome range from pop singer to opera diva, delivered Irving Berlin’s 1911 novelty number…

http://nitelifeexchange.com/a-benefit-for-cabaret-scenes-hits-all-the-right-notes/

SALUTING STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Alix Cohen//
Theater Pizzazz//
October 20, 2016/

Celia Berk completely surprises with an elegant arrangement and rendition of “Sand”…

http://theaterpizzazz.com/saluting-stephen-sondheim/

CABARET CELEBRATES STEPHEN SONDHEIM IN NIGHT TWO OF THE MABEL MERCER FOUNDATION CABARET CONVENTION

Ashley Steves//
BroadwayWorld.com//
October 19, 2016/

Hold your hats and hallelujah…

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Review-Cabaret-Celebrates-Stephen-Sondheim-in-Night-Two-of-the-Mabel-Mercer-Foundation-Cabaret-Convention-1019-20161021

CELIA BERK

Robert Windeler//
Bistro Awards//
April 19, 2016/

No sophomore slump here. On the contrary, Celia Berk’s new Metropolitan Room show, “Manhattan Serenade,” is even better than her remarkable debut outing of last season.

http://bistroawards.com/celia-berk-4/

MAC AWARD WINNER CELIA BERK DISCUSSES HER LATEST ALBUM AND HER LIFELONG LOVE AFFAIR WITH NEW YORK

Ashley Steves//
BroadwayWorld.com//
October 13, 2016

Ask Celia Berk what she loves about New York and she’ll give you a list. Or, better yet, an album.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Interview-MAC-Award-Winner-Celia-Berk-Discusses-Her-Latest-Album-MANHATTAN-SERENADE-and-Her-Lifelong-Love-Affair-with-New-York-20161013

MANHATTAN SERENADE: CABARET SINGER CELIA BERK SHARES HER GREATEST LOVE AFFAIR

Deanna Cioppa//
Crain’s 5 Boros//
October 12, 2016

Intimacy and connection, whether with a crowd at Jazz at Lincoln Center, fellow artists at piano bar Don’t Tell Mama, or scattered tables at The Metropolitan Room in Flatiron, is what Berk is constantly chasing…

http://www.5boros.com/2016/10/manhattan-serenade-cabaret-singer-celia-berk-shares-her-greatest-love-affair/

IT HELPS TO SING ABOUT: THE SONGS OF BEN SCHAECHTER & DAN KAEL

Randolph E. Eigenbrode//
Cabaret Scenes//
September 20, 2016

Berk, the grounded sage, dazzled with “Manhattan In July,” a haunting love letter to steamy Big Apple summers, and expertly got the most out of each lyric.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/09/19/it-helps-to-sing-about-it-the-songs-of-ben-schaechter-dan-kael/

NEW YORKERS IN THEIR HOMETOWN: EDDIE CANTOR & CELIA BERK

Rob Lester//
Talkin’ Broadway Sound Advice//
April 19, 2016

So, what do you do for an encore when you’ve been showered with cabaret awards and nominations in your solo debut year, had your face on the front of Cabaret Scenes magazine as the subject of one of the just six annual cover feature stories, received a coveted spot in the annual Cabaret Convention concert program others long for (for many long years) and, while on the big Jazz at Lincoln Center stage, been surprised by a previously unannounced honor—presented with a plaque and award named for star songstress Margaret Whiting? If you’re the celebrated Celia Berk, you go to work.

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/sound/april1516.html

CELIA BERK: MANHATTAN SERENADE

John Hoglund//
Cabaret Scenes//
June 6, 2016

Berk is a good storyteller, hence the real success of this album. She proves she’s not afraid to grow and take chances. The results are another winning notch in her climb up the cabaret ladder.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/06/07/celia-berk-manhattan-serenade-2/

CELIA BERK: MANHATTAN SERENADE

Peter Haas//
Cabaret Scenes//
May 29, 2016

Where is cabaret’s next top headliner coming from? To paraphrase a Sondheim lyric, “Don’t worry, she’s here.” She’s Celia Berk, who packed the Metropolitan Room through four Sunday sessions in April with her rich voice, simplicity of style, and warm personality.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/05/29/celia-berk-manhattan-serenade/

ALUMNA’S MANHATTAN SERENADE TO THE CITY AND MUSIC SHE LOVES

Ginny Greenberg//
news@HOFSTRA//
July 29, 2016

http://news.hofstra.edu/2016/07/29/alumnas-manhattan-serenade-is-a-tribute-to-the-city-and-music-she-loves/?twitter

MANHATTAN SERENADE — CELIA BERK

Fred R. Cohen//
Woman Around Town//
April 7, 2016

As was apparent from her earlier performances and debut CD, this is a woman of remarkable emotive fluency – capable of putting a smile, a smirk or a wink into the last third of a syllable, and equipped with a rich alto instrument under intelligent and precise control.

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/manhattan-serenade-celia-berk

CELIA BERK FOLLOWS UP MULTIPLE AWARD DEBUT YEAR WITH SMART, STYLISH, AND METICULOUS CD RELEASE SHOW AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

Alix Cohen//
BroadwayWorld.com//
April 5, 2016

Celia Berk raises the tone of any club in which she appears, always creating an oasis of class. Her shows are elegant, smart, skillfully constructed, and meticulously performed.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Review-Celia-Berk-Follows-Up-Multiple-Award-Debut-Year-With-Smart-Stylish-and-Meticulous-CD-Release-Show-at-the-Metropolitan-Room-20160405#

CELIA BERK: MANHATTAN SERENADE

Marilyn Lester//
Theater Pizzazz //
April 4, 2016

In an era in which the big voice and the big belt holds sway, it’s a treat to hear a singer approach a song with an artistic sensibility that honors both the music and the lyrics. In the latter regard it’s very clear that Berk has thought about the lyric and she knows what she’s singing about from the inside out. Berk proves you don’t have to shout to be truly heard.

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/celia-berk-manhattan-serenade/

CELIA BERK: YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING ★★★★★

David Hurst //
New York Arts Review //
August 16, 2014

One of the more auspicious debut recordings of recent years, Celia Berk’s You Can’t Rush Spring is an intoxicating revelation! An elegant vocalist with an instinctive attention to lyrics and a straightforward delivery, Berk’s unerring musical taste is exceeded only by her superb choice of collaborators…Like Lee Wiley, Julie London and the late, great Mary Cleere Haran, Celia Berk is a subtle storyteller. This classy recording only confirms she has many more stories to tell.

http://nyartsreview.com/home/celia-berk-you-cant-rush-spring/

CELIA BERK: YOU CAN’T RUSH SUCCESS

Marilyn Lester //
Cabaret Scenes magazine //
January-February 2016

When Sammy Cahn wrote, “Love is lovelier the second time around” (to Jimmy Van Heusen’s music) he might have had Celia Berk and her stunning, newborn conquest of the cabaret world in mind.

CELIA BERK AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

Joe Regan, Jr.//
TheatrePizzazz.com //
November 10, 2015

Celia Berk is one of the strongest cabaret performers today and this is certainly one of the top acts of 2015.

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/celia-berk-at-the-metropolitan-room/

CABARET CONVENTION TAKES A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY

Joe Regan, Jr.//
TheatrePizzazz.com //
October 16, 2015

Next up was the extraordinary mezzo soprano Berk with Alex Rybeck on piano, with a full version (with every lyric and great acting skill) of the Bette Davis number “They’re Either Too Young Or Too Old.” She was then surprised to be presented by Debbi Whiting with the Margaret Whiting award and the cash included with the award. After, Berk sang a wonderful “I’ll Walk Alone” effortlessly hitting great high notes.

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/cabaret-conventiontakes-a-sentimental-journey/

FIRST ANNUAL CABARET/JAZZ HONORS: OUTSTANDING FEMALE DEBUT

John Hoglund //
TheatreScene.net //
February 23, 2015

Making one of the most auspicious cabaret debuts in years, [Celia Berk] fulfilled her dream and took the Metropolitan Room and cabaret by storm in 2014 with her eclectic show, You Can’t Rush Spring…To say she found her calling (after dreaming about it for so long,) would be an understatement…It was this lady’s classy approach and intelligence that shined throughout the hour – making her a winner. She’s funny. She’s reflective. Mostly, she has the goods that should keep her in the cabaret spotlight as she climbs the ladder – with a lot of support.

http://www.theaterscene.net/music/cabaret/2015-cabaret-honors/john-hoglund/

IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE: SULLIVAN AND TATHAM AT CELIA BERK

Stephen Sorokoff //
Times Square Chronicles/BroadwayWorld.com //
March 30, 2015

…The Metropolitan Room had the quietness of a recording studio as the very musically sophisticated audience was held in rapt attention by Celia’s artistry. I would be enamored with any song she wrapped her voice around, but her unique song selection made the evening especially compelling.

http://t2conline.com/stephen-sorokoff-it-takes-one-to-know-one-sullivan-and-tatham-at-celia-berk/

“SUCH A WONDERFUL TOWN”: A SONG IS RE-BORN

Frank Dain //
CabaretScenes.org //
March 21, 2015

Celia Berk has been making a name for herself with her debut album You Can’t Rush Spring and her debut cabaret show of the same name. Both include what she calls hidden gems: lesser-known songs from great songwriters. In preparing for the show, she came across a song that has proven to be a favorite with audiences and critics.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2015/03/21/such-a-wonderful-town-a-song-is-re-born/

THE 30th ANNUAL BISTRO AWARDS

Darryl Reilly //
TheatreScene.net //
March 9, 2015

Sweeney Todd original cast member Sarah Rice introduced Jeff Harnar. He did a sweet Sondheim medley of “The Little Things You Do Together,” “I’m Calm,” and “Getting Married Today.” He then presented the Best Vocalist Award to Celia Berk, who marvelously performed Sondheim’s little known song ”Sand,” from the unproduced movie musical, Singing Out Loud.

http://www.theaterscene.net/features/the-30th-annual-bistro-awards/darryl-reilly/

CABARET SCENE’S MAN ABOUT CABARET

Richard Skipper //
CabaretScenes.org //
March 5, 2015

I was a fan before everyone else jumped on the bandwagon!…In October, both Celia and Peggy Eason appeared in the Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention on the same night honoring Irving Berlin. Both brought down the house. When Celia hit the cabaret scene with her first show a few months ago, she won over all who saw her, including Rex Reed, who sung her praises in print. Actually, all the critics have been as impressed!…

http://cabaretscenes.org/2015/03/05/richard-skipper-cabaret-scenes-man-about-cabaret/

RICHARD SKIPPER CELEBRATES CELIA BERK: YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING

RichardSkipper.BlogSpot.com //
February 26, 2015

Today, I celebrate Celia Berk and her body of WORTH! Celia’s singing career doesn’t start very far back. Somebody said that she sprung fully formed in the last year or so.

http://t.co/XaBn7H2P7s

CELIA BERK: THANKFUL FOR THIS SMILING NIGHTINGALE

Erik Jonathan Shuler //
CenterOnTheAisle.com //
February 21, 2014

The first thing you’ll notice when you spend an evening at a performance of Celia Berk’s is her smile: wide, eager, genuine. The next is your own. Upon entering the Metropolitan Room for the highly anticipated return of her “You Can’t Rush Spring” solo cabaret (modeled after her 2014 debut album of the same name), Ms. Berk beamed with delight and an infectious excitement as she walked through the room with a welcoming and thankful grace. By the time she reached the stage and took the microphone, there was a shared rapport across the room of old friends and the newly acquainted, all – including Berk – there to enjoy a good time.

http://centerontheaisle.com/2041/celia-berk-thankful-for-this-smiling-nightingale/

“WHEN E.F. HUTTON TALKS PEOPLE LISTEN.” WHEN REX REED RECOMMENDS I’M THERE!

Stephen Sorokoff //
Times Square Chronicles //
February 10, 2015

Celia has the voice, the phrasing, and the demeanor to rank her as one of the most sophisticated cabaret performers out there. I wish I had gotten the same lift from an old E.H. Hutton tip as I got from Rex’s.

http://t2conline.com/stephen-sorokoff-my-view-when-e-f-hutton-talks-people-listen-when-rex-reed-recommends-im-there/

CABARET LIFE NYC: LISTMANIA REDUX! MY BEST/FAVORITE 20 SHOWS & PERFORMANCES OF 2014, WITH 30 ‘BESTS & MOSTS’ OF AN EXCITING YEAR IN CABARET

Stephen Hanks //
BroadwayWorld.com //
January 21, 2015

Most Deceptively Comic Performance During a Wonderful Vocal: Celia Berk’s rendition of Irving Berlin’s “Yiddisha Nightingale” at the Cabaret Convention and in her solo show at the Metropolitan Room not only revealed a surprising vocal range but also a Fanny Brice-like comedic flair. So nu? What’s not to love?

Most Obvious Breakout Performers Who Didn’t Make My Favorite 20 Shows List: …Celia Berk was one of the surprise stories of 2014 with both her CD release and solo show at the Metropolitan Room

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/CABARET-LIFE-NYC-Listmania-Redux-My-BestFavorite-20-Shows-Performances-of-2014-With-30-Bests-Mosts-of-An-Exciting-Year-in-Cabaret-20150121

BWW CABARET PROFILE: VOCALIST CELIA BERK DRAWS HER OWN MAP FROM FEAR TO CRAFT

Alix Cohen //
BroadwayWorld.com //
January 10, 2015

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? The question signaled an onramp for Celia Berk. Unsure of outcome, the performer was and is determined to create a journey embodying integrity and artistry.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Cabaret-Profile-Vocalist-CELIA-BERK-Draws-Her-Own-Career-Map-From-Fear-to-Craft-20150110?PageSpeed=noscript

KEVIN ON KABARET: TOP 14 OF 2014

Kevin Scott Hall //
Edge Media Network //
January 2, 2015

Ms. Berk took many years before deciding to launch her solo career, and she did everything right. She surrounded herself with top talent, released a nifty CD, “You Can’t Rush Spring,” and demonstrated herself to be a fine interpreter of little-known songs from great composers, as well as having an unexpected flair for comedy. Expect more in years to come.

http://www.edgenewyork.com/entertainment/music/news//169967/kevin_on_kabaret_::_top_14_of_2014

NICK WAKEHAM CASTS AN EYE OVER SOME OF THE LATEST CD RELEASES

Nick Wakeham //
MusicalTheatreReview.com //
December 24, 2014

I would love to see this lady live in one of her cabaret outings, and one day she may well come over to the UK, but in the meantime I can’t give enough praise for this CD and, if like me, you are a great admirer of the voices and styles of Peggy Lee and such, then you will LOVE this album. You can get it on CD or through Amazon or iTunes. To be honest, I don’t care how you get it – just get it!

http://musicaltheatrereview.com/book-cd-reviews-paradise-lost-west-end-goes-mad-michael-ball/#.VKA1LdbACc

CABARET LIFE NYC: MY SECOND HALF OF 2014 CABARET JOURNEY or ONE REVIEWER’S LONG PROCRASTINATION SPECIAL AS WE BID FAREWELL TO ANOTHER YEAR OF SHOW HOPPING

Stephen Hanks //
BroadwayWorld.com //
December 26, 2015

Maybe you can’t rush spring, but you can certainly rush your cabaret career when you’re starting it later in life. Celia Berk isn’t wasting any time as this past year she released her highly-praised debut CD (of the same name), wowed the Cabaret Convention in October, and staged her solo debut show…And she went three-for-three. Berk’s show…featured “hidden gems from great songwriters,” during which the audience discovered that Berk herself was a hidden gem…Berk is funny, charming, and expressive, and possesses a highly appealing alto to mezzo range…definitely one to watch in 2015 and beyond.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Cabaret-Life-NYC-My-Second-Half-of-2014-Cabaret-Journey-or-One-Reviewers-Long-Long-Procrastination-Special-as-We-Bid-Farewell-to-Another-Year-of-Show-Hopping-20141226

344 DESIGN CASE STUDY: CELIA BERK

Stefan Bucher //
344 Design //
December 21, 2014

Singer Celia Berk was working on recording her debut album of standards, show tunes, and hidden gems from the Great American Songbook. She needed somebody to help her navigate the visual side of the process, and of course I was happy to help…Celia was kind enough to trust me with an unfinished mix of the album, and even in that stage it was clear that I’d enjoy the process. Collaborating with her musical director Alex Rybeck, she had put together a really lovely set of tunes that were beautifully arranged and recorded. It’s a style of music I love, but don’t often get to work on. It was an easy choice to make.

http://www.344lovesyou.com/projects/celia-berk/

A LOOK AT TWELVE VOCALISTS’ CDs

Andy Propst //
American Theatre Web //
November 24, 2014

…Berk’s selection of rarely-heard tunes isn’t all that makes “Spring” special. There’s also Berk’s gossamer delivery, which brings to mind classic band singers, and Alex Rybeck’s astute arrangements, which both support her vocals and gracefully illuminate the music. I’ve found myself returning to this one frequently.

http://www.americantheaterweb.com/index.php/topnews/2014/11/24/vocalists_cd_column

CELIA BERK: YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING (Metropolitan Room)

Melody Breyer-Grell //
Cabaret Scenes Magazine //
December 16, 2014

Celia Berk proved, once again, that one’s “second act” can be her most satisfying. As she repeatedly made mention of her corporate career, Berk conveyed that, although she enjoyed and prospered during that comfortable period of life, singing was her destiny.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2014/12/16/celia-berk-you-cant-rush-spring-2/

CELIA BERK LAUNCHES BELATED CABARET CAREER WITH A SOLID CD RELEASE AND IMPRESSIVE DEBUT SHOW

John Hoglund //
BroadwayWorld.com //
December 7, 2014

Watching a singer like Celia Berk, who brings a heartwarming balance, a subtle good humor, originality, and a lot of affection to everything she sings, makes one realize the crucial role good instincts play in the self-conscious, self-absorbed world of cabaret…In this auspicious debut she proved she easily puts her personal stamp on an eclectic mix of songs. Such ability springs directly from who she is and not from someone’s idea of who she should be.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Reviews-CELIA-BERK-Launches-Belated-Cabaret-Career-With-a-Solid-CD-Release-and-Debut-Show-20141207

KEVIN ON KABARET: TWO SPECIAL TALENTS

Kevin Scott Hall //
Edge Media Network //
December 5, 2014

It’s not every day that a cabaret artist emerges with her first solo show with a critically lauded debut CD in tow. Then again, it took a while for Celia Berk to get to her current happy perch, so why not enter with a bang?

http://www.edgeboston.com/cars/lexus_lgbt_video_series/news//168898/kevin_on_kabaret_::_two_special_talents

YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING – CELIA BERK: CAPTIVATING

Alix Cohen //
Theatre Pizzazz! //
December 1, 2014

Celia Berk is a fledgling cabaret singer, yet her debut show is as accomplished as any I’ve seen by veterans…She has grace, imagination, a sense of humor, and talent. Musicianship is splendid. This is a terrific show.

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/cant-rush-spring-celia-berk-captivating/

CELIA BERK – A GRACIOUS LATE ARRIVAL

Fred Cohen //
Woman Around Town //
November 25, 2014

Let yourself be charmed. It’s not a chore; indeed, it’s pretty much unavoidable. Celia Berk exudes gracious warmth on top of a smooth, meaty mezzo and an impeccable choice of material and sidemen. Things are apparently falling into place for her in her life now so perhaps it is easy for her to generate her smile from deep in her heart – but those of us in its radiance don’t have to concern ourselves with its source, only its glow.

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/celia-berk-a-gracious-late-arrival

CELIA BERK THRILLS THE CROWD IN A NUANCED, COMPELLING METROPOLITAN ROOM DEBUT

Lucid Culture //
November 24, 2014

In her Metropolitan Room debut last night, the cabaret-jazz chanteuse packed the room and wowed the crowd with a richly dynamic, urbane, minutely jeweled performance.

https://lucidculture.wordpress.com/2014/11/24/celia/

COME ON AND HEAR: THE SONGS OF IRVING BERLIN

Alix Cohen //
Woman Around Town //
October 25, 2014

Celia Berk, about to make her cabaret debut at The Metropolitan Room, has developed a scenario featuring “My Yiddisha Nightingale” which is impossible to imagine another vocalist tackling, let alone imagining. The artist sings with Lower East Side inflection and cinematic phrasing. Her own authoritative alto bookends a parenthesis of Puccini- in Yiddish! with full operatic luster. Vivid and impressive.

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/come-on-and-hear-the-songs-of-irving-berlin

CELIA BERK: EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES…FINALLY

Career 2.0 //
October 20, 2014

Dreams never die. Sometimes they just don’t happen exactly when you think they will…

http://dowhatyoulove.today/celia-berk-everythings-coming-up-roses-finally/

CELIA BERK: YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING

Carla Gordon //
Cabaret Scenes Magazine //
October 1, 2014

The many voices of Celia Berk grace her classy new CD, You Can’t Rush Spring. Her songs conjure up Julie London sensuality and Jane Olivor storytelling without losing Celia Berk.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2014/10/01/celia-berk-you-cant-rush-spring/

PHOTO FLASH: LINDA LAVIN AND MORE JOIN JIM CARUSO AND BILLY STRITCH AT THE CARLYLE

BroadwayWorld.com //
May 27, 2014

This past Sunday night’s show was a parade of theatrical types, including Linda Lavin…Also joining Caruso, Stritch and bass player Steve Doyle with impromptu performances were cabaret star Natalie Douglas, Broadway’s Bob Stillman, nightclub entertainers Aurora Barnes, Jeff Harnar, Alex Rybeck, and Celia Berk, Jeffrey Pew from the Broadway company of Cinderella, and Tony-winning leading man Paulo Szot, who was heard shouting bravissimi from a corner booth.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Photo-Flash-Linda-Lavin-and-More-Join-Jim-Caruso-and-Billy-Stritch-at-The-Carlyle-20140527#

SPRING IS HERE (MUSIC REVIEW: CELIA BERK, YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING)

LulaThoughts.BlogSpot.com //
May 23, 2014

I can’t remember the last time I heard an album and told myself, “Wow. This is exquisite.” That was exactly my thought when I listened to Celia Berk’s “You Can’t Rush Spring.” I know it’s only May, but this album would be hard to beat as my favorite album of the year.

http://luhathoughts.blogspot.com/2014/05/spring-is-here-music-review-celia-berk.html

December 19 and 20, 2019 — Holiday Show

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And I’m so excited to be part of this merry band celebrating the holidays at The Beach Cafe.

November 21, 2019 — BroadwayWorld Awards

Pianist Sean Gough and I are delighted to be nominated in the Best Duo category in the 2019 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards.

October 31, 2019 — Jazz at Lincoln Center/Mabel Mercer Foundation

Honored to appear on the final evening of the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s 30th Annual Cabaret Convention, hosted by KT Sullivan. Pianist Sean Gough and I will be joined by saxophonist David Liebman, for a “haunting” number on Halloween.

September 5, 2019 — Jazz At Kitano October 2

I’m making my Jazz at Kitano debut with my first two-set evening. “COMES LOVE” returns to NYC with pianist Sean Gough and bassist Steve Doyle on October 2 at 8pm & 10pm. Reservations at (212) 885-7119. http://bit.ly/celiaberkjazzatkitano

July 1, 2019 — “COMES LOVE” Comes Back to Birdland July 9!

Thrilled to be invited back to Birdland Theater Tuesday, July 9 at 7pm. COMES LOVE is my new collaboration with pianist Sean Gough. We’ve met at an intersection between jazz and cabaret, and can’t think of a better place to share our evening of songs about love than in this new space at Birdland Jazz Club. We’re joined by Birdland favorite, bassist Steve Doyle. Here’s what the Bistro Awards said about our debut: http://bit.ly/BistroAwardsComesLove Tickets and info here: http://bit.ly/CeliaBerkComesLove

JUNE 30, 2019 — BITTERSWEET

To mark my new collaboration with pianist Sean Gough, we’ve released a demo of “Bittersweet”. You can hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNPO4H2oujw

April 27, 2019 — 2019 MARGARET WHITING AWARD

As a past honoree, I’m delighted to help celebrate Danny Bacher as he receives the 2019 Margaret Whiting Award from the American Songbook Association and My Ideal Music on June 25 at the Laurie Beechman Theater. Tickets are only available here: http://americansongbookassociation.org/index.html

April 14, 2019 — HERE COMES “COMES LOVE”!

To celebrate the debut of COMES LOVE at Birdland Theater on Tuesday, April 23 at 7m, we’re sharing a demo of the title song. This is my new collaboration with pianist Sean Gough, and we’re so pleased to be joined by Steve Doyle on bass. You can hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew-jcUneu7M

March 9, 2019 — BIRDLAND THEATER DEBUT APRIL 23!

I’m thrilled to make my Birdland Theater debut on Tuesday, April 23 at 7pm. COMES LOVE is my new collaboration with pianist Sean Gough. We’ve met at an intersection between jazz and cabaret, and can’t think of a better place to share our evening of songs about love than in this new space at Birdland Jazz Club. We’re joined by Birdland favorite, bassist Steve Doyle. Details here: http://bit.ly/celiaberkbirdlandtheater

January 9, 2019 — A NEW COLLABORATION BEGINS

The new year brings a new collaboration with pianist Sean Gough. Our topic is love, and we’re headed to the Beach Cafe on February 23 for a sneak peek of the songs we’ve chosen. Tickets and information here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celia-berk-with-pianist-sean-gough-tickets-53360628075?aff=eac2

December 22, 2018 — MAKE THEM HEAR YOU

Looking forward to joining my extraordinary cabaret friends in supporting Pax Christi Metro NY’s Peacemaking Through The Arts concert on Sunday afternoon, February 10.

September 9, 2018 — MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

So pleased to be part of the Simply Timeless Radio program on the night that “America’s #1 Full-Time Jazz Station” — Jazz88″ in Minneapolis joined the network.

September 4, 2018 — FEINSTEIN’S/ 54 BELOW

Thrilled to be part of the 40th anniversary of BALLROOM. Its glorious score is by Billy Goldberg and Alan & Marilyn Bergman. “I’ve Been Waiting All My Life” is the first track on my debut album “You Can’t Rush Spring”. But this time I get to sing a song that was cut.

June 11, 2018 — DORSET, ENGLAND

Thank you Sandy Letham for including me in the Just Trad Jazz Show on Abbey104. 104.7FM and www.abbey104.com

June 10, 2018 — THE JONATHAN CHANNEL

Delighted to be included in this new home of the Great American Songbook, broadcasting 24/7 from New York City. http://thejonathanstation.com/

June 1, 2018 — JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER

It Only Takes A Moment to say thank you to the Mabel Mercer Foundation for inviting me to be part of “The Best Of Jerry Herman” at this year’s New York Cabaret Convention. October 11 at Jazz At Lincoln Center. https://www.classy.org/event/the-29th-new-york-cabaret-convention/e182104

May 15, 2018 — CALAIX DEJAZZTRE

Hola Barcelona, Spain! Thank you Jordi Hatero for adding me to your May 15 program as one of the “las voces emergentes de la neoyorkina” https://www.ivoox.com/programa-121-15-mai-audios-mp3_rf_25968267_1.html

April 25, 2018 — THE JAZZ LOUNGE

Thank you Grace Black for putting my album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING into rotation in the UK on The Jazz Lounge Radio Show at www.k107.co.uk

March 30, 2018 — SIMPLY TIMELESS RADIO

Thank you Jay Daniels for putting my albums YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING and MANHATTAN SERENADE into rotation!

February 27, 2018 — MAC AWARDS

Not sure if it’s girl power, strength in numbers, or just a continuation of the gift that is TOGETHER….but it’s such a pleasure to earn a MAC Award Nomination alongside Sally Darling, Meg Flather, Josephine Sanges and Lisa Viggiano in the Revue/Special Production Category.

February 1, 2018 — THE BISTRO AWARDS

Delighted that It Helps To Sing About It: Songs of Ben Schaechter & Dan Kael has won a 2018 Bistro Award (and been designated the ASCAP Outstanding Revue Award). It was a pleasure to be part of the company, and I look forward to performing an excerpt at the gala event in March.

January 8, 2018 — BROADWAYWORLD AWARDS

Thank you to the voters of the BroadwayWorld Awards for earning me a place on this incredible list of honorees as Best Female Vocalist.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/2017-BWW-Cabaret-Awards-Carole-J-Bufford-Wins-Best-Show-Betty-Buckley-and-Charles-Busch-Take-Top-Celeb-Honors-20180108

January 2, 2018 — LOVE IS JUST SAND: CELIA BERK AT THE BEACH CAFE

What better way to step into the new year than to follow in the footsteps of two women I so admire. I’d follow them anywhere, including the Beach Cafe on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Join me for Dinner and a Show at New York’s loveliest new cabaret room on Saturday, February 3 at 8:15pm.

https://www.thebeachcafe.com/cabaret/

November 25, 2017 — WINTER RHYTHMS

The company of TOGETHER: 2017 Cabaret Award-Nominated Vocalists is thrilled to join Winter Rhthyms at Urban Stages at 7pm Friday, December 15. http://urbanstages.org/winterrhythms2017

November 1, 2017 — TOGETHER AGAIN!

TOGETHER: 2017 Cabaret Award-Nominated Vocalists is returning to Don’t Tell Mama the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. And this time we’re raising money for a food kitchen. http://www.donttellmamanyc.com/shows/main/together-2017-cabaret-award-nominated-vocalists-11-21

October 1, 2017 — WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE

Two songs from my album MANHATTAN SERENADE are featured on Women of Substance Radio & Podcast‘s annual “We’ve Got It Covered” series. “Up On The Roof” will be played on the “HIP 50S & 60S” Show and title track “Manhattan Serenade” on the “SOPHISTICATED STANDARDS” Show.

September 3, 2017 — ONE MORE CHANCE!

One more chance to sing at the Metropolitan Room’s current location, and one more chance to be part of IT HELPS TO SING ABOUT: SONGS OF BEN SCHAECHTER & DAN KAEL when it returns on September 16 and 17.

July 6, 2017 — THE MABEL MERCER FOUNDATION

S’Awful nice to be part of the October 17 evening celebrating the music of George Gershwin at this year’s Cabaret Convention at Jazz At Lincoln Center.

June 12, 2017 — THECITYVIEW.COM

My first inclusion in a Will Friedwald column! This one’s about the upcoming Dietz & Schwartz & Friends concert at Carnegie Hall.

https://thecitiview.com/nyc/articles/the-mabel-mercer-foundation-presentsthats-entertainment-dietz-schwartz-friends/8494/c1272/

May 13, 2017 — TOGETHER!

We’re told it’s unprecedented. The 2017 MAC Female Vocalists are coming together for an afternoon of song on June 25 at Don’t Tell Mama in New York. It’s a benefit for Trinity Place Shelter LGBTQ Youth Program. Sally Darling, Meg Flather, Josephine Sanges, Lisa Viggiano and yours truly. John M. Cook, Musical Director. http://donttellmamanyc.com/shows/main/together-6-25

May 4, 2017 — LONGISLANDHERALD.COM

This Rockville Centre native is practicing, practicing for her Carnegie Hall debut courtesy of the Mabel Mercer Foundation.

http://www.liherald.com/stories/rvc-native-to-debut-at-carnegie-hall,91387

March 31, 2017 — TIMES SQUARE CHRONICLES

IT HELPS TO SING ABOUT IT is a hit! And we’ll be back at the Metropolitan Room in September.

http://t2conline.com/it-helps-to-sing-about-it-is-a-hit/

March 28, 2017 — MAC AWARDS

Deeply honored that MANHATTAN SERENADE has received the (Nancy)Lamott/(David)Friedman Award for Best Album.

March 13, 2017 — CARNEGIE HALL

Thrilled to announce my participation in this very special evening.

March 5, 2017 — BROADWAYWORLD.COM

The cast of It Helps To Sing About It: Songs of Schaechter & Kael are heading back to the Metropolitan Room this month!

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/IT-HELPS-TO-SING-ABOUT-IT-to-Return-to-The-Metropolitan-Room-20170303

March 4, 2017 — SONDHEIM MEDLEY

This duet with Josephine Sanges has been added to the permanent collection of the Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center! https://youtu.be/B9WsBNj3mqY

February 23, 2017 — MAC AWARDS

So proud to have MANHATTAN SERENADE — the show directed by Jeff Harnar, and the album arranged and conducted by Alex Rybeck — recognized by the cabaret community with two MAC — Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs nominations.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Natalie-Douglas-Joe-Iconis-Molly-Pope-SPAMILTON-and-More-Among-2017-MAC-Award-Nominees-20170223

February 11, 2017 — NITE LIFE EXCHANGE

Thank you Marilyn Lester for catching the excitement of this special evening.

http://nitelifeexchange.com/a-benefit-for-cabaret-scenes-hits-all-the-right-notes/

February 7, 2017 — CABARET SCENES GALA

Excited to be included in this incredible array of cabaret artists (and friends) celebrating Cabaret Scenes Magazine at the Metropolitan Room.

January 19, 2017 — BROADWAYWORLD.COM 2016 CABARET AWARDS

So thrilled to received the BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret Award for Best Show, Female for MANHATTAN SERENADE. Musical Director Alex Rybeck was also honored, as was Director Jeff Harnar (who picked up his second consecutive Best Male Vocalist Award).

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/2016-BWW-Cabaret-Awards-Celia-Berk-and-Sidney-Myer-Win-Top-Show-Honors-Betty-Buckley-and-Tony-Yazbeck-are-Top-Celebs-20170119

January 1, 2017 — THE BROADWAY RADIO SHOW

What a nice New Year’s surprise from Donald Feltham’s The Broadway Radio Show. My second album MANHATTAN SERENADE is one of the “extras” at the end of his “MY TOP TEN FAVORITE CAST RECORDINGS OF 2016! (plus some extras).”

http://www.haineshisway.com/the-broadway-radio-show/

November 30, 2016 — BROADWAYWORLD NY CABARET AWARDS

Thrilled to be nominated for two awards: Best Show, Female and Best Vocalist, Female and to have my Director Jeff Harnar and Musical Director Alex Rybeck nominated as well. You can see some of our collaboration at YouTube.com/CeliaBerkMusic.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Voting-Now-Open-for-the-2016-BWW-Cabaret-Awards-20161129

November 3, 2016 — THEY WRITE THE SONGS

So pleased to be amongst the singers included in the submission of songwriters Ben Schaechter & Dan Kael for the MAC Dottie Burman Songwriting Award. They are finalists!

November 1, 2016 — A NEW DISCOVERY

Debbi Bush Whiting found this hidden gem in the files of her grandfather Richard Whiting. And she coaxed Jeff Harnar and Alex Rybeck into the studio to record it for me!

October 19, 2016 — JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER

What a thrill to be part of the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s 27th Annual New York Cabaret Convention, and especially to be part of the evening saluting Stephen Sondheim.

http://theaterpizzazz.com/saluting-stephen-sondheim/

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Review-Cabaret-Celebrates-Stephen-Sondheim-in-Night-Two-of-the-Mabel-Mercer-Foundation-Cabaret-Convention-1019-20161021

October 13, 2016 — BROADWAYWORLD.COM

Many thanks to Ashley Steves for this in-depth interview about my second album MANHATTAN SERENADE and my love affair with New York.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Interview-MAC-Award-Winner-Celia-Berk-Discusses-Her-Latest-Album-MANHATTAN-SERENADE-and-Her-Lifelong-Love-Affair-with-New-York-20161013

October 12, 2016 — CRAINS 5 BOROS

Thank you Deanna Cioppa for a lovely profile, featuring this photo by photographer Sekou Luke.

http://www.5boros.com/2016/10/manhattan-serenade-cabaret-singer-celia-berk-shares-her-greatest-love-affair/

September 19, 2016 — IT HELPS TO SING ABOUT IT

Happy Chuffed Ferklempt for my dear friends Ben Schaechter and Dan Kael, director Sara Louise Lazarus and fellow castmates Nora Davis (our producer), Joshua Lance Dixon, Kelli Rabke, Marissa Mulder and David Perlman. And personally appreciative of this generous review by Randolph B. Eigenbrode in Cabaret Scenes.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/09/19/it-helps-to-sing-about-it-the-songs-of-ben-schaechter-dan-kael/

September 10, 2016 — WE’RE A BISTRO PICK!

What a pleasure to help introduce (or re-introduce) these songwriters to a cabaret audience.

http://bistroawards.com/it-helps-to-sing-about-it/

September 5, 2016 — IT HELPS TO SING ABOUT IT

Pleased to be joining a wonderful cast celebrating the music of my friends Ben Schaechter and Dan Kael.

August 1, 2016 — HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

Thank you Hofstra University for this lovely feature. Thank you to my parents for PAYING for Hofstra University. And thank you Aaron Tomlinson for the great pictures!

http://news.hofstra.edu/2016/07/29/alumnas-manhattan-serenade-is-a-tribute-to-the-city-and-music-she-loves/?twitter

July 20, 2016 — NEW YORK OBSERVER

Thank you Rex Reed for this review of our July Metropolitan Room show. Director Jeff Harnar and I were thrilled to welcome you and songbird Joyce Breach.

http://observer.com/2016/…/with-old-chums-life-is-a-cabaret/

July 15, 2016 — NEW YORK ARTS REVIEW

Thank you David Hurst for this generous review of my “sophomore album” MANHATTAN SERENADE.

http://nyartsreview.com/home/manhattan-serenade-★★★★★/

June 26, 2016 — CABARET CONVENTION

Thrilled to be invited back to the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Cabaret Convention, which returns to Jazz At Lincoln Center this year. I’m part of the October 19 evening saluting Stephen Sondheim, hosted by Jeff Harnar and Andrea Marcovicci.

June 10, 2016 — PANDORA

MANHATTAN SERENADE has just been accepted by Pandora! That’s the second album arranged and conducted by Alex Rybeck and Co-Produced by Scott Lehrer to be selected. Coincidence? I think not. It joins my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING, which has had over 7,000 spins.

June 6, 2016 — CABARET SCENES/MUSIC REVIEWS

Thank you John Hoglund for this review of my second album, and especially for the final paragraph recognizing my extraordinary — and extraordinarily generous — collaborators.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/06/07/celia-berk-manhattan-serenade-2/

May 29, 2016 — CABARET SCENES/CABARET REVIEWS

Thank you Peter Haas for this review of my return to the Metropolitan Room celebrating my second album, Manhattan Serenade.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/05/29/celia-berk-manhattan-serenade/

May 25, 2016 — THE PENTHOUSE RADIO

My second album, MANHATTAN SERENADE, has been added to the playlist of THE PENTHOUSE at http://www.thepenthouse.fm/

May 23, 2016 — SOUTH AFRICA

Thank you Peter Wagenaar and Radio Today Johannesburg for adding MANHATTAN SERENADE to the playlist of “I’ve Got My Standards.”

April 25, 2016 — THE NEW YORK TIMES

Thank you Stephen Holden for this review as we ended our month of Sundays celebrating the release of MANHATTAN SERENADE. We are being held over!

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/26/arts/music/review-celia-berks-manhattan-serenade-exudes-romantic-nostalgia.html

April 20, 2016 — THE BISTRO AWARDS

Thank you Robert Windeler for this review of my second show, celebrating my second album. So glad he called out the inspired and inspiring contributions of Director Jeff Harnar, Musical Director/Arranger Alex Rybeck, Jered Egan on bass (who paired with Michael Goetz on our April dates), Dan Gross on percussion and Dan Willis on woodwinds.

http://bistroawards.com/celia-berk-4/

April 19, 2016 — TALKIN’ BROADWAY

Thank you Rob Lester for this thoughtful, extensive consideration of MANHATTAN SERENADE!

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/sound/april1516.html

April 15, 2016 — “ON THE AIR” IN AMSTERDAM

Thank you Virginia Music in The Netherlands for adding my new album MANHATTAN SERENADE to your female vocalist Jazzradio playlist!

http://www.virginiamusic.eu/highlights

April 7, 2016 — WOMAN AROUND TOWN

Fred Cohen’s fascinating comparison of albums and performances!

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/manhattan-serenade-celia-berk

April 5, 2016 — CABARET SCENES

We’re a Pick of the Week! http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/04/05/apr-10-celia-berk/

April 5, 2016 — BROADWAYWORLD.COM

Alix Cohen’s review of our opening night at the Metropolitan Room.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Review-Celia-Berk-Follows-Up-Multiple-Award-Debut-Year-With-Smart-Stylish-and-Meticulous-CD-Release-Show-at-the-Metropolitan-Room-20160405#

April 4, 2016 — THEATER PIZZAZZ

Marilyn Lester has written about our opening night at the Metropolitan Room. We’re back three more Sundays in April!

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/celia-berk-manhattan-serenade/

March 28, 2016 — BISTRO AWARDS

We’re a “Bistro Pick”! Thank you to the Bistro Awards for highlighting our upcoming shows at the Metropolitan Room. We’re there every Sunday in April, celebrating the release of my new album, MANHATTAN SERENADE.

http://bistroawards.com/celia-berk-3/

March 27, 2016 — THE BROADWAY SHOW

Thank you Donald Feltham for inviting me back on your show to discuss my new album, MANHATTAN SERENADE.

Thank you Donald Feltham for inviting me back to The Broadway Radio Show to discuss my new album, MANHATTAN SERENADE. Arranged and conducted by Alex Rybeck. Co-Produced by Scott Lehrer.
http://www.haineshisway.com/the-broadway-radio-show/

March 13, 2016 — THE SALON

I’m heading to The Salon, hosted by Mark Janas and produced by Tanya Moberly. Alex Rybeck and I are in the “Salon Spotlight.” We’re previewing three songs from our new album MANHATTAN SERENADE, which drops April 1.

March 6, 2016 — A BROAD SPECTRUM

Thank you to Mary Foster Conklin for including my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING on her new weekly show “A Broad Spectrum” on WFDU 89.1 FM/www.wfdu.fm ‘s HD2 channel “Jazz And What’s More.” She’s offering up an assortment of music by Women Who Inspire – Writers, Composers, Instrumentalists and Vocalists (and yes, there will be airplay of male artists too, in the Honorable Men-tion slot).

March 5, 2016 — JOE’S PUB AT THE PUBLIC THEATER

Looking forward to joining a fascinating group of highly accomplished women on the stage of Joe’s Pub for the next “Women of Letters, New York City.” Our topic is “A letter to the person I imagined I’d be.” http://joespub.publictheater.org/en/tickets/calendar/playdetailscollection/joes-pub/2016/w/women-of-letters-mar-2016/?SiteTheme=JoesPub

February 27, 2016 — CABARET SCENES MAGAZINE

Fun profile of the 2016 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award winners in the March/April issue of Cabaret Scenes Magazine! What a thrill to be in such esteemed company. And heartfelt thanks to everyone whose votes earned me the Best Debut Show honor.

January 20, 2016 — RADIO WORLD INDIE

Thank you Lucio Urbano for adding my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to “Straight Up Jazz With Luciano” from 12PM to 1PM on Radio World Indie. http://www.radioworldindie.org/

January 19, 2016 — BROADWAYWORLD AWARD

Thrilled to be voted the Best New York Cabaret Debut of 2015. And oh my, what wonderful company I am in!

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-2015-New-York-Cabaret-Awards-Alan-Cumming-Betty-Buckley-Are-Top-Celebs-Jane-Monheit-Takes-4th-Straight-for-Jazz-Vocalist-Todd-Murray-Wins-for-Best-Show-Vocalist-20160119#

December 28, 2015 — CABARET SCENES MAGAZINE

I’m Miss January! (Well, Miss January/February…) I’m the cover story of the first issue of 2016. Marilyn Lester’s profile is called “You Can’t Rush Success.”

December 23, 2015 — INAUGURAL SHOW OF A NEW SERIES

Thrilled to be part of the first show of a new series broadcasting David Kenney’s “Everything Old Is New Again” LIVE from the Metropolitan Room the first Sunday of every month. WBAI, 99.5 fm; WBAI.org; oldisnew.org

http://cabaretscenes.org/2015/12/19/everything-old-is-new-again-live/

December 6, 2015 — GOING LEGIT

What a pleasure to join fellow MAC Award-winner Dawn Derow for another performance of her BroadwayWorld Award-nominated show LEGIT: A CLASSICAL CABARET. With Tenor Victor Khodadad. Musical Direction by Mark Janas. Direction by Lina Koutrakas. Presented by Carolyn Montgomery-Forant as part of her new “Stronger Stuff” Series at the Laurie Beechman Theatre.

November 26, 2015 — BROADWAYWORLD NOMINATION

Thank you BroadwayWorld.com, New York Cabaret Section Editor Stephen Hanks, and Remy Block, David Clarke, Alix Cohen, John Hoglund, and Billie Roe for placing my debut show in nomination for a 2015 Broadway New York Cabaret Award. http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Announces-2015-New-York-Cabaret-Awards-Nominees-KAREN-MASON-and-MARK-NADLER-Named-Years-Best-Performers-MARILYN-MAYE-and-JEFF-HARNAR-Earn-Three-Nominations-Each-20151126

November 13, 2015 – WE’RE IN THE STUDIO

In the WFUV studio with Alex Rybeck, Sally Mayes, Kevin Dozier, Jeff Harnar and host Bob Sherman recording a special cabaret-focused Thanksgiving Sunday broadcast of his “Woody’s Children” series. November 29, 1-3pm ET on 90.7fm and streaming at wfuv.org.

November 9, 2015 – THE MAC CHANNEL

Selections from my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING are now streaming on the MAC Channel of Accuradio.com. It features members of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs, which honored me with the 2015 Award for Female Debut, and nominated the album for the LaMott Friedman Award. http://www.accuradio.com/channel/the-mac-channel/707/

October 14, 2015 – THE MARGARET WHITING AWARD

What a surprise and thrill to be presented with the 2015 Margaret Whiting Award by My Ideal Music, Inc. and the Mabel Mercer Foundation. Made all the more special by being presented onstage by Margaret’s daughter Debbi Bush Whiting, in-between my two songs at the Cabaret Convention.

October 3, 2015 – WE’RE A GREAT EVENT IN NYC

Thank you to The Three Tomatoes for including our November 8 return to the Metropolitan Room as one of the Great Events in NYC Life this Fall!

http://thethreetomatoes.com/nyc-life-great-events-in-october-and-November

September 24, 2015 – THE JAZZ UK

Thank you Ian Starling/thejazz.co.uk for adding my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to your playlist!

September 20, 2015 – SPINNING!

Pandora Radio reports over 5,000 spins of tracks from my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING.

September 19, 2015 – BLOOMING GROVE, NY

Broadway Concerts Direct ushers in Fall with a cornucopia of songs, hosted by Carole Demas.

September 1, 2015 – BACK AT 2ND STORY SOUND

Recording backups for my second album! Joshua Dixon, Jeff Harnar and Kristoffer Lowe under the Direction of Arranger/Conductor/Musical Director Alex Rybeck.

August 22, 2015 — MY VERSION OF SUMMER STOCK

Looking forward to finding out how a song from our new album lands on the ears of a friendly Orange County, New York audience.

July 18, 2015 – BACK TO BLOOMING GROVE, NY

Trying out new material for an audience that is more like family.

June 20, 2015 – BLOOMING GROVE, NY

Can’t think of a better way to spend a late Spring evening than making music with wonderful friends.

June 9, 2015 – BACK IN THE STUDIO

The start of the long journey to a second album. At 2nd Story Sound in New York City with Alex Rybeck, Scott Lehrer, Jered Egan and Dan Gross.

June 1, 2015 – CABARET CONVENTION!

Thrilled and honored to be part of The Mabel Mercer Foundation’s 2015 program. Wednesday, October 14 at Town Hall. Hosted by Jeff Harnar & Andrea Marcovicci. A Sentimental Journey: World War II Songs.

May 25, 2015 – A SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE

Thank you Dawn Derow for inviting me to join her for an opera duet in her new show LEGIT – A Classical Cabaret. May 26 and June 19 at the Metropolitan Room.

May 23, 2015 – BLOOMING GROVE, NY

Chirping away with Carole Demas, Rich Flanders, Mark Planner, Anne Tarpey-Flanders, David Vernon and Broadway Concerts Direct impresario Sarah Rice. Matthew Martin Ward at the piano.

May 10, 2015 – YOU MEET THE NICEST PEOPLE ON TWITTER

Thank you Nate & Paul for adding tracks from YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to today’s “Sunday Show Tunes” in Woking, Surrey, UK. http://www.radiowoking.co.uk/

May 2, 2015 – HELLO PALMETTO, FLORIDA!

Thank you Jan Eberle for including my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING on your May 2 “Swing Museum” program at KSAV.org Internet Radio. http://ksav.org/?page_id=8

April 27, 2015 – CELEBRATING JULIE WILSON

Honored to be invited to be part of 54 Below’s celebration of Julie Wilson on May 14.

April 26, 2015 – HOWZIT, SOUTH AFRICA!

Thank you Peter Wagenaar and Radio Today Johannesburg for introducing my debut album to your listeners. And in such esteemed company as Richard Rodney Bennett, Billie Holiday, Barbara Lea, Dick Haymes, June Christy and Chris Connor! The April 27 “I’ve Got My Standards” program promises to be “seriously STRANGE”. Hmm….what song from my album meets that criteria? Have a look at the song list in the “About the Songs” section of GramercyNightingale.com and see if you can guess.

April 23, 2015 – HELLO, NASHVILLE!

Rich Flanders and I thank Larry W Jones and Kingwood Kowboy Kountry Koral for putting our version of Kay Swift’s Sagebrush Lullaby into rotation to stream and broadcast worldwide. http://kingwoodkowboykountrykorral.playtheradio.com/

It has a special place in the Great American Songbook and is available on iTunes and at CDBaby.com

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sagebrush-lullaby-single/id872321534

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/richflandersandceliaberk2

April 4, 2015 – LOOKING BACK AT A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Backstage at the MAC Awards with Terese Genecco and Shaynee Rainbolt.

March 30, 2015 – IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE

Stephen Sorokoff captured the closing night of my New York solo cabaret debut for Times Square Chronicles and BroadwayWorld.com

http://t2conline.com/stephen-sorokoff-it-takes-one-to-know-one-sullivan-and-tatham-at-celia-berk/

March 26, 2015 – NEW YORK DEBUT (FEMALE) MAC AWARD

Thank you to the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) community for your generous welcome in my debut year.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/54-SINGS-Series-Named-Show-of-the-Year-at-2015-MAC-Awards-All-the-Winners-20150327#

March 23, 2015 – OUR FINAL TWO DATES AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

The latest news from Gramercy Nightingale Music Co. http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=051a9c9d7b923bf63ea8eb454&id=8c832c4038&e=[UNIQID]

March 22, 2015 – THE DRESS CIRCLE

Thank you Ted Otten and Michael Kownacky for including two tracks from my debut album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING on tonight’s WWFM program featuring “new to us” releases. It’s the only solo album included, and we’re in the company of some great Broadway cast albums! http://www.dcsro.com/

March 21, 2015 – A SONG IS RE-BORN

Thank you Frank Dain and Cabaret Scenes for telling the story of “Such A Wonderful Town” by Tex Arnold and Lew Spence, featured in my debut cabaret show. http://cabaretscenes.org/2015/03/21/such-a-wonderful-town-a-song-is-re-born/

$Tex, Alex, Jeff$

March 12, 2015 – VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2015 BISTRO AWARDS

I’m at the 8:11 mark! http://stagebuddy.com/theater/cabaret-articles/video-highlights-30th-bistro-awards

March 10, 2015 – MARCHing INTO CABARET MONTH

Here’s the latest news from Gramercy Nightingale Music Co. http://us3.campaign-archive1.com/?u=051a9c9d7b923bf63ea8eb454&id=4e97d442f7&e=

March 9, 2015 – THE BISTRO AWARDS

A lovely summary by Darryl Reilly in TheatreScene.net of a very special evening.

http://www.theaterscene.net/features/the-30th-annual-bistro-awards/darryl-reilly/

March 7, 2015 – RED CARPET

This video captures the excitement of this week’s Bistro Awards.

http://stagebuddy.com/uncategorized/red-carpet-celebrity-interviews-bistro-awards

March 6, 2015 – CABARET SCENES MAGAZINE

A lovely shout out as “March is Cabaret Month” begins, courtesy of Richard Skipper.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2015/03/05/richard-skipper-cabaret-scenes-man-about-cabaret/

February 24, 2015 – RICHARD SKIPPER CELEBRATES

Thank you Richard Skipper for this wonderful blog about the Gramercy Nightingale Music Co. creative team!

http://t.co/XaBn7H2P7s

February 24, 2015 – THEATRESCENES.NET

What a privilege it is to be included in the First Annual Cabaret/Jazz Honors for TheatreScene.net as Outstanding Female Debut. And how wonderfully John Hoglund has put today’s cabaret world into context — past, present and future.

http://www.theaterscene.net/music/cabaret/2015-cabaret-honors/john-hoglund/

February 24, 2015 – THE 2015 MAC AWARD NOMINATIONS

Thrilled to receive two nominations for 2015 MAC – Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs Awards: New York Debut – Female and Recording (LaMott Friedman Award).

http://macnyc.com/

February 21, 2015 – CENTER ON THE AISLE

This Smiling Nightingale is thankful for Erik Jonathan Shuler’s kind words.

http://centerontheaisle.com/2041/celia-berk-thankful-for-this-smiling-nightingale/

February 17, 2015 – THE NEW YORK OBSERVER

Thank you Rex Reed for this staggeringly generous review. http://observer.com/2015/02/luxuriating-in-the-lush-phrasings-of-singer-celia-berk/

February 14, 2015 – MY 12 FAVORITE SHOW TUNES

Mary and Barbara and Nancy and Ethel,

Crowing or dreaming or proving their mettle.

Sondheim, Cole Porter, and yes Dennis King,

These are a few of my favorite things….

Thank you Donald Feltham for inviting me back to The Broadway Radio Show with my “12 Favorite Show Tunes”

http://www.haineshisway.com/the-broadway-radio-show/

February 10, 2015 – TIMES SQUARE CHRONICLES

Thank you Stephen Sorokoff for capturing the Sound Check for our first night back at the Metropolitan Room.

http://t2conline.com/stephen-sorokoff-my-view-when-e-f-hutton-talks-people-listen-when-rex-reed-recommends-im-there/

February 5, 2015 – FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

The latest newsletter highlights our new Metropolitan Room dates starting this Sunday, shares the first video on my YouTube channel, and more. You can subscribe to our mailing list in the lower left hand corner of this GramercyNightingale.com page!

http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=051a9c9d7b923bf63ea8eb454&id=e045d65f3a&e=2822a0d1c4

January 29, 2015 – THE BISTRO AWARDS

Honored to be amongst the wonderful artists to be recognized at the 30th Annual Bistro Awards Gala in March.

http://bistroawards.com/press-release-2015-winners-announced/

January 27, 2015 – VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

We’ve just released video highlights from my NY solo cabaret debut at the Metropolitan Room last November. It also launches my YouTube channel, Celia Berk Music!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxaEShCEj04

January 22, 2015 – SO, NU? WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE IN THIS LIST?

Two mentions in this Stephen Hanks/BroadwayWorld.com list of “Best and Most” of 2014!

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/CABARET-LIFE-NYC-Listmania-Redux-My-BestFavorite-20-Shows-Performances-of-2014-With-30-Bests-Mosts-of-An-Exciting-Year-in-Cabaret-20150121

January 21, 2015 – FEATURED SONG OF THE WEEK

We are so pleased that BwayTunes.com has chosen our version of SAND to be this week’s featured song and free download. Read our Song Notes about this hidden gem from Stephen Sondheim in the About The Songs section of GramercyNightingale.com

http://www.bwaytunes.com/free-song?utm_source=01%2F21%2F2014&utm_campaign=January+21%2C+2015&utm_medium=email

January 13, 2015 – JANUARY NEWSLETTER

Our latest newsletter announced new Metropolitan Room dates, shared some very generous reviews of our Fall debut, detailed my Year of Firsts, and much more. You can subscribe to our mailing list in the lower left hand corner of this GramercyNightingale.com page!

http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=051a9c9d7b923bf63ea8eb454&id=be1e91b1fc&e=2822a0d1c4

January 10, 2015 – BROADWAYWORLD.COM

Thank you Alix Cohen and Stephen Hanks for featuring my story in your Cabaret Profile series.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Cabaret-Profile-Vocalist-CELIA-BERK-Draws-Her-Own-Career-Map-From-Fear-to-Craft-20150110?PageSpeed=noscript

January 3, 2015 – TOP 14 of 2014

Thank you Kevin Scott Hall and Edge Media Network for including us on your list of cabaret highlights for 2014.

http://www.edgenewyork.com/entertainment/music/news//169967/kevin_on_kabaret_::_top_14_of_2014

December 30, 2014 – THE BROADWAY RADIO SHOW

Thank you Donald Feltham for picking YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING as one of his three favorite vocalist releases of 2014. At the 1:21 mark of Donald’s “The Ten Best Cast Recordings of 2014!” you can listen to our version of Stephen Sondheim’s SAND.

http://www.haineshisway.com/the-broadway-radio-show/

December 29, 2014 – MUSICAL THEATRE REVIEW

Thank you to Nick Wakeham and our friends across the pond for including us in this round up of recent CD releases. Yes, YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING makes a great belated holiday present!

http://musicaltheatrereview.com/book-cd-reviews-paradise-lost-west-end-goes-mad-michael-ball/#.VKA1LdbACc

December 26, 2014 – BROADWAYWORLD.COM

Thank you Stephen Hanks for including my Year of Firsts in this extraordinary array of artists I admire. I may be “mature” but I sure feel like a gawky kid surrounded by so many seasoned professionals.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Cabaret-Life-NYC-My-Second-Half-of-2014-Cabaret-Journey-or-One-Reviewers-Long-Long-Procrastination-Special-as-We-Bid-Farewell-to-Another-Year-of-Show-Hopping-20141226

December 22, 2014 – Fröhliche Weihnachten!

CDBaby is reporting sales of YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING in Germany!

December 21, 2014 – 344 DESIGN LOVES…ME!

A lovely memento of a happy (and ongoing) collaboration with Stefan G. Bucher and 344 Design, LLC.

http://www.344lovesyou.com/projects/celia-berk/

December 17, 2014 – AMERICAN THEATRE WEB

Thank you Andy Probst for including me in your review of this extraordinary array of performers with new albums in 2014.

http://www.americantheaterweb.com/index.php/topnews/2014/11/24/vocalists_cd_column

December 16, 2014 – CABARET SCENES MAGAZINE

Thank you Melody Breyer-Grell, Frank Dain and Cabaret Scenes Magazine for this review of the final night of my solo NY cabaret debut at the Metropolitan Room.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2014/12/16/celia-berk-you-cant-rush-spring-2/

December 9, 2014 – CABARABIA

Looking forward to seeing the interview Musical Director Alex Rybeck and I did with Clifford Bell for his special two hour edition “NEW YORK, NEW YORK: POSTCARDS FROM THE CABARET MOTHERSHIP”. MONDAY, DEC. 15 2pm PST

www.gvbradio.com/cabarabia

December 7, 2014 – BROADWAYWORLD.COM

Thank you John Hoglund, Stephen Hanks and BroadwayWorld.com for this review of our Metropolitan Room engagement.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Reviews-CELIA-BERK-Launches-Belated-Cabaret-Career-With-a-Solid-CD-Release-and-Debut-Show-20141207

December 5, 2014 – A YEAR OF FIRSTS

Thank you Kevin Scott Hall for the chance to talk about my Year Of Firsts as we got ready for the last show of my first NY solo cabaret engagement.

http://www.edgeboston.com/cars/lexus_lgbt_video_series/news//168898/kevin_on_kabaret_::_two_special_talents

December 2, 2014 – THE CHANCE TO BE PART OF HISTORY

Excited to be invited to participate in the Guinness World Record Breaking Event: The Longest Variety Show at the Metropolitan Room in New York. 60 hours of continuous entertainment. The most performers in one show, ever! Broadcast live. My slot is 9:15 am on Friday, January 2.

http://metropolitanroom.com/event.cfm?id=179517

December 1, 2014 – THEATRE PIZZAZZ!

Thank you Alix Cohen for this generous review of my solo New York cabaret debut.

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/cant-rush-spring-celia-berk-captivating/

November 25, 2014 – THIS WOMAN AROUND TOWN THANKS “WOMAN AROUND TOWN”

Thank you Fred Cohen for the kind review and wonderful pictures.

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/celia-berk-a-gracious-late-arrival

November 24, 2014 – SERIOUS CHUTZPAH!

Thank you Lucid Culture for the generous review of the opening night of my NY solo cabaret debut.

http://lucidculture.wordpress.com/2014/11/24/celia/

November 22, 2014 – TIM McLOONE RADIO SHOW

Heading down to Asbury Park, NJ on Monday, November 24 to tape a segment on Tim McLoone’s program. Delighted that guitarist Sean Harkness is joining me. We’ll be doing a live version of our studio recording of YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING.

November 13, 2014 – DOUBLE YOU ENNY DOUBLE YOU, ELEVEN THREE OH IN NEW YORK!

Thank you Joe Fay and Metromedia Radio for adding YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to your playlist. This girl singer is thrilled you are keeping alive the tradition of the great WNEW-AM 1130 New York.

http://www.metromediaradio.net/

November 11, 2014 – THE BROADWAY RADIO SHOW

Thank you Donald Feltham for our in-depth conversation about my debut album.

http://www.haineshisway.com/the-broadway-radio-show/

November 10, 2014 – WE’RE STREAMING!

YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING is now available on Pandora Internet Radio.

November 3, 2014 – CHICAGO

Thank you Rick O’Dell for adding the title track of YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to the playlist of Sunday Jazz Brunch at WDCB in Chicago. Ann Hampton Callaway wrote this beautiful song for Lena Horne. (See her story in our Song Notes!)

November 2, 2014 – CHEERS, ENGLAND!

CD Baby reports YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING has jumped the pond and is selling in your country.

October 29, 2014 – HARTFORD, CT

Thank you Bob Parzych and WRTC 89.3 FM Radio in Hartford, Connecticut for putting YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING into rotation!

October 25, 2014 – A SHEYNEM DANK…

… Woman Around Town Alix Cohen for the generous shout out in her review of Thursday’s joyful final evening of The Mabel Mercer Foundation’s 25th Annual Cabaret Convention at Rose Hall Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/come-on-and-hear-the-songs-of-irving-berlin

October 20, 2014 – RAISING THE CURTAIN ON A SPECIAL WEEK

http://dowhatyoulove.today/celia-berk-everythings-coming-up-roses-finally/

October 17, 2014 – FULL MOON RISING

Back to Blooming Grove, NY for this year’s Broadway Concerts Direct Halloween party.

October 1, 2014 – CABARET SCENES

Thank you Carla Gordon for this generous review of our album.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2014/10/01/celia-berk-you-cant-rush-spring/

September 21, 2014 – NEW YORK CABARET CONVENTION/JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER

Honored and thrilled to be invited by KT Sullivan and The Mabel Mercer Foundation to join the final night of the 25th New York Cabaret Convention at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall on October 23. Hosted by Klea Blackhurst, the evening’s theme is Come On and Hear: The Songs of Irving Berlin. I’ll be bringing an extra special Alex Rybeck arrangement, and happily he will be at the piano.

September 19, 2014 – COME TO THE CABARABIA

Thank you Clifford Bell for the apt shout out to Arranger/Conductor/Co-Producer Alex Rybeck, and the generous words about our album.

September 19, 2014 – FOLLOW, FOLLOW TO BLOOMING GROVE, NY

Tomorrow night we head back to lovely Blooming Grove for an evening of September songs.

September 16, 2014 – HELLO CANADA!

iTunes reports that our album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING is being downloaded by our music-loving friends to the North.

September 13, 2014 – HELLO PALM BEACH COUNTY!

On September 15, Jill and Rich Switzer will feature YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING on “New Music Monday” at Legends 100.3 FM WLML in Palm Beach County!

http://www.legendsradio.com/jill–rich-switzer.html

September 12, 2014 – A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING

Thank you Carol Montana and the Times-Herald Record for this lovely write up of our August Broadway Concerts Direct program in Blooming Grove, NY. We are a merry band of musicians!

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140911/COMM/409110301

August 28, 2014 – HELLO NEW ZEALAND!!

Rich Flanders and I are so pleased to have SAGEBRUSH LULLABY played by Wyn Machon on Oamaru Heritage Radio 88.3fm, New Zealand Country Music Radio 107.3fm Fielding, and The Peaks Radio 88.4fm North Canterbury. More about this lovely Kay Swift song at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/richflandersandceliaberk2

August 16, 2014 – NEW YORK ARTS REVIEW

Thank you David Hurst for your generous review. http://nyartsreview.com/home/celia-berk-you-cant-rush-spring/

August 15, 2014 – BACK TO MUSIC AT THE MANSION LATER THIS MONTH

Looking forward to my third visit to Music at the Mansion August 31 at the Oakeside Cultural Center in Bloomfield, NJ. Thank you Corinna Sowers-Adler and Nicholas Adler for the invitation! With Eric Sedgwick at the keyboard, we’ll preview material for my 11/23, 11/30 and 12/6 Metropolitan Room engagement celebrating the release of YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING. Add in my friend Craig Pomranz, Jamie Hartmann, Deborah Martin and of course Corinna herself and it promises to be a lovely way to spend a late Summer afternoon.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/MUSIC-AT-THE-MANSION-Announces-Performance-with-Craig-Pomranz-Celia-Berk-and-Jamie-Hartmann-on-831-20140815#.U_Dc92l0zIU

August 10, 2014 – MY VERSION OF SUNDAY BRUNCH

A lovely Summer Sunday at The Metropolitan Room, hosted by Susan Winter and Deb Berman. Singing YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING with Sean Harkness on guitar and Alex Rybeck just outside the frame of the photo on piano.

August 9, 2014 – BLAME IT ON THE SUMMER NIGHT

Saturday evening in beautiful Blooming Grove, New York: A Lew Spence gem and Stephen Sondheim’s SAND from our album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING.

August 5, 2014 – HELLO LONG ISLAND!

Thank you Bob Perry for playing our title track on 1100 WHLI and whli.com this morning! What better introduction of our album to the station’s listeners than Ann Hampton Callaway’s beautiful YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING, arranged by Alex Rybeck and featuring Alex on piano, Sean Harkness on guitar, Steve Doyle on bass and Dan Gross percussion.

http://www.whli.com/

August 2, 2014 – CITY WORLD RADIO NETWORK

Thank you John Lombardi for putting songs from our album “You Can’t Rush Spring” into rotation on the City World Radio Network this month!

http://www.cityworldradio.com/

July 26, 2014 – SATURDAY NIGHT JAZZ at KWIT-KOJI

Thank you Eddie Dunn, Host of Saturday Night Jazz at KWIT-KOJI, for sharing SAND with the good people of Sioux City, Iowa; Northeast Nebraska and Southeast South Dakota. We’re so pleased you played this lesser known gem by Stephen Sondheim.

And thank you for your kind words: “An assured and sophisticated sound…emotionally expressive and technically flawless.”

http://kwit.org/programs/saturday-night-jazz

July 21, 2014 – THE PENTHOUSE Radio

Thank you Bob Perry and The Penthouse Radio for adding PENTHOUSE SERENADE / STAIRWAY TO THE STARS (“an inspired pairing”), I’VE BEEN WAITING ALL MY LIFE, THE FOLKS WHO LIVE ON THE HILL and YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to your playlist!http://www.thepenthouseradio.com

July 18, 2014 – SOLO CABARET DEBUT THIS FALL!

Rapturously happy that Sean Harkness on guitar and Michael Goetz on bass are joining us at the Metropolitan Room November 23, November 30 and December 6. With Alex Rybeck as Musical Director and Jeff Harnar directing, this Girl Singer is making her solo cabaret debut encircled by the best of the best.

July 18, 2014 – EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN WBAI 99.5 FM

Thank you David Kenney for including us on this Sunday’s “Everything Old Is New Again” program.

July 14, 2014 – THE JAZZ CAFE WRHU 88.7FM

Thank you John Bohannon for playing MOONGLOW today on The Jazz Café WHRU 88.7 FM. So pleased this beautiful duet with Rich Flanders is in the spotlight. Music by Will Hudson and Irving Mills. Lyrics by Eddie DeLange. Arrangement by Alex Rybeck. Alex on piano. Michael Goetz on bass. Dan Gross on drums and percussion. Mixed by Paul Rolnick. Available on iTunes and CDBaby!

http://www.johnbohannon.com/radio_landing.html

July 11, 2014 – SUMMER LOVIN’

Tomorrow evening in Blooming Grove: Looking forward to singing back up for Carole Demas as Broadway’s original Sandy recreates Summer Nights from Grease for our opening number. Also revisiting IF IT’S ONLY LOVE from Metropolis with Mark Planner, spotlighting IT’S THE STRANGEST THING from “You Can’t Rush Spring” and trying on a new song for the first time: MANHATTAN IN JULY by my good friends and collaborators Ben Schaechter and Dan Kael. More information at http://www.BwayDirect.com

July 9, 2014 – LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE

Opening night of OUR TIME: SULLIVAN & HARNAR SING SONDHEIM. KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar brought new insights to familiar songs, and new songs to those of us who thought we knew it all. A wonderful evening.

With Jeff and Mark Nadler

And with Debbi Bush Whiting. Her mother Margaret Whiting is one of the singers in my personal pantheon of greats. Her grandfather Richard A. Whiting contributed treasures to The Great American Songbook including Hooray for Hollywood and On The Good Ship Lollipop. Thrilled to learn that Debbi found time to listen to YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING in and around preparing for the recent Carnegie Hall concert celebrating her mother.

July 8, 2014 – ANNHAMPTONCALLAWAY.COM

Honored to be amongst the artists who have recently recorded a song by Ann Hampton Callaway:

Barbra Streisand’s “The Classic Christmas Album” (Christmas Lullaby), San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’s “Illuminate- Live at 35″ (I Love You More), Janis Siegel’s “Nightsongs: A Late Night Interlude” (Slow), Julie Budd’s “They Wrote the Songs” (Perfect) and Celia Berk’s “You Can’t Rush Spring” (You Can’t Rush Spring)

July 7, 2014 – LUNCH AND JUDY SHOW

Thank you Judy Stadt for playing RAIN SOMETIMES on your show today!

https://soundcloud.com/judy-stadt/enjoy-yourself-its-later-than-you-think-193

June 26, 2014 – THEATRETRACK – MELBOURNE

Thank you to Henry Sachwald for playing our album on your famed Theatretrack program in Melbourne, Australia on 3MBS 103.5!

http://www.musicalsaustralia.com/Theatretrack/Theatretrack.html

June 18, 2014 – METROPOLITAN ROOM

Save the date(s)! We are coming to the Metropolitan Room on November 23, November 30, and December 6. Directed by Jeff Harnar with Musical Direction by Alex Rybeck.

Click here for tickets and more information:

http://metropolitanroom.com/event.cfm?id=159800&cart

June 11, 2014 – JUNE. MOON. SPOON.

This Saturday – June 14th, 2014 – we’ll celebrate June in Blooming Grove. Lilacs will be gathered thanks to Ivor Novello…The Doctor Will Be In for Charlie Brown and Lucy… The frustrations and charms of a cabaret audience will be explored… and we’ll enjoy the rewards that come from not rushing Spring. More information at http://www.BwayDirect.com

June 4, 2014 – ZANI’S FURRY FRIENDS BENEFIT

Looking forward to participating in a benefit for ZANI’S FURRY FRIENDS, a wonderful animal rescue organization, this coming Saturday, June 7th at Birdland. Artists include Carole Demas (original Sandy in Broadway’s GREASE & Carole of The Magic Garden), Sarah Rice (original Johanna in Broadway’s SWEENEY TODD) and Alice Ripley (Tony Award Winner for Broadway’s NEXT TO NORMAL). Click here for tickets:

http://www.ticketfly.com/event/539475-love-makes-world-go-round-new-york/

June 1, 2014 – SWING SUNDAY

Thank you Jim Wardrop and WDIY 88.1 Lehigh Valley Community Public Radio (part of the NRP digital network) for playing PENTHOUSE SERENADE/STAIRWAY TO THE STARS on the June 1 “Swing Sunday” program.
http://wdiy.org/programs/swing-sunday

May 31, 2014 – THE CABARET LEAGUE

Thank you to Daryl Taylor-Hazel and The Cabaret League for adding our album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING to your playlist starting June 1!

http://www.thecabaretleague.playtheradio.com/

May 25, 2014 – BEMELMANS BAR AT THE CARLYLE HOTEL

What a thrilling unexpected opportunity to sing at the Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel on May 25th and to share the stage with Jim Caruso, Billy Stritch, Steve Doyle, Alex Rybeck, Jeff Harnar, Linda Lavin and many others. Click here to see more of this wonderful evening of music on BroadwayWorld.com:

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Photo-Flash-Linda-Lavin-and-More-Join-Jim-Caruso-and-Billy-Stritch-at-The-Carlyle-20140527#

Photo by Jeff Resnick

May 23, 2014 – FIRST REVIEW OF YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING

Thank you to Luha Thoughts for our first review of YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING!

“I can’t remember the last time I heard an album and told myself, ‘Wow. this is exquisite.'”

“I can’t think of a bad track in here, and it’s so cohesive and rounded that each song fits where it should be, not a note out of place. Alex Rybeck’s arrangements give all the songs a sheen that enhances their polish”

Visit Luha Thoughts to read the full review:

http://luhathoughts.blogspot.com/2014/05/spring-is-here-music-review-celia-berk.html

May 18, 2014 – EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Thank you to David Kenney for playing IT’S THE STRANGEST THING, arrangement by Alex Rybeck, on the May 18th episode of Everything Old Is New Again.

http://www.mixcloud.com/oldisnewradio/oldisnewradio_140427/

Notes on why we chose this great Kander & Ebb song for our album You Can’t Rush Spring, and musician credits, can be found in the ABOUT THE SONGS section here on GramercyNightingale.com

May 14, 2014 – YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING IS HERE!

My debut album, YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING, conducted and arranged by Alex Rybeck, is finally here! It is available for purchase on iTunes and CDBaby. Follow the links on the home page to purchase the album and click on the song titles to read the extended liner notes for each track.

May 4, 2014 – SAGEBRUSH LULLABY RELEASE

Just released a duet — SAGEBRUSH LULLABY — with my friend and singing partner Rich Flanders. Written by Kay Swift and arranged by Alex Rybeck, it’s available as a single on iTunes and CD Baby. This lovely song has a special place in The Great American Songbook. Read about it here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/richflandersandceliaberk2

April 28, 2014 – EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Thank you David Kenney at WLBT for including our version of YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING on the April 27 broadcast of “Everything Old Is New Again”. It’s a thrill to be on the same track list as Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, John Pizzarelli, Judy Garland, Billy Porter, Carmen McRae, Shirley MacLaine, Ella Fitzgerald, Peter Allen and others. And the program archive means everyone can hear your kudos for Alex Rybeck and Ann Hampton Callaway. Hear what David Kenney had to say here: http://www.mixcloud.com/oldisnewradio/oldisnewradio_140427/

April 10, 2014 – CO-HOSTING SALON WITH MARK JANAS

Excited to be Co-Hosting Salon on Sunday evening. This award-winning weekly Open Mic is hosted by Mark Janas and produced by Tanya Moberly. The theme for the evening is “Birds of a Feather: Songbirds and Spring.” The Salon Spotlight will feature Jaye Maynard. Alex Rybeck will be at the piano. Sarah Rice and I may add a little “cluckatura” to Mark’s “Classical Corner”… http://markjanasthesalon.com/

April 9, 2014 – BROADWAY COMES TO THE GARDEN

Looking forward to dusting off a golden oldie with my friend Rich Flanders on Saturday night. And Irving Berlin’s Yiddisha Nightingale will also be spotted in Blooming Grove that evening.

www.BwayDirect.com

April 8, 2014 – THE JONATHAN CHANNEL

Thank you to Jonathan Schwartz for playing a song from our upcoming album YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING! What a thrill to appear on THE JONATHAN CHANNEL.

March 20, 2014 – YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING

The cover art from my upcoming debut album, YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING, is here! The album will be released on May 14th, 2014. Keep visiting GramercyNightingale.com for more news and updates.

March 15, 2014 — MARCH COMES IN LIKE A LION

Broadway Concerts Direct
Proudly Presents
Broadway Comes to Blooming Grove Series

MARCH COMES IN LIKE A LION
Where It Will Go From There, Who Knows?

Saturday, March 15, 2014 @ 6:00PM

Starring:

Celia Berk
Carole Demas
Rich Flanders
Rob Gardner
Joanna Morton Gary
Sue Matsuki
Mark Planner
Sarah Rice
Anne Tarpey-Flanders

Eric Sedgwick, Piano
Sarah Rice, Theremin

This evening will feature an eclectic evening of song, about well… just about everything — maybe even songs to bring an early spring. (One can always hope. Enough with all this snow!) Songs will include favorite selections from the American, International and Celtic songbook.

$20 General Admission
$15 Students/Seniors

For more information:
http://www.bwaydirect.com/webpages/sched.html

March 5, 2014 — OPEN MIC @ THE MET

What is Sunday without “A Bagel and A Song”?
Delighted to be joining Alex Rybeck at
OPEN MIC @ THE MET
a new series presented by Deb Berman & Susan Winter
12 Noon – 2:30 pm
The Metropolitan Room
34 West 22 Street.
I’ve been invited to sing two songs from our upcoming album!

CELIA BERK’S MANHATTAN SERENADE EXUDES ROMANTIC NOSTALGIA

Stephen Holden//
The New York Times //
April 25, 2016

Ms. Berk made you feel about New York the same way a Cole Porter song makes you feel about Paris.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/26/arts/music/review-celia-berks-manhattan-serenade-exudes-romantic-nostalgia.html

WITH OLD CHUMS, LIFE IS A CABARET

Rex Reed //
New York Observer //
July 20, 2016

No clichés here, just an array of shifting New York moods, flavors and tempos in diverse songs that wander off the beaten path and hold you close in the arms of artistry.

http://observer.com/2016/07/with-old-chums-life-is-a-cabaret/

CELIA BERK: MANHATTAN SERENADE ★★★★★

David Hurst //
New York Arts Review //
July 15, 2016

Celia Berk’s terrific sophomore effort, Manhattan Serenade, is a worthy companion to her smashing debut disc, You Can’t Rush Spring (2014), the recording that established Berk as a savvy new singer with style and substance to burn.

http://nyartsreview.com/home/manhattan-serenade-★★★★★/

LUXURIATING IN THE LUSH PHRASINGS OF SINGER CELIA BERK: THE ONE-OF-A-KIND CHANTEUSE HOLDS COURT AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM THROUGH MARCH

Rex Reed //
New York Observer //
March 17, 2015

Charm, sophistication, good taste and a titanic talent are all rare gifts in cabaret…Ms. Berk displays them all, setting the bar very high indeed for every girl singer who follows…Intimate, exquisite, understated, her facial expressions are as exciting to watch as her lyrics are to hear. Celia Berk sings in tune and from the heart, with resonance in her lower register, power in her upper register, and passion in both. Where has she been all my life?

http://observer.com/2015/02/luxuriating-in-the-lush-phrasings-of-singer-celia-berk/

CELIA BERK AT BIRDLAND THEATER

Mark Dundas Wood//
Bistro Awards//
April 28, 2918

With COMES LOVE —a collaboration with accomplished jazz pianist Sean Gough, along with talented bassist Steve Doyle— she proved yet again what a poised and graceful performer she is.

http://bistroawards.com/celia-berk-3/?fbclid=IwAR0qLhvbjPFuk7eqvYzdwz-pnDDrbjfRQaaxlWpaFXm801BS-j9zFxAXyFc

CELIA BERK @ THE BEACH 2/23/19

Doug DeVita//
Cabaret Hotspot//
March 17, 2019

Berk and Sean Gough have embarked on a new collaboration in which Berk is delving into the jazzy roots of cabaret performance…both artists were in sync from the first note of the evening to the last, their burgeoning partnership already in full bloom and capable of not only elevating the music they’ve chosen to perform, but also the mood and heart rate of the audience lucky enough to be drawn in and, yes, seduced by Berk’s magnetic take on the yin-yang of love.

https://www.cabarethotspot.com/celia-berk-the-beach-2-23-19/?fbclid=IwAR3xkwwmDXViIjc4y9bG9RjF6UJhUrIumL3J9Pt2VhxEqfhXcVgDg48poRg

NIGHT 3 of THE 29th NEW YORK CABARET CONVENTION CELEBRATES THE EFFERVESCENT and ECLECTIC MUSIC OF JERRY HERMAN

Eugene Ebner//
BroadwayWorld.com//
October 14, 2018

Celia Berk’s transformative abilities sparkled once again, showing her adept interpretation and storytelling abilities and commanding the stage the entire time.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Review-Night-3-of-The-29th-New-York-Cabaret-Convention-Celebrates-the-Effervescent-and-Eclectic-Music-of-Jerry-Herman-20181014

S’WONDERFUL — THE MUSIC OF GEORGE GERSHWIN — AND IT WAS!

Alix Cohen//
Theatre Pizzazz//
October 19, 2017

Celia Berk and Karen Akers, “the two lowest voices in cabaret,” delivered another highpoint with a choreographed duet of “What Are We Here For?” The bubbly combination was urbane, polished, infectious fun.

http://theaterpizzazz.com/swonderful-the-music-of-george-gershwin-and-it-was/

ARTIST INTERVIEW: MAC AWARD WINNER CELIA BERK ON HER UPCOMING “JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER” PERFORMANCE, HER MUSICAL JOURNEY, AND HER ETERNAL LOVE FOR NYC

Shari Lifland//
Huffington Post//
October 10, 2017

A successful corporate executive by day, Celia Berk started out as an actor, then returned to music later in life.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/59dcd6f0e4b060f005fbd6f7

CELIA’S ONE WAY TICKET IS TO THIS IDEAL POINT IN HER LIFE

Steven Shalowitz//
The One Way Ticket Show//
January 16, 2018

Where would you go if you were given a one way ticket? No coming back.

http://bit.ly/2EMcvYL

MAC’S BEST FEMALE VOCALISTS CREATE CAMARADERIE FROM COMPETITION WITH TOGETHER

Ashley Steves//
BroadwayWorld Feature//
December 15, 2017

If it got off the ground, the show would be the first of its kind. For the performers themselves, it would be their first time working with one another, with the exception of Sanges and Berk, who had previously worked together on a duet during the 2016 Mabel Mercer Foundation Cabaret Convention, a beautifully sung and arranged medley of Stephen Sondheim’s “The Road You Didn’t Take”/”Growing Up”/”Move On” on the night honoring the composer.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Feature-MACs-Best-Female-Vocalists-Create-Camaraderie-From-Competition-With-TOGETHER-20171215

CELIA BERK DELIVERS A MANHATTAN SERENADE

Joe Montague//
Riveting Riffs Magazine//
November 22, 2017

Ms. Berk is a mezzo-soprano with a three octave range who has become celebrated in New York City as a Cabaret singer, but whose lavish vocals are genre bending and threaten to break those boundaries altogether.

http://www.rivetingriffs.com/Celia%20Berk.html

2016 BWW CABARET AWARDS: CELIA BERK AND SIDNEY MYER WIN TOP SHOW HONORS; BETTY BUCKLEY AND TONY YAZBECK ARE TOP CELEBS

Ashley Steves//
BroadwayWorld.com//
January 19, 2017

Celia Berk’s MANHATTAN SERENADE is the runaway winner of the award for Best Show, Female. This is the second major category win for Berk, who won in the Best Debut Show category last year for YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/2016-BWW-Cabaret-Awards-Celia-Berk-and-Sidney-Myer-Win-Top-Show-Honors-Betty-Buckley-and-Tony-Yazbeck-are-Top-Celebs-20170119

THAT WAS ENTERTAINMENT: A ONE-NIGHT CONCERT FOCUSED ON SONGWRITERS: DIETZ & SCHWARTZ (and some more recent ones)

Marilyn Lester //
Nite Life Exchange //
June 22, 2017

A play on words was delivered by the ever-evolving Celia Berk, with droll sophistication, and Alex Rybeck on piano, in “The Party Upstairs” by Ronny Whyte and Francesca Blumenthal. Berk also remembered Dietz and Schwartz with “Something to Remember You By,” sung with cool and smooth elegance.

http://nitelifeexchange.com/that-was-entertainment-a-one-night-concert-focused-on-songwriters-dietz-schwartz-and-some-more-recent-ones/

RVC NATIVE TO DEBUT AT CARNEGIE HALL

Brian Kacharaba//
LIHerald.com//
May 4, 2017

Berk will be performing at Carnegie Hall on June 20 as part of the “That’s Entertainment: Dietz and Schwartz and Friends” show presented by the Mable Mercer Foundation and hosted by KT Sullivan.

http://www.liherald.com/stories/rvc-native-to-debut-at-carnegie-hall,91387

TOGETHER

Chris Struck//
CabaretScenes.org//
August 11, 2017

Having five great performers at Don’t Tell Mama instead of one certainly made for an entertaining evening.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2017/08/11/together/

A CONVERSATION WITH THE 2017 MAC NOMINEES FOR FEMALE VOCALIST

CabaretScenes.org//
May 23, 2017

The 2017 MAC Nominees for Female Vocalist—Celia Berk, Sally Darling, Meg Flather, Josephine Sanges, Lisa Viggiano—will perform a group show, Together, at NYC’s Don’t Tell Mama. Among them, they have 16 nominations and 14 awards/honors.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2017/05/23/a-conversation-with-the-2017-mac-nominees-for-female-vocalist/

IT HELPS TO SING ABOUT IT IS A HIT

Cindi Marinangel//
Times Square Chronicles//
March 31, 2017/

When life gets you down, It Helps to Sing About It, crooned the stellar cast … The all pro cast included Celia Berk, who charmed with “I’ll Wait” (while the audience gets it together) and “Manhattan in July”, a lovely song that warmed the soul about New York.

http://t2conline.com/it-helps-to-sing-about-it-is-a-hit/

A BENEFIT FOR CABARET SCENES HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

Marilyn Lester//
Nite Life Exchange//
February 11, 2017/

For sheer amusement coupled with artistry, Celia Berk, displaying her awesome range from pop singer to opera diva, delivered Irving Berlin’s 1911 novelty number…

http://nitelifeexchange.com/a-benefit-for-cabaret-scenes-hits-all-the-right-notes/

SALUTING STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Alix Cohen//
Theater Pizzazz//
October 20, 2016/

Celia Berk completely surprises with an elegant arrangement and rendition of “Sand”…

http://theaterpizzazz.com/saluting-stephen-sondheim/

CABARET CELEBRATES STEPHEN SONDHEIM IN NIGHT TWO OF THE MABEL MERCER FOUNDATION CABARET CONVENTION

Ashley Steves//
BroadwayWorld.com//
October 19, 2016/

Hold your hats and hallelujah…

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Review-Cabaret-Celebrates-Stephen-Sondheim-in-Night-Two-of-the-Mabel-Mercer-Foundation-Cabaret-Convention-1019-20161021

CELIA BERK

Robert Windeler//
Bistro Awards//
April 19, 2016/

No sophomore slump here. On the contrary, Celia Berk’s new Metropolitan Room show, “Manhattan Serenade,” is even better than her remarkable debut outing of last season.

http://bistroawards.com/celia-berk-4/

MAC AWARD WINNER CELIA BERK DISCUSSES HER LATEST ALBUM AND HER LIFELONG LOVE AFFAIR WITH NEW YORK

Ashley Steves//
BroadwayWorld.com//
October 13, 2016

Ask Celia Berk what she loves about New York and she’ll give you a list. Or, better yet, an album.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Interview-MAC-Award-Winner-Celia-Berk-Discusses-Her-Latest-Album-MANHATTAN-SERENADE-and-Her-Lifelong-Love-Affair-with-New-York-20161013

MANHATTAN SERENADE: CABARET SINGER CELIA BERK SHARES HER GREATEST LOVE AFFAIR

Deanna Cioppa//
Crain’s 5 Boros//
October 12, 2016

Intimacy and connection, whether with a crowd at Jazz at Lincoln Center, fellow artists at piano bar Don’t Tell Mama, or scattered tables at The Metropolitan Room in Flatiron, is what Berk is constantly chasing…

http://www.5boros.com/2016/10/manhattan-serenade-cabaret-singer-celia-berk-shares-her-greatest-love-affair/

IT HELPS TO SING ABOUT: THE SONGS OF BEN SCHAECHTER & DAN KAEL

Randolph E. Eigenbrode//
Cabaret Scenes//
September 20, 2016

Berk, the grounded sage, dazzled with “Manhattan In July,” a haunting love letter to steamy Big Apple summers, and expertly got the most out of each lyric.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/09/19/it-helps-to-sing-about-it-the-songs-of-ben-schaechter-dan-kael/

NEW YORKERS IN THEIR HOMETOWN: EDDIE CANTOR & CELIA BERK

Rob Lester//
Talkin’ Broadway Sound Advice//
April 19, 2016

So, what do you do for an encore when you’ve been showered with cabaret awards and nominations in your solo debut year, had your face on the front of Cabaret Scenes magazine as the subject of one of the just six annual cover feature stories, received a coveted spot in the annual Cabaret Convention concert program others long for (for many long years) and, while on the big Jazz at Lincoln Center stage, been surprised by a previously unannounced honor—presented with a plaque and award named for star songstress Margaret Whiting? If you’re the celebrated Celia Berk, you go to work.

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/sound/april1516.html

CELIA BERK: MANHATTAN SERENADE

John Hoglund//
Cabaret Scenes//
June 6, 2016

Berk is a good storyteller, hence the real success of this album. She proves she’s not afraid to grow and take chances. The results are another winning notch in her climb up the cabaret ladder.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/06/07/celia-berk-manhattan-serenade-2/

CELIA BERK: MANHATTAN SERENADE

Peter Haas//
Cabaret Scenes//
May 29, 2016

Where is cabaret’s next top headliner coming from? To paraphrase a Sondheim lyric, “Don’t worry, she’s here.” She’s Celia Berk, who packed the Metropolitan Room through four Sunday sessions in April with her rich voice, simplicity of style, and warm personality.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2016/05/29/celia-berk-manhattan-serenade/

ALUMNA’S MANHATTAN SERENADE TO THE CITY AND MUSIC SHE LOVES

Ginny Greenberg//
news@HOFSTRA//
July 29, 2016

http://news.hofstra.edu/2016/07/29/alumnas-manhattan-serenade-is-a-tribute-to-the-city-and-music-she-loves/?twitter

MANHATTAN SERENADE — CELIA BERK

Fred R. Cohen//
Woman Around Town//
April 7, 2016

As was apparent from her earlier performances and debut CD, this is a woman of remarkable emotive fluency – capable of putting a smile, a smirk or a wink into the last third of a syllable, and equipped with a rich alto instrument under intelligent and precise control.

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/manhattan-serenade-celia-berk

CELIA BERK FOLLOWS UP MULTIPLE AWARD DEBUT YEAR WITH SMART, STYLISH, AND METICULOUS CD RELEASE SHOW AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

Alix Cohen//
BroadwayWorld.com//
April 5, 2016

Celia Berk raises the tone of any club in which she appears, always creating an oasis of class. Her shows are elegant, smart, skillfully constructed, and meticulously performed.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Review-Celia-Berk-Follows-Up-Multiple-Award-Debut-Year-With-Smart-Stylish-and-Meticulous-CD-Release-Show-at-the-Metropolitan-Room-20160405#

CELIA BERK: MANHATTAN SERENADE

Marilyn Lester//
Theater Pizzazz //
April 4, 2016

In an era in which the big voice and the big belt holds sway, it’s a treat to hear a singer approach a song with an artistic sensibility that honors both the music and the lyrics. In the latter regard it’s very clear that Berk has thought about the lyric and she knows what she’s singing about from the inside out. Berk proves you don’t have to shout to be truly heard.

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/celia-berk-manhattan-serenade/

CELIA BERK: YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING ★★★★★

David Hurst //
New York Arts Review //
August 16, 2014

One of the more auspicious debut recordings of recent years, Celia Berk’s You Can’t Rush Spring is an intoxicating revelation! An elegant vocalist with an instinctive attention to lyrics and a straightforward delivery, Berk’s unerring musical taste is exceeded only by her superb choice of collaborators…Like Lee Wiley, Julie London and the late, great Mary Cleere Haran, Celia Berk is a subtle storyteller. This classy recording only confirms she has many more stories to tell.

http://nyartsreview.com/home/celia-berk-you-cant-rush-spring/

CELIA BERK: YOU CAN’T RUSH SUCCESS

Marilyn Lester //
Cabaret Scenes magazine //
January-February 2016

When Sammy Cahn wrote, “Love is lovelier the second time around” (to Jimmy Van Heusen’s music) he might have had Celia Berk and her stunning, newborn conquest of the cabaret world in mind.

CELIA BERK AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

Joe Regan, Jr.//
TheatrePizzazz.com //
November 10, 2015

Celia Berk is one of the strongest cabaret performers today and this is certainly one of the top acts of 2015.

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/celia-berk-at-the-metropolitan-room/

CABARET CONVENTION TAKES A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY

Joe Regan, Jr.//
TheatrePizzazz.com //
October 16, 2015

Next up was the extraordinary mezzo soprano Berk with Alex Rybeck on piano, with a full version (with every lyric and great acting skill) of the Bette Davis number “They’re Either Too Young Or Too Old.” She was then surprised to be presented by Debbi Whiting with the Margaret Whiting award and the cash included with the award. After, Berk sang a wonderful “I’ll Walk Alone” effortlessly hitting great high notes.

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/cabaret-conventiontakes-a-sentimental-journey/

FIRST ANNUAL CABARET/JAZZ HONORS: OUTSTANDING FEMALE DEBUT

John Hoglund //
TheatreScene.net //
February 23, 2015

Making one of the most auspicious cabaret debuts in years, [Celia Berk] fulfilled her dream and took the Metropolitan Room and cabaret by storm in 2014 with her eclectic show, You Can’t Rush Spring…To say she found her calling (after dreaming about it for so long,) would be an understatement…It was this lady’s classy approach and intelligence that shined throughout the hour – making her a winner. She’s funny. She’s reflective. Mostly, she has the goods that should keep her in the cabaret spotlight as she climbs the ladder – with a lot of support.

http://www.theaterscene.net/music/cabaret/2015-cabaret-honors/john-hoglund/

IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE: SULLIVAN AND TATHAM AT CELIA BERK

Stephen Sorokoff //
Times Square Chronicles/BroadwayWorld.com //
March 30, 2015

…The Metropolitan Room had the quietness of a recording studio as the very musically sophisticated audience was held in rapt attention by Celia’s artistry. I would be enamored with any song she wrapped her voice around, but her unique song selection made the evening especially compelling.

http://t2conline.com/stephen-sorokoff-it-takes-one-to-know-one-sullivan-and-tatham-at-celia-berk/

“SUCH A WONDERFUL TOWN”: A SONG IS RE-BORN

Frank Dain //
CabaretScenes.org //
March 21, 2015

Celia Berk has been making a name for herself with her debut album You Can’t Rush Spring and her debut cabaret show of the same name. Both include what she calls hidden gems: lesser-known songs from great songwriters. In preparing for the show, she came across a song that has proven to be a favorite with audiences and critics.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2015/03/21/such-a-wonderful-town-a-song-is-re-born/

THE 30th ANNUAL BISTRO AWARDS

Darryl Reilly //
TheatreScene.net //
March 9, 2015

Sweeney Todd original cast member Sarah Rice introduced Jeff Harnar. He did a sweet Sondheim medley of “The Little Things You Do Together,” “I’m Calm,” and “Getting Married Today.” He then presented the Best Vocalist Award to Celia Berk, who marvelously performed Sondheim’s little known song ”Sand,” from the unproduced movie musical, Singing Out Loud.

http://www.theaterscene.net/features/the-30th-annual-bistro-awards/darryl-reilly/

CABARET SCENE’S MAN ABOUT CABARET

Richard Skipper //
CabaretScenes.org //
March 5, 2015

I was a fan before everyone else jumped on the bandwagon!…In October, both Celia and Peggy Eason appeared in the Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention on the same night honoring Irving Berlin. Both brought down the house. When Celia hit the cabaret scene with her first show a few months ago, she won over all who saw her, including Rex Reed, who sung her praises in print. Actually, all the critics have been as impressed!…

http://cabaretscenes.org/2015/03/05/richard-skipper-cabaret-scenes-man-about-cabaret/

RICHARD SKIPPER CELEBRATES CELIA BERK: YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING

RichardSkipper.BlogSpot.com //
February 26, 2015

Today, I celebrate Celia Berk and her body of WORTH! Celia’s singing career doesn’t start very far back. Somebody said that she sprung fully formed in the last year or so.

http://t.co/XaBn7H2P7s

CELIA BERK: THANKFUL FOR THIS SMILING NIGHTINGALE

Erik Jonathan Shuler //
CenterOnTheAisle.com //
February 21, 2014

The first thing you’ll notice when you spend an evening at a performance of Celia Berk’s is her smile: wide, eager, genuine. The next is your own. Upon entering the Metropolitan Room for the highly anticipated return of her “You Can’t Rush Spring” solo cabaret (modeled after her 2014 debut album of the same name), Ms. Berk beamed with delight and an infectious excitement as she walked through the room with a welcoming and thankful grace. By the time she reached the stage and took the microphone, there was a shared rapport across the room of old friends and the newly acquainted, all – including Berk – there to enjoy a good time.

http://centerontheaisle.com/2041/celia-berk-thankful-for-this-smiling-nightingale/

“WHEN E.F. HUTTON TALKS PEOPLE LISTEN.” WHEN REX REED RECOMMENDS I’M THERE!

Stephen Sorokoff //
Times Square Chronicles //
February 10, 2015

Celia has the voice, the phrasing, and the demeanor to rank her as one of the most sophisticated cabaret performers out there. I wish I had gotten the same lift from an old E.H. Hutton tip as I got from Rex’s.

http://t2conline.com/stephen-sorokoff-my-view-when-e-f-hutton-talks-people-listen-when-rex-reed-recommends-im-there/

CABARET LIFE NYC: LISTMANIA REDUX! MY BEST/FAVORITE 20 SHOWS & PERFORMANCES OF 2014, WITH 30 ‘BESTS & MOSTS’ OF AN EXCITING YEAR IN CABARET

Stephen Hanks //
BroadwayWorld.com //
January 21, 2015

Most Deceptively Comic Performance During a Wonderful Vocal: Celia Berk’s rendition of Irving Berlin’s “Yiddisha Nightingale” at the Cabaret Convention and in her solo show at the Metropolitan Room not only revealed a surprising vocal range but also a Fanny Brice-like comedic flair. So nu? What’s not to love?

Most Obvious Breakout Performers Who Didn’t Make My Favorite 20 Shows List: …Celia Berk was one of the surprise stories of 2014 with both her CD release and solo show at the Metropolitan Room

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/CABARET-LIFE-NYC-Listmania-Redux-My-BestFavorite-20-Shows-Performances-of-2014-With-30-Bests-Mosts-of-An-Exciting-Year-in-Cabaret-20150121

BWW CABARET PROFILE: VOCALIST CELIA BERK DRAWS HER OWN MAP FROM FEAR TO CRAFT

Alix Cohen //
BroadwayWorld.com //
January 10, 2015

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? The question signaled an onramp for Celia Berk. Unsure of outcome, the performer was and is determined to create a journey embodying integrity and artistry.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Cabaret-Profile-Vocalist-CELIA-BERK-Draws-Her-Own-Career-Map-From-Fear-to-Craft-20150110?PageSpeed=noscript

KEVIN ON KABARET: TOP 14 OF 2014

Kevin Scott Hall //
Edge Media Network //
January 2, 2015

Ms. Berk took many years before deciding to launch her solo career, and she did everything right. She surrounded herself with top talent, released a nifty CD, “You Can’t Rush Spring,” and demonstrated herself to be a fine interpreter of little-known songs from great composers, as well as having an unexpected flair for comedy. Expect more in years to come.

http://www.edgenewyork.com/entertainment/music/news//169967/kevin_on_kabaret_::_top_14_of_2014

NICK WAKEHAM CASTS AN EYE OVER SOME OF THE LATEST CD RELEASES

Nick Wakeham //
MusicalTheatreReview.com //
December 24, 2014

I would love to see this lady live in one of her cabaret outings, and one day she may well come over to the UK, but in the meantime I can’t give enough praise for this CD and, if like me, you are a great admirer of the voices and styles of Peggy Lee and such, then you will LOVE this album. You can get it on CD or through Amazon or iTunes. To be honest, I don’t care how you get it – just get it!

http://musicaltheatrereview.com/book-cd-reviews-paradise-lost-west-end-goes-mad-michael-ball/#.VKA1LdbACc

CABARET LIFE NYC: MY SECOND HALF OF 2014 CABARET JOURNEY or ONE REVIEWER’S LONG PROCRASTINATION SPECIAL AS WE BID FAREWELL TO ANOTHER YEAR OF SHOW HOPPING

Stephen Hanks //
BroadwayWorld.com //
December 26, 2015

Maybe you can’t rush spring, but you can certainly rush your cabaret career when you’re starting it later in life. Celia Berk isn’t wasting any time as this past year she released her highly-praised debut CD (of the same name), wowed the Cabaret Convention in October, and staged her solo debut show…And she went three-for-three. Berk’s show…featured “hidden gems from great songwriters,” during which the audience discovered that Berk herself was a hidden gem…Berk is funny, charming, and expressive, and possesses a highly appealing alto to mezzo range…definitely one to watch in 2015 and beyond.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Cabaret-Life-NYC-My-Second-Half-of-2014-Cabaret-Journey-or-One-Reviewers-Long-Long-Procrastination-Special-as-We-Bid-Farewell-to-Another-Year-of-Show-Hopping-20141226

344 DESIGN CASE STUDY: CELIA BERK

Stefan Bucher //
344 Design //
December 21, 2014

Singer Celia Berk was working on recording her debut album of standards, show tunes, and hidden gems from the Great American Songbook. She needed somebody to help her navigate the visual side of the process, and of course I was happy to help…Celia was kind enough to trust me with an unfinished mix of the album, and even in that stage it was clear that I’d enjoy the process. Collaborating with her musical director Alex Rybeck, she had put together a really lovely set of tunes that were beautifully arranged and recorded. It’s a style of music I love, but don’t often get to work on. It was an easy choice to make.

http://www.344lovesyou.com/projects/celia-berk/

A LOOK AT TWELVE VOCALISTS’ CDs

Andy Propst //
American Theatre Web //
November 24, 2014

…Berk’s selection of rarely-heard tunes isn’t all that makes “Spring” special. There’s also Berk’s gossamer delivery, which brings to mind classic band singers, and Alex Rybeck’s astute arrangements, which both support her vocals and gracefully illuminate the music. I’ve found myself returning to this one frequently.

http://www.americantheaterweb.com/index.php/topnews/2014/11/24/vocalists_cd_column

CELIA BERK: YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING (Metropolitan Room)

Melody Breyer-Grell //
Cabaret Scenes Magazine //
December 16, 2014

Celia Berk proved, once again, that one’s “second act” can be her most satisfying. As she repeatedly made mention of her corporate career, Berk conveyed that, although she enjoyed and prospered during that comfortable period of life, singing was her destiny.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2014/12/16/celia-berk-you-cant-rush-spring-2/

CELIA BERK LAUNCHES BELATED CABARET CAREER WITH A SOLID CD RELEASE AND IMPRESSIVE DEBUT SHOW

John Hoglund //
BroadwayWorld.com //
December 7, 2014

Watching a singer like Celia Berk, who brings a heartwarming balance, a subtle good humor, originality, and a lot of affection to everything she sings, makes one realize the crucial role good instincts play in the self-conscious, self-absorbed world of cabaret…In this auspicious debut she proved she easily puts her personal stamp on an eclectic mix of songs. Such ability springs directly from who she is and not from someone’s idea of who she should be.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Reviews-CELIA-BERK-Launches-Belated-Cabaret-Career-With-a-Solid-CD-Release-and-Debut-Show-20141207

KEVIN ON KABARET: TWO SPECIAL TALENTS

Kevin Scott Hall //
Edge Media Network //
December 5, 2014

It’s not every day that a cabaret artist emerges with her first solo show with a critically lauded debut CD in tow. Then again, it took a while for Celia Berk to get to her current happy perch, so why not enter with a bang?

http://www.edgeboston.com/cars/lexus_lgbt_video_series/news//168898/kevin_on_kabaret_::_two_special_talents

YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING – CELIA BERK: CAPTIVATING

Alix Cohen //
Theatre Pizzazz! //
December 1, 2014

Celia Berk is a fledgling cabaret singer, yet her debut show is as accomplished as any I’ve seen by veterans…She has grace, imagination, a sense of humor, and talent. Musicianship is splendid. This is a terrific show.

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/cant-rush-spring-celia-berk-captivating/

CELIA BERK – A GRACIOUS LATE ARRIVAL

Fred Cohen //
Woman Around Town //
November 25, 2014

Let yourself be charmed. It’s not a chore; indeed, it’s pretty much unavoidable. Celia Berk exudes gracious warmth on top of a smooth, meaty mezzo and an impeccable choice of material and sidemen. Things are apparently falling into place for her in her life now so perhaps it is easy for her to generate her smile from deep in her heart – but those of us in its radiance don’t have to concern ourselves with its source, only its glow.

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/celia-berk-a-gracious-late-arrival

CELIA BERK THRILLS THE CROWD IN A NUANCED, COMPELLING METROPOLITAN ROOM DEBUT

Lucid Culture //
November 24, 2014

In her Metropolitan Room debut last night, the cabaret-jazz chanteuse packed the room and wowed the crowd with a richly dynamic, urbane, minutely jeweled performance.

https://lucidculture.wordpress.com/2014/11/24/celia/

COME ON AND HEAR: THE SONGS OF IRVING BERLIN

Alix Cohen //
Woman Around Town //
October 25, 2014

Celia Berk, about to make her cabaret debut at The Metropolitan Room, has developed a scenario featuring “My Yiddisha Nightingale” which is impossible to imagine another vocalist tackling, let alone imagining. The artist sings with Lower East Side inflection and cinematic phrasing. Her own authoritative alto bookends a parenthesis of Puccini- in Yiddish! with full operatic luster. Vivid and impressive.

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/come-on-and-hear-the-songs-of-irving-berlin

CELIA BERK: EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES…FINALLY

Career 2.0 //
October 20, 2014

Dreams never die. Sometimes they just don’t happen exactly when you think they will…

http://dowhatyoulove.today/celia-berk-everythings-coming-up-roses-finally/

CELIA BERK: YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING

Carla Gordon //
Cabaret Scenes Magazine //
October 1, 2014

The many voices of Celia Berk grace her classy new CD, You Can’t Rush Spring. Her songs conjure up Julie London sensuality and Jane Olivor storytelling without losing Celia Berk.

http://cabaretscenes.org/2014/10/01/celia-berk-you-cant-rush-spring/

PHOTO FLASH: LINDA LAVIN AND MORE JOIN JIM CARUSO AND BILLY STRITCH AT THE CARLYLE

BroadwayWorld.com //
May 27, 2014

This past Sunday night’s show was a parade of theatrical types, including Linda Lavin…Also joining Caruso, Stritch and bass player Steve Doyle with impromptu performances were cabaret star Natalie Douglas, Broadway’s Bob Stillman, nightclub entertainers Aurora Barnes, Jeff Harnar, Alex Rybeck, and Celia Berk, Jeffrey Pew from the Broadway company of Cinderella, and Tony-winning leading man Paulo Szot, who was heard shouting bravissimi from a corner booth.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Photo-Flash-Linda-Lavin-and-More-Join-Jim-Caruso-and-Billy-Stritch-at-The-Carlyle-20140527#

SPRING IS HERE (MUSIC REVIEW: CELIA BERK, YOU CAN’T RUSH SPRING)

LulaThoughts.BlogSpot.com //
May 23, 2014

I can’t remember the last time I heard an album and told myself, “Wow. This is exquisite.” That was exactly my thought when I listened to Celia Berk’s “You Can’t Rush Spring.” I know it’s only May, but this album would be hard to beat as my favorite album of the year.

http://luhathoughts.blogspot.com/2014/05/spring-is-here-music-review-celia-berk.html

Gallery

Celia Berk by John Rogers

Helane Blumfeld Cabaret Scenes

Carnegie Hall
Photo by Seth Cashman

Cabaret Convention 2016
Jazz at Lincoln Center

Celia Berk Birdland Apr 2019 by John Rogers

Celia Berk by Sekou Luke

Cabaret Convention 2016 Jazz at Lincoln Center
Photo by Maryann Lopinto

celia-berk-cover-1016x914-R2

Manhattan Serenade Back Cover

Celia Berk - You Can't Rush Spring

You Can't Rush Spring
Back Cover

Celia Berk Press Photo

Metropolitan Room April 2016
Photo by Richard Nesbit

Photo by Richard Nesbit

Photo By Richard Nesbit

Cabaret Convention 2018 Jazz at Lincoln Center

Celia Berk Metropolitan Room

Coffee Shop by Richard Nesbit

Cabaret Convention 2015, The Town Hall
Photo by Russ Weatherford

New York Observer by Stephen Sorokoff

Photo by Stephen Sorokoff

Celia Berk and Sean Gough

Photo By Stephen Sorokoff

Photo by Stephen Sorokoff

Jeff Harnar, Celia Berk and Alex Rybeck

Photo by Stephen Sorokoff

Cabaret Convention October 2014

Cabaret Scenes cover

Celia-Berk-facebook-2017-R5@2x

Beach Cafe by Aaron Tomlinson

Photo by Fred Cohen
Beach Cafe December 2019

With Ari Axelrod by Fred Cohen
Beach Cafe "4 For The Holidays" December 2019

MANHATTAN HOMETOWN

ALL I NEED (IS ONE GOOD BREAK)

UP ON THE ROOF

SECONDS

MANHATTAN MADNESS

LONELY HOUSE

THE ROMANCE OF A LIFETIME / THE PEOPLE THAT YOU NEVER GET TO LOVE

A DAY AWAY FROM TOWN

I GOTTA GET BACK TO NEW YORK

MANHATTAN SERENADE

SPRING IN MANHATTAN

THE BROADWAY SONG

A TREE IN THE PARK

Biographies

Acknowledgments

I’VE BEEN WAITING ALL MY LIFE

PENTHOUSE SERENADE / STAIRWAY TO THE STARS

FRIENDLY STAR

You’re All The World To Me

Sometimes I’d Dream

Sand

This Dream

It’s the Strangest Thing

The Folks Who Live On The Hill

Go, My Love

Rain Sometimes

You Can’t Rush Spring

I’m Glad There Is You

The Broken Record

Biographies

Acknowledgments

News

Press

Gallery