Notes From The Road

iPhone Kindle

2011-06-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,

As we slide into the summer, thought it was time to once again put pen to paper, as it were, and tell you what the noises in my head are saying.

I have been reading voraciously, (now that I have gotten over my Angry Birds obsession) mostly while making the daily trek into New York City from Casa de Berko in beautiful Balmville, NY.

Everything from Tina Fey's book, BossyPants (loved it but why the continual references to "poop"?), Dick Cavett's book, "Talk Show:Confrontations" which has some great things in it but gets name droppy in the way that Cavett always does (did). Judi Dench's Autobiography, Patti Lupones', Keith Richards', Marlo Thomas' book about growing up funny, Don Felder's tales of the Eagles and many more. I seem to read these things very quickly and love that I'm on page 4537 of 5569. At any rate, as you can tell, the reading I'm doing is mostly light celeb bios and they're fun. Just finished Barbara Sinatra's "Lady Blue Eyes", an account of her life before, during and after FAS> From what little I know, I think there should have been a better editor regarding simple facts, (The House I Live In was recorded in the 60's by Frank? New York, New York was a musical play that finally closed?) Anyway, I shoulda knowed better on that one. Uh oh, just got an update to my Angry Birds Rio, so maybe the reading will cease for the moment.

As I'm writing this, the American Symphony Orchestra League Conference is in full swing in Minneapolis. Executive Directors, Conductors, Staff and Board members all attend to hear what's happening in the World of Symphony Orchestras and how to fix the problems. I hope it's more than just blaming the Unions. The unions aren't the reason that people are not attending concerts as they used to. There are many reasons, but one that never gets mentioned is that there used to be what I will call, a European Tradition in this country of attending concerts, ballets, art museums and supporting cultural events. That Tradition, which came from our Familys, often just over on the boat or first generation US Citizens, was responsible in a very large part for the success and growth of all kinds of cultural institutions in our country. As that generation goes away and the cultural makeup of the US changes, we will never have that support again.

So, how do we remain relevant in our communities? How to we market music that has stood the test of time plus introduce new music and ideas to our audiences?

I haven't the answer, unfortunately. If I did, I would be a billionaire, sitting on my yacht, docked in Monte Carlo, lunching at the Hotel D'Paris.

I think we have to figure out how to become an indispensable part of our towns and become relevant to our constituents. I know we have to market concerts in new ways in order to reach new audiences. And it really is time to address the way concerts are presented, the dress, the locale, the programming, etc.

So, in the words of Casey Stengel, "Can't anybody here play this game?" I hope somebody figures it out before it's too late. I've still got a lot of music I want to play for the people. (Just read that this Summer's NY Phil Concerts in the Park are being canceled. If you can't make it here, you can't make it anywhere!!!)

Will list the latest and greatest in the way of new concert bookings next month. Lot's of exciting things coming up!

Stay cool. It's 23000 degrees in Manhattan as I write this.

MB

The March Update...in April

2011-04-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

All righty then...

I began to write this in early March but somehow the mind never fully engaged. Too much to do, think about and take care of, I guess.

Let's go back to February. 3 Concerts with the wonderful Elgin Symphony, featuring Rich Ridenour on piano. I really love this Orchestra. Gershwin's Concerto in F, Warsaw Concerto and a number of Movie selections made this a fun concert. Next time, I have to get a car. I was in the hotel in Elgin, working on proposals and other fun things, and never got out during the day. Should have at least made the trek into Chicago but the weather was horrible and the room was warm and dry.

Went right from there to Tahlequah, Ok. for a Big Band concert with a local band and Brian Anthony, singing Sinatra. Band was from Tulsa and they played their butts off. Amazing the number of really fine players to be found all over the place these days, if you know where to look. Brian did a fun selection of Sinatra songs,and not just the usuals either. He does Pennies From Heaven and All I Need Is The Girl, among others. I made him do Skin and NY NY or we would have been run out of town. In the end, the audience loved him and the show and I really developed a fondness for the area. Right in the middle of the Cherokee Nation, it was a place I look forward to seeing again in the near future. Loved the people and the town.

Followed this up with a Bernstein Sondheim Tribute with the Santa Rosa Symphony. Songs from West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Company, Candide, Forum, Night Music and more. Sarah Uriarte Berry and Eric Van Hoven. Both wonderfully talented singers who covered everything from Glitter and Be Gay to Getting Married Today and Maria to Little Priest. A lot to ask of two singers and these guys covered all the bases!

March found me at Carnegie Hall. playing drums on the Tribute To Judy Garland with the NY Pops.
A recreation of the 1961 April 23 comeback concert, it featured three Broadway singers, Ashley Brown, Karen Olivo and Heather Headley plus Lorna Luft. Lorna was really on, having flown all night from Palm Springs. Her renditions of The Man That Got Away, Come Rain Or Come Shine and Rock A Bye were really tremendous and gave the evening the jolt it needed. I thought the Pops played the music very well and our rhythm section of Jay Leonhart, Lee Musiker, Steve Bargonetti and myself had a ball playing together and making it feel good.

Two nights a Feinstein's with singer Jane Harvey along with Mike Renzi and Chip Jackson. Always great to play with Renzoid and Chip and I have years of road work together...just count it off and let us go. Jane did some of her Sondheim material and it was a challenge to play softly enough for her and still make it happen. Nice to see so many friends in the audience.

Next, back to Santa Rosa for two nights of Stayin Alive, a spot on sound alike Pops group from Canada covering the BeeGees musical canon.

Biggest audiences of the season! People dancing in the aisles, dancing in the balcony...even the cello section got up and danced! Hope to work with this group again!

Coming up...a Gala with Marvin Hamlisch in New Brunswick, NJ. Pops concerts in the future...Long Beach, Ca., Silicon Valley Symphony, California Symphony, Santa Rosa Symphony, Naples Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Southwest Florida Symphony and more to come!
Big Band gigs coming up...Buffalo, NY, Rochester, NY, Minnesota, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and more! Will keep everyone posted as to when, where, who, what and why!

Many symphony Orchestras are filing for Bankruptcy. The business model has to change folks. The marketing campaign has to change folks. We need to be relevant to our communities. The world is changing...we need not only to continue to perform the greatest music ever written but we also need to be thinking about how we can become an indispensable part of the cultural lives of where we perform. Got to do this smarter and better...I'd hate to think this would all be gone in 25 years...or that the Boards of these Orchestras were filing for Chapter 7 just to get out of paying pensions.

Oh well..

Until next time...
Berk

February..the Shortest Month and yet...

2011-02-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

Hey,
We're back again. About to embark on three concerts with the Elgin Symphony. Rich Ridenour is the piano soloist. Concerto in F, Exodus, Warsaw Concerto and me, playing the piano os Concerto for Index Finger, done originally by Gracie Allen.

Then, beautiful Tahlequah, OK. awaits for a big band concert on the 22nd of Feb. Singer Brian Anthony will be doing the Sinatra songbook...and some very interesting choices on the program. Should be fun.

And then, the mighty Santa Rosa Pops on the 26/27 in a Tribute to the Music of Lenny and Steve. Bernstein and Sondheim, that is.

This Winter has been the worst in many a year. Today the temperatures reached 58 degrees so we are getting a bit of a thaw. Nice to get rid of this dirty snow and slickery ice.

The lovely Deirdre and I attended a Valentine's Concert yesterday. Two singers doing Opera love duets. In a local church. Very nice way to spend an hour or two.

And then we began to discuss the Nature of Friendship over a Pizza. Over the years, I have always marveled at people who are surrounded by friends. The phone never stops ringing, dinners with pals, vacations together, backyard cookouts in the Summer...I have spent my entire life trying to figure out how to get that to happen to me. i have almost 2000 friends on Facebook but they never call or write, although I get a nice response to my almost daily status updates. It seems that my entire life is pretty much about my Music and my Wife and our kids. My son has a large network of friends, some from college, many others not. I have been in NY for over 31 years and pretty much can count on one hand the people I feel I can call. Now, it's true, I have lost some very close friends over the years to illnesses and worse, and perhaps those people are impossible to replace. But still, I wonder what makes the gathering of many friends so easy for some, and seemingly so difficult for myself. Luckily, I am married to the greatest person in the World, and maybe having a relationship so close and so mutually fulfilling doesn't make room for a whole lot more.

So, if you have any answers or insights to the above, let me know. I'd love to hear your take on the matter.

See you in a week or two.
MB

2011 is in Full Schving!

2011-01-24T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Music Lovers,

Just off the Red Eye from San Francisco to Newark. Concert Sunday afternoon with the California Symphony and then on the plane at 10:20, arriving NY at 6:30 AM. New Jersey Transit train to Penn Station and then, that fog that comes with total lack of sleep.

Not sure about continuing the Red Eye for future trips. I love not losing an entire day at Home but the passengers on every one of these flights has included an array of characters more likely to be found in a Fellini movie or the Star Wars Cantina. And TSA still won't allow me to take my Light Saber on board...just for my protection, of course.

California Symphony was wonderful. Quick rehearsal where we went through a Mess O' Music and then a concert two hours later. Copland/Rodeo...Carmen Suites 1 & 2, Gypsy Overture, Star Wars Throne Room and End Title, ET Flying Theme, West Side Story...Man, my arm was killing me! A large number of the members of the Orchestra had recorded and toured with John Williams and when they played his music, it was AMAZING! I just sat back and enjoyed the ride,

Next up...Elgin Symphony with Rich Ridenour, Big Band gig with me and Brian Anthony doing Sinatra Songbook in beautiful Tahlequah, Ok. followed by Bernstein and Sondheim concert w/Santa Rosa Symphony.

Still too cold here in the East. We have got to get out of here and move to a place where the Sun likes to shine and warm is in the air.

Back for more soon.
Best,
MB

End of the Year...Let's Wrap This One Up...

2010-12-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

December. Made it through a very strange and interesting and sad and happy year.

The year began with Liza and me no longer working together. That's Show Biz. My time with her was marked by playing some incredible concerts all over the World. The band was great... Chip Jackson, Liza's longtime Bass player who I brought back to the gig, said the band had never sounded better. Liza and I were great pals, eating dinner, riding together on planes and in cars, talking for hours and sharing confidences and trusting each other. After some new people came into Liza's world, everything changed. I was on the other team, along with her manager of 31 years, her agents, her lawyer and her assistants. Oh well, I've seen it happen time and time again. Someone new comes in, and all the old people are gone. I'm not about to judge anyone else about these things but I will say that Liza had a great team around her while I was there and leave it at that.

So, I then had to reinvigorate my other work, Conducting Symphony Pops and doing Shows for Performing Arts Centers...things I had let go in order to do all of Minnelli's gigs. For a while a tour was talked about with Susan Boyle, with me conducting the Orchestra and handling the Musical logistics. After the tour was rebooked three times and I almost got on a plane to Scotland, it was decided that Susan wasn't going to tour...and in light of various incidents over the past year, I guess that was a good thing. But it's too bad that Susan isn't touring...Millions of people would love to hear her sing in person all over the World. Maybe next year.

I needed some time to cool out. Did my gigs that were booked with Orchestras plus some Krupa Band tours with the Four Freshman, etc. and then just came home to relax and recover.

Began to visit with old friends in the Production World. Meetings and Events, etc. Decided I would dive back into that business for the time being as it's something I know how to do well and it's fairly lucrative.

Went back to work in July in the office World. Nice to be in an environment that wasn't so nuts, although the pressure to produce in the Production biz is quite intense. In the meantime, I began to get some new shows together for Pops Orchestras and started the Marketing Campaign for those. We have had some great success with my new Programs and I'll be doing concerts all over the US again with Orchestras in California (3), Illinois, Indiana, Connecticut, Florida and many more. Plus a new tour of my Sinatra and Basie at The Sands show is being booked and it looks like we will be touring that as well.

In October, my very dear friend and Liza's manager of 31 years, Gary Labriola, passed away. A lifetime of doing business with Artist's like Sinatra, Liza, Steve and Eydie and many more, came to an end. For whatever reasons, he is no longer with us and especially in the Holiday Season, I'm finding it hard to believe that he's not a phone call away. Tragic stuff.

What have I learned this year? Loyalty is a very important thing and very hard to come by. Sincerity, friendship, honesty, trust...Worth more than Gold. To my friends who have stuck around over the years, thanks. It means more than you will ever know. To my fair weather friends, those just looking for something or keeping options open...I know who you are.

In November I was asked to be a part of a Tribute to Al Cobine in Bloomington, Indiana. Al's band was the group behind Henry Mancini, Johnny Mathis and many more stars over the years and it's where I got my start.
Al's drummer, and my friend, Jack Gilfoy, who had been traveling with me whenever we had a Mancini Pops Concert, passed away last year so I was called to take over his drum chair for the Tribute. I was honored to be asked. I brought some of Jack's cymbals with me to Bloomington, so that Jack would be there in more ways than just Spirit. It was a great night. I enjoyed the band, the music was superb and the audience danced all night. Wonderful to see old friends llke Gary Potter and Mike Lucas, plus many more. This was a homecoming to me and one that was badly needed this year. I thank everyone who was a part of that magical night.

On the homefront, the lovely Deirdre and I are still on our Honeymoon, after 21 years. Our 17 year old Kitty named Taz is driving us crazy and we love him for it, all our children are doing what they want to do and are living their lives beautifully.

May 2011 be the best year ever. My kindest wishes for all of you out there and keep in touch. It's nice to hear from friends...old and new.

Mike Berkowitz
December 20, 2010

2010-11-19T13:22:00.000-08:00

A lovely note from a happy Buyer in Aurora, Illinos:

November 2010

To Whom It May Concern:

If you are looking to book top notch entertainment with incredible crowd appeal, look no further! Live at the Sands-A Tribute to Sinatra and Basie with the Michael Berkowitz Band & Tony Babino is the show for you. In addition to their spot on sound and their professionalism, their product sells to all ages.

We recently had the privilege of presenting this show and were so pleased with the performance and the audience reaction. Don’t miss out on this sure sell out.

Valerie Devine

Production Manager

Paramount Theatre

What's new?

After a busy October, with stops in California, Illinois, Texas and Indiana, things are quieting down for the Holidays.

2 weeks ago I did get to be a part of the Al Cobine Big Band in Bloomington, Indiana. Alumni Hall at the Student Union Building was the venue. Great to see people and play music in a place I last set foot in 1971!

A tour of the IU Music Building with Dr. Gary Potter convinced me that the Jacobs School of Music has the finest facilities in the World...and they're in beautiful Bloomington...Southern Indiana.

Thanksgiving coming up and we are expecting a full house. Looking for some last minute decor to add some fun to the dinner. Unfortunately, I think all of the Air supported Turkeys are Sold Out in my neighborhood.

Concerts coming up include Bernstein and Sondheim Tributes, Judy at Carnegie Hall concerts and more things next time.

Happy Holidaze!
MB

Gary Labriola

2010-10-26T15:14:00.001-07:00

Gary Paul Labriola July 8, 1954 - October 17, 2010

Gary Labriola took care of people. His Family, his friends, everyone on the road and on tour...Gary was there and Gary made it better.

From the Streets of the Bronx, Arthur Avenue, Hartsdale, NY., Parkland, Florida...Gary made it better.

He was the best at whatever he did...Selling T shirts and posters, building houses and apartments, arranging for pianos in foreign countries an hour before show time, getting work permits in the UK at 5:30 before an 8 pm Show. Gary got it done. That's what he did. He made it better.

He lived by a Code. Loyalty to your friends. Family comes first. Share the Wealth. Protect your people. Make it work. Make it better.

He loved good food. He loved to go to a ball game. Loved his dogs and feeding the cats in the barn. He loved to power wash everything. Simple things, simple pleasures.

He was the best friend you could ever have. And we will all miss him. I think the following might apply to Gary more than anyone else I've ever known.

"When you succeeded, he stood back and took no credit. When you failed, he was always the first one at your side."

Sleep Warm.

Mike Berkowitz

This should be fun!

2010-10-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

TODAY'S BEST BET
Pocket Sandwich gets spooky with ‘Dracula: The Melodrama’
View Full Calendar »

SHOW VS. SHOW • Mother & child reunion
Posted on 07 Oct 2010 at 7:07pm
On the same weekend, Dallas gets Liza Minnelli at the DSO and Debbie Gravitte in a Judy Garland tribute

Call it serendipity, but when Liza Minnelli stops by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra the same weekend as Irving Arts Center’s tribute to Judy Garland, we have to shed a tear. In a very special installment of Show vs. Show, we couldn’t resist pitting “mother” against daughter.

Minnelli is an icon in so many ways. Whether she’s a movie legend based on her Oscar-winning star turn as Sally Bowles in 1972’s Cabaret or as a drag queen go-to with that signature short hair and adorable warbly voice, Minnelli is literally the stuff of legends — hardly the case with many of today’s stars.

But she’s also Liza. As in the woman who keeps marrying the non-marrying kind (translation: gay) or the lady who always seems a bit on the nutty end of the ice cream bar, We wonder, “What is up with her?” And we love her just for that.

An Evening With Judy Garland showcases Debbie Gravitte singing signature Garland tunes on the anniversary of Judy’s famous Carnegie Hall show. Don’t expect a Rufus Wainwright type recreation: Gravitte and music director Michael Berkowitz inject their own personalties into the show (see sidebar).

Will Liza’s legendary status trump the weekend, or will Gravitte knock this show out of the park? Choices, choices…

………………….

Liza

…. is a true diva with an Oscar, Tony and an Emmy to her name.

…. married some friends of Dorothy.

…. embarrassingly performed Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” on the Sex and the City 2 soundtrack — which we hope she doesn’t do at this show.

…. was on Larry King recently, expressing sympathy and empathy for Lindsay Lohan’s drug use and alcoholism.

…. had her solo Broadway show, Liza’s At the Palace…!, replacing the musical Legally Blonde.

…. had a small comeback in 1989 by going in a different musical direction with her album Results, produced by the Pet Shop Boys.

…. hocked her velvet jumpsuits on Home Shopping Network.

…. has embraced her gay icon status, even performing at Pride in Paris last year.

…. performs with Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. Oct 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. $45–$122. DallasSymphony.com.

……………………………..

Judy (aka Debbie)

…. got a miniature Oscar for her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz — ouch. (Gravitte has her own Tony, though, for Jerome Robbins’ Broadway).

…. Was Dorothy. And she married some friends of Dorothy. Apparently a genetic trait.

…. embarrassingly messed up some of the words in her famous Carnegie Hall appearance. Still, “Single Ladies” trumps that.

…. was the Lindsay Lohan of her day. Minus the paparazzi.

…. had her Carnegie show recreated detail for detail by gay singer Rufus Wainwright.

…. had several comebacks including Oscar-nominated performances in A Star is Born and Judgment at Nuremberg

…. had a better idea with that red velvet gown from Meet Me in St. Louis.

…. embraced gay men as husbands but responded to a reporter about her iconic status, “I couldn’t care less. I sing to people.” Umm, we guess that’s cool.

…. isn’t portrayed by Debbie Gravitte as much as she is celebrated, which Gravitte discusses further below.

— Rich Lopez

……………………………..

Recreating a legend

Debbie Gravitte just found out that her show where she performs Judy Garland songs is the same weekend Liza Minnelli comes to Dallas. The scheduling conflict for friends of Dorothy could have massive repercussions, but it is an easy (and obvious fix).

“There is a perfect way to work it out,” Gravitte says. “See her on Friday and see me on Saturday.”

Gravitte teams up with former Minnelli music director Michael Berkowitz, pictured, for An Evening With Judy Garland at the Irving Arts Center Saturday. The solo show commemorates Garland’s iconic Carnegie Hall concert exactly 50 years ago. But Gravitte assures that she is not doing a Judy impersonation.

“This is a tribute, a celebration of this one incredible night of her life,” she says. “I don’t look anything like her and maybe I sound like her a tiny bit, but it’s not like we are recreating Judy. We want to channel that joyful part of her instead of recalling the tragic.”

With a full orchestra behind her, Gravitte would even venture to say this is more of a concert than a show; Berkowitz agrees. His closeness to Garland’s material is far beyond just his work with Minnelli.

“I was always a fan. I was a friend of Bill LaVorgna, Liza’s drummer before me. Bill and I knew each other for 40 years. I first heard his playing on the Garland Carnegie Hall recording. That alone was worth it to me.”

As for the dueling shows, Berkowitz thinks anyone who gets out to either comes out ahead.

“I didn’t know Liza May was in town this weekend as well,” he says. “It’s going to be a double header of great music and entertainment.”

Gravitte knows the gays are gonna hold her to task, but she’s not daunted. In fact, she even challenges her audience a bit.

“I welcome everyone to come dressed in their best Judy,” she says. “We are gonna do a sing along and I want people to sing every fucking line!”

— Rich Lopez

Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur
Blvd., Irving. Oct 9 at 8 p.m. $19–$54.
IrvingArtsCenter.com.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition October 8, 2010.

How I Met Gene Krupa

2010-08-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

Many Think The Beat Made The Big Bands Popular...

Interesting premise. Certainly, since the beginning of time (not that kind of "time") people have been beating out rhythms on hollowed logs, pots, rocks and drums. Rhythm is a basic in Man. All Life has rhythm...tempo, beginning, endings. So, did the Big Beat attract people to the Big Bands? Perhaps...

In the case of Gene Krupa, his talents helped bring the drummer to the forefront. His looks and style plus his drumming ability were like magnets to audiences during his career. GO Gene GO was the chant and and Gene went...Sing Sing Sing is still heard everyday in some form or other on the radio, TV Shows, Movies, jingles...it's inescapable. That Primal Tom Tom beat goes right to your core. With the GK Band, (of which I have been the Leader for 6 years) audiences still demand Sing Sing Sing. That driving floor tom introduction makes everyone a Bobby Soxxer or Jitter Bug again.

As a young drummer, my first exposure to Big Bands was through the LP records of my parents. They had all of the Glenn Miller hits, so I learned to play along with those recordings and drummer Morris (Moe) Purtill, Miller's guy. Apart from IN THE MOOD, the Miller Band was not a hard swinging group. Glenn didn't want that...his was a Dance Band and that great Miller Sound of Willie Schwartz on lead clarinet ( who, years later, befriended me when I was a 23 year old playing on Nelson Riddle's band) was something special. Still is. Strange as it might seem, my first exposure to Gene Krupa came from watching the Dennis The Menace Show, with Jay North as Dennis.

Dennis is seen marching down the street in the opening sequence while beating on a Bass Drum. Mr. Wilson, Dennis' cranky next door neighbor, looks out his window to see what all the racket is about. When he sees Dennis, he says, "Well, he's no Gene Krupa." Having never heard that name, I asked my Parents who that was and they told me Gene was a famous drummer. Not a spectacular intro to Mr. Krupa.

Not long after that, Gene and his Quartet came to The Embers, a Night Club located in Indianapolis, my hometown. Having now contracted Krupa Fever, my parents took me to hear Gene in person. There were his White marine Pearl Slingerlands, the highly polished cymbals, the two small spotlights on each side of the set and his initials, GK inside the crest on the head of the Bass Drum. I must admit, I don't remember a thing about the music that night. I was mesmerized by the lights, the showmanship and the Man himself. As Louie Bellson said, "You could have 15 drummers on stage, all playing at once, and your eyes just went to Gene. He had that kind of presence."

After the set, I was ushered back to the small dressing room. Gene was in his tux shirt and no jacket, relaxing. Here I came, the Millionth Kid Drummer wanting to meet his Hero.
I began asking questions and Gene was kind enough to answer every one of them, dumb as they may have been. He had a great love of children, coaching Little League Baseball teams in Yonkers, NY. counseling, mentoring. He was a true Gentleman...and a gentle man.

About a week later, an envelope came to our house addressed to me. Inside was a picture of me and Gene. Me looking stiff and nervous and GK, over my shoulder, looking dapper and cool. Whenever I look at that picture, I remember that night.

Move up to 2005. I had spent a number of years trying to become the licensed Leader of the Krupa Band. There was no Band at that time and it took some hard work on my part to convince the Estate that I should be their guy. My resume was impressive enough that they finally said yes and off we went.

The band came with no music as the Krupa Library had been lost or destroyed in a fire in Gene's Yonkers home not long before his passing. I had been putting together a book of Krupa hits over the years, finding music, getting things copied and taken off of recordings and also getting the scores from Quincy Jones from the LP he had done for Gene in 1956, Drummin' Man.

Armed with charts and a handful of dates, we were on our way. My time as Leader of the Gene Krupa Band has been wonderful. Wherever we have played, audiences have given us standing ovations at each performance. Hundreds, if not thousands of people have told me their personal Gene Krupa Story, either about having met him, known him, seen him or just admired him, and, like Gene in that dressing room in the Embers, I listen intently to everyone of them, trying to carry on his music and honor his legacy.

Mike Berkowitz New Shows for Symphony Pops!

2010-07-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

Sent by: ARTRA Artists Management
Reply to the sender

Six NEW Pops Shows

Click on photo for more Information!
Mike Berkowitz here. As you begin to program for the 2011-2012 season, please take a moment to look at these great programs I have put together for Pops Orchestras. All of these are proven winners, both with The Santa Rosa Pops, where I'm in my 5th Year as Principal Pops Conductor and also with other great orchestras around the country.

Michael Berkowitz

Movies Rock...

Hot music from contemporary films like Iron Man, Twilight, Avatar, Transformers, Cast Away, Star Trek, Up and more. Original Orchestrations. Plus Newest John Williams Star Wars selections as heard on the Star Wars Tour.

Swinging Sinatra...

Original CHARTS plus Instrumentals like the SINATRA FILM SUITE! Hear the Original arrangements for Symphony Orchestra with a great Sinatra Interpreter.

Lenny and Steve...

Bernstein and Sondheim. West Side Story, Candide, Forum, On The Town, Sweeney Todd, Anyone Can Whistle and more.

Movie Magic...

The Greatest Music of All Time for the Movies...From Gone With The Wind through Star Wars and more!

The Lone Arrangers...

Arrangements of Don Costa, Billy May and Nelson Riddle done for Sinatra, Nat Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt, Sammy Davis, Jr., Rosemary Clooney and more! 2 singers.

The Broadway Babies...

Jule Styne, Cole Porter, Kander and Ebb, Rodgers and Hart and Hammerstein too! The Best of Broadway's Musical Heritage with 2 or 3 singers.

And don't forget these successful shows . . .

Judy Garland 50th Anniversary Carnegie Hall...

Featuring Tony Award Winner Debbie Gravitte singing the songs from the Carnegie Hall 1961 Concert that was called "The Greatest Night In Show Business History". And these are the real arrangements!

Mancini Magic...

All the hits and all his sidemen. Pink Panther, Moon River, Baby Elephant Walk and more! Original charts and featuring Cecil Welch, Steve Dokken, Steve Hanna and Mike Lucas...Mancini's own traveling musicians!

Now booking for the 2011 - 2012 Season and Beyond!

Call now for more information.

Robert Bauchens, Artist Representative Phone: 1-800-354-1645

ARTRA Artists, 130 S. Canal St., Suite 211, Chicago, IL 60606

E-Mail Bob at: artra@aol.com

This e-mail was sent from ARTRA Artists Management
Immediate removal with PatronMail®
SecureUnsubscribe.

To forward this e-mail to a friend or colleague, use this link.
To change your e-mail address or update preferences, use this link.

How I Met Nelson Riddle...

2010-07-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

In 1973, I had been working with Helen Reddy for almost three years. Helen had a number of Pop hits, including I AM WOMAN, of course, and NBC decided that she would be the host of a Summer replacement show for Flip Wilson. The show introduced the Pointer Sisters to America and other stars over the course of the Summer were Peter Allen, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Jim Croce, Anne Murray, Albert Brooks and Chuck Berry, to name a few. A real microcosm of the 70's LA Music Scene.

One of the best things about Helen and her husband Jeff Wald was their loyalty to the band that traveled with her for her live concerts. Wald has become a legend over the years for his over the top style and in your face heavy handed negotiating tactics. It was really something to watch as Jeff would do whatever he could to further Helen's career. He was young and brash and had absolutely no fear at all, whether yelling at Room Service or the Head of Capitol Records.

Helen's band at that time included Mike Warren on Guitar, Dick Horn on Piano, Dave Parlato on Bass and me on Drums. When we heard the news of the impending Summer TV Shows, we were all excited but also not sure, as NBC insisted that the Musical Director for the TV Show was to be the Immortal Nelson Riddle. Would Nelson want to use his own guys? How would he react to a quartet of long haired Hippies invading his Orchestra?

Mr. Wald went to the Mystical "Powers That Be" and insisted that Helen's Band be the rhythm section on the Show. I have no idea what he had to do but it was decided that we were to be in Nelson Riddle's Band for any and all music performed, not just Helen's music.

Told to be at the Capitol Tower for the first prerecording of the Show, I arrived about two hours early, just to make sure my drums, which had been delivered by my Cartage Company, were in order and also to maybe get a peek at the music we would be recording that afternoon. I had hair down to my shoulders, wore a floral shirt and low rise blue jeans with a large leather belt. Slowly the band began to assemble. Shorty Sherrock, Al Aarons, Cappy Lewis, Tommy Shepherd, Nelson's son Chris, Buddy Collette, Gene Estes, Al Viola, Claire Fischer and others I can't recall, began to find their seats.

Suddenly, in walked the man himself. Looking around, he said hello to his regulars, began leafing through the music on his stand, placed there by Vern Yocum and then looked in my direction. Typing this, I can remember the fear I had at that moment. I went over to introduce myself. He was professional and somewhat distant. Clearly, he had no idea what to expect from Helen's band and no idea what to expect from the young kid standing in front of him with a mountain of hair who weighed 99 pounds and was his new drummer.

First thing we recorded was the Theme to the show, which was Nelson's instrumental arrangement of I AM WOMAN. No problem...He counted it off and away we went. Some more short versions of the Theme, some bumpers and the Closing Theme and it was break time. We went into the booth to listen to what we had done and Nelson seemed to relax a bit. It sounded good, the band was tight and our little rhythm section gave an authenticity to the charts that was a new experience for Nelson.

One by one, we recorded each number for that week's show. Nelson had a metronome on the podium. Before each take he would get the tempo from the metronome and after each take he would turn it on again to see if we were still at the same tempo. When it turned out that we were, he would turn in my direction and smile. It was going to be OK.

I don't recall how many shows we did but each week we did the same prerecord at Capitol 1 and then over to NBC to do the show live. I went on to work with Nelson on many other projects. Live gigs with his band, recordings with Eydie Gorme, more TV and Films and the Linda Ronstadt concerts at Radio City Music Hall. I did the last date he ever did, September 1985, NYC, South Street Seaport. Temperature 55 degrees and the wind blowing hard. But that's another story. And it all started when I was 24 years old and was Helen Reddy's drummer.

Sacramento, Napa, Santa Rosa and Baltimore.

2010-04-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

April 27th.

Another rainy day here in Balmville, NY. Heater has kicked on and neither of us are happy about that. 49 degrees again today but they say that Friday will bring warmth and sun to my little corner of the World.

In chronological order:

Flew to Sacramento to do 2 concerts with my Big Band and the Four Freshmen. Sacramento audience numbered in the 2000's and the show was great. Napa Opera House the next night. Beautiful venue and another swell show. Had some Ayotte drums provided for me on the Napa gig. Nice sounding, very open drums. Kind of a pale blue wash for a finish. Was like playing on a drum set that would have been seen in Yellow Submarine...Brought my Bosphorous Cymbals and they were once again amazing to play on. Many people came up to me and said that my cymbals sounded amazing...and they were right! Thank you Michael Vosbein and Bosphorous.

Flew back to NY. Gave a few pints of blood to the IRS and then right back to Northern California, this time for two Concerts with the Santa Rosa Pops. The act was Jim Curry and his Tribute to John Denver. Charts by Lee Holdridge who was John Denver's own arranger. This is one amazing Pops Show. Jim sounds naturally like Denver and looks like him too. When he first came out, the audience didn't know what to expect but after about 5 seconds of him singing Rocky Mountain High you could feel everyone relax and a spontaneous round of applause came up from the audience. They knew the Concert was going to be a treat. Jim's group includes his wife on vocals and guitar/mandolin, an amazing flute player, another multi instrumentalist on all kinds of stringed things, a Bassist and Richie Garcia on drums and percussion. Richie had worked with John Denver for a number of years and it was so nice to have him on the gig. One of the best Pops Shows I've ever conducted and one that Orchestras should be booking NOW!

Took the Red Eye home on Sunday night. Home for two days and then a 4 hour (schlep) drive down the NJ Turnpike to Baltimore where I was a last minute replacement Conductor for the BSO's Concerts with SPECTRUM.

A quick 2 hour rehearsal at Meyerhoff with the BSO and then 4 Concerts. The first one was at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD. What a beautiful Hall!!! I can't say enough about this place. It's all wood and the sound is amazing, both onstage and in the House...A true Gem of a Hall.

Then 3 more in Baltimore at Meyerhoff. Audiences were very lively, singing along, clapping on 2 and 4, (most of the time) and dancing in the aisles and in their seats. That's what Spectrum concerts are like> These four guys plus their four man rhythm section, led by Tex Richardson on Piano, do an amazing show of the Best of R & B, The Sounds of Philadelphia and Motown. With the uncanny ability to sing like the artists they are covering, Spectrum is really a very special Pops show. Nobody does this music better, plus with their costumes, choreography and tip top arrangements for Symphony, they are truly Living Legends, which they were named in Las Vegas last year.

A few words about the BSO. GREAT! WONDERFUL! AFFABLE! FRIENDLY! COURTEOUS! AMAZING MUSICIANS!!!! My thanks to all of them, the crew, Spectrum, Mary Plaine and Eric and also Paul Meecham for having me.

That's it. One last drum set to sell. Call or write. Didn't hear from anyone as to my question last month on whether I should be more forthcoming about people and places...Either no one is reading this or no one cares I guess. In either case, the elegant solution might not always be the way to go.

Until next time,
Stay warm and dry...
MB

April...So far, so good.

2010-04-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

April 14th. Day before Tax Day and my taxes are all screwed up. Obviously my Accountant of 25 years is taking it easy in his old age and my return is now being done by 100 Monkeys wearing Green Eye Shades using Texas Instrument Calculators from 1988 to do my forms.

Have today and tomorrow to get it right before I am forced to go the Extension route and find someone who knows about the Music Biz to do it all over for me.

Music Stuff...

Two Concerts last week with my Band and the Four Freshmen. Sacramento on Thursday night and then the Napa Opera House on Friday. 2000 people attended the Sacramento Show and the Napa gig, with a seating capacity of about 400, was a swell place to play.

First of all, the Freshmen sound great. Those great harmonies and the amazing musicianship on display by all of them is a pleasure to watch and listen to. We did about 5 tunes with them and I always love to channel Jimmy Campbell, Stan Kenton's drummer on the Road Show album with his band, the Freshmen and June Christy. Nice rolling energy and I love to try and get that feel.

Sold out all the CD's brought so we took orders in Napa and sold some more. True to my word, all were shipped out on Monday and they should arrive in California as we speak.

Home until Friday when I go to Santa Rosa again, (you ask, "Why didn't he just stay in California for the week?"...Too much to do and also there's the lovely Deirdre at home.) to do a John Denver Tribute with Jim Curry and his Band. Shows on Saturday night at 8 and Sunday at 3. This guy looks and sounds like John. Nice arrangements done by Lee Holdridge and some lovely slides and film to accompany the music. Come on out all you John Denver fans...Wells Fargo Center!!!!

Then, I will be off to Baltimore to conduct 4 concerts with the BSO and Spectrum, the World's Greatest Motown Tribute Show. Love these guys and looking forward to 4 great performances.

Still waiting for Susan Boyle to get her self ready to tour. We've been on Red Alert for months about this and we all hope that it will come to pass in the months ahead.

Miss Minnelli has decided to work with a trio for the present, ridding herself of the 12 piece band that has played behind her for over 30 years. We wish her luck and look forward to her returning to the format that has worked so well for her all these years and that her fans expect. The band is such a large part of her show it's a shame that her new advisors don't understand that fact.

In the meantime, I'm back booking Corporate talent with some nice projects looming overseas for some high end clients. More about this next time.

Is this just a place to discuss upcoming gigs or should I start telling people things I know and talk about how I feel about them?

If you have an opinion, email me. berkowitz66@msn.com

Talk soon.

Best,
MB

One more drum set for sale...

2010-03-11T05:59:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Too many drums. This great Ludwig Be Bop Set is a winner. Pics can be seen in an earlier post. They're worth it...Make me an offer. I need the room in the studio and these are not getting out since I have the new DW Jazzers.

Ludwig 6 Ply Maple Black Lacquer BeBop Drums Set. Bass Drum is 18 x 16, Small 8 x 12 Tom, 14 x 14 Floor Tom. Not wrapped, just pure black lacquer, beautifully done by Ludwig. Mini Lugs, Rims Mount on Small Tom, comes with modular mount to attach to a stand and three Floor Tom Legs included too. No rust, no pitting, like new, chrome shines like right off the showrrom floor. A couple of dings on the small tom tom from snare rub. visible in picture. New heads...
Price : $1,200.00 OBO Once again, no bottom feeders or Ebay resellers or any of the 400+ Lizards who watched my Ebay auctions but failed to make a bid. I can wait until the right buyer somes along...that means someone who appreciates fine American Made Drums that have been cared for and that sound amazing at all kinds of tunings, Jazz, Funk. Be Bop or Big Band.

This blog has moved

2010-03-06T08:10:00.001-08:00

This blog is now located at http://berknotes.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://berknotes.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Can Spring be far away?

2010-03-05T07:48:00.000-08:00

Howdy Folks.

Back for a quick entry. Was in Santa Rosa, California last week for two Concerts with the Pops. The theme was The Envelope Please, Music from the Movies.

20th CENTURY FOX THEME Alfred Newman

Theme from THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT 3 Arthur Schwartz & Howard Deitz (arr. by Mark Shaiman)

The BIG MOVIE SUITE Arr. by Jeff Tyzik

Tara Theme Max Steiner
Laura David Raksin

Ben Hur Miklos Rozsa

Lawrence of Arabia Maurice Jarre

The Pink Panther Henry Mancini

The Way We Were Marvin Hamlisch

Theme from Rocky Bill Conti

Finale from CAST AWAY Alan Silvestri arr. Leigh Phillips

Theme from IRON MAN Ramin Djawadi arr. Leigh Philips

Theme from VOYAGE IN A BALLOON Jean Prodromides arr. Riddle

SOLACE & THE ENTERTAINER from THE STING Scott Joplin arr. Cacavas

MOON RIVER Henry Mancini

SING SING SING from Hollywood Hotel Prima arr. Zito

Intermission

THEME from 1941 John Williams

THEME from SCHINDLER's LIST John Williams

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE MEDLEY arr. Jack Hayes

Cheek To Cheek Irving Berlin

I've Got You Under My Skin Cole Porter

Alfie Burt Bacharach

MONA LISA from CAPTAIN CAREY Alan Livingston & Ray Evans arr. Riddle

THE BEST OF BOND John Barry arr. Tyzik

Dr. No/ James Bond Theme

Nobody Does It Better

Live and let Die

For Your Eyes Only

The Look Of Love

007

Thunderball

Bond Theme Reprise

PROMENADE from SHALL WE DANCE George Gershwin arr. Riddle

THRONE ROOM and FINALE John Williams

Encore

FLYING THEME from ET John Williams

Nice program and encompassed many styles and many eras. In addition, my son Seth, pulled some visuals from each Movie, so we had a slide show along with the music. Very cool.

The Orchestra in Santa Rosa is one of my all time faves. Great attitude and the sound they make is truly wonderful. The SR Symphony's Concertmaster, Joe Edelberg was on hand to lead the string section and also perform the Theme from Schindler's List. As soon as I gave the cut off, the Bravas and applause for his amazing solo work on Schindler's came from the audience.

So, love the Orchestra, love the people, love the venue, love the weather...

Speaking of weather, while I was in Santa Rosa, (I left two days early in order to miss the Snowacaine), The Lovely Deirdre (all rights reserved) was hunkered down in our beautiful house with no electricity from Thursday night until Sunday noon. She's the most amazing person. Staying warm and cozy in our basement where we have a propane fireplace that works on batteries, not electricity!, cooking on our propane stove while it was 54 degrees in the house, walking around with flashlights and candles...Folks, she is one amazing lady!

Off to Boston for meetings next week. Looking forward to the trip and the meets and greets.

April 8 & 9, I'm back in California with my Big Band. Playing Napa Opera House and the Sacramento Community Concert Theater, sharing the bill with the Four Freshmen. It's always great when I work with the Freshmen. If you're around, show up and tap your foot!

April 17/18 back at the Pops in Santa Rosa for a Tribute to John Denver. Wells Fargo Center. Rocky Mountain High, baby!

Speaking of high, the sun is getting higher in the sky each day, the days are getting longer and this weekend will be in the 50's here in NY.

Spring is on the way and I, like everyone else here in the East, can't wait. It's been a terrible winter. The last storm demolished trees all over our neighborhood. The destruction is startling. Maybe it's time to consider a move to warmer climes...

You never know.

Talk soon.

Mike B.

So...

2010-02-10T13:50:00.001-08:00

Greetings Gates,

Writing on a blizzardy Wednesday from Newburgh, NY. Not that much snow so far and I love watching the TV newsreaders who are trying to make a non story into front page news.

Last Monday night with my Big Band and singer Billy Stritch at Birdland was more fun than diving naked into a warm vat of chocolate. Billy in front of the band, singing his tail off. Songs made famous by others but Billy made them all his own. My band blew the roof off the joint too. Hoping we can do this show again and again.

Was at Iridium the past week or so with Terese Genecco and her Little Big Band. Energy and talent plus. Fun to work with her and especially Jon Burr, one of my faves on Bass and Barry Levitt on Piano...plus Mayra Casales on Bongoes and Conga. Want to do that again as soon as my schedule permits.

Sold the WMP six ply 1997 Ludwig Set to Tommy Piorek. I'm so pleased that they went to someone who will use them and also someone who appreciates them. Great drums. I just have too many sets! Still available the Ludwig Maple Jazz Set in Black Lacquer. 18 x 16 BD, 8 x12 and 14 x 14 Toms, in perfect condition save for some tom rash on the small tom tom. There are pics here somewhere. Buy this set before I change my mind.

Nothing new on the Liza front. She is recovering nicely I hear from knee surgery and is happy to be pain free. Hope she gets back on the road soon to do what she does best...Live Performances!!!!

I'm off to Scotland next week for meetings and music. Good things will be coming out of these meetings for the future. Check back here soon.

Santa Rosa Symphony Academy Awards Movie Night Concert on Feb 27/28th. I'll be conducting the greatest music from the films you know and love. Come on out. The Orchestra is wonderful and I'm always in the Lobby after the show to schmooze and say hello.

April will bring two Big Band Concerts with my Band and the Four Freshman. April 7 & 8th in Sacramento and Napa, Ca. The Freshman sound amazing and are really fun to share the stage with...

Also back to Santa Rosa for a John Denver Tribute in April.

Looking forward to a Benny Goodman Quartet Tribute in the Fall at Iridium with Dan Levinson on clarinet. Dates to follow.

Ready for Spring. Bring it on. Thanks to all who wrote me about my favorite drummers in the last installment. Of course, I have another 500 or so I could add to the list.

Play DW drums and Bosphorous Cymbals. The Best Drums and Cymbals on Earth!

Stay Warm.

In the words of Harvey Estrin..."Times Are So Bad, even guys who lie, are complaining."

Stay Positive.

Soon,

Favorite Drummers

2010-01-20T03:59:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

Back with the first entry of 2010.

Getting ready for a Birdland date with the Big Band and Billy Stritch singing. Thought it was time to get Billy in front of the band and he agreed. February 8th @ Birdland in NYC. One show at 7 pm.

Condolences to the family of Bob Ayers who passed away last Friday. Bob liked everyone, didn't care who was in or out of fashion and was a good spirit. Will miss seeing him at his studio.

For whatever reason, I wanted to list my favorite drummers.

In order:

Sol Gubin...amazing drummer. I have based my entire Big band and Show drumming approach on his playing. He was like a Father to me and I think of him every time I play. I have some of his equipment and use his canister throne all the time. You can hear him with Steve Lawrence on YouTube playing In The Still Of The Night on the Carol Burnett Show. Doesn't get any better.

Alvin Stoller...followed Buddy Rich on the Dorsey Band. Great feel, great fills. He's on many of the Sinatra Capitol recordings, also the Billy May things plus countless TV shows and recordings with Ella and Oscar and Fred Astaire.

Irv Cottler...I met him at NBC in 1972. Used to sub the Flip Wilson Show for him. Of course his live work with Sinatra is the benchmark for that chair. No one did that gig better, not even Sol when he took over for a while.

Mel Lewis...tasty, played with so much fire and yet made it seem so natural. Not a trained player, he is the guy most of today's Big Band drummer emulate. And why not. Drum solos? Nope. Just amazing ensemble playing with the ability to get inside the chart and make everyone swing.

Tony Williams...believe it or not, I played in this style for many years. The way to play Jazz. I was lucky enough to spend some time with him in 1967 and learned so much.

Alan Abel...World's Greatest Symphonic Percussionist. Hands Down, no contest.

Joe Morello...I bought a Silver Sparkle Set to be like him. Have his first solo album, It's About Time. As good as Buddy. Chops, taste, swing and humor.

John Guerin...first guy I heard when I moved to LA. Almost went home. I've stolen from him over the years. Died much too young. Under appreciated talent.

Jeff Porcaro...Amazing feel and nice guy.

Jake Hanna...best with Woody of all the drummers.

Bill LaVorgna...last of the guys with a recognizable style. Knew him for 40 years. Impossible to sound like him. I know I've tried.

Ed Thigpen...another Monster.

Steve Gadd...nothing to add.

Jim Keltner...a jazz drummer, really, who has stayed at the Top of the List of Rock and Rollers. Great feel, great ideas.

Vernel Fournier...Poinciana.

Shelley Manne...one of a kind.

And last but not least...Buddy and Gene.

See you soon.

Mike B

Happy New Year

2009-12-28T07:30:00.000-08:00

December 28th. Almost 2010, already. I'm still writing 1987 on my checks.

Last night was the 20 year Anniversary of Deirdre and I getting together. A long time ago in many ways, many changes in our lives since then, that's for sure. Best 20 years of my life and I hope there will be many many more to come.

We had a lovely Christmas, with visits with friends and family, a reasonable number of wonderful gifts...nothing ostentatious this year and too much good food. I'll be hitting the gym in the new year, for sure.

No news from Liza. The PBS Show was aired all over the country and I suspect it will be shown again on the rest of the PBS stations in the spring. I think the show is spectacular. Producer JoAnn Young and her team did a great job of capturing the Liza's At The Palace Show. The band sounds amazing. I really can't say enough good things about the Liza band. In my three years as drummer/Conductor, the band has always delivered, no matter the circumstances. I've been proud to have been a part of that.

I will be at APAP in NYC at the Producers, Inc. booth. They are representing my Krupa Band and the show, Sinatra and Basie at the Sands. Look for me there if you're at APAP.

Artists of Mainstage, Terry Kippenberger, has another of my shows, in addition to the Krupa Band, The Capitol Years. The best of the music of Capitol Records...Kenton, Billy May, Riddle, Sinatra, Cole, Garland, etc....

Santa Rosa Symphony in February...Music from the Movies. 27/28th.

Something very big in the offing. Will know more in the weeks to come and will let you all know then.

In the meantime, have a great rest of the Holiday.

PS. If you're going to email me, please do give your name. Anonymous emails are rather cowardly, don't you agree?

All the best,

Where does the time go?

2009-12-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

Hi,

Been a while. Time to catch up around here.

Let's see.

Was at PASIC in Indianapolis. Great to attend. Met many people. Saw many seminars, clinics and demonstrations. My faves...The Emeritus Percussion Ensemble. Sal Rabbio and Alan Abel were amazing. Learned so much just by watching these two perform excerpts from Orchestral repertoire.

Had lunch with Michael Vosbein from Bosphorus Cymbals. These cymbals have changed my life! What beautiful music comes from these Turkish made wonders.

Richard Markus, old friend from Indiana U days was there. He's an Industry stalwart, always moving and always a big supporter, as I am of him.

Steve Houghton did a magnificent job on the Convention and the new Rhythm Center which houses the PAS Collection in downtown Indy is a must see for everyone.

Did two Judy Garland Tribute Concerts in Santa Rosa with the Orchestra there. The amazing Debbie Gravitte sang the Garland Songbook and she knocked them out of the Ballpark. Hope to do this concert many more times, the music is so wonderful. BTW, this is not a "sound alike" show. Just a celebration of the Music that Garland made famous, with a few surprises along the way.

Just finished 4 nights with Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch at NYC's Birdland. Their Holiday show, "A Town and Country Christmas." I had a ball and was able to take out the old Mark tree, jingle bells and triangles from a long time in the case and use them on the show.

The lovely Deirdre and I got our Xmas tree yesterday. Will put on the lights and other treasures this evening, while drinking champagne and yours truly smoking a cigar.

Off to the gym.

The lovely Deirdre and I wish all of you the Happiest and the Merriest and see you in 2010.

Melbourne report...

2009-10-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

So, made it to Perth last week after flying 30 hours from O'Hare to Perth, with stops in Los Angeles and Sydney.

Finished the Mancini Magic concerts with the Elgin Symphony on Sunday afternoon at 5:25 pm and was at O'Hare, checked in and through security by 6:05!

Loved the Elgin concerts. Really wonderful Orchestra, great players who were very enjoyable to work with for three days. Really responsive audiences, standing Ovations and, of course, the genius of Henry Mancini's music.

Got a chance to hang with Gene Krupa friend, Joe Vetrano on the 16th, which is the date of GK's demise. Had dinner and went to some drum shops in the Chicago area. The DRUM PAD in Palatine, Ill. has more drums on display than anywhere I've ever been before! Cool place.

Concerts in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney with Liza Minnelli. Plus a pair of trio dates with Billy Stritch in Melbourne and Sydney too.

Go to Liza's website, www.officiallizaminnelli.com for the updates on reviews, news and dates. The Aussie reviews have been incredible and the audiences have embraced Liza everywhere she has performed. She is doing a Peter Allen tune, ALL THE LIVES OF ME, for an encore. I worked with Peter Allen in the early 70's, through my Helen Reddy connection. Nice to hear Peter's song sung by Liza. Speaking of Helen, hoping to see her and some other old friends in Sydney. Don't know when we'll get another chance to see each other, but you never know.

Back to NY on November 3rd. Home until PASIC in Indy, Nov. 11-14th. Can't wait to attend.

More soon.

Off to Australia and Elgin, Illinois, too!

2009-10-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

The October update.

Liza was in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand for a week, where we filmed "LIZA'S AT THE PALACE" for PBS. To be shown in December. Shows were fun and I enjoyed revisiting the Kay Thompson Material once again. I think Liza's championing for Kay Thompson has caused a bit of interest in Kay's work. I recently got a new reissue of 3 CD's of Kay Thompson music on Amazon. Really interesting arrangements and lot's of fun to listen to.

Las Vegas...What can I say. I first was there in 1969 for a couple of days. The Marquees had Jack Benny, Sinatra, Danny Thomas, Esquivel,Liberace and many more. It was an exciting place to be. Now it just 9 or 10 versions of Cirque De So What, very few name entertainers and a bunch of clubs. There is no longer any sensibility about how to dress in the Hotel or Casino. Lots of young adults, drinking, smoking, gambling and apparently, getting tattoos, everywhere.

I must say, I long for the Rat Pack days of Las Vegas. I know the current Marketing campaign is brilliant. What Happens There, Stays There...but how's about some class and manners?

Off to Elgin, Ill. on Wed. for three concerts with the Elgin Symphony. Mancini Magic on the 16/17 & 18th. Looking forward to being there.

Just got an endorsement with Bosphorus Cymbals, thanks to Michael Vosbein. I am amazed at the beautiful sounds I am hearing from these fine musical instruments. Clear and yet complex sound, fast response, great tonality...Try these out for yourselves!!!

On to Australia on the 18th, following the afternoon concert with Elgin. Concerts in Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne, plus a couple of club hits behind Billy Stritch. Haven't been there since Helen Reddy days. Only 12 Million in the entire country. Less than the population of Greater New York City.

I know they're going to love seeing Liza do her thing. All the hits in this show. If you're there, say Hello to the Drummer.

It's Xmas in the Mall already and 32 degrees outside here in Newburgh. Global Warming, Where For Art Thou?

Until the next time,

Mike B

New iMac!!!

2009-09-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Howdy again,

Had a major virus meltdown on the old PC and have turned to the APPLE Corporation for my future computer needs. Just got a new iMac with a 24 inch screen and a new Printer/Scanner that does 11 x17 pages so I can now scan scores into the computer. Nice.

In other news...

The band and I did a Sinatra Tribute at the Charles Ives Center in Danbury, Ct., once again featuring singer Tony Babino. Tony is a real showman, a real singer and a really nice guy. No Sinatra affectations at all. (Most of these guys travel with their own rain coat, hat and lamp post, trying to be like Frank).

Two big nights at the Hollywood Bowl with Liza Minnelli and the band. Had a swell time in LA, seeing old friends, going to the Hollywood Drum Shop to bother Stan and the gang, attending a Hollywood Bowl Orchestra rehearsal so I could bother Don Williams as he was trying to play Bass Drum and also a stop at Chad Sexton's Drum City in North Hollywood.

Ate at Dan Tana's and Musso and Frank's Grill in Hollywood. Glad that a few of the places I love and loved in Los Angeles are still around.

The Bowl Concerts were great, with the Saturday night show being one of my all time favorites with Liza ever. She was amazing and the audience of 14,000 was on their feet all night, screaming for more.

Then we did a trio gig at the New York Public Library for the 25th Anniversary of PAPER magazine. We followed Queen Latifah and another band called the Virgins. Big guns but Liza had them singing along and under her spell, as always.

As I write this, we are about to go to Las Vegas for a week of Shows at the MGM. The last two are going to be taped for a PBS Special.

Then a Mancini Magic Weekend with the Elgin, Ill. Symphony Orchestra followed by a 27 hour flight to Perth to join Liza and the Minnoolians mid tour.

November has the Santa Rosa Pops Opener Nov. 21 & 22 featuring Debbie Gravitte, Tony Award winner and Singer Extraordinaire.

Looking forward to a new Endorsement relationship with Bosphorous Cymbals. Thanks to Michael Vosbein for that and while we're at it, thanks to Don Lombardi and Garrison at DW Drums. DW are the best drums I've ever played and the company is tops in terms of Artist support. If you see me in concert, DW has helped to provide the great drums I'm using. Try them...you'll like them.

Autumn has arrived a bit early in New York and I had the heat on in the house last night. Too soon, too soon.

That's it for the moment, I still have drums for sale. Scroll down and you'll see them. I'll make you a good deal. I NEED THE ROOM!!!!

Until the next time,

Happy New Year and don't hesitate to say hi if you come to a concert.

Mike Berkowitz

An unexpected treat...

2009-08-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

Howdy Friends, (Lovers of Ray McKinley might remember that line)...

Back for another edition.

Been hanging a bit at the Homestead, getting things in tip top shape. We're off to the Hollywood Bowl for two nights with Liza at the end of the month and then in September we'll all be at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to recreate the Palace Show for PBS, complete with all the Kay Thompson selections, the 4 Kay Boys, the Band and Ms. Minnelli.

Friday, August 14th, I was at the Charles Ives Center in Danbury, Ct. with my Big Band and singer Tony Babino. The event was a Special Gala for supporters of the Ives Center. Executive Director Phyliss Cortese did a bang up job putting the evening together. A full house of donors and sponsors heard us recreate the Sinatra at the Sands Album. The band was smoking and once again Mr. Tony B sang his tush off. Tony is the only singer out there who knows this music and understands the emotional core of the songs and the lyrics. Sinatra acted these songs and Tony gets that.

Getting ready for the new season in Santa Rosa with the fab Santa Rosa Pops. Look on their website for the dates and shows for 2009/10. Also will be in Elgin, Ill. in October with their Orchestra performing Mancini Magic for three nights.

So, last weekend, the lovely Deirdre and myself got into the mighty Mini Cooper S and headed out for parts unknown. After a great breakfast in Hyde Park at the Eveready Diner (our favorite) we played some Miniature Golf in 93 degree heat in Poughkeepsie. Turning the car Eastward, we made our way to Millbrook, NY where we came upon the Innisfree Gardens. Acres of beautiful landscapes based on Chinese cup Gardens. The picture at the top of the page is one of these Gardens. Just beautiful. We'll be back in the Fall to see all the trees in their Autumnal glory.

And we'll be back here soon for more. This weekend...Palm Beach, Fl. The Ritz Carlton. If you need me, I'll be at the pool, or the Spa or the beach.

Best,

Another Ludwig Drum Set 4 Sale $1200.00 Semolians.

2009-07-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Ludwig 6 Ply Maple Black Lacquer BeBop Drums Set. Bass Drum is 18 x 16, Small 8 x 12 Tom, 14 x 14 Floor Tom. Not wrapped, just pure black lacquer, beautifully done by Ludwig. Mini Lugs, Rims Mount on Small Tom, comes with modular mount to attach to a stand and three Floor Tom Legs included too. No rust, no pitting, like new, chrome shines like right off the showrrom floor. A couple of dings on the small tom tom from snare rub. visible in picture. New heads...

Price : $1,200.00 OBO Once again, no bottom feeders or Ebay resellers or any of the 400+ Lizards who watched my Ebay auctions but failed to make a bid. I can wait until the right buyer somes along...that means someone who appreciates fine American Made Drums that have been cared for and that sound amazing at all kinds of tunings, Jazz, Funk. Be Bop or Big Band.

Ludwig Drums for sale

2009-07-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

Great Ludwig 6 ply Maples for sale. 24 x 14, 9 x 13, 14 x 14, 16 x 16. 2 Cymbal L arms included.

WMP, no cracking, fading, no extra holes, edges are perfect, chrome is perfect...

Drive them home today. No bottom feeders or Ebay resellers please. I can wait. $1500.00 OBO.

Contact me at berkowitz66@msn.com or call 646-387-4030.

I have hardware and a snare too, if you're really interested. Located in the Hudson Valley of NY, 52 miles north of Manhattan.

From Stuart Hamstra @ Cabaret Hotline Online

2009-07-09T06:03:00.000-07:00

I admit it - I love to tease jazz performers about drum solos. After all, what can be original about a drum solo? But now I must admit, seated in an area on the "drum" side of the stage rather than the "piano" side of the stage where I usually sit at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM, I observed a percussion artist at work at the Billy Stritch show I had not noticed before. Not much in the way of drum solos, instead I observed pure talent, artistry and skill. Mike Berkowitz was all musicianship - no show-off flair and flourish.

2009-07-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

Come in Admiral Byrd...

2009-06-29T05:27:00.001-07:00

Mannequins with Attitude...in Munich.

Dan Levine, Chip Jackson, Rick Cutler and me at Corcovado.

June 29th, 2009

Sorry, it's been awhile. Somehow easier to leave a sentence on Facebook on a regular basis than actually sit down and write here.

Since our last episode, my big band performed at Iridium with a Tribute to Sinatra and Basie at the Sands. It was such a treat to put this concert together, hand picking the musicians and assembling, for the most part, the original arrangements played on this historic concert at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. We had a large audience, but not sold out, which is a drag, to tell you the truth. Don't know whether it's the economy, the price or whether people thought it was a cheesey Atlantic City type look alike show...whatever the reason, this was an amazing evening and it was a treat to play this music and hear Tony Babino sing the Sinatra Songbook. He's the BEST SINATRA type singer out there, IMHO. Not trying to sound like him and he understands the music and the acting behind the lyrics. Just marvelous.

The Big Band and Tony will be at Danbury, Ct. on Aug. 14th at the Charles Ives Center for their Gala. Check out their website for more information.

Just back yesterday from 18 days on the road with Ms. Minnelli. 7 Concerts and a number of very long bus rides. Frankfurt, Munich, Bielefeld, Duesseldorf, Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris.

The band was in rare form as was Liza, whose singing was wonderful at every gig. Very open and free and holding notes forever, or so it seemed. Good for her.

Frankfurt was nice, Munich, for some reason, feels like home to me, Bielefeld was a hit and run, the 4 days in Duesseldorf were great, nice people, great places to eat and boat rides on the Rhine.

Berlin was interesting, as I have never been there. Became Mikey the Tourist, in the words of Gary Labriola, taking pictures and walking my feet off.

Amsterdam is always a hoot and Paris remains a City of Magical Things. I had a ball meeting people in each city. The Concierge in Duesseldorf made sure I was supplied with bowls of cherries, which were at the peak of the season. In Paris I had fun with waiters and shop people, doing my Maurice Chevalier impression and counting off the tunes at Liza's concert in Paris in French.

It will soon be two years for me on the Liza gig. It's been a blast and I've gotten to travel all over the world, seeing cities and sights that I never thought I would see. As for the future, stay tuned...but I'm not buying any green bananas.

April Showers Bring May Showers

2009-05-14T07:28:00.001-07:00

Greetings from Cold, Windy and Rainy New York. Above is a picture of a concert on May 9th in Brentwood, LI featuring Tony Babino with my Big Band. Tony sang Sinatra's hits and the Sold Out Audience was on their feet all night. Tony will be appearing with me and the full band at Iridium in NYC on June 9th. Basie and Sinatra at the Sands is the music we're performing.

This picture is from a Gala with the New York Philharmonic April 20th.

Marvin Hamlisch conducting. Liza, Jennifer Holliday, Joel Grey and other Broadway singers performed "New York Moments". I'm looking into space as usual.

Other events of late. Liza at the Virginia Arts Festival in Norfolk, Billy Stritch at the 3rd Anniversary of the Metropolitan Room in NYC, Liza at the Easter Bonnet Competition and also at the Waldorf for a Private Event, hosted by Elizabeth Hurley and Sir Elton John.

A couple of weeks off before a European jaunt with Liza and the Minnoolians. Germany is the first stop. More on that after we get back. The dates are on the http://www.officiallizaminnelli.com/

website.

I'm cleaning drums and refiling music. Also, there are still drums for sale. The 1938 Radio Kings in the Black and White picture above and the 1997 Ludwigs in WMP. Make me an offer. I need the room since I got the new DW's!

Stick with the Classics!

Best to all.

Mike Berkowitz

South America Take It Away...

2009-04-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a month since the last post. Was in South America with the Minnoolians. Uruguay, Bueno Aires, Porte Allegre, Brasilia, Rio, Sao Paulo, Cordoba...Great Concerts. Met a lot of wonderful people and was able to play with some Brazilian musiods at a party in Rio. The night before, we were in a small club in Rio when Liza got up to sing. There were no drums on stage, just a Cajon and some small cymbals, blocks and brushes. I did my best to make the wonderful instruments designed for Bossa Nova and Samba work for Liza's music. Was fairly successful but I was laughing so much while we were playing, that I'm not sure anyone could hear anything but my screams of delight.

With a few days off, we were off to Toronto and Vancouver. Temperatures in Canada were wintry, with snow and windy conditions when we landed. Vancouver was a bit better but it rained there most of the time.

Got to see and hang with Ronn Dunnett in Vancouver. Took Rick Cutler, Chip Jackson and David Nyberg over to see Ronn's shop. He made a drum while talking to us, named it for David Nyberg's wife and then sold it to David. It's a great Dunnett Ti, like the one I picked up from Ronn last time we were there. I also saw a 25th Anniversary Muppet Show Animal Toy in the original box. Animal, a full double bass drum set, lights, truss and set pieces. Ronn wouldn't sell it to me but I went on Ebay as soon as we returned to the Hotel and bought one for myself!

This week...Private event on Park Avenue on Saturday night with LM. Friday is rehearsal with the NY Philharmonic for Monday night show. Marvin Hamlisch is the Conductor. Should be a treat. Haven't worked with them since the Follies record in 1985...

Over 1000 friends on Facebook. Not bad for an old guy!

More soon.

Doesn't anybody want to buy some drums???????????????????

Best,
Mike Berkowitz

Sights and Sounds

2009-03-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Thought I should do some writing before I leave for South America with Liza and the Minnoollians for a couple of weeks.

Bringing things up to date:

We lost Gerry Niewood and Louis Bellson in February. Both of them wonderful musicians and both of them among the nicest people in the Music Business.

Two Liza dates in Naples, Fl and Key Largo the last week of February. Left for Naples on my Birthday, the 23rd. The lovely Deirdre and I had dinner at Truluck's in downtown Naples, a great restaurant. Nice to be able to sit outdoors too, after the NY winter we've been having. The best chocolate cake I've had in years BTW.

The Naples concert was sold out and it was good to get the rust off as we had been off since the Palace closed on January 4th.

The next morning Deirdre and I left as the sun rose and drove the Tamiami Trail to Key Largo. This goes through the Everglades and many Native American settlements. We were in no hurry and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Florida landscape.

Arrived at the Ocean Reef Club. Golf Courses, Boating, Dressing for Dinner, No Cellphones in the restaurants. In other words...not my kind of place. The best part of our stay at Ocean Reef was our renting of a golf cart and driving around the joint.

Liza did a swell concert for the Ocean Reefers, (?) and the entourage left for NY the next day. Not Deirdre and I though. We went to Key West and saw the sights. The Aquarium, Sloppy Joe's, The Hemingway House, etc. We walked and ate and came back to the Ocean Reef for one more day of collared shirts and expensive food.

Our last day there, we sat by the pool, drove the golf cart past every house in the place and generally just enjoyed each other's company.

Sunday morning I took Deirdre to the Miami airport for her flight back to NY. I then spent the day with Gary LaBriola at his beautiful home north of Ft. Lauderdale. It's an amazing place...something God would have done if he had the money.

Then I was off to Palm Beach Garden. 5 days at the Hilton on Singer Island where I headquartered for the next week of Big Band Concerts.

Monday I was off to Sun City, around Tampa, about a 3.5 hour drive. Band Concert was at 7:30...back in the car by 10...1:30 in bed.

9:30 AM on Tuesday, met Chuck Bergeron to go to the U of Miami together. Chuck had me lecture 2 of his Jazz History Classes (170 people in one of them!) about Frank Sinatra. And then I worked with Chuck's Big Band for about 75 minutes. At the end of Tuesday, I was the most tired I have ever been. Teaching is hard work!

Wednesday, the day was free. 8 pm concert in Palm Beach Gardens at Eissey Theatre. Nice crowd. Frank Derrick, drummer and Conductor attended. Very nice of him to show.

Thursday, Stuart, Fl. at the Lyric Theatre. Best band dinner of real BBQ! Two quick shows...6 and 8:30 PM and then back to NY on Friday.

Sunday, I did a Master Class at NYU for the students of Professor Jonathan Haas. As usual, I did a stream of consciousness lecture, talking about drums and drumming, explaining as best I could what it is I do for a living.

And now off the South America with Liza.

Will post from there.

Be good...Spend some money if you can, get the economy going again!

Until then,

Mike B

2009-02-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

Berkowitz does Broadway

Veteran pops conductor leads Santa Rosa Symphony, 3 singers through treasured show tunes
By DIANE PETERSONTHE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Friday, February 6, 2009 at 4:22 a.m.

STEVE JENNINGS
Michael Berkowitz talks to the audience during a Santa Rosa Symphony pops concert during the 2007-2008 season.
Pops conductor Michael Berkowitz has spent a big chunk of his life working on Broadway shows with legends like composers Marvin Hamlisch, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim.
Not only does he possess firsthand knowledge of their original tempos and phrasing, but the veteran drummer and conductor brings a wealth of wit to the job, warming audiences up with tales from the orchestra pit.
"I did 'Evita' when it first came to the U.S.," Berkowitz recalled in a phone interview from his home outside of New York City. "In those days, Webber was kind of a brash, full-of-himself kind of guy. . . . I saw him in June in London, and he's grown into a great lord-of-the-manor person, with ducks and geese and peacocks to worry about."
This Saturday and Sunday, Berkowitz will lead the Santa Rosa Symphony and three Broadway singers in "My Kind of Broadway," a parade of hits drawn from beloved shows like "Evita," "Wicked," "Chicago, "Cats" and "A Chorus Line."
The vocalists include Broadway duo Christina Saffran Ashford and Norman Large, and Valerie Perri, best known for her performance in the lead role of Eva Peron in "Evita."
Since it was launched in 2005, the Santa Rosa Symphony Pops Series has opened every season with Berkowitz at the helm. A favorite with the local audience, Berkowitz was named the symphony's principal pops conductor this season and is leading all three programs.
"Much of the success of this series can be attributed to his talent and popularity," said Alan Silow, executive director of the Santa Rosa Symphony.
The symphony doubled its pops concert series to a total of six concerts this season, adding a performance on Saturday night to the original Sunday afternoon slot.
In addition to his career as an international pops conductor, Berkowitz serves as music director for singer Liza Minnelli and leads his own big band -- the Gene Krupa Band, named after the famous jazz drummer -- from his own drum kit.
"We just did his 100th birthday celebration," Berkowitz said. "We did a tribute at the Iridium in New York and had two sold-out concerts."
With Minnelli, Berkowitz recently finished a five-week stint at The Palace Theatre in New York, where he conducted the live show as well as the studio album, "Liza's at The Palace," released this month.
Since conducting at the Orpheum and the Curran theaters in San Francisco in the '70s, Berkowitz has enjoyed visiting the Russian River region and hopes to relocate to Healdsburg in the "not too distant future." He turns 60 this month.
Here are a few of the veteran conductor's thoughts on the upcoming pops program, the state of Broadway, and beyond:
How does this program of Broadway music fit into your career?
I started working the orchestra pit when I was 14 years old. I had to be driven to gigs. The first show I ever did was "The Boyfriend," a Sandy Wilson work that Julie Andrews had done in London. I remember thinking, "This feels kind of natural." And I went on to have a lot of shows under my belt as a drummer and a conductor. So a large piece of me is Broadway.
The symphony's pops program expanded this year. Is this a sign of its success?
We want to grow the audience . . . but it takes a while for people to get used to having two concerts. You want to reach out to the community and try to let them know that the product is great, and they can count on having a good time.
How involved are you in planning the musical programs?
I planned this season, and this Broadway thing is great. In the past, the concerts I've done have been jazzy, big band things. Having done 53 Broadway shows, that's a whole segment of my career.
The next concert (March 21 and 22) is a Motown concert with (vocal ensemble) Spectrum and a full orchestra. This group of guys is amazing. They are just outta sight. So we're branching beyond just the big band and swing. And next season, there will be elements of all kinds of things.
Audiences love these programs, but sometimes the musicians look down their noses at them. How do you try to win them over?
The orchestras are generally much kinder than they used to be about pops, and the musicians in Santa Rosa are great. My number-one thing is to get the music played and to convey the style of the composer . . . so we do take it seriously. The next thing is, I don't bring easy music. The arrangements are the original ones.
And beyond that, you just hope that everybody gets into the spirit, and I try to keep it light. . . . You bring high-quality music, performers and programs, and have fun.
You started out as a drummer, then you moved to the podium with the help of mentors like conductor Johnny Green and arranger Nelson Riddle. What special attributes do you bring to the job?
The advantage would be the precise tempo and an awareness of the beat. A lot of people who play drums don't have ear training, but I play piano and have perfect pitch.
Basically, the technique has to be clear, and the stick has to convey the mood and what the piece is about. I'll use my hands for ballads . . . but for clarity's sake, it's better to use the stick.
Where is Broadway going these days?
Nobody has any idea where it's going. Part of the problem is that the music of Broadway used to be the music of the hit parade. Those were the songs you heard on the radio . . . but that traditional Broadway feel doesn't often work these days.
It's very expensive to do a show on Broadway. The costs are astronomical . . . It's a place where, if you're working on Broadway as a career, and my heart is still a part of that, you really do it for love more than anything else. . . .
There used to be one revival a year. Now everything is a revival, because people recognize the title, and producers are trying to play it safe.
But what are you going to do as a revival in 20 years?

The News of the Day.

2009-01-22T05:25:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Hope the New Year is treating you well. Pleased that we have a new President and wishing him the best. As for the pundits already nipping at his heels, I realize they have airtime and column inches to fill but to begin carping on Day One and for Rush L. to say that he hopes Obama fails, is really quite unfortunate.

Moving on...

Liza At The Palace closed January 4th. Great gig and Liza was amazing for each and every show.

January 13th, The Gene Krupa Band was at Iridium in New York City, celebrating the 100th Birthday of Gene Krupa. Sold out the 8 pm show. Some local drummers like Ray Marchica and Ronnie Zito were kind enough to stop by and hear the band and Liza showed up as well with Jim Caruso, Mr. First Nighter!

The band was roaring. Craig Johnson, Nicl Marcione, Dave Trigg, Brian Pareschi, Dan Levine, Clint Sharman, Bruce Eidem, George Flynn, Chuck Wilson, Andy Fusco, Dan Willis, Ben Kono, Ed Xiques, Chip Jackson and Kenny Ascher were all on the bandstand along with great LA singer Cassie Miller and special guest, Frank Perowsky.

February 7 & 8th I'm in Santa Rosa, Ca. for the 2nd Concert in the season with the Santa Rosa Pops. The show is "My Kind Of Broadway" and the singers are Valerie Perri, Christina Ashford and Norman Large. All the best of Broadway as well as some personal recollections from me about the Composers I've worked with over the years.

The Krupa Band hits the road the first week in March. We'll be in Sun City, Fl on March 2, then on the 3rd I'll be at the U of Miami, working with the Big Band and doing some Seminars for the Students. On March 4th we're in Palm Beach Gardens and on the 5 in Stuart, Fl. Great band and the lovely Lisanne Lyons will be joining us as vocalist.

Feb. 24 we're back on the road with Liza. Naples, Fl. and on the 26th we're in Key West. Check her website, http://www.officiallizaminnelli.com/ for dates, times and venues.

Still have drums for sale. Here's what I have.
Ludwig Be Bop Set...all Maple 18x 20 BD, 8 x 12 and 14 x 14 Floor. Black Lacquer. Great shape, like new.

Ludwig Buddy Rich Set. WMP, 24 x 14 BD, 9 x 13, 14 x 14 and 16 x 16 Floor toms. 5 x 14 Maple Snare with tube lugs. Hardware too!

1938 Radio King Set, Slingerland of course. Yellowed WMP. 26 x 14 BD, 9 x 13 and 16 x 16 Toms.
Bob Yeager at the Pro Drum Shop in Hollywood put Ludwig legs on the floor tom and a Slingerland Set O Matic Tom Holder on the Bass so there's been some alterations which some true blue die hard collectors might object to but that being said, these drums sound just like Krupa's. If you want to really do Sing Sing Sing, contact me at berkowitz66@msn.com and let's make a deal!

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/496ad9a13dcf33c0121c95d11aee6bd2/video/2851131

C U Soon,
Mike Berkowitz

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Just want to wish everyone "All the very best in the New Year."

Peace, Prosperity, Music and lots of Tra La La...

See you soon.

Mike Berkowitz

We're at the Palace with Liza until January 4th.

APAP January 9 -13 in NYC. I'll be at the Producer's Inc. Booth.

AND DON'T FORGET~!

GENE KRUPA'S 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT IRIDIUM, JANUARY 13TH.

2 BIG SHOWS 8 & 10 PM.

51ST AND 7TH AVENUE IN NYC.

(Still have drums to sell. Contact me at berkowitz66@msn.com)

And we're open!

2008-12-15T16:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Ho,

If you read this page, I'm sure you know Liza at the Palace has opened to rave reviews and she is the Toast of Broadway.

Here's Billy Stritch, LM and myself at the Curtain Call Opening Night.

The show is amazing and the highlight for me is hearing Liza sing the new verse into the "Judy At The Palace Medley". When the audience understands she's singing about her Mother and then we do the number itself, I'm usually teary eyed. Pretty emotional stuff.

Anyway, NYC is bursting at the seams with people walking around...More than I think I've ever seen before. Judging from the bleak economic news, I wonder what they're doing? Buying? Going to the Movies? Shows? Whatever, it's an unbelievable number of walkers, talkers and gawkers.

Getting some new DW drums. Jazz Series, (like the old Gretsch 3 ply maple/gum/maple shells). Black Ice is the color. Loving the DW's I'm using on the show.

If anyone wants or needs a drum set for Xmas, I've got 2 or 3 to sell...All in perfect, brand new, right off the showroom floor condition. Email me at berkowitz66@msn.com A good deal for you, guaranteed.

We're putting up the Tree tonight. Our tradition is Deirdre does all the work and I smoke a cigar and drink Cognac. That's why we're still together all these years.

Have a Happy Everything, (in the words of Kay Thompson)...

Til the next time,

Mike B.

2008-12-01T05:32:00.000-08:00

About to start NY NY...

The 22o Euro Pencil Sharpener.

And we're back! December 1, 2008.

About to go into NY for the first day of rehearsals for LIZA'S AT THE PALACE, which opens on Dec. 3.

Backstage in RI...My drums.

Since my last post, I've been to Santa Rosa to conduct the Orchestra, then a 26 hour day of travel to Rome for a series of Concerts in Italy with Liza Minnelli.We did 7 concerts in 20 days so there was plenty of time to sight see in Rome, Florence, Bari (not so much actually), Bologna, Milan, Torino, (looked very interesting but we just came in. played and then left) and Campignon.

Great concerts and the lovely Deirdre was with me for Santa Rosa, Rome and Florence.Did a bit of shopping and purchased a 220 Euro Pencil Sharpener in Milan that is amazing.

Back on Saturday the 15th...In the studio with Liza and the band on the 16th all day to finish the new CD.

Off the 17th and then on to Woonsocket, RI for 4 warmup dates for the Palace. We played at the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, very nice place. The Patriot Diner was our hangout during the week with the best Chicken Rice soup anywhere.

Back on Sunday night, a day off and then Tuesday rehearsal for Wednesday Rosie Live Show with Liza doing a version of City Lights with Rosie. I was in my car at 8:34 pm and home in Newburgh at 9:36 pm...

Lovely Thanksgiving at home...a few days of rest and on to the Palace.

Hope to see you there!

Liza's At The Palace

2008-10-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

“Liza's At The Palace...!”

LIZA MINNELLI In ConcertLiza Minnelli will bring her unmatchable magic to Broadway, when she stars in her new show “Liza’s At The Palace…!” opening Wednesday, December 3rd (6:30PM) at the Palace Theatre (Broadway & 47th Street) for a limited engagement through December 14th. Produced by John Scher/Metropolitan Talent Presents & Jubilee Time Productions and directed and choreographed by Ron Lewis, the evening will feature an incomparable Minnelli songfest including many of her personal favorites and signature hits, followed by a dance-filled tribute to the groundbreaking late-1940s nightclub act of Minnelli's godmother, Kay Thompson. Gary Labriola will serve as Executive Producer.
Along with a twelve-man orchestra led by conductor/drummer Michael Berkowitz and pianist/musical supervisor Billy Stritch, “Liza’s At The Palace…!” will be highlighted with many of Liza’s showstoppers such as “Cabaret,” “Maybe This Time,” and “New York New York” – all written especially for her by the legendary Broadway song writing partnership of John Kander and Fred Ebb. For the first time onstage, Liza will pay an affectionate salute to her godmother, the late Kay Thompson who was a legendary performer (“Think Pink!” from “Funny Face”), author (“Eloise at the Plaza”) as well a gifted vocal arranger and Music Director/vocal coach at MGM Studios who worked with stars such as Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and Lena Horne. Supported by a quartet of dynamic singer/dancers, Liza will perform musical hits (with the original vocal arrangements) from Thompson's act including such numbers as “I Love a Violin,” “Clap Yo' Hands,” “Jubilee Time” and “Hello Hello”---set to brand-new staging and choreography by Mr. Lewis. Accompanying her onstage will be Cortés Alexander, Jim Caruso, Tiger Martina and Johnny Rodgers.
The concert performance will be scripted by Liza and Tony Award-winner David Zippel, and will be full of personal stories, anecdotes and heartfelt reminiscences embraced in a theatrical setting featuring scenery by Ray Klausen, costumes by Halston, lighting by Matthew Berman and sound by Matt Kraus.

In other news, the Krupa date at Iridium was amazing. Full houses for both shows. And, they want the band back for New Year's Eve, so stay tuned. In attendance were members of the Liza troupe, Butch Miles and some old friends from long ago. Hilary Kole was our amazing "chick singer" and Frank Perowsky came in and did some Krupa Quartet numbers. Don't miss the next one!!!

Worked with Billy Stritch on Friday at the Metropolitan Room with Klea Blackhurst. They did their Hoagy Carmichael Show...fun to do and play. I'm on the record but I'd never done a gig with them until Friday.

And Saturday we were in Princeton, NJ at the McCarter Theatre performing with Christine Ebersole and Mr. Stritch. 2 Shows, great music and wonderful audiences. John Arbo was the bass player both nights and I really enjoyed working with him, too.

Wed and Thursday this week we're in the studio with Ms. Minnelli and then
off to Santa Rosa, Ca. on Friday for Opening concerts of the new Pops Season.

Italy tour with Liza...

Come see us.

Ciao!

Mike Berkowitz

2008-10-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

October 8, 2008

Hello World.

Just back from a quick Press tour of Rome with Liza Minnelli to publicize the upcoming Italian tour. Saw some of the sights, including Liza at the Trevi Fountain, did two Television Shows with her and had too much to eat. More about the upcoming Italian tour next time. In other Liza news, we're going to be in Woonsocket, RI in late November for 4 days or so as a tune up for a very probable Broadway run. All will be announced very soon when the ink is dry on the page.

Don't forget: THE GENE KRUPA BAND with HILARY KOLE is at IRIDIUM Tuesday, October 14th for two shows, 8:30 and 10:30 pm. Great band, great singer, great music. If you're reading this page, you should come on out and see us in person. Never know who might show up that night.

Also, we are doing a Tribute To Gene Krupa in honor of his 100th Birthday on January 13th, 2009 at Iridium. GK's birthday is January 15, 1909 so we're as close as the booking would allow.
Special guests and a big celebration for the Man who started it all, Gene Krupa, America's Drumming Man.

Santa Rosa, Ca. October 25/26. Opening Night for the new Season with the Santa Rosa Symphony. Mancini Magic!!! Cecil Welch, Steve Dokken, Joe Thalken and me on the Podium. The best music anywhere.

Coming up: Liza in Italy news...Liza on Broadway news...Krupa Band tour of Florida...Krupa Band dates with The Four Freshmen and Jack Jones...Symphony Pops dates...and pictures!

See you around,
Mike Berkowitz

Can you name the 3 drummers in the picture? Send me your answers at berkowitz66@msn.com

Sept. 19th 2008

2008-09-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

Greetings One and All,

Some new things to report on so here goes. First of all, the Gene Krupa Band will be appearing at Iridium Jazz Club in NYC on October 14th for 2 shows. Joining us will be Hilary Kole,
http://www.hilarykole.com/ She's an amazing singer and I'm thrilled she'll be with us at Iridium.

The Band is:
Tony Kadleck, Brian Pareschi, Bud Burridge and Craig Johnson on Trumpets.
Clint Sharman, Bruce Eidem, Pete McGuiness and George Flynn on Trombones.
Steve Kenyon, Chuck Wilson, Dan Willis, Ben Kono and Ed Xiques on Saxes.
Chip Jackson on Bass and Ken Ascher on Piano, with me on drums and perhaps a special guest.

Liza and the Minnoolians were in Louisville, Ky for one performance and then big two shows in St. Charles, Mo. (outside of St. Louis).

We were in downtown Louisville in a older hotel...small rooms and odd food. The big event was the moving of the secret recipe of Colonel Sanders' KFC to a new location. It was the lead story on all the local news shows, showing a gentleman emerging from a black car, with a briefcase, containing the 11 secret herbs and spices formula, (salt, pepper, MSG, paprika, onion salt? What else?) shackled to his wrist. Ah, the Midwest. Why did I ever leave?

We took a bus to St. Louis on Wednesday. 7 plus hours, including two rest stops and lunch in Evansville, Indiana at Liza's fave, Olive Garden. She had the Apricot Chicken, I had the Chicken Parmigiana. Lovely folks and the food was surprisingly OK for chain Italian.

We arrived at the Ameristar Hotel in St. Charles, Mo. It's a large Casino, technically on the River, so they can have Gambling. The rooms were wonderful. The food was pretty swell too.

Although we stayed at the Casino, we played at the Lindenwood College Performing Arts Center's Opening. Two nights of sold out audiences. Had a few friends in the area so was nice to reconnect. (Forgot to say that we saw John LaBarbera in Louisville, arranger for Buddy Rich and now part of the Jazz Program at U of Louisville...Great hang and lot's of funny stories.)

Off for a week or two, so doing Library work at home and enjoying the time away from the Airport.

Will probably be going to Rome with Liza for some Press prior to our Italian tour that begins Oct. 29. Check out the schedule on http://www.officiallizaminnelli.com/ so you know where we're playing.

Oct. 25 & 26 will find me at the Santa Rosa Symphony for the Opening Concerts of the new Pops Season, 2008/09. Mancini Magic is the concert and once again, it's all Henry Mancini's greatest hits.

I'm tempted to start a Keith Olbermann type portion of this blog to the Worst People in the World...I'm too nice to actually do that, but you know who you are.

No pictures this time...nothing exciting to show but I promise some great shots from Italy and after.

Hopefully Liza will be on Broadway in December with our present show, featuring the Kay Thompson section as well as Liza's hits and some surprises. Will let you know as soon as the theatre is announced.

That's it for now.

Facebook anyone?

Best,
Mike Berkowitz

And we're back...

2008-09-07T13:42:00.001-07:00

September 7, 2008

Hi Gang,

New blog, new look and new things to talk about. The old page was getting to be too big and very slow so we've moved over to this neighborhood. Looks to be very nice so far.

First and foremost, the Gene Krupa Band will be at Iridium in NY City on October 14th for two shows, 8:30 and 10:30 pm. 51st and Broadway in Manhattan. Come and hear the band!!!

Lexington Symphony gig was great. Did two concerts with the Orchestra out at this gigantic Horse Farm facility. Audiences for both nights were sold out, around 4 thousand each evening.
The Saturday night crowd was quite festive...There was dancing in front of the stage, Pink Panther cutouts roaming through the crowd (this was Mancini Magic if I didn't mention it) and I got a plate of delicious brownies from one of the front tables, which were quicky eaten by members of the Orchestra, the brownies, not the tables.

We're doing Mancini again with the Santa Rosa Symphony October 25 & 26, so I expect to see you there at the Concert. You know who you are.

Liza and the Minnoolians were in Chicago last weekend (Aug 30) for a concert at the Venue in Hammond, Indiana. Lot's of nice folks and I bought an amazing snare drum at Steve Maxwell's Drum Shop in the Fine Arts Building. This drum sounds so good that members of the band as well as a couple of sound techs asked me what was different about my snare drum on the concert.

The Minnollians leave tomorrow (the 8th) for Louisville Kentucky for a concert there on Tuesday night and then 2 concerts in St. Charles, Mo. on the 11th & 12th.

Then I fly back on Saturday the 13th at 6 am so I can attend my step daughter Mieke's Wedding.
Looking forward to a night of fun and family.

That's it for now. Go to my Facebook page for a few laughs and sign up to be my friend. Jim Caruso just joined and I think he has over 10 million friends...or close to it. Caruso knows everyone in the World. When I tell people I work with Liza Minnelli, they always tell me to say HI to Jim.

See you soon...

Mike Berkowitz
www.berkmusic.com

Hello Fun Seekers!

2008-08-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here's what's been happening. The Hartford Symphony Concerts with Spectrum were amazing. Two concerts, 7000 screaming people each night. The Orchestra was a dream band, played the arrangements beautifully and had a really fun vibe. Nice folks and hope to be back with the Hartford Symphony again soon. Left July 18th with Liza and the Minnoolians for concerts in Ulm, Regensburg, Wolfsburg and San Sebastian.

Landed in Munich...Nice Hotel. Did a bit of sightseeing, walking around and eating.
Concert in Ulm, next to the World's Highest Cathedral. Just before soundcheck, there was a torrential downpour with the wind blowing everything around. But, all was clear and calm for the Concert.

On stage in Ulm. The red drums were a big hit.

Another day off in Munich...went to Stuttgart and Metzinger to visit Porsche Factory and Hugo Boss factory. Both big disappointments. Neither gave out any free samples.

Then a concert in the Medieval city of Regensburg. Here's a video link to a German TV spot about the concert. I'm visible a couple of times behind the drums as are Billy Stritch and Liza. (If the link doesn't work, cut and paste it into your browser address line.)
http://www.mittelbayerische.de/_misc/videoplayer/videoplayer_365x325.cfm?pid=3299&pk=732

View from the driver's seat in Regensburg. Below: Either a stick up or I'm about to give a down beat in Regensburg. Love the Four Season shirt.

Off to the Autostadt in Wolfsburg. Stayed at the Ritz Carlton on the grounds of the VW factory. Kind of like an automobile Disneyland with Museums, Shops, etc. on the grounds. And facing the power plant built by Albert Speer in 1936 right out my window.

Nice, huh?

Saw Herbie Hancock with Vinnie Colaiuta on drums the night before our concert. I sat right off stage next to Vinnie for the concert. Was fun watching Vinnie do his thing...Amazing drummer!

Then a wild ride to the airport in a van caravan, (The Bourne Concerts...) so we could take off in a charter plane for Vittoria Spain, en route to San Sebastian.

San Sebastian was very beautiful.

We played in the Silver slanted building...San Sebastian Jazz Festival. Heard a kid's band playing IN THE MOOD right outside the stage door. Sounded good but the drummers never play the cowbell part on the last repeat like Moe Purtill. Call me a stickler for detail but gee whiz, it's on the record.

Coney Island on the 7th. Primm Nevada on the 16th. I'm conducting the Lexington Ky. Symphony Aug 22 & 23 in Mancini Magic Concerts and then the 30th in Hammond Indiana at the Horseshoe Casino.

See you there.

MB

Greetings, Music Lovers!

2008-07-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

Just back from a last minute Corporate date in Southern France with Liza Minnelli. Got a call on Wednesday and Thursday we were on our way to Montpellier. Stayed at the Verchant Hotel www.verchant.com which is a working Winery.

My room came with a second floor terrace, overlooking the Vineyards, plus an outdoor Jacuzzi!

The week before I conducted the opening concert of Concerts By The Lake in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Played at the Ferro Pavilion, a brand new facility which holds about 2000 people and a new roof that leaks when it rains.

I did the first half of the concert with the Chicago Philharmonic, a wonderful group made up of players from the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra and other area freelancers.

Did Mancini Magic. Brought Cecil Welch and Steve Dokken with me, my Mancini regulars.

This was the first Mancini Concert since our drummer (and Hank's) Jack Gilfoy joined the choir.

So, I conducted and played drums on the show, which we dedicated to Jack's memory.

Top: The Chicago Philharmonic Middle: Condrumming. Last: Explaining how the game is played.

This weekend: Hartford Symphony with SPECTRUM. The 11th & 13th.

See you soon.
MB

June 23, 2008

2008-06-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

Home for 10 days and then out to Los Angeles to conduct the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra for Liza's Induction into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame.

We arrived in LA and the weather was very very hot. I had rented a convertible but the heat made it impossible to put the top down. Just AC on the coldest setting for the entire trip.

BB King, James Galway and Liza were the honorees. All performed and all were great.

The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra is made up of the best studio and concert musicians in LA and the World for that matter. They played everything from Shostakovich to Kander and Ebb with the same brilliance.

I conducted from the drums, in front of the Orchestra...somewhat unusual but it went off without a hitch.

Liza was, as always, amazing. Her vocals are so strong and even in the heat, she moved and danced like a 19 year old!

She and I had a great impromptu moment during rehearsal where we recreated the ending of the Fred Astaire dance to SHINE ON YOUR SHOES. On stage, at the Bowl, I got to dance, (not really...but I try) with Liza. When asked to repeat my efforts for the Choreographer, I begged off...better I stay behind the drums or on the Podium.

This Saturday night, the 28th, in Lake Geneva, Wisc. with the Chicago Philharmonic, I'll be doing a first half tribute to Henry Mancini. Second half, Maureen McGovern.

July 11 & 13th with Spectrum and the Hartford Symphony in Simsbury, Ct. Outdoors....Come hear the music play!!!

More to come soon.

Stay cool.

Mike B.

June 9, 2008

2008-06-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

Hello out there. Mike Berkowitz back from 19 days on the road and glad to be home. A few things to talk about this month. I was inducted into the Hall of Fame at my High School in Indianapolis, Indiana on May 27th. 41 years after Graduation, I am now hanging on the wall alongside the sitting Governor of the State of Indiana, Mitch Daniels and Ballerina Elaine Bauer. Quite an honor to be included and I thank the good folks at North Central for including me.

Did the American Theatre Wing's Gala on Monday the 19th of May. Don Pippin, David Finck and myself were the musicians backing David Hyde Pierce, Debby Gravitte, Faith Prince and Leslie Uggams in a Tribute to Jerry Herman.

On May 20th, I left JFK with Liza Minnelli, headed for Moscow, which was the first stop on a tour that included Concerts in London, Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham and Glasgow.

Here we are in the B1 Club in Moscow. Billy Stritch, me, LM and Chip Jackson's hand on his Bass.

Moscow was pretty amazing. Went to Red Square, many fine restaurants, shopping galore and more traffic than I've ever seen.

As usual, Liza was spectacular...

Then on the 24th, off to London, where we were detained at Immigration for lack of proper Work Visas.

After a sleepless night, the proper papers were secured at 4 pm prior to our Opening at the London Coliseum at 7:30 that same night!

Onstage at the London Coliseum during Soundcheck.

Three Brilliant Shows in London by Liza and the Band and the Boys. The Reviews, which you can find on Google, were Unanimous in their praise for Liza's performance(s). The audiences were standing up after every number and the theatre was like a Power Plant, there was so much energy and electricity in the room.

The same excitement followed us to Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.

Liza was on fire and had the audiences eating out of her hand!

After Glasgow on Friday the 6th, I left at 5:50 am for a flight to Amsterdam. Left Amsterdam at 10:20 am for Detroit. Arrived in Detroit at 1 pm, cleared Customs and drove 200 miles to Roscommon, Mi for a Big Band concert. Arrived at 5:45, rehearsed with the band, (Thanks Bill Sears) and did a concert at 8 pm.

Three standing ovations later, it was all over at 10:15 and I went to my hotel for some rest.

Arrived back in Newburgh, NY at 4 pm and had a great reunion with the lovely Deirdre, my son Seth and his bride to be, Susan. Wonderful finish to a wonderful bit of touring.

Coming up...The Hollywood Bowl Opening Night with Liza, June 20th.

June 28th in Lake Geneva with Maureen McGovern.

July 11 / 13 with the Hartford Symphony and SPECTRUM, my favorite Motown Band.

Then onto Spain and Germany with Liza...August 22/23 with the Lexington Phil, MANCINI MAGIC strikes again!

Until next time...

MB

Review

2008-05-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Back from a string of Minnelli dates in Mexico and Ft. Worth. But before I tell you all about what's happening in the World of Liza, I must report that Jack Gilfoy, drummer with Henry Mancini for 30 years, colleague and friend of mine for over 40 years, passed away in his sleep last Saturday morning. If you look below, you can see Jack, Steve Dokken, Cecil Welch and me in Naples, Florida, following a wonderful concert with the Naples Philharmonic on April 11/12. Jack will be missed by me more that he probably would think to be reasonable...(his Hoosier sensibilities being what they were.) I'm sure Hank Mancini is glad to have Jack back in his band.

Liza and the Minnoolians were in Mexico for three great concerts last week. The first one was in Guadalajara. An amazing Concert Hall...all clad in shiny metal like the Disney Hall in Los Angeles. 5000 people attended. Liza was on her game, singing better than ever and dancing up a storm. On to Mexico City, for another concert, this time 8000 people in attendance. Multiple Standing Ovations! Liza's sister, Tina Nina sang "On A Clear Day" with her. While rehearsing this number, (which we did as a slow Bossa Nova with a quickie arrangement by Ross Konikoff, long time Liza trumpeter), an earthquake of 5.8 magnitude started shaking the Intercontinental Hotel. Liza was singing away and I finally stopped and said, "I think we're having an Earthquake!" Liza simply turned around and said, "That's what happens when the Minnelli's sing together!"

On to Puebla for our final concert. When the band arrived at the Hall, a first. No one had ordered a Piano for the Concert! After much back and forth between the Promoters and Liza's manager, a piano did appear in time for the Show. And once again, another spectacular performance, bringing the Crowd to it's feet after practically every number.

So, Mexico was fun. An earthquake, a live Volcano sighting as we left Puebla, interesting food choices like Goat! and no Piano!!! Ah, life on the road.

In Ft. Worth, we played a Gala for the 10th Anniversary of the Bass Performing Arts Center. What a place! I was there in 98 with Diana Ross for the Opening and now back 10 years later with Liza. Sold out crowd, amazing review:

REVIEW

Liza's still got lots of pizazz

BY MARK LOWRY STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

Liza Minnelli, still in fantastic form, performs Saturday in the headlining show in Bass Hall's 10th-anniversary celebration.

FORT WORTH -- There was a moment in Liza Minnelli's Bass Hall debut Saturday night where, right before she brought home -- as only Liza can -- the Gershwin song The Man I Love, she giggled ever so adorably.

That's a good analogy for her overall bravura performance, the headlining show in Bass Hall's weeklong 10th-anniversary celebration.

Throughout the show she absolutely tore up (in the best sense) Broadway songs and American standards. Minnelli, still in fantastic vocal form at 62, dedicated a song to Fort Worth's Van Cliburn, whom she called a "good friend."

And all the way through she joked about her very public personal life, admitting "I have had it; I've learned my lesson" before doing a Sophie Tucker hit, I'm Living Alone (And I Like It), and confessing that she can now really identify with one of the stage roles she played, husband-murdering Roxie Hart, before My Own Best Friend from the musical Chicago (it was cut from the film, kids).

The point is, after several sparkly costume changes (the girl is back in dancer shape, lookin' good in knee-high boots and leotards), frequent engaging banter with the audience and two hours of her song-interpretation trademarks (breathy pauses, heavy S's and big song finishes), Liza hasn't lost any of the pizazz on which she built her career.

Speaking of pizazz, her multi-song tribute to her mentor and godmother Kay Thompson's nightclub act, complete with four gents as the Williams brothers (Andy and three sibs), was a high-energy thrill.

It, like the rest of the show, proved that Liza baby, you still got it.

mlowry@star-telegram.com

Mark Lowry, 817-390-7747

We're off to the Beau Rivage Casino this weekend. Then on to Moscow, the UK and Liza's induction into the Hollywood Bowl's Hall of Fame on June 20th...Opening Night at the Bowl!

See you in the airport or at the gig.

Mike B.

April 14, 2008

2008-04-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

And now it's time for another entry into "Where In The World Is Michael Berkowitz?"

Was in Naples, Florida with the Naples Philharmonic this past weekend (April 11 & 12).

One of the finest Pops Orchestras I've ever had the pleasure of Conducting. Did two Mancini Magic Concerts and as always, Henry's music brought the audience to their feet at the end of both performances!

Brought along Mancini alum, Jack Gilfoy, Cecil Welch and Steve Dokken plus pianist Joseph Thalken who not only played all of Hank's piano parts but also looked like a young Mancini with hair!

Jack Gilfoy, Steve Dokken, Cecil Welch, Mike Berkowitz - April 12, 2008 Naples Philharmonic

Was in San Remo, Italy with Liza Minnelli April 4 & 5 performing on a Television Show for RAI 1.

Liza was the featured artist, singing Cabaret, My Ship/Man I Love and New York, New York. Looking gorgeous on the Broadcast, Liza sounded amazing! The audience was supposedly still applauding and screaming for more as we pulled away from the studio on our way to yet another fabulous restaurant in San Remo.

Our plane was cancelled the next day, so Liza and her assistants went to Paris for the day while Gary Labriola, Johnny Rodgers and myself were forced to hunker down at the amazingly beautiful Monte Carlo Bay Resort for the night. If you're stranded, Monte Carlo ain't the worst place in the world.

The weeks before, Liza and her trusty band of Minnollians played concerts in Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers and Melbourne, Florida.

Off to Albuquerque, NM this Friday for a concert with the New Mexico Symphony. Another Mancini Magic Concert with Trumpeter Extraordinaire, Charley Davis subbing for Cecil Welch.

Then on to Mexico with LM on the 24th for Concerts in Mexico City, Guadalajera and Puebla.

May finds us in Ft. Worth at the Bass Hall, Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi, Moscow and then the UK!

Getting the Frequent Flyer miles these days.

New Symphony Concerts in June with the Chicago Philharmonic, The Hartford Symphony July 11 with Spectrum and the Lexington Symphony in August...plus lots more LIZA!!!

If you're reading this and see me somewhere, come up and say Hi!

Best to all,

Mike Berkowitz

March 11, 2008

2008-03-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Been busy and also under the weather so the updates on this page have suffered a bit.

New Year's Eve with Freddy Cole in North Carolina was a joy. Freddy is a wonderful performer and working with him and his talented Quartet was a great way to bring in the New Year.

Then down to Englewood, Florida for two concerts featuring the Music of Henry Mancini.

Chuck Bergeron put together a magnificent Orchestra for these concerts, both Sold Out!

4 Concerts with the Oregon Symphony featuring the Music of Nelson Riddle took place the end of January. Once again, I was joined by Rachael Price and Michael Civisca, two of the besy vocalists anywhere. The Orchestra was a joy and the audiences were my kind of people. Also enjoyed roaming around Portland. Great book stores and places to eat.

Liza was back on the road in Providence, RI. She was at the top of her game for this show and also shows in Lake Tahoe and Friant, California.

Went snowmobiling with some of our Liza group in Tahoe. 7 brave souls accompanied me to the top of the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe...9000 feet up and what a view!

Liz Callaway in North Carolina for Valentine's Day. What a treat it is to work with her! Hope to do more with her very soon.

Then on to Kentucky for a Tribute To John Williams! Challenging music...we had a full Orchestra, 100 person Choir and people dressed as the characters from Star Wars!!! A night I will never forget.

California with Liza...Chumash Casino in Santa Barbara and then the Frank Sinatra Golf Tournament in Palm Springs.

Liza and I went to hear and see Michael Feinstein and her sister Lorna Luft in Palm Springs the night before our show. Always fun to go to a Michael Feinstein concert.

Then I was in Norfolk, Va. with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. A Big Band Show featuring Lynn Roberts, my favorite Big Band Singer! Once again, the Orchestra was magnificent and I had a ball meeting members of the audience after the show.

In the studio this week with Liza M. as we put down the vocal tracks for the Kay Thompson Show.

Then off to Ft. Lauderdale and Jacksonville with Liza. Later this month, Ft. Myers and Melbourne, Fl.

And I'll be with the Naples Phil and the New Mexico Philharmonic on April 11/12 and April 19th respectively. MANCINI MAGIC is the program.

Come see me if you're in the area!

Liza's schedule:

Thanks to everyone who visits this site. Hope to see and/or hear from you soon.

Till then,

Mike Berkowitz

December 24th, 2007

2007-12-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

Quick bit of news. I'll be at Arturo Sandoval's Jazz Club in Miami Beach on January 9th with the Gene Krupa Orchestra. Come see us if you're in Florida.

The Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club is located at the Deauville Beach Resort on Collins and 67th. We are surrounded by water, nestled between the famed Art Deco District and the shops at Bal Harbour. Gifted with

AAl e Atlantic Ocean to the East. Charmed and intrigued by the thrill of Miami to the West. The setting is perfct for hosting world class jazz artists and exquisite cuisine.

The Club is at the Deauville Resort is Miami Beach...

Another review of THINKING OF GENE...The new album...Makes a wonderful stocking stuffer!

Fritz the Nite Owl Jazz

Smooth Jazz WJZA 103.5FM/104.3FM Sunday 9pm to 12 Midnight

Visit www.wjza.com

Email Fritz at www.wjza.com/sections/contact/index.asp

or email info@shortnorth.com (Attn: Fritz)

Want to learn more about this guy? http://m.homestead.com/m.html

DECEMBER 2007

Give youself a jazzy little Christmas

Make your spirits bright. Good jazz sounds put your troubles out of sight. So give yourself, and the jazz fans on your Gift List, one of these albums and enjoy your holidays even more.

Michael Berkowitz and the Gene Krupa Orchestra: Thinking of Gene (Sea Breeze-SBJ-2143)

This CD will cause explosions of delight to any jazz friend-or-fiend to whom you give it. On the other hand, after hearing it, you may decide to keep it for yourself and send the friend a fruitcake. Whatever. Suffice it to say, whoever gets this outstanding set will love it and play it repeatedly for years.

The legendary Gene Krupa was the first drummer in jazz history to achieve national and international acclaim after his appearances as a main guest-attraction with Benny Goodman. His featured performance and drum solos on Goodman's "Sing, Sing, Sing" in 1941 are still quoted and used by many modern drummers in the 21st Century. As Buddy Rich once said, "If it wasn't for Krupa, there wouldn't be any of us today."

Krupa's first big band as a leader ran from 1938-1943. It was enormously popular due to such stars as Roy Eldridge and Anita O'Day. He also worked in gigs with Goodman, Dorsey and others before reforming and leading a new version from 1944-1951. His steady, relentless beat, ever-improving technique, showmanship, and dynamic personality contributed enormously to his sustained popularity over the years. So much for the brief bio and history of Krupa.

Drummer Michael Berkowitz was first inspired by Krupa at age 4; met him and became friends at 16. Who'da guessed that 35 years after Gene's passing in 1973, Berkowitz would now be the leader of the current Gene Krupa Orchestra?

Using modern arrangements, which are extremely faithful to the originals, Berkowitz and his 16-piece band easily evoke that great '40s swing-sound, yet burst with the fire that defines the best of big band jazz today.

Krupa's theme and intro, "Starburst," is, to me, the most exciting show opener-ever! It is as dynamic here as when originally recorded. The same can be said for the 12 other selections. This is timeless music that will keep the spirit and sound of Krupa alive for years to come - and introduce him to new fans who never had the thrill of seeing or hearing him perform in person.

Until 2008!!!

Have a Wonderful Holiday!!!

Warmly,

Mike Berkowitz

December 19th, 2007

2007-12-19T07:31:00.000-08:00

Howdy Folks,

Been on the road with a lot of different things so it's been a while since last update.

Let's see.

Was in Vancouver for 3 great shows with Liza Minnelli. While there, Bill Hayes, Rick Cutler and I visited with Ronn Dunnett at his studio/shop/garage/abode.

Picked up a beautiful snare drum, 5.5 x 14 Ti, that is the most sensitive drum I've ever played. No ghost notes allowed on this thing!

Bill Hayes, Rick Cutler and MB at the Dunnett shop.

Seen here with Mr. Cutler looking on, playing my new snare.

October found me conducting the Santa Rosa Symphony for the third year in a row. ( Next year I will be conducting all of their Pops Concerts!) Love the Orchestra, Love the People, Love the Executive Director!

We did a Tribute to Nelson Riddle (also doing this concert in January with the Oregon Symphony.

Below is me with our two World Class Singers, Rachael Price and Michael Civisca

This is one great concert!

Was in Warren, Ohio at the end of November for the Warren Concert Association.

Did a Tribute to the Music of Capitol Records with singers Lauel Masse' and Anthony Apicella. Sold out the Packard Music Hall, 2100 in attendance!!! Great night.

Then off to Palm Springs with Ms. Minnelli at the McCallum Theatre Benefit. Saw some friends like Dan Gloser from Paramount Pictures' music department and spent some quality time with Mitch Gershenfield, the Major domo of Booking at the Center.

4 days of R & R in the California sun and then the Krupa Band returned to Charley O's on December 4th. We were joined by singer Cassie Miller and the all star LA band tore the Krupa book up.

Always nice to be back in my musical home.

Just back from 8 days in Sweden with LM. She gave us a scare the last night, but she's fine and looking forward to 2008 and many concerts and galas and the filming of the Kay Thompson project.

That's all for now.

Have a Great Holiday and a Happy and Safe New Year.

Until 2008 (I'm in Greensboro on New Years Eve with Freddy Cole and the Carolina Pops)

Mike Berkowitz

(Also, look for me in Englewood, Fl. on January 8th. Englewood Methodist Church. 2 shows for the Englewood Arts Association. Tribute to the Movie Music of Henry Mancini on the first half and then Tribute to Nat King Cole on the second. 26 piece Orchestra, Joe Bourne on vocals and Cecil Welch on trumpet. )

If you want to hire me as a Conductor for Pops, please contact Bob Bauchens at ARTRA in Chicago.

800-354-1645

If you want to hire the Krupa Band...Craig Hankenson c/o Producers, Inc. www.producersinc.com

If you want the Tribute to Capitol Records Show...please call Terry Kippenberger at Mainstage Artists in St. Louis. www.mainstage-mgmt.com

Anything else, just contact me directly.

800 -397-6293

646-387-4030 mobile

berkowitz66@msn.com

Here's the album!!! BUY IT!!!

Amazon.com,

CDuniverse.com

www.seabreezejazz.com

Google it...Buy it...Listen to it...Love it!!!!

REVIEW FROM ALL MUSIC GUIDE

Drummer Michael Berkowitz brings back the sound of Gene Krupa and his orchestra on this intriguing set. Unlike too many of the swing big-band recordings of the past 40 years, this program does not have solos that are mere re-creations of the original recordings (although Steve Hawk does play tribute to Roy Eldridge on "Rockin' Chair"). The arrangements are mostly transcriptions from the recordings but occasionally they are opened up a little. One could certainly imagine this band stretching out much more on some of the songs. Quite interestingly, the orchestra sounds as much like Krupa's 1946-1947 slightly boppish big band than it does his famous 1941-1942 version with Anita O'Day and Roy Eldridge. Annette Sanders shows plenty of spirit in her five vocals (which include a rousing "Boogie Blues") and Mike Tomaro on tenor fills in for Charlie Ventura on "Stompin' at the Savoy." Otherwise the soloists are unfortunately not identified. Mike Berkowitz does a fine job of sounding like Krupa on the famous charts. This enthusiastic set is much more rewarding than most of the more predictable swing re-creation projects and is quite fun.

-Scott Yanow

October 28th, 2007

2007-10-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

Pic of Liza Minelli at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, Oct. 27th for the CHIMES Benefit Performance.

Yours truly on drums in the center/back.

October 26th, 2007

2007-10-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you looking for the new album: THINKING OF GENE, it can be ordered from AMAZON, CD UNIVERSE and www.seabreezejazz.com or seemingly hundreds of other places on the Internet I've never heard of...

Here's a first review from our Wednesday night gig at Dillon's in NYC.

Mike Berkowitz and the Gene Krupa Orchestra at the Reprise Room at Dillons

Written by Jay Jeffries

Mike Berkowitz and the Gene Krupa Orchestra at the Reprise Room at Dillons

When was the last time you wanted to jump out of your seat and start to jitterbug?

For me, it was last night at Dillon’s new Reprise Room where Michael Berkowitz brought his 15-piece Gene Krupa Orchestra. And I wasn’t the only one. As I looked around the refurbished, curry scented room, everyone’s feet seemed to be tapping, everyone’s shoulders seemed to be swaying to the sound of genuine swing music played by berkowitz.jpgseasoned pros. For a little over an hour, it felt as if we were all back on 52nd Street where jazz clubs once proliferated, when we were young and the world seemed a lot less troublesome.

To aid and abet on vocals, Mr. Berkowitz introduced Anthony Apicella and Leslie Anderson. Mr. Apicella has the good looks of a young Sinatra and the sound of the era down pat, as he gracefully glides through standards like “I’ve Got The World On A String,” “All Or Nothing At All” and “Saturday Night Is The Loneliest Night of the Week.” And Ms. Anderson, never a slouch when it comes to swing, flawlessly belts her way through a boogie then slides into “Our Love Is Here To Stay” with honey-voiced ease. Bravo and brava!

Mike Berkowitz plays and conducts with confidence and makes you feel like you’re sitting in his living room, but his band could easily fill a stadium. I have no idea how long Dillon’s has booked them for, but I hope it’s going to be a long stay.

My only regret is that there isn’t room for dancing in the aisles. From the looks of last night’s eager crowd, there seemed to be enough of us who could still do a nifty jitterbug or a lindy hop.

Thursday, 25 October 2007

Off to Baltimore to work with Liza Minnelli at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall on Saturday Night...

Until the next time...

October 22nd, 2007

2007-10-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

From David Miller's www.bigband-era.com website.

Gene Krupa Swings Again

I've taken several polls among big band fans over the years. Never has the Gene Krupa band ranked in the top ten in popularity. It's a mystery to me, since Krupa had a fantastic orchestra, kept it going well after the era was supposedly over, and made many outstanding recordings.

I'm happy to report that the Krupa band is back, big time. The new leader is Michael Berkowitz. He formed the band in 2004 and was featured in an interview on Program #1116 ("Gene Krupa Legacy"). Now the band has issued its first CD, entitled "Thinking of Gene."

The music on the CD is outstanding. Mr. Krupa would flash his trademark smile if he could only hear what Berkowitz and his sidemen have wrought. He would recognize all the tracks but one, the title track. Thinking of Gene, an instrumental, was composed by Steve Allee.

The CD runs the gamut of Krupa's most noted performances. There's a quartet rendition of the Gene Krupa Trio masterpiece, Stompin' at the Savoy, featuring Mike Tomaro recreating Charlie Ventura's tenor sax solo, Paul Henry on bass, Tony Nalker on piano and Berkowitz on drums. Rockin' Chair, originally a showpiece of Roy Eldridge, is most competently brought back to life by trumpeter Steve Hawk.

I recall asking Michael how he planned to handle the fact that Krupa's band featured a one-of-a-kind jazz singer, Anita O'Day. Well, he admirably met that challenge, by enlisting the talents of another one-of-a-kind vocalist, Annette Sanders. She has a style all her own but still manages to conjure up the marvelous sounds that O'Day provided on tunes such as Massachusetts, Boogie Blues and Gene's Boogie.

I loved the Annette Sanders reading of That's What You Think, one of my favorites. I asked Berkowitz if he had that song in his band book when we talked in 2004. If I recall correctly, he said he was not familiar with it. Obviously he has done his homework since then, and I find it one of the highlights of the CD.

The Gene Krupa band will appear at Dillon's in New York City on Wednesday of this week. Future engagements are listed on his website, www.berkmusic.com.

-October 22, 2007

October 15th, 2007

2007-10-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hello World,

It's me...back again for another Edition of NOTES!

First of all, October 21st, at the Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center in Santa Rosa, Ca.!!! A TRIBUTE TO NELSON RIDDLE with the Santa Rosa Symphony with guest vocalists, Rachael Price and Michael Civisca. The best of Riddle's arrangements for Sinatra, Nat Cole, Ella, Dean, Ronstadt and also his great Instrumentals...LIFE IS JUST A BOWL OF CHERRIES, BROTHER JOHN, LISBON ANTIGUA, LET YOURSELF GO and many more.

October 6th I did the Opening Concert with the Carolina Pops in Greensboro with perhaps one of the best Pops Shows I've ever conducted: SPECTRUM. The best of Motown, great singing, great choreography, great rhythm section, great arrangements. I'm telling everyone I can about this group. The audience went wild!

October 13, we were in Long Island with Liza for a Benefit for CW Post at the Tilles Center. Once again, the audience was on their feet, applauding and screaming in the middle of songs. She's an amazing performer.

For you Angelenos, the Gene Krupa Band will be returning to Charley O's in the Valley on December 3rd. Make reservations NOW!

And last but not least...OCTOBER 24th, the Krupa Band will be at DILLON'S in NYC.

254 West 54th Street. 2 sets starting at 8 PM. New room, great Big Band...Come out and say Hi!

Until the next time...

Best to you all,

Mike Berkowitz

September 24th, 2007

2007-09-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hi to anyone who reads this page. Did a wonderful concert in Paducah, Ky. last weekend with Dee Daniels and the Paducah Pops at the Luther Carson 4 Rivers Arts Center. Dee did her Tribute To Ray Charles show and the audience and the Orchestra were raving about her performance. She's great and I can't wait to work with her again very soon. The Paducah Orchestra is really a little gem. They play Pops as well or better than a lot of other Orchestras with a lot more money. The new Executive Director, Darlene Dreyer is young, full of energy and ideas and someone who will help to make the Paducah Symphony a success story in the very near future.

Then off to Hinkley, Minnesota with Liza...A Casino date at 5 Pm!!! The Casino is stuck in the middle of a field about 1 hour or so from Minneapolis. Great gig...Odd venue. Lot's of Crab Legs if you like them!

Date in Naperville, Illinois with Liza after that. Another sold out house and a tight show. Come see her if you're in the neighborhood.

This Friday, Morristown, NJ with Liza, House of Blues in Orlando, October 5 and then off to the Mighty Carolina Pops with a Motown group called Spectrum. Looking forward to this show. Spectrum's reviews are off the charts and the Greensboro audience should be thrilled with these guys.

My last year in Greensboro before I begin new positions elsewhere. It's been an educational experience with the Carolina Pops. Enjoyed the Orchestra but we were never able to penetrate the Community in Greensboro in the same way that I have everywhere else I conduct. Anyway, looking forward to my concerts there this season.

October 21 in Santa Rosa with the Santa Rosa Symphony Pops...A Tribute to Nelson Riddle.

Singers Rachael Price and Michael Civisca sings the arrangements of Riddle and the Mighty Santa Rosa Pops will get a chance to shine on Nelson's great Instrumentals.

Be there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bye for now.

September 11th, 2007

2007-09-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

A quick picture of David Katzenberg and yours truly playing New York, New York with Liza Minnelli before the Men's Finals at the US Open on September 9th. Live on CBS!!!

September 4th, 2007

2007-09-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Pictures with Liza Minnelli in Marbella, Spain at rehearsal and the final Concert in Taormina, Sicily.

August 30th, 2007

2007-08-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

Howdy,

It's almost Labor Day Weekend and I'll be in Atlantic City at the Taj Mahal with Liza Minnelli this Saturday night. (The 1st of September)

My good friend for over 40 years, Bill LaVorgna, passed away on July 31st and I got the call to come and try to fill his very large shoes with Liza and the band.

We did a couple of concerts in Upstate NY, (Canadagua Lake near Rochester and then a private date in Saratoga Springs. Then I went to Naples, Florida on business Friday and Saturday, back to NY on Sunday and then off to Spain, Monte Carlo and Taormina, Sicily for two weeks with Liza and the crew.

Happy in Sicily...

I won't go into detail about every concert but just let me state that Liza sounds and looks amazing, the show is great and I'm having a ball. As I said, Pappy (Bill LaVorgna) was her drummer/Conductor for 33 years. I am doing my best to emulate and play the fills and feels that Liza and the Band know and expect. It's a real challenge and a thrill and an honor to be on the gig.

The response and the love that comes across the footlights from the audience to Liza is unreal. Such energy and emotion and warmth...the only other time I've ever experienced anything like it is when I did the Follies Concert with the NY Phil about 20 years ago.

More soon...

August 23rd, 2007

2007-08-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

THE GENE KRUPA BAND will be at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 42nd Street and 9th Avenue in NYC every Wednesday afternoon in September from 5-7. Special Guest vocalists include Laurel Masse and others to be named. Come by and hear the band and support live Jazz!!!

I'm at the Paducah Ky Symphony Pops September 15th with Dee Daniels. Dee will be doing her Tribute To Ray Charles Show. Dee is a marvelous talent and her show in honor of Ray Charles is an outstanding concert experience.

BUY THE NEW CD!!! THINKING OF GENE!!! THE GENE KRUPA BAND LIVE FROM XM RADIO IN WASHINGTON, DC

OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE IS 10/9/07 but you can get it now from www.seabreezejazz.com

July 30th, 2007

2007-07-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Just back from Guatemala City. Conducted their Orchestra in a concert called Piano at the Movies with soloist Rich Ridenour. Great concert, nice people, fun Orchestra.

The CD, THINKING OF GENE, LIVE IN WASHINGTON DC at XM RADIO is AVAILABLE!!!!

1. Starburst (Theme) / Leave Us Leap Eddie Finckel

2. Wire Brush Stomp Gene Krupa, Ray Biondi

3. Tuxedo Junction Julian Dash / Buddy Feyne / Erskine Hawkins / William Johnson

4. Massachusetts Andy Razaf / ”Lucky” Roberts

Annette Sanders, Vocal

5. That’s What You Think Ken Warner / Sue Warner

Annette Sanders, Vocal

6. Rocking Chair Hoagy Carmichael

Steve Hawk, Trumpet Solo

7. That Drummer’s Band Krupa Eldridge

8. “Stompin’” At The Savoy Benny Goodman, Edgar “Sampson”, Andy Razaf &Chick Webb

GK Quartet-Mike Tomaro, TS; Paul Henry, Bass; Tony Nalker, Piano; Mike Berkowitz, Drums

9. Gene’s Boogie Seger Ellis, George Williams

Annette Sanders, Vocal

10. Thinking of Gene Steve Allee

11. Opus One Sy Oliver

Annette Sanders, Vocal

12. Boogie Blues Ray Biondi, Gene Krupa

Annette Sanders, Vocal

13. Lover Rodgers Hart

The New Gene Krupa Orchestra at XM Radio from Washington, DC

Trumpets

Steve Hawk

Liesl Whitaker

Graham Breedlove

Craig Fraedrich

Saxes

Antonio Orta

Jim Carroll

Mike Tomaro

John DeSalme

Dave Brown

Trombones

Matt Niess (Lead)

Jim McFalls

Jay Gibble

Jeff Cortazzo (Bass)

Bass

Paul Henry

Piano

Tony Nalker

Drums

Mike Berkowitz

Vocals

Annette Sanders

Mike Berkowitz uses Slingerland Drums, Sabian Cymbals and REMO drum heads.

Produced by Mike Berkowitz with able assistance from Deirdre Berkowitz

Recorded June 19th, XM Radio Performance Center Studios, Washington, DC.

Mixed and Mastered August 7th by John Guth in Valley Cottage, NY

Photos courtesy of Phillip King and John Allan, XM Satellite Radio

The New Gene Krupa Orchestra

Either email me or you can get it at www.seabreezejazz.com . Soon to be in stores but you can get it now if you like! The band sounds great...it's all live...done in three hours in the studio...no overdubs!!! This is what the band sounds like in person so if you're a buyer, this is what you get and if you're a person in the audience...this is what you'll hear.

I'm still putting the new dates together for next season.

If you want to hire me as a Conductor, contact Bob Bauchens at ARTRA in Chicago. 800-354-1645

If you want to hire the Krupa Band...Craig Hankenson c/o Producers, Inc. www.producersinc.com

If you want the Tribute to Capitol Records Show...please call Terry Kippenberger at Mainstage Artists in St. Louis.

Anything else, just contact me directly.

York Symphony in Pa. August 18th with Steve Lippia...

All the Wednesdays in September at Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC...5-7 pm..

THE GENE KRUPA BAND With special guests. Great music, great band, surprises!!!

More to come soon...

Best,

Mike Berkowitz

www.berkmusic.com

June 15th, 2007

2007-06-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

By Frank Roberts, Correspondent

VIRGINIA BEACH - It was a "Sing, Sing, Sing" Sunday as the Gene Krupa Orchestra, conducted by Michael Berkowitz, closed its wonderfully swinging concert at The Cavalier with that lengthy, famous piece originally played by Krupa when he was with Benny Goodman.

The night's only major drum solo excitedly climaxed a terrifically satisfying night, made even more exciting by the presence of Lynn Roberts, who has been the female vocalist with many of the major bands - Harry James, Glenn Miller, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Harry James, Charlie Spivak and others.

She remembered performing with Spivak eons ago at The Cavalier.

Roberts is 71, looks 51 but sings like a youngster of 31.

She sang several songs associated with Miller, the Dorseys and her favorite, Harry James.

She also ventured into the songbook of Krupa's vocalist, Anita O'Day.

"I sang this one with Benny Goodman 45 years ago," Roberts said as an introduction to "The Lady Is A Tramp."

At one point, commenting on the swing-era songs, she asked: "Isn't it nice to be able to understand all the words?"

Berkowitz and company brought back memories of the big band era.

The pleasant night began with "Starburst," the Krupa theme, then alternated between fast and slow, the latter bringing the older folks in the happy crowd to the dance floor, where they cut a rug outdoors at the Cavalier Hotel Beach Club.

The night was a mix of music and memories as some of the married-for-many-years dancers hugged their spouses.

It was a different story when the Krupa band upped the tempo.

Then, the dance floor was occupied by 20-somethings representing Swing Virginia, a Hampton Roads group about 300 strong who dance like professional swingsters.

"I was raised with swing music," said group member Amy Green of Williamsburg.

"My mom, in the '50s, listened to bands like the Dorseys. I got my first CD when I was 12. It was Glenn Miller."

The Swing Virginia crew added a lot of fun to the night, but another dancer also garnered some attention - Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf.

Meanwhile, John Castleman handled the types of trumpet solos once associated with Roy Eldridge.

Krupa, an exciting and innovative drummer, was one of the biggest stars of the 1930s and '40s.

Thanks to Berkowitz and his fine orchestra, Cavalier visitors on Sunday had the opportunity to remember Genie with the light brown drumsticks during the two-hour show that went swinging by very swiftly.

Mike Berkowitz The Gene Krupa Orchestra