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| Michael Sterling (center) with the cast of A Sterling Affair. All photos by A.J. Hernandez |
On September 15th, 1 host, 12 singers, 2 musical directors, 1 comedian, and a packed house of friends and invited guests celebratedMichael Sterling’s birthday at Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal. The night, appropriately titled A Sterling Affair, was a sparkling tribute to the man whose name has come to be synonymous with Los Angeles cabaret.
After a welcome by Mr. Sterling’s business partner and State of the Arts co-host, Paul Stroili, and a few words by the man of the hour, comedian Christopher Meehanopened the show with stories that set the jovial tone for the evening. Then the musical celebration kicked into high gear with a roster of L.A.’s finest musical theatre and jazz artists at the microphone and on the keys.
James Lent, musical director and pianist for the majority of the singers, was featured on “Variations,” a musical mash-up of styles that used the melody of “Happy Birthday” as its point of departure. From Beethoven to boogie woogie, and all manner of classical composers in between, Lent rocked the keys with unforgettable virtuosic flair.
Cortes Alexanderand his Swell Girls Julie Garnyeand Melissa Bailey added their good time groove and jazzy vocals to a bright version of “Jump For Joy” while Will Collyer opted for the sweet and moving Sondheim classic “Being Alive.” Luca Ellislent his signature class to the Sinatra standard “Come Back To Me” in an arrangement that was perfection. It was an elegant choice to honor an even more elegant birthday boy and it transported the entire room back to the smoke filled clubs of a bygone era. Eduardo Enrikez followed it with a dramatic “Finishing the Hat” in an intense departure down a sensual road.
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| Jenna Lea Rosen and Michael Sterling |
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| David Burnham and Michael Sterling |
Sterling stacked the deck with his final three leading ladies who finished the set with three showstopping performances. Joan Ryan, backed by Vogel, gave “Shall We Dance” from The King and I the slow jazzy treatment, with delicate nuances and an emotionally rich belt. Nita Whitaker LaFontaineis just plain amazing; loaded with personality, poised beyond measure, and well-schooled in what to do with a money note. Yes, indeed, and “Since I Fell For You,” also with Vogel on piano, proved once again why she was named Female Grand Champion on the original Star Search.
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| Terri White and Michael Sterling |
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