They act as liaison between the musicians and the singers, sometimes directing their musical performances, and often serving as conductors and accompanists.
Three dozen of the top music directors working in New York are scheduled to take part in a salute to their art form, titled “Bravo Music Directors” 6 PM Sunday June 14 at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street in Manhattan.
“We’re all keyed up,” says the Metropolitan Room’s usually placid owner Bernie Furshpan, who will host the evening. “Without these the musicians, many of the singers we love and admire would fall flat.”
Scheduled to either speak, play, or simply bask in the company of their peers will be: Ron Abel, David Alpher, Tex Arnold, Matt Baker, Nate Buccieri, David Budway, Peter Calo, Paul Chamlin, Jeff Cubeta, Jon Delfin, Tedd Firth, James Followell, Jeff Franzel, Yasukiho Fukuoka, Assaf Gleizner, Paul Greenwood, Sean Harkness, Ian Herman, Paul Hinton, Mark Janas, Rick Jensen, Andy Kahan, Russ Kassoff, Jeffrey Klitz, Kathleen Landis, Barry Levitt, David Lewis, Michael McAssey, John McMahon, Frank Ponzio, Don Rebic, Ricky Ritzel, Steve Ross, David Shenton, Bryon Somers, Tracy Stark, Billy Stritch, and Bill Zeffiro.
Tickets to “Bravo Music Directors” cost $22.50, plus a two-drink minimum. For reservations call the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street (between Fifth & Sixth Avenues), at 212-206-0440 or visit metropolitanroom.com.