Stepping Out

Swinging along with Roomful of Blues

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In Concert

Roomful of Blues
The acclaimed band swings their way to Long Island for a jumpin’’ evening that showcases their larger-than-life vocal and instrumental power. Even though Roomful of Blues’ lineup has changed over the years, the band has always been one of the tightest, most joyful blues ensembles around. Currently an eight-piece unit led by guitarist Chris Vachon, the band has never sounded fresher or stronger. In 2010, singer Phil Pemberton took over the vocal duties, bringing his sweet and soulful vocals and adding another bright new dimension to the band’s jazzy, jump-blues musical roots. Along with Vachon, Rich Lataille on tenor and alto sax, and Pemberton, the band also includes tenor and baritone saxophonist Alek Razdan, trumpeter Carl “Geerz” Gerhard, bassist John Turner, drummer Chris Anzalone and keyboardist Rusty Scott. Lataille’s masterful playing can evoke either the fat-toned honking sax of the glory days of early rock or the cool elegance of big band swing jazz. Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B and soul remains their calling card, as does their ability to fill the dance floor. Roomful keeps on rockin’ and doesn’t plan on letting up.
Friday, Nov. 15, 8 p.m. $45. My Father’s Place at the Roslyn Hotel, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. (516) 413- 3535 or www.myfathersplace.com.

On Stage

Linda Eder
The Broadway performer does a cabaret turn with her concert “If You See Me,” the title of her 2018 CD of Broadway tunes and standards. With one of the greatest, most powerful voices of our time, she shares songs from her diverse repertoire of Broadway, standards, pop and jazz. Often compared to Barbra Streisand, Eder is a master interpreter with an unparalleled connection to the lyric. She released three solo albums before starring in the Broadway production of “Jekyll & Hyde” in 1997. As the tragic character “Lucy” in this original musical, Eder blew the roof off New York City’s Plymouth Theatre eight times a week as she belted out her signature songs “Someone Like You” and “A New Life.” Her Broadway debut, for which she was rewarded with a Drama Desk nomination, secured her a spot as one of America’s most beloved musical theater talents. Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote, “What do we mean when we use the word perfection? The question arises every time I watch the pop singer Linda Eder….”
Saturday, Nov. 16, 8 p.m. $45-$55. Madison Theatre, Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or www.madisontheatreny.org.