New New York Sheet Music Societsy lette VOLUME 33, NUMBER 6 SINCwwwE.NY S1MS.o9rg 80 MARCH, 2012 r DEDICATED TO THE PRESERVATION OF CLASSIC POPULAR MUSIC SSttaarr PPoowweerr:: SShhaannaa FFaarrrr && RRoobbeerrtt WWiinnddeelleerr oonn JJuulliiee AAnnddrreewwss WWhhiissttlliinngg AAwwaayy tthhee DDaarrkk:: AA LLiiffee tthhrroouugghh SSoonngg By Jerry Osterberg she was a person. At the To my knowledge, Shana Farr has never appeared on Law age of 13, Andrews & Order, but she has been seen on television in The Guiding became an immediate Light, which means that my late grandmother would have been sensation after she a fan. Her resume (Shana’s- not my grandmother’s) is long performed “Je Suis and deep. It includes cabaret: Feinstein’s, Laurie Beechman Titania” from Mignon at and the Metropolitan Room; musical theatre: The Music Man, the London Palladium for P h
Oklahoma; opera: Madame Butterfly, Lucia di Lammermoor; the royal family of o t o
operetta: The Pirates of Penzance, The Yeoman of the Guard, George VI, which b y
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Princess Ida; and jewelry design, a unique day job to be sure. included the future Queen o s e
Robert Windeler is a writer, and his credentials are equally Elizabeth. Fifty years B i l l
later, following her final i impressive. He’s been the Hollywood correspondent for The n g New York Times, Time, People, and USA Weekend, and the show on Broadway – s author of biographies about Mary Pickford and Burt Lancaster, Victor/ Victoria, her Fred Barton & Shana Farr as well as two volumes on Julie Andrews. Happily for incredible singing career NYSMS members, Shana and Robert became acquainted at was over after a throat operation. In between, she had been a the Dutch Treat luncheons at the National Arts Club and true super star, appearing in the musicals The Boyfriend, My graciously accepted an invitation to visit with us to talk and Fair Lady and Camelot; films such as Mary Poppins, sing about one of their favorite performers – Julie Andrews. Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Sound of Music, Star and Actually, Robert did not promise to sing, although Shana said Darling Lili; on television in High Tor ( Arthur Schwartz & yes to both. Maxwell Anderson), Cinderella ( Rodgers & Hammerstein), What better performer can there be to sing the songs the Ed Sullivan and Gary Moore shows, the Julie Andrews Hour; and two widely acclaimed appearances at Carnegie Hall associated with Andrews than a singer with the voice and P h o
pedigree of Shana Farr? t with Carol Burnett. o
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And how could we ask for y Shana performed songs from many of these, including
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o “The Boy Friend” ( The Boy Friend- Sandy Wilson ), “I Could
anything more than a widely s e
experienced writer who B Have Danced all Night” ( My Fair Lady- Lerner and Loewe ) i l l i n and “Living in the Shadows” ( Victor/ Victoria – Frank
spent an enormous amount g of time with his subject as s Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse); “Star!” ( Star – Cahn and Van did Robert Windeler? Over Heusen), “Jimmy” ( Thoroughly Modern Millie – Jay the course of a delightful Thompson) and “Whistling Away the Dark” ( Darling Lili – afternoon, Shana and Robert Mancini and Mercer); and “You’re So London” ( Julie & Carol took turns – she sang the at Carnegie Hall – Mike Nichols and Ken Welch) with new songs and provided some lyrics by Fred Barton, Shana’s Musical Director. Barton, background while he filled who’s a superb accompanist, may as well have been an old in various aspects of vaudevillian, playing his part up to the hilt. He was a perfect Andrew’s life, essentially foil to Shana, who acted as the presumably-straight laced telling us what had gone on Andrews to a no-airs Burnett. behind the scenes. Among the brightest moments of the presentation were Robert wrote that Julie “Once Upon a Long Ago ( High Tor), “Feed the Birds” ( Mary Shana Farr & Robert Windeler Andrews was a star before Continued on page 4 PAGE 2 NEW YORK SHEET MUSIC SOCIETY MARCH, 2012 President’s Message... New York Linda Amiel Burns, President Sheet Music Society OFFICERS President: We are having another great season at the NYSMS! We Linda Amiel Burns 1st Vice Presidents: began 2012, with the beautiful Sigali Hamberger’s Ava Gardner Lynn DiMenna & Tribute that started off the year with a bang. Last month, Sam Teicher February, Shana Farr delighted us with her well-regarded show on the songs of 2nd Vice Presidents: Robert Kimball & Julie Andrews called “Whistling Away The Dark” with Fred Barton at the piano Sandy Marrone and biographer, Robert Windeler, telling us about Julie’s fascinating childhood Treasurer: Glen Charlow and life. You can read all about it in this issue in an article by Jerry Membership: Osterberg. We are looking forward to our March Program featuring the talented Glen Charlow & Trudi Mann Recording Secretary: (and adorable) Jenna Esposito, along with many members of her large Italian- Edie Stokes American family, performing the songs of the “Great Italian American Singers.” Programs & Special Events: Elliott Ames & Sandi Durell Marketing & Public Relations: I have known the great cabaret legend, Julie Wilson, most of my life. She Laura Slutsky & Barbara Thaler met my father when she was a “Copa Girl,” and became a dear family friend. Website: Glen Charlow When I was very young, my father brought me to see her perform at the Empire Newsletter Editors: Room. There was this statuesque, gorgeous woman with a gardenia in her hair, Jerry Laird singing in this ultra glamorous room, and I was mesmerized! Last month, Eric [email protected] Jerry Osterberg Comstock and Barbara Fasano sang with Julie at The Triad, in “Three For The [email protected] Road,” and I was privileged to be there and to write about the evening for this Associate Editor: Joan Adams Newsletter. Interesting note: Julie Wilson and our very own Jerry Laird grew up Graphic Designer: in Omaha together and their birthdays are only 12 hours apart! They went to the Glen Charlow same schools from elementary through high school. – Jerry says that she was [email protected] NYSMS Official Photographer: Mary Lou Wilson then, and was always outstandingly beautiful. They were both Rose Billings about to start college at the University of Nebraska when Jerry was drafted into the army and Julie was “drafted” into the Earl Carroll’s Vanities. New York Sheet Music Society P.O. Box 564 New York, NY 10008 I’ll see you all on March 10 th , and hope you will all remember to spread the Special Theater Discounts for word about the Society. We will only continue to grow and thrive with your help NYSMS Members! We know in attending the meetings and getting people to join and rejoin. that you love a good deal, so in P
h association with Marna Mintzer o
Best wishes, t
o and MGM Consulting, NYSMS
b
y members are being offered
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o Broadway & Off Broadway s e
theatre ticket discounts of Linda B i l
l approximately 48% or more off i n
g retail, plus arts event ticket s discounts ranging from 30-50% off. For show updates and ordering information, call 212- 935-2664 to hear what is available and please mention your special Membership code # A1. Offerings change frequently so phone the Hotline and listen Linda Ameil Burns carefully to the many choices and Jerry Osterberg currently available .
MEETING LOCATION – Local 802 – Musicians’ Hall at 322 West 48th Street. Program: 1:45 – 3:30PM. MARCH, 2012 NEW YORK SHEET MUSIC SOCIETY PAGE 3
Member Sheet Music Magazine always has wonderful tributes to the Great American Songbook. It includes sheet music for at least a dozen songs. News... Longtime NYSMS member Ed Shanaphy (Publisher & Editor-in-Chief) makes sure that each and every issue is wonderful. If you aren’t a subscriber, you should be. $24.97 for one year subscription. Contact If you have any member news, or other items you would like to have Subscription Dept. PO Box 3000, Denville, NJ 07834-3000 or considered for this newsletter, please send it by e-mail to the co- www.sheetmusicmagazine.com . editor, Jerry Osterberg : [email protected]. It will be subject to editing, depending on size and content, and please remember that Do you seek an elusive song? If you do, write NYSMS Board we try to go to press two weeks before each monthly meeting. We member Sandy Marrone @ [email protected] or call 856-829-6104. often get very good items that get to us after the newsletter has been You can also visit Sandy in New Jersey to see thousands and thousands of printed and mailed. sheets of music, most of which can be yours very reasonably. She is a marvelous resource and a super-great lady. Linda Amiel Burns, NYSMS President, is celebrating the 35 year of The Singing Experience. She would love to have more of our Society’s Jeffrey C. Williams hosts a weekly, live radio program – At the Ritz – members join the cast in joyful song. Talk to those who have – Joan on Saturdays between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM on WVOF 88.5 FM. Lynn Adams, Lynn DiMenna, Jerry Laird, Jerry Osterberg, Carol Shedlin and DiMenna continues to post select reviews @ www.attheritz.org Laura Slutsky – you’ll be glad you did. Please call Linda at 212-315-3500 to sign up. The Singing Experience Cable TV show continues on MNN Frank Dain is the Editor-in-Chief of Cabaret Scenes, the only print Time Warner: Channel 56 or RCN: Channel 111. The program broadcasts publication dedicated to promoting and preserving the fine art of cabaret. are every Sunday at 5:00 PM. You can also see your fellow NYSMS Now in its seventeenth year, the Magazine is a publication of The Cabaret members on YouTube at any time. Foundation, a not-for-profit whose goal is to educate the public about cabaret, its history and those who contribute their talent to the art form. The next workshop of The Singing Experience – Top of the World - Each issue contains interviews with those participating in all aspects of begins on Wednesday, March 21, the first of four rehearsals. Performance cabaret – performance reviews, CD reviews, musical theater, show listings at The Triad on Wednesday, April 18 @ 7:30 PM with a DVD viewing across the country and photos of individuals on the scene and special party on Wednesday, April 25. You’ll receive your own DVD at the fun events. The Magazine is available to those who become Foundation gathering. Call Linda @ 212-315-3500 or write to members and all contributions are tax-deductible. For information on how [email protected] for more information and to register. to join, visit www.cabaretscenes.org .
Midtown Jazz at Mid-Day continues on Wednesdays (1:00 PM to 2:00 Jerry Osterberg is always looking for male singers for a male chorale PM) at Saint Peter’s Church (East 54 Street @ Lexington Avenue), NYC. which rehearses every Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in lower Hosted by Ronny Whyte www.ronnywhyte.com or Manhattan. Recent performances featured the songs of Cole Porter, Michel www.saintpeters.org/jazz/midtownjazz.htm . Joan Uttal Anderson, Co- Legrand, Billy Joel, Carole King, Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Brian Wilson, producer. Programs: March 7, Russ Kassoff Big Band, Catherine DuPuis Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen, Peter Yarrow, Jerry Herman, Hugh Martin, – singer; March 14, Cynthia Sayer- banjo/singer, Mike Weatherly – Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Gus Kahn, Walter Donaldson and Rodgers bass/singer, March 21, Stephanie Nakasian – singer, Hod O’Brien – piano; & Hammerstein. You don’t need to read music but you must be able to March 28, Nancy Marano – singer, Jack Wilkins – guitar, John Mosca – carry a tune. If you’ve not sung since college, you will be surprised how trombone. Suggested donation: $10. Parking: Icon Parking, East 51 easily it comes back. Call Jerry @ 516-248-7549 or write to Street, between Third and Lexington Avenues. Charge: $15 including tax [email protected] . for five hours with validation @ Saint Peter’s reception desk. Sandi Durell & Pat Addis Present “An Evening with Marty Panzer” Scot Albertson Trio, featuring Ron Jackson - guitar & Sedric on Saturday, April 28, 8:00 PM at the Triad Theatre (158 West 72 Street) Choukroun – sax and flute on Thursday, March 8, 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM for the benefit of the Manilow Music Project (a charity that provides (two sets); Scot Albertson & Daryl Kojak – vocal/piano duo evening musical instruments to children in need. Hear Panzer/Manilow greatest (guests are welcome to sit in) on Thursday, March 22, 9:00 PM to 11:30 hits “Even Now,” “All the Time,” “This One’s For You” and Panzer hits PM (two sets); Scot Albertson & Keith Ingham Duo on Saturday, April 14, including “Through the Years.” It’s an evening of funny stories and gossip 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM and the Scot Albertson Trio on Thursday, April 26, with Marty Panzer – brilliant lyricist, funnyman and racounteur! 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM @ Tomi Jazz (239 East 53 Street – step down level Performers: Brent Barrett (Chicago, Silence: The Musical), Kevin Earley – between Second and Third Avenues. $10 cover charge + two drink food (Death Takes a Holiday, A Tale of Two Cities), Maya Days (Aida, Jesus and minimum. Reservations: 646-497-1254 or www.tomijazz.com . Scot Christ Superstar), Katie Finneran (Promises, Promises, Fox TV “I Hate Albertson Debut Concert at the Baruch Performing Arts Center on Friday, My Teenage Daughter”), Barrett Foa (TV – “NCIS: Los Angeles” playing May 11 @ 7:30 PM. Two sets: First set – Duo – Scot Albertson – vocalist tech operator Eric Beale), Eric Bergen (Jersey Boys), Jeremiah James & Keith Ingham – pianist; Second set – Quartet – Scot & Keith are joined (Sense & Sensibility, Broadway Bound) and many more surprise guest by Sedric Choukroun – sax & flute and Ron Jackson – guitar. Tickets: $25 artists. Reserved seating: $100, $75; General Admission $59 ( includes (discount tickets available) Box Office: 646-312-5073 or two drinks, snacks, tax and gratuities). A portion of the ticket price is tax [email protected] . Performance at Engelman Recital deductible. Tickets will go on sale shortly through Brown Paper Tickets Hall, 55 Lexington Avenue @ East 25 Street – entrance on East 25 Street. at www.triadnyc.com . Info: 917-270-5599 or 917-670-0316.
Send Member News to [email protected] no later than the 15th of each month for the next issue. PAGE 4 NEW YORK SHEET MUSIC SOCIETY MARCH, 2012 Poppins – the Sherman Victor/Victoria, this song, one of three added by Frank Star Power... brothers) and two warm Wildhorn after the premature death of the film composer Henry Continued from page 1 chestnuts connected to Mancini, was arguably his best. Shana’s superb rendition, Gertrude Lawrence from Star! Shana’s performance of both supported by the extraordinary orchestration of Fred Barton songs, “Someone to Watch Over Me” (George and Ira and the gifted cellist Adam Fisher, was one of the better P h
Gershwin) and “Someday I’ll Find You” o demonstrations of her exceptionally broad t o
(Noel Coward), was nothing less than b range. y
smashing! Shana has a fantastic voice R The New York Sheet Music Society o s e
which is rich in emotion. She is an now has two new members who are very B i l l
expressive actor who possesses a flair for i welcome additions to the organization. n g
drama and comedy in equal measures, s Robert Windeler is an established and and generates a great deal of feeling from well respected writer while Shana Farr a lyric. Perhaps the most emotional continues to grow as a performer. performance of the stellar program was Whatever paths they may next take, we the last – “Living in the Shadows.” were fortunate that they chose to spend a Although the play was not as successful day with us and we wish them both a most as the earlier movie version of Robert Windeler successful journey.
On Julie Wilson: A Conversation With Jerry Laird company of Earl Carroll’s in 1949 and took the play on a years later she restarted her By Jerry Osterberg Vanities visited, Julie packed up two year national tour, followed show business career with an The stars may have fallen and by a long run in London. engagement at Michael’s Pub in on Alabama, but Nebraska Remaining in England for four New York City. Julie was wasn’t far behind. years, Julie performed in other welcomed back Montgomery Clift, Henry musicals, eventually taking enthusiastically, singing to Fonda, Fred Astaire and Ruth over the starring role for Mary delighted audiences at the Oak Etting were all born there, as Martin in South Pacific. Room, the Carlyle, the Russian were Crazy Horse, High Horse, Julie commuted between Tea Room, Rainbow & Stars Buffalo Bill Cody and Hoot London and New York to and others. There were Gibson. Is it any wonder that resume her career as a nightclub concerts and a much acclaimed Jerry Laird was smitten by the performer, beginning with the performance in Legs Diamond movies and music? Growing up Persian Room at the Plaza for which she received a Tony in Omaha, he never imagined Hotel and an extended Award nomination for Best that early classmates such as engagement at the St. Regis Featured Actress in a Musical in Marlon Brando would go on to joined the Hotel. There were more 1988. greatness. Julie Wilson, tour. Six months later, she left musicals, both in New York and In recent years, Julie’s however, was another story. the company in New York City. with touring companies – appearances have been Jerry and Julie had known Julie embarked on a career as a Gypsy, Kismet, The Pajama infrequent. Her performance at each other since grammar nightclub singer, performing at Game, Showboat, Pal Joey , the Triad last month was the school. While the 10-year-old the Latin Quarter and the Dames at Sea and several first in a while. But her spirit Jerry was pursuing his vision of Copacabana. Occasionally she Sondheim shows. She remains strong and she musical theater and Hollywood sang with bands such as Johnny appeared in still has the – writing, directing, producing, Long’s. Julie made her two films – passion to casting, singing and acting, Broadway debut in 1946 in The Strange One perform. Happily Julie was focused on singing. Three to Make Ready which and This Could be for her many fans, At the age of 14 she began starred Ray Bolger. Also the Night ; and Julie is not quite ready performing with local bands making their debut were Kaye countless television to sign off. How such as “Hank’s Hepcats.” She Ballard and Gordon MacRae. programs – The wonderful that Jerry won several awards in high Julie moved to California Hallmark Hall of Laird and Julie school, including one for the after winning a contest on Fame, The Ed Wilson are still “Best All Around Girl.” Pretty Mickey Rooney’s radio show. Sullivan Show, Person to friends after so many years. and talented, Julie was voted The prize was a two- week gig Person and even a soap opera - Both continue to be searching Miss Nebraska at 17. at Hollywood’s top nightclub, The Secret Storm. for the Emerald City. One can She enrolled at Omaha the Mocambo. She returned to In 1976, with two teenage almost hear Jerry: “Julie, I University, majoring in drama New York to replace Lisa Kirk boys and ailing parents, Julie don’t think we’re in and music. When a road in Cole Porter’s Kiss Me Kate moved back to Omaha. Eight Omaha anymore.” MARCH, 2012 NEW YORK SHEET MUSIC SOCIETY PAGE 5 Julie came out and joined Eric and Barbara One, Two, Three for the Road: in “Side by Side.” The applause was thunderous! Julie was wearing a trademark Julie & Friends gardenia in her hair as she sat down to sing “That Old Feeling” and “Don’t Take Your Eric Comstock, Barbara Fasano Love From Me.” The emotions and lyrics of the songs were emphasized in her and Julie Wilson at the Triad interpretation. Julie gained strength as she By Linda Amiel Burns sang, knowing that the audience was with her every step of the way. It all began at Carol Shedlin’s birthday Barbara opened with the late John th She stood up at the microphone and celebration at her home on January 8 , Wallowitch’s song “Come a Little Closer” told a funny story about singing in Miami 2012. People were coming and going mentioning that John would have been 86 Beach, doing five shows a day when she throughout the day, and some sang as first started out and nobody was Jon Delfin played. Toward the end of listening. She tried everything – the day there were only a few comedy songs, Dietrich songs, blues – remaining, each involved in the cabaret nothing worked. Someone suggested world in some way or another, Pearly Mae’s song “Tired” which including 87-year-old Julie Wilson (the always brought down the house. Julie’s Queen of Cabaret); singer/pianist Eric version of “Tired” not only brought the Comstock and his wife, singer Barbara house down in Miami, but at the Triad Fasano; Sidney Myer, (Don’t Tell as well. So the message was to not give Mama booking manager and up. performer); singers Lynn DiMenna, Julie’s raunchy side came out in her Ivan Farkas, Peggy Eason and Jerry terrific version of a song that was cut Laird (who grew up in Omaha with from Follies in Boston “Can That Boy Julie Wilson); and me (Director of The Fox Trot!” She emphasized all the right Singing Experience). syllables, following the fun tune with “I Everyone urged Julie Wilson to Must Have That Man” ( Blackbirds sing. She graciously begged off, telling 1928). A perennial favorite was Noel us that she hadn’t sung in a long time Coward’s “If Love Were All” sung with due to health problems, and not being Barbara Fasano, Julie Wilson & Eric Comstock all the gusto of an independent woman able to remember the lyrics anymore. and just the right amount of wistfulness. Eric took over the keys at some point and on February 11th. Barbara performed Julie donned her purple boa for Sophie coaxed Julie to sit next to him. He gently Count Basie’s “Broadway” with Eric Tucker’s “Louisville Lou” and showed that mentioned a few songs and Julie began to brilliantly underscoring and singing “Crazy she can still belt with the best of sing “That Old Feeling” with them. To change the mood, the every conceivable emotion that lovely Burke/VanHeusen ballad conveyed the story of her life. “But Beautiful” came next. The As Julie continued to sing, we exceptional evening ended when were spellbound and many of us Barbara and Julie performed a were in tears. When she stopped, duet of “It’s Only a Paper Moon” we all hugged and knew that we (Billy Rose and E.Y. Harburg) and had been witness to something “This Funny World” (Rodgers and extraordinary. That event inspired Hart). the Comstocks to create a magical The audience rose to their evening at The Triad on February feet for a standing ovation and 16, 2012. They called it “Three Julie couldn’t stop smiling, for the Road” and Julie Wilson appearing almost overwhelmed by was their featured guest. the reaction. It was a clear Julie has been supportive of indication that she has still “got so many entertainers and it seemed like the Rhythm.” One of the many highlights of the what it takes” and that she’s very loved and right time to show her how much she is evening was Eric’s tribute to the music of appreciated by all. Thank you to the super- loved and appreciated. The show was a sell- Jule Styne with a medley of “I Fall in Love talented duo of Eric Comstock and Barbara out and was packed with many celebrities Too Easily (lyrics by Sammy Cahn) and Fasano, for putting together such a great such Steve Ross, Will Friedwald, Karen “Who Are You Now?” (lyrics by Bob evening and for encouraging Julie Wilson to Oberlin and her husband David Hadju, Merrill). Barbara introduced a terrific song return to the stage for this one night, to along with George Halley, the famed by James Sheldon, “I Am the Girl,” which allow us all to give her the adulation designer, who dressed Julie in a stunning she performed perfectly. Forty-five minutes and love that she so richly deserves. long black sequined gown. Eric and into what was already a wonderful show, THE 2011-12 SEASON... February 11, 2012 October 22, 2011 Shana Farr will be singing the “Songs of Julie Andrews.” Robert Windeler, who “The Prince of Cabaret,” Steve Ross has written two biographies about Julie will perform, and Elizabeth Sharland will Andrews will join her. present her new book on “Songs of the March 10, 2012 French Riviera”. Tammy Grimes may also Jenna Esposito will share her “Songs of perform. Italian American Singers.” Jenna performed November 12, 2011 this great show at Feinstein’s. 80 th Birthday Celebration of Jerry April 14, 2012 Herman, produced by the one and only Richard Skipper. He has put together an all Bob Spiotto, who wowed us previously star cast: Lee Roy Reams, Amber Edwards, with his Danny Kaye Show, will sing the Klea Blackhurst, Don Pippin and many others. great songs of Harry Warren, and will tell us about this legendary songwriter. December 10, 2011 May 12, 2012 20 year old singing sensation Nicolas Sandi Durell’s 11 th Annual New King accompanied by Mike Renzi on Songwriter Series. Over the years, Sandi’s piano. Nicolas has made a big splash with very popular series has introduced us to the his love of the American Songbook and his new standard-makers, and has showcased swinging jazz style. hundreds of current songwriters and singers. January 14, 2012 June 9, 2012 Sigali Hamberger’s well-reviewed Glen Charlow’s marvelous tribute to Tribute to Ava Gardner, which was a big hit Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz, “Loving Lucy”. at The Metropolitan Room this year. Glen is one of the foremost collectors and experts on the fabulous LUCY!
P.O. Box 564 New York, NY 10008
Please Hear Our Plea! We know that there are a lot of writers among you and we need your help. Please send us your ideas about something you may want to write. It can be a book, cd or cabaret review; an article about popular music – singers, songwriters, particular songs …new or old. We’re open to suggestions. It’s best to speak with or write to Jerry Osterberg @ 516-248-7549 or [email protected] before you commit pen to paper. If you intend to submit a piece for the April newsletter, we would need to have it by March 26, April 23 for May and May 21 for June. This can be an opportunity to share your enthusiasm for a song, a show, a singer, a recording or Did you know every issue of this newsletter whatever else might strike your fancy. is in COLOR online at www.NYSMS.org Thanks!