Lee Summers
Written by Paulanne Simmons
Although the title “Lee Summers’ Just A Piano Concert Series” might make some people think of a formal concert complete with tux and tie, or Billy Joel’s lone “Piano Man,” this six-year-old series at The Triad Theater is really a showcase for some of the industry’s most skilled vocalists.
Summers, the club’s booking agent and the originator of the series, is also a performer who appeared in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls. His knowledge of the business has enabled him to use “a database of peers” to “bring my buddies” to the series.
At The Triad, performers find a welcoming venue, whether they are established Broadway and recording stars (the series has hosted both Tony and Grammy award winners) or up-and-coming stars perfecting their solo performances.
Lillias White
“It takes a certain amount of skill to hold an audience for an hour with a just a piano as backup,” says Summers. Over the years such luminaries as Tony nominated Norm Lewis, Tony Winner/Grammy Nominee Melba Moore, two-time Grammy nominee Ryan Shaw and two-time Grammy Winner Caron Wheeler have successfully met that challenge. Most recently Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award Winner Lillias White strutted her stuff on the Triad stage.
For his part, Summers provides what he calls “one-stop shopping” for his performers. This includes flyers, press releases and pianists if the performers don’t have their own.
Special events in the series have included benefits for Haiti, Bush/Clinton fundraising and the American Red Cross; and “Winds of Change,” for which Summers was both writer and star. Summers won the 2010 Bistro “Most Outstanding Performer” Award for the show.
Although the Triad seats 130 people, the Just A Piano Concert Series provides audiences with a very intimate experience.
“It’s like being in someone’s living room,” says Summers. But on further reflection he adds, “It’s a little like a church, where the human heart comes to life.”
Posted by Sandi Durell
on July 16, 2012. Filed under Cabaret,Cabaret and Interviews - Sandi Durell,COLUMNS,ENTERTAIMENT,Theatre.
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