Don't Tell Mamma-Barbetta-Fun for Tourists and Natives in NYC

On October 14th I attended a fun evening of Music and Comedy at Don't Tell Mama, a multi-function club/cabaret/bar at 343 West 46th Street in NYC. The evening, produced by Michael Martinez, was a showcase and variety show featuring Adam Kee, recording artsist Kristin Trotta, and singer/songwriter Andrea Dee. Comedian Matt Florio acted as an able host throughout the evening.



My favorite performer was the sultry songstress, Kristin Trotta, whose influences included Billie Holiday. The soulful singer looks pretty and sings with a throaty, urgency. She won over her audience with her sophisticated, soulful, songs. www.myspace.com/kristintrotta Also talented and popular with the audience was singer/songwriter Andrea Dee, whose intimate, personal songs borrow elements from pop, soul, and jazz. www.myspace.com/andreadee55


Adam Kee commanded the stage with a polished presence as an actor and singer who completed his M.F.A. in Acting in 2007 (Actors Studio Drama School/New School for Drama). Adam sang a number of songs from Stephen Sondheim. The best moment for me was after Adam asked my friend, telvision hostess Cognac Wellerlane, to turn off her video camera. She said: "I have a television show" to which Adam replied: "Then you can keep it on." But Ms. Wellerlane quickly got Adam to repeat: "you're watching Cognac's Corner Dot TV dahling") as well. You really had to be there to appreciate how she did this....it was pretty funny!

...and speaking of funny -- comedian Matt Florio did his best to keep the evening moving smoothly. Matt co-founded two of New Jersey's most successful stand up shows, "Stand Up Parmesan" and "Newark Comedy Show" He is currently in pre-production of a television show he created and recently co-founded Comedy Doctors . Inc. which produces stand up comedy shows to raise money for worthy charities. www.myspace.com/mattfloriocomedy

Don't Tell Mama is a fun place to spend an evening with friends whether you're a native New Yorker or just visintg. Check their schedule at http://www.donttellmamanyc.com/ 343 West 46th Street between 8th and 9th Aves in NYC just steps from Times Square.




After the performances, a group of us went to Barbetta Restaurant. Although Barbetta celebrated it's 100th Anniversary in 2006, I had never been there before. It is just a gorgeous place to dine! Founded in 1906 by Sebastiano Maioglio, Barbetta is now owned by his daughter, Laura Maioglio Barbetta is the oldest restaurant in New York that is still owned by the family that founded it. It has also the distinction of being the oldest Italian restaurant in New York, and the oldest restaurant in New York's Theatre District.
321 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036 http://www.barbettarestaurant.com/


Here's Cognac Wellerlane -- a picture of glamour with champagne in her hand!

Ron Caparella and Vladimir Ibadov "Count Vlad" of Vladi Couture) are enjoying a laugh, and a Piemontese appetizer. Trust me...the food is great, and the atmosphere is "regal."



...and speaking of regal.....Designer Count Vlad of Vladicouture designs gowns that make any woman feel like a queen. Vlad was a successful doctor in Russia but he had an artistic side and he always loved to sketch. He created couture gowns and furs for wealthy socialites in Russia, and when he came to the United States, he started designing specialty evening gowns for Russian-American women. His designs have been worn by beauty queens and celebrities. You can find him on Style Portfolios