Two full hours of singer after singer—cabaret, jazz, or some happy hybrid—make Metrojam jam-packed and jumping. Still, there’s a casual atmosphere at this open mic. Performers can try out new tunes or tune up old routines, some plugging upcoming shows, others just plugging away. It’s held the first Friday of each month. May’s Metropolitan merry mishmosh was genial Joe Bachana’s (pictured) last as longtime emcee and many came to toast the host. He took his cue from the windy, wet weather, singing a breezy “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” for the drop-in night. Sarah Rice—a pro predictably unpredictable with eclectic material—cannily mined laughs with “I’m an Artist,” portraying a self-aggrandizing diva. Karen Oberlin, Miles Phillips and Tracy Stark each impressed separately, then as a trio, harmonizing on a surprising revising of “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” comparing notes in commiseration. Smiling face and bass in place, the ever-cool Ritt Henn delighted with his sly “Speak of the Devil.” Giving hip house pianist John DiPinto a break, Richard Eisenberg sang/played/charmed with a written-for-the-occasion affectionate farewell, “All Good Things Must Come to an End”—I didn’t want it to. (Ubiquitous and cheery Jenna Esposito now takes over hosting.)

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
May 1, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org