By their very nature, open mics are open to chance, but chances are the new one—on Tuesdays at the Iridium hosted merrily by old hand Fred Barton (pictured) (with hands on the keys)—will be a reliable winner, as they’re off to a running start. Forget about an “anything goes” genre policy adding to the risks. This theater district club/ restaurant has show tunes on the menu. Hosting pianist (and sometime singer) One-Step-Ahead-Fred seems to know whatever song a singer has brought along—and the history behind it. He’s ready to chattily share that, and his own skill set of supportive/attractive/energized accompaniment and practical advice for wannabees who wanna be better or better matched to material. House singer Elena Bennett dives into the fray with panache when there’s a lull or change of pace needed. The two are attracting some fine cabaret singers-about-town/visiting town or drop-ins after their Broadway curtain comes down. Tourists seeing a Broadway show and holdover audiences from Iridium’s Tuesday big band series and Ellen’s Stardust Diner upstairs can naturally follow up their night out with The Follow Spot. I found things hopping and happy: several cabaret singers positively reviewed in these pages; visiting regional theatre actors; and even the hosts of San Martin Restaurant’s earlier-Tuesday open mic: tireless Bill Zeffiro and bubbly Marissa Mulder. It follows that The Follow Spot may just be the spot to be for music-loving citizens on Tuesdays, starting around 11 pm and going late—and so far, pretty great.

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
March 24 & 31, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org