New York City, New York – September 11, 2014 – Back by popular demand, the Broadway Artists Connection teams up with the Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe for the second “Broadway Artists & Friends Open Mic & Mingle” event, hosted by Kristen Beth Williams, currently in the cast of PIPPIN and previously in NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, ANYTHING GOES, PROMISES, PROMISES & star of the West End production of TOP HAT. The evening will be kicked off by Broadway performers, followed by aspiring artists who take their turn with Brad Ross accompanying on piano.
Held on Sunday, September 21st from 7-9pm, at the Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe (236 E 3rd St), the Broadway Artists and Friends Open Mic & Mingle event provides an intimate setting where artists and guests can make meaningful connections and take creative risks.
“From all parts of the Broadway community, we were inspired to share the best of ourselves. The atmosphere was supportive and fun”, says Six time Broadway veteran Joan Barber about the first Broadway Artists & Friends Open Mic & Mingle night last April.
A new highlight this year is that casting director Gayle Seay of Wojcik-Seay Casting will be crowning one up and comer the “Future of Broadway.” This performer will be featured on the Broadway Artists Connection website.
“It is important that we help the next generation of performers get inspired, connected and seen,” says Tamlyn Brooke Orlando, BAC Founder.
Among the Broadway artists performing are Mimi Bessette ( BONNIE & CLYDE, BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS), Shonica Gooden (RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL), Colleen Hawks (SHREK, BOY FROM OZ, SMOKEY JOE’S), Tamlyn Brooke Orlando (42nd STREET, DAME EDNA THE ROYAL TOUR), Whitney Sprayberry (SPIDER-MAN, TURN OFF THE DARK), D’Vorah Baily (CANDIDE), Matthew LaBanca (WHITE CHRISTMAS, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN), Amy Dolan Fletcher (42nd STREET, GREASE) to name a few.
Giving “BAC” is the foundation to the Broadway Artists Connection. Whether it be providing a safe place for the pros to let down their hair and try new works or a place for new comers to be seen, proceeds of BAC events are donated to charity.
Shortly after the Open Mic event, BAC will be producing a fundraiser on November 9th for the Creative Arts Team (CAT) Youth Theatre. CAT Youth Theatre provides students with FREE theater programming where they learn vital life skills such as self expression, educational discipline, social consciousness, leadership and responsibility to self and others. BAC is honored to partner with this award winning nonprofit that is changing lives through the power of drama.
The benefit event held on Sunday, Nov. 9th at the Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe (236 E 3rd St) will feature performances by Broadway Veterans as well as the CAT Youth Theatre & offer one of a kind Broadway items for auction. Proceeds from the performance, social media fundraising campaign and auction items will be donated to the CAT Youth Theatre.
Since launching the Broadway Artists Connection in January 2008, the organization has been joined by hundreds of Broadway artists and even more supporters and friends.
The buzz is spreading quickly and the network continues to thrive.
For more information about the Broadway Artists Connection events & tickets visit www.broadwayconnects.org. Reservations required to guarantee a spot to sing on Sept. 21st email info@broadwayconnects.org by Thurs. Sept. 18th.