Adam's Call: Kim Smith's Joe's Pub NOVA CD Release Concert: Shooting Star

There is a new singer making waves on the pop music scene and that is the one and only Kim Smith! With the release of his debut CD "NOVA," Kim is taking the music world by storm as he demonstrated so seductively tonight at Joe's Pub in NYC. 

Dressed to kill in a tequila suit, Kim sang out his heart and soul. In the two years since I've seen Kim Smith perform live, Kim has grown immensely. With strong vocals and a wicked sense of humor, Kim knows how to entertain an audience. His songs of love and heartache are catchy, relatable, and smartly written. Influenced by The Pet Shop Boys, George Michael, and Robyn, Kim has found his own style in the world of pop music. From his hilarious banter to his infectious voice, Kim doesn't need much to make a show a sparkle because Kim is the spectacle itself. Kim's voice has a pleasant tone that makes your ears perk up for more while his songs have a beat to make your body want to move.

I am in love with the whole album, but a few of my favorite selections are "Jealous," "Never Ever," "Shooting Star," "Zombiez," "Disappearing," and "Radio." Kim wrote "Shooting Star" for his husband during the time of their long distance relationship. It's one of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard. My favorite part of Kim introducing "Shooting Star" was how he said that he was the souvenier his husband got for coming to Australia. It was so sweet.

Kim's debut album "NOVA" is perfect for any occassion. Whether it's a long trip you have to take, your commute to work, that hot party you're throwing, or getting in shape, "NOVA" the companion you'll want to have with you! Be sure you pick-up your copy here!

The next time Kim Smith is performing live, make sure you get your tickets. You'll be "Jealous" that you "Never Ever" got to see this "Shooting Star" on the rise up!

For more on Kim Smith:

http://kimdavidsmith.com

Twitter: @KimDavidSmith

Facebook.com/officialkimsmith

That's Adam's Call and I Stand For Entertainment!

Kim Smith at Duane Park

On Tuesday, November 1, 2011, I was surrounded by elegance...from the atmosphere of the venue to the performer on stage! You see, I was fortunate enough to attend Kim Smith's triumphant return of his show "Misfit," (inspired by one of my favorite 80s cartoons "Jem and the Holograms") to Duane Park in NYC (157 Duane Street between West Broadway & Hudson). From the moment I entered Duane Park, I knew I was in for a treat! The room was decorated in a very old-fashioned cabaret show feel, which perfectly suits Kim Smith's talented singing.

Kim's cabaret shows are inspired by the Weimar-era that brings together authentic musical material with stylistic takes on current popular tunes. From the moment Kim sang his first note, he enticed the audience and kept them enthralled throughout. Kim's voice is controlled, skilled, and very delightful to listen to. His vocals and shows are the perfect way to relax and forget your worries!

I have seen Kim's show "Misfit" before (click here for that review) and each time it just gets better! The song set for "Misfit" ranges from popular music to showtunes. Some of my favorite songs performed are "Physical" (by Olivia Newton-John), "Bang-Bang" (by Cher), "Summertime" (from "Porgy and Bess"), "Pirate Jenny" (from "Three Penny Opera"), and "You Keep Me Hanging On" (Kim Wilde).

Kim is a fast-rising singer who deserves to be heard! One of my favorite experiences with "Adaumbelle's Quest" is being introduced to new talent. I am so grateful to have been introduced to Kim Smith via Dan Fortune. He was kind enough to reach out to me and as a result, I've become a big fan!

Kim's now busy working out the details of his next gig and as soon as I'm made aware of it, I will let everyone know! Keep your eyes peeled because Kim Smith is going places...

Cafe Panche at The Griffin

On Tuesday, June 21, 2011, I entered the world of burlesque cabaret when I attended Lee Chappell's "Cafe Panche" at The Griffin in NYC's Meatpacking District. With it's diverse crowd of gays, straights, drag queens, and glam lovers, the evening features a wide range of talent from cabaret and rock singers to aerialists to drag superstars! This show is performed in what seems like to me, a throw-back to the days of Studio 54/masquerade balls. Placed in the middle of the standing room only crowd are two raised stages where the performers bestow upon us their talent.

Hosted by the strikingly beautiful and extraordinarily talented Shequida, the night brought out Grammy Award Winner Lady Rizo, Award Winning Cabaret singer (and fellow "Adaumbelle's Quest" participant) Kim Smith, as well as Richard Waits. Each performer dazzled the excited and eager crowd with their unique talent and amazing stage presence! Shequida, who's a classically trained opera singer, performed several high energy numbers, using her wit and humor to create her parodied lyrics. Kim Smith brought his unique style of cabaret where he takes popular songs and sings them in the Weimar-era style. Kim delighted the audience with his renditions of Kim Wilde's "You Keep Me Hanging On," Edith Piaf's "Padam," and Cher's "Bang Bang" which the crowd immensely enjoyed! Following Kim was Grammy Award Winner Lady Rizo who mesmerized the crowd with her big belting vocals on "Love Is In The Air," "Je Ne Regrette Rien," and "Toxic/Personal Jesus," while a showgirl let loose to the beat! Richard also wowed the audience with his big numbers such as Prince's "Kiss," while surrounded by several showgirls.

If you are looking for a night out that takes you back to the heyday of dress-up featuring extraordinary talent, then I highly suggest checking out Lee Chappell's "Cafe Panche" at The Griffin every Tuesday at 10pm! The Griffin is located at 50 Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District.

Night of A Thousand Judys

Justin SayreOn Monday, June 13, I attended "The Meeting's" special June edition entitled "Night of A Thousand Judys" at Joe's Pub in NYC. Produced by Justin Sayre, Adam Rosen, Dan Fortune, Paul Winkler, and Will Fisher, "Night of A Thousand Judys" was a benefit for The Ali Forney Center in NYC which is nation's largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to homeless LGBT youth. AFC's goal is to provide homeless LGBT youths, aged 16-24, with the support and services they need to escape the streets and begin to live healthy and independent lives.

"The Meeting," a monthly comedy/variety show for homosexuals and their friends, is hosted by Justin Sayre. Once again, Justin triumphed as host because he is a talented comedian, has incredible stage presence, and a booming personality that engages the audience quickly.

"Night of A Thousand Judys" payed homage to one of the greatest gay icons, Judy Garland. Justin, et al assembled an amazing line up of talent from theatre, cabaret, and stand-up comedy for skits and songs made famous by Judy.

Kim SmithThe line-up included the hysterically funny and talented Jackie Hoffman (Broadway's "Addams Family," "Xanadu," "Hairspray")who scored big with her rendition of "Swanee," for which she received a standing ovation from the sold-out house! Jackie started off with her signature humor which is golden and moved into sining "Swanee" big and strong! Justin, Jack Ferver ("Rumble Ghost at PS 122," "SWAN!"), Randy Rainbow ("Randy Rainbow is Dating Mel Gibson"), Jeff Hiller ("Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson"), and Ryan O'Connor ("Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star," "Ryan O'Connor Eats His Feelings"), performed 2 skits about being at The Stonewall (a gay bar), during the "The Stonewall Riots" talking about the night Judy Garland died. These 5 performers together are a riot, each bringing their own humor to the skit. It was brilliant! Kim Smith (Bistro Award for "Outstanding Performer on the Rise") did phenominal job with "Alone Together," especially by putting his signature stamp on it. Kim performs his songs in Weimar-inspired style that bring together authentic musical material with stylistic takes on current popular tunes. He's truly amazing! Also in this line-up was Natalie Joy Johnson (Broadway's Jeff Hiller"Legally Blonde"), who has some of the most powerful vocals I've heard! Natalie can take any song and belt the heck out of it and Monday was no exception when she sang "The Man That Got Away." Another performer with big vocals is Lady Rizo (Grammy winning singer), who I never heard sing before, but I sure am glad I was introduced to her. Lady Rizo has a voice and she knows how to use it! Lady Rizo sang a wonderfully beautiful version of "Smile," to which the audience loved. Taking the stage right after Lady Rizo was Emily Bergl who I watched this past season as "Beth" on "Desperate Housewives" and now have had the fortunate experience of hearing her sing. Emily has a fantastic voice which radiated as she sang "Zing, Went The Strings of My Heart." It was quite a dramatic performance, which the audience ate up! Luckily, Emily is going to keep singing as she will be performing her own cabaret show this summer at The Algonquin Hotel in NYC. Gay Marshall ("Jacques BrelRyan O'Connor Is Alive…") delighted the audience with her gorgeous and powerful vocals on "Rockabye Your Rockabye Baby." Gay belts it out like nobody's business, such a talent. Then there was Larry Hamilton and Jamaal Wilson who performed a rousing duet of "Get Happy"/"Happy Days Are Here Again." These are also two guys I never heard of, but am thrilled I have now. The vocals they have are unreal! So powerful, skilled, and controlled, it's no wonder the audience went wild! Cole Escola (Logo TV's "Jeffery & Cole Casserole") added to the comedy of the night when he came out dressed in his glittering short shorts and seductively sang "Atchinson, Topeka, Santa Fe." Later in the night, he and Justin did a duet of "A Couple of Swells" which was quite hysterical! Summer & Eve (the folk-musical comedy band featuring Nadia Quinn of "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson") also took the stage and sang "Purple People Eater" which was quite enjoyable. Ending this terrificly hilarious evening was a video of Judy Garland singing "Over The Rainbow," which was the perfect ending to a great evening!

I can't say enough how amazing this evening was! It was a night of laughter, but at the core, it was a night benefiting a really worthwhile cause, The Ali Forney Center. They do terrific work and have helped thousands of homeless GLBT teens get their lives back together.

All of the organizers and performers should be very proud of themselves for together such a successful night! "The Meeting" normally takes place at The Duplex in NYC and will be back in session in September! Hope to see you at "The Meeting" then!

Kim Smith: "Misfit"

Kim Smith is an award winning cabaret singer because he knows how to captivate, engulf, and entertain with his amazingly beautiful vocals as well as his quick wit and humor! Tonight I was fortunate enough attend Kim's cabaret show "Misfit" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC. Kim's cabaret shows are inspired by the Weimar-era that brings together authentic musical material with stylistic takes on current popular tunes. From the moment Kim walked towards the stage, I felt as though I was transported back in time to what it must have been like to be in a real cabaret in 1920's Berlin. Aside from the songs, Kim's stage persona, presence, and style help create that feeling.

It's inspiring and amazing that someone so young is out there performing this style of cabaret. When Kim sang his first note, I knew I was in for a delightful evening. When Kim spoke his first line of patter, I knew that delightful evening was turning into a hilarious evening. When he combined the two, I didn't want the night to end!

Singing the array of songs, my personal favorites were "Guru" (by Chester Biscardi/Allen Ginsberg), "Bang Bang" (by Sonny Bono, mostly known for being sung by Cher), "Dixie" (By Peter Allen), "Strange Fruit" (by Lewis Allen), "Physical" (by Stephen Kipner/Terry Shaddick, mostly known for being sung by Olivia Newton-John), "Munchhausen" (by Friedrich Hollaender), and "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (by Holland/Dozier/Holland, mostly known for being sung by Kim Wilde). The highlight of the evening came when during his patter, Kim mentioned how he was inspired by "Jem and The Holograms," which happens to be one of favorite cartoons of the 80s! One thing is for sure, Kim certainly knows the meaning of "It's Showtime Synergy."

Kim's voice is crisp, pure, and powerful! He leaves you wanting more and that is the sign of a great performer!

Wednesday, March 16 at 7pm is your last chance to catch this fantastic show.

Be sure to head down to the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC (407 West 42nd Street, between 9th & 10th Ave, in the basement of The West Bank Cafe) on Wednesday, March 16 at 7pm for an evening of song, laughter, and most of all delight with Kim Smith performing "Misfit!" Click here for tickets!