Broadway Sing-Along with David Lewis

On Sunday, October 18, 2015, Guild Hall held the first of its Table Talks series, curated by lawyer, art authority and author "Judith Bressler, and featuring New York musical director, arranger and performer, David Lewis.

Songs from the Great American Songbook, aka "American Standard" the collection of the most important and influential popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century, including "As Time Goes By," by Herman Huffeld, "Embraceable You," by George Gershwin, and "Hello Young Lovers," by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

After introducing himself, David sat down at the piano and proclaimed, "Everyone can sing." He assured everyone by warming voices up with exercises to smooth the vocal cords and the nerves.

Then the fun began. After singing a few major show tunes all together, he gently coaxed participants to come up to the microphone and lead the singalong. Among the tunes were "My Funny Valentine," by Rodgers and Hart, and "I’m in the Mood For Love," by J. McHugh.

He then invited Mary Libby to come to the piano to play, " Bye, Bye, Blackbird," by Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon. After some time, he was then joined by FOR YOUR EARS ONLY host, David Alpern, who led the group singing "Blue Room, " by Richard Rodgers. Later, David shared his parody of "Nice Work If You Can Get It," by George and Ira Gershwin. Others in the group shared their stories about well-known songwriters and musical adventures.

All in all, it was a"Swonderful", and "Smarvelous," time.

Photography: Joan Kraisky
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