Your Town- Rockers On Broadway By Kathleen Giordano

B.B Kings was the place to be on Monday January 29th. Many talented performers came forth to entertain and create the evening theme of, "Rockers on Broadway-Jersey Style". Sponsored by Sara Lee, Macy's and The Frye Company, over 700 people payed up to $100 and gathered into B.B Kings that Monday evening. The legendary venue has hosted such notable performers as Little Richard, Etta James, Peter Frampton and The Beach Boys. Caroline Rhea hosted the event and kept everyone laughing between sets. Donnie Kehr, Cori Gardner and Sandy Hicks produced the pleasing event. Donnie Kehr started Rockers on Broadway in 1993 as a chance to give actors/musicians on Broadway a chance to jam out and bridge the gap between the stage and the concert venue. All artists graciously donated their talents for a night of fun, entertainment, and charity. The charity that they donated their time for was the BC/EFA and Wingspan Arts.Theatre legend Liza Minelli was in attendence and seemed pleased to have the opportunity to take in an impressive show. The ever so talented Kate Taylor performed "I Can't Say No" from Oklahoma as well as her own song "He's Waiting." Other artists that performed ranged from The Tokens to country legend Larry Gatlin. Grammy award winning producer, Russ Titelman performed, as well as trumpeteer Mark Pender of the Conan O'Brien Show. The Tokens started the night out with their legendary hit from 1961, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." An unknown tid-bit of information about The Tokens is that they produced a series of hits by Tony Orlando and Dawn, as well as The Chiffons. Soon after The Tokens started the night, Producer of the show Donnie Kehr and 2006 Tony Award Winner John Lloyd Young of The Jersey Boys sang the Frank Sinatra classic "Thats Life." The crowd went wild for Tituss Burgess as he proudly covered the Tina Turner song "River Deep, Mountain High." Tituss was recognized by many when he played the Cowardly Lion in The Wiz, and made the much anticipated announcement that he is planning to play Sebastian in the new production of the Little Mermaid later this year. Kathy Brier of Hairspray sang Lesley Gore's classic hit "You Don't Own Me."Deborah Gibson paid tribute to Lesley Gore later in the evening by singing "Its My Party." Staying in the theme of New Jersey, everyone sang "Feeling Groovy" from Paul Simon after learning of his birth in New Jersey. Besides the entertaining evening, the most gratifying aspect of the night was Donnie Kehr's announcement that they were able to raise $20,000 for BC/EFA and for Wingspan Arts to loud cheers. Rockers on Broadway sold out this time so keep your eye out for this next year's show and get your tickets fast! For further information, please view http://www.rockersonbroadway.com/