Music of Altman's "Nashville" Will Be a Monthly Event at NYC's Metropolitan Room

By Kenneth Jones
08 May 2009

Daryl Glenn and Jo Lynn Burks
Daryl Glenn and Jo Lynn Burks

Daryl Glenn and Broadway singer/conductor/pianist Jo Lynn Burks will perform their critically acclaimed Bistro and Nightlife Award-winning tribute to Robert Altman's classic 1975 film, "Nashville," at 7 PM the first Sunday of every month starting June 7.

"Every fabulous song from the beloved soundtrack album will be lovingly recreated," according to Glenn, including Keith Carradine's Academy Award-winning "I'm Easy." The film's songwriters were the picture's stars, including Karen Black, Oscar nominee Ronee Blakley and Carradine (he won an Academy Award for Best Music – Original Song).

"Nashville" was nominated for Oscars in the categories of Best Picture, Best Director (Altman), Best Supporting Actress (Blakley and Lily Tomlin). The Tennessee-set movie follows disparate personalities (including country-music performers) and plots surrounding a U.S. presidential campaign.

Musical direction and arrangements for the MAC Award-nominated show are by Jo Lynn Burks. Direction is by Vince DeGeorge.

A new special guest star will appear at every show. Expect a six-piece all-star country band, plus The Metropolitan Room's Tanya Holt, Broadway's Brad Wills and award-winning cabaret favorite Jay Rogers. Lorinda Lisitza wil be the June 7 guest.

Creator-performer Glenn was born and raised in Lexington, KY. He's an Equity actor who has toured in musicals and youth theatre productions. "Nashville" in concert has been a dream project many years in the making, he said. It marked his New York City cabaret debut in 2008. He's the resident reservation agent and celebrity wrangler at the Metropolitan Room.

Burks is no stranger to Broadway. The former Miss Alabama and Miss Miami was a frequent keyboardist at both The Color Purple and Hairspray. She toured as music director with the Temptations and did keyboards/vocals for Gladys Knight and more. On Broadway she originated a principal role in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, and appeared in The Wedding Singer, Smokey Joe's Cafe, The Full Monty and All Shook Up. She musical-directed such national tours as Jesus Christ Superstar, Fame and Smokey Joe's Cafe. Her Off-Broadway work includes A Portrait of Dusty Springfield, From My Hometown, Cowgirls and When Pigs Fly.

The show has a $25 cover plus two-drink minimum. The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 West 22nd Street. For reservations, call (212) 206-0440.