Klea Blackhurst Celebrates Vernon Duke on New CD and at Joe's Pub

By Andrew Gans
06 Aug 2005

Klea Blackhurst — who received raves for her award-winning Ethel Merman tribute, Everything the Traffic Will Allow — has turned her attention to the works of Vernon Duke.

On Aug. 16 Ghostlight Records will release Blackhurst's second solo recording, "Autumn in New York: Vernon Duke's Broadway." The single disc includes a mix of Duke classics and rarities, including "Not a Care in the World," "I Can't Get Started," "I Like the Likes of You," "April in Paris," "Poor As a Churchmouse," "Indefinable Charm," "You Took Me By Surprise," "Autumn in New York," "Taking a Chance on Love," "Sailing at Midnight," "Dancing in the Streets" and "Swanee."

Blackhurst will celebrate the release of her new CD with two show's at Joe's Pub, the intimate cabaret located within the Public Theater. The singer/actress will play the downtown club Aug. 28 and 29 at 7:30 PM. She will be accompanied by Michael Rice and The New Pocket Change Trio.

Klea Blackhurst received the 2002 Manhattan Association of Cabaret and Clubs Award (MAC) for Best Female Vocalist for her Merman tribute, "Everything the Traffic Will Allow." Off-Broadway the singer-actress was seen in By Jupiter, Radio Gals, Oil City Symphony and Winnie the Pooh. She made her London stage debut at Royal Albert Hall, performing the role of Ado Annie in a concert version of Oklahoma!. Blackhurst's TV appearances include "The Caroline Rhea Show," "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," and "Sesame Street."

Vernon Duke wrote music for several Broadway productions, including Two's Company, Sadie Thompson, Jackpot, The Lady Comes Across, Banjo Eyes, It Happens on Ice, Cabin in the Sky, The Show Is On, Walk a Little Faster, The Garrick Gaieties and The Ziegfeld Follies of 1934 and 1936.

Joe's Pub is located at 425 Lafayette Avenue. Tickets are priced $20 plus a $12 food/drink minimum. For reservations call (212) 239-6200; those wishing to dine before the show should call (212) 539-8778. For more information visit www.joespub.com.