Sept. 19: Charisma Wooten
Charisma Wooten
An Evening of Eclectic Songs
September 19 at 6:00 pm
Germano’s, 300 South High Street (at Fawn St.), Baltimore, Maryland
410.752.4515
Here’s what our Michael Miyazaki had to say about Charisma’s show:Charisma Wooten’s show billed itself as An Evening of Eclectic Songs. The performer’s name and title said it all – a mix of interesting material delivered with panache.
Wooten’s most endearing characteristic is a deep respect for the cabaret performing tradition and her desire to share it with her audience. In this concert she paid tribute to icons such as Mabel Mercer, Billie Holiday, Eartha Kitt, and Josephine Baker. Indeed, the highlight of the evening was “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” in the style of Rose Murphy (The Chee Chee Girl) and Louis Armstrong.
Other highlights included a jazzy take on Mac David and Elmer Bernstein’s “A Walk on the Wild Side” and a worldly-wise reading of Bernard Ighner‘s “Everything Must Change.” Music director Stef Scaggiari provided solid, inventive support (and great vocals) with solid contributions from bassist Mark Russell and drummer Terron “Stickman” Whitehead.
Wooten’s other strength is her confident command of her audience. She led two of the more effective audience participation numbers I’ve seen of late. And she performed one of the best bows and runoffs I’ve ever seen in a cabaret – as she rode the crest of her audience’s enthusiasm.
Category: DC/Maryland/Virginia, DC/Maryland/Virginia Pick of the Week, Pick of the Week, Regional
