‘New York Nights: Writing, Producing and Performing in Gotham’

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New York, NY, July 8, 2009 — For those who have never experienced the thrill of sitting in an aisle seat at the Metropolitan Opera, author Nick Catalano recreates the scene and what it is like to witness the magic and incredible talent of Placido Domingo and Teresa Stratas in his memoir “New York Nights: Writing, Producing and Performing in Gotham” (co-published by Auburndale Publications and iUniverse). His memoir, awarded Editor’s Choice by its publisher, also puts its finger on the pulse of a fascinating and vast cultural landscape and offers an intriguing and entertaining behind-the-scenes look at a world energized by passion and talent.

As a producer, Nick Catalano introduced early audiences to the comedy of Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Maher, Richard Lewis, Robert Klein, Larry David, Sam Kinison, Ray Romano, and many other talents. “New York Nights” reminisces about how these comedians started in the business and includes intriguing details about the hangouts of jazz legends Miles Davis, Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, and Max Roach.

Catalano shares his personal experiences, gossipy anecdotes and critical commentary as a television and concert producer who was once firmly entrenched in the unpredictable and exciting comedy and jazz scene coming out of New York City. It is the ever-changing relationship that the author has with the city that constitutes the theme running through “New York Nights.” Catalano says, “The perspectives from which to experience this cultural landscape are endless.”

From being a young musician who encountered strippers, debutantes, gangsters, and hysterical teenagers in venues from basement clubs to posh hotel ballrooms, the author shares stories from the last days of the swing band era while being on the scene for the greatest revolution in jazz and becoming an unwilling participant in the rock ‘n roll juggernaut. From Rosemary Clooney, Mel Torme, Johnny Mathis, as well as literary greats, such as Paddy Chayefsky, Michael Crichton and H.L. Mencken, readers will be pulled in for Catalano’s entertaining ride during his varied career as a jazz musician, television and concert producer and reviewer. [Photos included.]

About the Author

Dr. Nick Catalano is a professor of literature and music and Performing Arts Director at Pace University, and the author of a biography about jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown, which was published by Oxford University Press in 2000. He lives in New York and East Hampton and has worked as a musician, television/concert producer and writer. The author is available for interviews. For more information, visit http://www.nickcatalano.org.

ISBN: 978-0595485963 - 6 x 9 - Paperback - 296 pages - $19.95

iUniverse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit http://www.iuniverse.com.

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