American Radio Cafe Press Release

Live Musical Variety Show Brings New Life to Old-Time Radio Programs

Bob Hope, Red Skelton, and Jack Benny Come to Life

Provo, UT – June 12th, Bringing back the charm and wit of Old-Time Radio programs, The American Radio Café is a live musical variety show that combines the comedy of the radio programs and cartoons of the Early Broadcast Era with modern day talent. The Show will feature local artists Kirby Heybourne and Daniel Beck along with American Idol Hollywood Week performer Jarrett Burns and the group The Fireflies. Performances will be June 25th through July 4th at the Covey Center for the Arts in Downtown Provo, UT.

The American Radio Café was the brainchild of local musician and producer Michael Leavitt. By showcasing talented performers in a variety-show format, Leavitt successfully captures the warmth and musicality of the radio shows of yesteryear with a modern twist.

“I’ve always admired the ability of radio performers from the 40’s and 50’s who were able to captivate an audience with just their musical talent and supreme acting abilities,” said Leavitt, producer and director of the American Radio Café. “By bringing together some of the best vocal talent, instrumental accompaniment and stunning visual elements, we’re able to give people a taste of the old-time radio charm, but with a modern flavor.”

Kirby Heybourne, star of films such as Saints and Soldiers, The RM, and The Best Two Years, has just released the album The Elm Tree and will be the host of the show from the 1st through the 4th of July. In addition, up and coming vocalist Daniel Beck – touted as Utah’s Josh Groban— who just released his debut album Love Like That, will host the show the 25th through the 29th of June.

The American Radio Café features a five piece American Radio Jukebox Band and the 22 piece American Radio Orchestra. The first act of the show is patterned after the Carol Burnett show, which will feature Heybourne and Beck performing original numbers, live skits and commercials. The hosts will also perform alongside classic films and cartoons, bringing back the feel of Old Time Radio with the flavor of today’s modern appeal.

For Interviews and additional information please contact Joe Haughey at joe@americanradiocafe.com or you can visit our website at www.americanradiocafe.com

Come on over to the American Radio Cafe!

Do you love old time radio and television? Were some of your favorites of that time Bob Hope, Red Skelton, George Burns? Were some of your favorite cartoons Superman, or Looney Tunes? Whether you've ever seen or heard of those guys or not, come see all of the above performed live before your very eyes with all the lines, sound effects, and music played out live on stage. That's right, with actors, foley artists, live band and orchestra, and me as your host (wink, wink), the American Radio Cafe will be hoppin!!! In addition to some classic comedy bits and shows, there will be some AMAZING music. I'll be singing 5 songs from my cd "Love Like That" accompanied by the American Radio Cafe Band and Orchestra and will be joined by guest artists Jarrett Burns and the bluegrass band "The Fireflies." I'll be hosting for 5 shows June 25-29 and Kirby Heyborne takes over as host July 1-4.

Click Here for details and tickets and don't miss it!!

All of Provo agrees: Daniel Beck wouldn't have had a chance had he competed in Miss Provo.

I mean look at these pictures! From the top: Miss Utah 2008 Kayla Barclay and I, 2008 Miss Provo Allie Edgington and I, and the one who stole the crown right out from under me - Heather Sabin, the new Miss Provo (pictured here with me and my own little beauty queen Madison Beck), and Jackie Tohn and I. Just looking at them you can tell I just didn't even have a chance to win had I been the first male ever to compete in the Miss Provo Miss America Scholarship pageant. Had a blast at the pageant. Chatted it up back stage with Jackie Tohn who also performed. She's VERY cool. All the contestants were brilliant. Congratulations Heather, and thank you ladies! You're all A-MA-ZA-ING!!

Daniel Beck, George Dyer, and Jenny Frogley perform to a literally thunderous applause.

George, Jenny, and I were accompanied by some thunder and lightning and enough rain to get our audience wet, but the show went on! Nearly 1200 people braved the weather to come out on Friday night for the George Ddyer and Friends concert. We were in the middle of singing "Standing on the Corner" in the second half when in perfect time a thunder clap sounded right as we started a verse. While it gave that verse a special kick that you can't duplicate in any studio, it was big enough that some people got up and headed for cover, but many stayed to the end. Whether you left part way through or stayed to the end, thanks for coming on out. I've never been to the Sandy Ampitheater before and think that the facility was fantastic and I would love to perform there again.

The Results Are In: The Marvin Goldstein Concert Was a Blast!!

Just a quick post with some pictures from the big show last Saturday night. Marvin was in rare form and so fun to be with. He accompanied about 20 different numbers along with doing his own thing. Man! that guy can play AND entertain. Sam Payne said it best before the show - Marvin has a unique ability to make each performer who performed with him on Saturday night think that they were his absolute favorite. I hope I can grow up to be like him. And congrats Sam on bringing it in just under 3 hours. No small feat considering how many numbers there were. Enjoy a few photos.


(Pictured are: Top-bottom: Marvin and I, The whole cast singing the finale and I, My main man Kenneth Cope and I, Barry Hansen and Sam Payne and I, and my new BFF Kirby Heyborne and I)

Daniel Beck Actually Not Competing in Miss Provo Pageant this Saturday.......just a guest artist thing.

Well just after that last post I received an email clarifying my role in the Miss Provo Pageant this Saturday. So they didn't let me down very easily when they told me that I would most definitely NOT be competing. But instead they are having me sing for a few minutes at the end of the competition while the judges scores are tallied and right before they announce the new Miss Provo royalty.

So while I don't have a shot at the crown (would it really have stayed on my hairless head anyway?) I'm thrilled to be with the amazing gals of Provo singing and doing my thing while they nervously await the results. So if you're a fan of beautiful girls showing how amazing they are and also a fan of my music, for only $5 in advance and $8 at the door you can have an evening of unparalleled entertainment.

Click Here for ticket info

Daniel Beck Competing in Miss Provo this Saturday Night!!

Yes it's true! They called me and asked me to be in the Miss Provo Pageant this year!! So this Saturday night I'll be at the Covey Center Theater, competing in such categories as evening wear, talent, interview, and the one I'm most excited about - swimwear! Aaaaaahhh! (note to self: get back waxed). I think I'm the most nervous about being the only male in the competition. Rumor has it, I'm the first male ever to compete in any Miss America Scholarship pageant in the entire history of the Miss America Scholarship pageant! I'm really excited to just flip this thing on it's head and break new ground in the world of men's rights! (If you could see me as I'm typing this, you would see me with one fist HIGH in the air)

Broadway and More: George Dyer and Friends this Friday

Here's the story of how this show came to be. Sandy City Arts was going to do 3 nights of "West Side Story" in concert this weekend starring George Dyer as Tony and yours truly as Riff, but it turned out that although I'm sure Sandy Arts had done all their homework, crossed the t's and dotted the i's apparently there was some miscommunication and the stage rights to a concert version of "West Side Story" actually are not available. So with about 1000 tickets sold already, Sandy came up with the idea of doing a George and friends concert and kept me on as one of the friends and also brought in the phenom Jenny Jordan Frogley.

There will be a live band, George will chew up the stage as will Jenny. I'm gonna do my best to do the same singing "She Was There" from The Scarlet Pimpernel, "Lily's Eyes" from The Secret Garden with George. Jenny, George and I will combine for a trio rendition of "The Impossible Dream" and launch into some fun with "Standing on the Corner" from Most Happy Fella. There will be some other surprises as well. If you come, you will be entertained. Now everybody start praying for good weather Friday night (outdoor venue and all).

Click here for ticket info!

Marvin Goldstein: 50 Years of Performing is sold out!!!

I know that title makes it sound like I had something to do with the show selling out, but I didn't. 50 years of performing makes you a legend so it's all Marvin, and I'm oh so totally stoked to be on stage with a legend. I'll be singing "The Prayer" with the amazing Jessie Clark Funk with Marvin accompanying on piano as well as performing with about 36 other artists on another big finale song. Here's a great article on Marvin and his 50 years of performing. Love to all!

Marvin Goldstein Article on Meridian Magazine