Out with Dr. Bill – Bidding Farewell to 2024 with High Style

Impromptu Holiday Harmonies at the Townhouse

There's no better way to end an Upper East Side evening than with a stop at the Townhouse on East 58th. The Townhouse is where New York's gay gentlemen gather for a martini and a melody–a charming haven where Rick and I often joke about the days when we basked in the glow of free drinks as the "young ones" and now find ourselves graciously picking up the tab as we embrace our mid-century fabulousness.
The highlight of the evening was running into our talented young friends, Seth Sikes, a celebrated cabaret performer known for his dynamic renditions of classic songs, and Nicolas King, a multi-award-winning vocalist and Broadway veteran with a remarkable career that began in childhood.

We persuaded them to join the piano player for an impromptu performance, and they chose one of my favorites: "I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Baby," an American popular song and jazz standard by Jimmy McHugh (music) and Dorothy Fields (lyrics). It was pure magic–and gave a taste of what was to come at their New Year's Eve show at 54 Below, which featured legendary Billy Stritch on piano. The show, "Seth Sikes and Nicolas King: A New Belters Swingin' New Year" turned out to be a sold-out celebration that sent the audience into 2025 singing and swinging. I can think of no better way to bid farewell to 2024 than with these two stars and their inimitable blend of wit, charm, and extraordinary talent.

Though I was disappointed that we couldn't toss confetti at midnight with our two friends, their impromptu performance that evening was a perfect holiday gift–one I'll always cherish.