The Chelsea Community Church celebrates Pride with its 2nd Annual Piano Bar Celebration on Sunday, June 8 at 1 PM St. Peter’s Church, the second Sunday of the Pride Month series of spiritually-grounded, artistically vibrant events exploring the theme SANCTUARY IN A SANCTUARY.
The piano bar and cabaret world has long been a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community. This special event—dedicated to the late cabaret and piano bar icon Jerry Scott, a longtime CCC member—honors that tradition with an open mic celebration that blends worship and music. The featured speaker will be Rev. Joe “DollFace” Nicholson, a longtime figure in both ministry and the cabaret community. Multiple MAC Award winner and longtime Artistic Director of Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Scott Barbarino, serves as host. After the service, the sanctuary transforms into a piano bar with JD Smurthwaite at the keys and an open mic for singers and special guest performers.
Scott Barbarino is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his leadership, creativity and dedication to live performance. As the driving force behind ScoBar Entertainment, he has produced and curated exceptional live events, championing emerging talent and creating memorable experiences for audiences. In addition to his work with ScoBar Entertainment, Barbarino is the pubisher of NiteLifeExchange, a premier online platform that spotlights New York City’s vibrant nightlife of piano bar, cabaret, jazz and theater. His contributions have helped elevate countless performers while preserving the rich culture of live entertainment in the city.
Barbarino’s passion for music and performance extends to his role as the frontman of Scott Barbarino & The BevNaps, a dynamic and engaging musical group that blends humor, charm, and exceptional musicianship to entertain audiences with their unique style and energy. He is also the Artistic Director and a cornerstone of the iconic Ellen’s Stardust Diner, renowned for its singing waitstaff, the Stardusters, and its vibrant atmosphere. Under his leadership, the diner continues to be a beloved destination for music and theater lovers from around the world. With a deep commitment to nurturing artistic talent and an enduring passion for the performing arts, Scott Barbarino is a visionary leader and advocate for live entertainment and nightlife culture.
JD Smurthwaite has been singing and playing piano for as long as he can remember, bringing boundless energy, charisma and humor to every one of his performances. With over 4,000 hours of experience on the mic, Smurthwaite effortlessly connects with his audience, whether on a lively Friday night or a more intimate Monday evening at Marie’s Crisis, running the room with wit and passion. A versatile musician, he enjoys arranging barbershop quartets, leading bands, directing shows and experimenting with different instruments. Smurthwaite also collaborates with his fiancée, Ella Rose, to create playful, heartwarming singing videos. Available for private parties and corporate events, his dynamic blend of talent and personality continues to inspire, entertain and bring people together through the power of music.
For more information, visit www.chelseacommunitychurch.org
St. Peter’s Church is located at 346 West 20th Street, NYC
