05/13/2026
Lineup for 23 May 2026
6:50 - 6:55 P.M.
Warmup Act
Tom Florek, our Emcee and crew chief, will do an initial warm-up, joined by our announcer, Mary Michaels. They will ease the audience into an amazing evening filled with talented performers.
7:00 - 7:10 P.M.
Joelle
Ballroom Dancers
Joelle Suchy, our Ballroom Dance Coordinator, will be performing with her students.
7:15 - 7:35 P.M.
Bob Boross as Bob Covers Bruce
Singer - Springsteen & Other Covers
Bob Boross, as Bob Covers Bruce, plays the music of Bruce Springsteen throughout the Central Jersey area. Bob performs lesser-known songs from the Springsteen catalog as well as the hits. In addition, Bob also covers similar artists like Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Bon Jovi, Poison, The Kinks, The Beatles, Marshall Crenshaw, and more. Find videos/schedule at www.bobboross.com/bobcoversbruce , and follow on Instagram - .
7:40 - 7:50 P.M.
A. Benedict
Poet, Writer, & Storyteller
A. Benedict is a local poet, writer, and storyteller who shares his observations about the world through his work. His poetry synthesizes emotion and the daily challenges we all face. A. Benedict’s latest book, A Return from Elysium—Racing Sisyphus up the Mountain, chronicles his experiential travels. He believes there is no beginning and no end to the cyclical nature of the journey. Follow A. Benedict on YouTube@abenedict.
7:55- 8:15 P.M.
Frank and Cynthia
Oldies R***e
Performing together for 4 years, they sing by themselves in choruses and lead their congregations in song, at very different houses of worship. They bring a touch of spirituality to their interpretations of popular songs of the 60s (and 70s). They have been performing at assisted living facilities. It's nice to be back here to sing for a general audience. Frank performed here the 1st year of Cafe Improv, and he's here for the 36th year.
8:20 - 8:40 P.M.
Beth Sherby
Singer - Songwriter
Beth is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, originally from the Midwest and transplanted to New Jersey. Beth’s musical roots are grounded in deep Americana blues and folk-rock, supported by driving rhythms to create an experience that brings people together in a celebration of music and connection. For more than three decades Beth has been performing in listening rooms, small venues, and festivals across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. http://bethsherby.com/ https://www.facebook.com/bethsherbymusician
8:45 - 8:55 P.M.
Diane Sahms
Poet
Author of nine poetry collections, —of an octopus: an archite |x| tural awareness of words, Carbonation Press, https://www.carbonationpress.com/catalog-2/019-octopus Poetry Editor at North of Oxford, she has been published in North American Review, Northern Virginia Review, Brushfire, Valley Voices, Sequestrum, Chiron, Abstract MagazineTV, Magazine, Amsterdam Review. https://dianesahmsguarnieri.wordpress.com https://www.dianesahms-guarnieri.com
9:00- 9:20 P.M.
Tony Tedesco
Singer - Songwriter
Music made for everyone from peglegged saloon dancers to the most tender of longshoremen. Grit with heart. A stubborn passion, born of the salt in the sea and the dust on the moon. Guaranteed to either shock your mother or have her weeping tears of empathetic sorrow. Music to sharpen, throw, and dodge knives to. Not brewed for local consumption. Best listened to from dark corners, with nary a clue of whence he came.
9:25 - 9:45 P.M.
Underlined Passages
Indie Rock
Underlined Passages built a reputation through steady work, real connection, and songs that find listeners at exactly the right moment. The Baltimore band writes guitar-driven indie rock with emotional weight and a specific kind of tension: music that feels urgent without being frantic, nostalgic without being sentimental. If you've ever loved a record that felt like it was written specifically for the version of you that needed it most, this band is worth your time.
Finale
Café Improv Surprise
(The crew often takes the stage)
At the tail end of the evening, strange occurrences can be expected as the crew and the performers together feel strangely moved to express themselves musically in an impromptu jam session.
Show Credits
Café Improv All Volunteer Crew
(Thanks to everyone!)
Host and Emcee: Thomas P. Florek
Booking: Resa Mehren
Sound: Thomas P. Florek
Announcer: Mary M. Michaels
Stage Manager: Kent Payne
Front Desk: Lynn Irving, Michelle Bacher
Video Director: Larry Feldman
Camera Operators: Phil Getty, Kailash Sasne, Pete McDonough
Program & Publicity: Thomas P. Florek
Social Media: Lynn Irving, Larry Feldman
Talent Scouts: Larry Feldman, Mary M. Michaels
Web Site: Mary M. Michaels, Resa Mehren
Event Photography: Lynn Irving
Refreshments: Lynn Irving
Setup/Breakdown: Thomas P. Florek, Ken Trock, Mary M. Michaels, Kent Payne, Victoria Sadowski, Tom Sadowski, Shelley Lightman, Larry Feldman, Lynn Irving, Kailash Sasne, and Phil Getty
