Ax2 Specialty Shows
We start with Ayars Times Two
Bo and Barbara perform regularly as a duo, to the delight of their audiences. The music is versatile, to say the least. In fact, when asked “What kind of music do you do?” the response is always “We do good songs that we love,” which carries through in their joy of performing and telling stories of life and love with their music. Requests are encouraged, as well as singing along on favorite tunes. It’s a homey, living room atmosphere, with fun, clever banter between Ax2 and the audience. These are no anonymous background performances. The audience is involved from start to finish. Ax2 also puts together custom theme performances for special events. We love what we do, and want you to love it, too!
Among their more requested shows are:
“Back to the ABCs” – Featuring the music of Harold Arlen, Irving Berlin, and Sammy Cahn. These three produced some of the most-loved standards and award-winning songs ever written, and Ayars Times Two presents the best in an evening to remember
“Our Favorite Broadway” – A journey to the Great White Way featuring numbers from Guys and Dolls, Victor/Victoria, The Fantasticks, and Brigadoon, among others
“To the Ladies” – A tribute to the finest female singers in musical history, including Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Rosemary Clooney, Dionne Warwick, and Lena Horne, along with audience favorites – this show is always changing, and always entertaining
“Decades of Hits” – Memories abound in this show, with music from the 1930s to the present
“Self Indulgence – It’s All about Me” – Barbara does her favorite songs, the ones she loves to sing the most, making for an evening of fun and surprises
“An Evening with the Stars” – Bo is at his finest, playing signature songs of some of the performers with whom he has worked, including Liberace, Barbra Streisand, and Elvis, and sharing some backstage stories to make you part of the entertainment world.
Bo Ayars Piano Bar
If you are looking for your “Cheers” bar, come to Arrivederci in Milwaukie on Tuesday nights (check our schedule) and you will have an evening of fun and music unlike any other in the Portland area. Bo holds forth as anywhere from 10-20 singers take the mic to entertain with their favorite songs. If you sing, bring your chart or sheet music, and join in the fun. If you don’t sing, come to support those who do, and feel the spirit that takes over your being. We guarantee you will be tapping your toes and humming along!
BBD3 - Barbara, Bo, and Dennis Caiazza
Playing the songs of our lives. Bo, Barbara, and Dennis Caiazza combine their years of experience performing to bring you the best in pop, jazz, Latin, and just plain great songs. We have so much fun on these evenings - won’t you join us1
3 Ladies & A Gent on Broadway
Bo and Barbara have put together a fabulous troupe of musical performers of the female persuasion (and a talented token male) for a night of delightful songs from the Great White Way. You will be treated to the stylings of Stephanie Torres-De Los Santos (Swizzle Chicks and numerous Portland stages), Nicolette Fisher (Utah Musical Theatre), and Dirk Foley (New Century Players), along with Barbara filling in space between these fabulous performers! You will hear Broadway classics, as well as show-stoppers from lesser-known gems, all leading to a stunning evening of musical characters, accompanied by Bo on piano, portraying a full orchestra.
New Orleans & Beyond - Traditional Jazz
Bo and Barbara join forces with members of the Milneburg Jazz Band to present favorites of the New Orleans/Dixieland Jazz Era. These songs are the foundation of jazz, and are delightful, lively tunes with uplifting messages, as well as poignant blues songs of the late 1800s – the 1920s. Your toes will be tapping to the beat, and you will be singing along to this wonderful, still relevant music.
Merry Christmas Memories
Barbara, Julie Hoodenpyl, and Dirk Foley, team up once more to bring you their favorite Christmas songs and memories in an evening of music and holiday cheer. Bo accompanies with his usual panache.