Groovy Music: Andrea Marcovicci makes me Smile (and laugh) in Chicago

Andrea Marcovicci is a funny lady. And if you go see her - and you definitely should - at Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret through this Sunday, she will make you laugh with her fabulous sense of humor. At the very least you will smile - which is exactly what this marvelous singer hopes to achieve with her new cabaret show called Smile. Ms. Marcovicci is on a mission here in Chicago to lift our spirits during these depressing pre-election times. And to do this, she has selected some of the happiest songs ever written to share with us.

From the first moment she steps on stage playing a ukulele while crooning the infectious tune, "It's Only a Paper Moon", Marcovicci has her audience right where she wants them - feeling good while listening to her lovely voice. And for the next 70 minutes it is impossible to remove the smile that has spread across your face - especially when you're being transported into a musical bliss by such songs as "Ain't We Got Fun?", "Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries", "Pick Yourself Up", "It Had to Be You", "You Make Me Feel So Young" and even The Beatles' "When I'm Sixty-Four".

Also - as I said before - you should be prepared to laugh because the lady certainly knows how to tell an amusing story. Whether she's showing a recent eBay purchase of a rather large teapot, singing the praises of Bed Bath & Beyond, or simply telling a funny joke by Agatha Christie, Marcovicci's wonderful wit will melt even the sternest of folk into a fit of giggles.

But it's the music that you will be humming on your way out the door. Accompanied on piano by her terrific musical director Shelly Markham and on bass by Jim Cox, Marcovicci will make you forget your troubles and get happy (although she doesn't sing that particular song). At one point during her show, she talks about Hildegarde, a popular cabaret singer from many years ago whom she describes as being "liquid sunshine". Well, I think here in 2012 another singer has inherited this charming personality trait - and she can be seen spreading "liquid sunshine" every night at Davenport's through July 22.

Andrea Marcovicci will be performing Smile tonight through Sunday at Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret (1383 N. Milwaukee Ave). For reservations, call (773) 278-1830 or go to www.davenportspianobar.com. The cover charge is $40 with a two-drink minimum. And to learn more about Marcovicci, go to www.andreamarcovicci.com, and you can read my 2010 Deeper Dish interview with her by clicking here. The above photo is by Daniel Reichert.