Billy and Christie's Kid Shows Off Good Genes

Alexa Ray Joel performed her second show last night at The Cutting Room, and she garnered a sold-out room that included an eclectic group of well-known faces. Her mom, Christie Brinkley, came with best friend Jill Rappaport of the "Today" show. Cyndi Lauper, just back from promoting her hit album, "The Body Acoustic," brought her manager Lisa Barbaris and some friends.

Yours truly sat with up-and-coming singer Jessica Domain, wedged in between Christie and music veteran Jeff Schock. That’s when someone asked, “Isn’t that Gilbert Gottfried?” And of course, it was. To make things stranger, at the show preceding Alexa’s, the legendary actress Celeste Holm not only appeared, but sang from the stage.

Alexa Ray is 20, and she has her father’s DNA written into her fingers. She is already a pro on keyboards, and has a keen sense of melody. Her voice was distorted by an iffy sound system. But when she hit bluesier songs, all self-written, Alexa was channeling not so much Billy as a young Carole King circa 1970. Lots of record industry types shoved their way into the crowded room last night, all hoping to find a new star. The good news is, she’s here. She just needs a little time to perfect her craft in front of a less anxious and supportive audience.