Don Kelly News

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has announced the 2020 MAC Award nominees. The nominees were determined by votes cast by the active MAC membership, except for the four song and recording categories, which were determined by special committees.

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW presents Broadway sensation Avery Sommers (Ain't Misbehavin', Showboat, Chicago, Platinum) with her hit show, For Sentimental Reasons.

Avery Sommers will make her debut at Feinstein's/54 Below in New York City on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 9:30 PM with her acclaimed show, For Sentimental Reasons. One of the most versatile performers, who can sing anything from blues and gospel to musical theater and standards, Avery brings to the stage a blend of it all plus some very personal stories and highlights from her successful career including Broadway, cabaret performances, and appearances at major venues like Carnegie Hall.

Last night “Those Girls” celebrated Karen Mack's birthday at The Laurie Beechman with special guests Susie Mosher and Leslie Carrara-Rudolph who brought Lolly Lardpop and a special birthday message for Karen.

Let's be frank. A lot of us in the Coachella Valley remember the music of the 60's very, very well. Just the first few notes of familiar songs can ignite memories of young love, a memorable party, long ago friendships or a school dance. Indio's Desert Theatreworks is currently presenting Beehive: The 60's Musical, and as wonderful as the presentation on stage was, I was delighted to look around at the audience. Faces seemed to literally light up as various songs started, friends and couples nudged each other as they recognized each iconic song, and smiles abounded everywhere.

One of the most enjoyable treats of this holiday season is the Desert Theatreworks (DTW) production of Mary Poppins, wrapping up its successful run this weekend. As Mary herself would say, it's practically perfect in every way

Feinstein's/54 Below presents Broadway sensation Avery Sommers (Ain't Misbehavin', Showboat, Chicago, Platinum) with her hit show, For Sentimental Reasons. One of the most versatile performers, who can sing anything from blues and gospel to musical theater and standards, Avery brings to the stage a blend of it all plus some very personal stories and highlights from her successful career including Broadway, cabaret performances, and appearances at major venues like Carnegie Hall. You might also want to warm up your vocal chords and be prepared to sing along with Avery as she makes her way from The Great White Way to the Great American Songbook and even ventures into the music of the 60s and 70s. This is one show you don't want to miss!

NYC singer/comedian John Burns will made his solo debut at celebrated Don't Tell Mama cabaret with a performance of his popular show John Burns is a Sexy Beast, first presented for three sold-out dates during WorldPride & Stonewall 50 this past June at The Duplex. Directed by 15-time MAC award-winner Lennie Watts.

THOSE GIRLS Sing The Boys (Vol. 1) pays tribute to the men who write and sing the songs, but it also pays tribute to the girl groups and to the strength of women working together.

Last night New York's consummate cabaret and musical theater Powerhouse- Marta Sanders teamed up with larger than life comedic Chanteuse Leanne Borghesi in 'SHOWBROADS' a bawdy new nightclub act at Birdland Jazz Club. Sanders and Borghesi's dynamic vocals, comedic chops and brassy belts are reminiscent of the historic Vaudeville/Burlesque circuit. Two brassy belters and one hot band these 'SHOWBROADS' are doin' it the Broad's way for one night only in a raucous 75- minute nightclub duet... where tempers will flare and feathers will fly! Directed by Nicolas Minas, Dramaturgy by Nathan Cann, Musical Direction by Dana P. Rowe with Don Kelly on drums, Jim Piela on sax/clarinet/flute, Jamie Mohamdien on bass.

Two cabaret nightclub singers walk into a bar... There's no joke, but there are a LOT of laughs with The Showbroads

A treasure in gold, Broadway star Avery Sommers returns to New York with her one of a kind talent and amazing nightclub act.

Birdland Jazz Club has announced its upcoming schedule for the week of November 11. Acts include The Django Reinhardt Festival 20th Anniversary, Joe Alterman Trio, Christina Crawford's 'Mommie Dearest: The Musical' In Concert, and more!

Lynda Rodolitz brings a?oeAnimal Magnetism,a?? back to Don't Tell Mama in November.

Lynda Rodolitz, the 2018 winner of Mama's Next BIG Act, will reprise her show Animal Magnetismat Don't Tell Mama on Wednesday, November 6at 7 PM and Sunday, November 10 at 4 PM.

New York's consummate cabaret and musical theater Powerhouse- MARTA SANDERS teams up with larger than life comedic Chanteuse LEANNE BORGHESI in a?oeSHOWBROADSa?? a bawdy new nightclub act at Birdland Jazz Club, Sunday November 17th, 5:30pm. Sanders and Borghesi's dynamic vocals, comedic chops and brassy belts are reminiscent of the historic Vaudeville/Burlesque circuit. Two brassy belters and one hot band these a?oeSHOWBROADSa?? are doin' it the Broad's way for one night only in a raucous 75- minute nightclub dueta?? where tempers will flare and feathers will fly! Directed by Nicolas Minas, Dramaturgy by Nathan Cann, Musical Direction by Dana P. Rowe with Don Kelly on drums, Jim Piela on sax/clarinet/flute, Jamie Mohamdien on bass.

Much to my very pleasant surprise, Mr. Mosher delivered one of the most entertaining and delightful evenings that I've had the pleasure of seeing in that space since the days of Nancy LaMott.

The 2017 winner of Mama's Next Big Act, Heather Villaescusa, is bringing her show, The Happiness Project-A 10 Week Guide, back to NYC's Don't Tell Mama, exactly one year to the date of her opening, on Sunday, March 3 at 6:00pm. The singer returns with her long-time director Lennie Watts and musical director Steven Ray Watkins through a 10-week journey trying to find happiness in the insanity of being a mother, holding down a full-time job, being in a contest and ninja fighting those gremlins in the brain. Heather Villasescusa is an award contender for the 2019 Mac Award for Female Vocalist.

Lynda Rodolitz, the 2018 winner of Mama's next BIG Act, will present her new show 'Animal Magnetism' at Don't Tell Mama on February 10, 13, 24 and 27. When she grew frustrated with the dating advice she was getting from her human friends, Lynda turned to the animal kingdom to see what could be learned from them about lasting happy relationships. There'll be fascinating facts, great songs and lots of laughs along the way.

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has announced the 2019 MAC Award nominees. The nominees, in a majority of the categories, were determined by votes cast by the active MAC membership. Special committees selected the nominees in the Ensemble Instrumentalist, Piano Bar Instrumentalist, Piano Bar Singing Entertainer (Female; Male), Recording (LaMott Friedman), Major Recording, Song and Comedy/Novelty Song categories.