Rick Meadows News

The annual New York City Cabaret Convention -- conceived, launched, and brilliantly sustained for the past 23 seasons by The Mabel Mercer Foundation --has honored many specific people and events across the past two decades. Legendary performers, composers, lyricists, and their anniversaries have all had their day and their due as the Convention grew in visibility, stature, and acclaim.

The annual New York City Cabaret Convention -- conceived, launched, and brilliantly sustained for the past 23 seasons by The Mabel Mercer Foundation --has honored many specific people and events across the past two decades. Legendary performers, composers, lyricists, and their anniversaries have all had their day and their due as the Convention grew in visibility, stature, and acclaim.

New York's cabaret community just came together to celebrate the legacy of its late great impresario Donald F. Smith in a free public concert. Donald F. Smith, Executive Director and Founder of The Mabel Mercer Foundation, passed away in March, 2012. He created the New York Cabaret Convention 27 years ago. For many years it was held at Town Hall, a building he was instrumental in preserving as a New York City landmark.

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, October 20, 21, 22, The Mabel Mercer Foundation presented its 22nd annual Cabaret Convention at The Rose Theater, Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center. More than forty exemplary vocalists and musicians appeared in three diverse programs. heck out photos from the event below!

Donald Smith greeted all the performers as they were about to set upon the stage at the Cabaret Convention last night, but unfortunately it had to be with a letter from him posted backstage at Lincoln Center. Mr. Smith is still in rehab after surgery (back soon) and this was the first time the Mabel Mercer Foundation's founder was not able to be among the assemblage of cabaret fans and marvelous performers that make this three day event the highlight of the 'cabaret year' However, Mr. Smith's touch was apparent by the quality of the artists chosen to appear in this years convention. Rick Meadows, Director and Production Stage Manager of the show started the evening off with some wonderful words from Donald, and then introduced Andrea Marcovicci to pinch hit for Mr. Smith.

The on stage premiere of NEWSIES just opened last night, September 25, at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey, and BroadwayWorld was there for the big event! Check out photos from the after party below!

It started with the booming ebullient voice of pianist/music director Mark Hummel announcing AMRA FAYE WRIGHT. Then the sophisticated and glamorous Feinstein's audience (Christie Brinkley, Linda Carter and Tommy Tune among others) were captivated by this vivacious, gorgeous, talented Broadway & West End Star. Her show 'Sittin on Top of the World' is an elegant evening of wit, glamour and wonderful interpretations of The Great American Songbook, and takes you on a journey from Amra's native South Africa to her current Broadway gig playing Velma Kelly in the musical Chicago. Mark Hummel's arrangements and pianistic ability created the perfect match for Amra's vocal artistry and well known bassist Dave Fink and Heinrich Kruse on drums added to the high caliber musical evening.