20th Annual MAC Awards to be Presented on April 17; Nominees Announced March 14

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs 20th Annual Awards Show, will be held on Monday, April 17th at 7:30 PM at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center at Borough of Manhattan Community College (199 Chambers St., between Greenwich & West Streets).

The show will feature performances by an outstanding array of talent. The 2006 MAC Awards nominees will be announced on Tuesday, March 14th at 1 PM at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center (Broadway & 60th St.).

"MAC was originally formed to heighten awareness of the art of cabaret and galvanize NYC's nightclubs. It has evolved to encompass cabaret, jazz and comedy as well. Its diverse membership is made up of performers, technical professionals, nightclubs and those people who love and support the live performance arts. MAC's mission is to advance the art and business of live entertainment. The MAC Events Calendar features MAC Nights Out, industry-related Seminars and the MAC/ASCAP Songwriter Showcases. At the Awards Show, MAC honors outstanding work done in a given year in the fields of cabaret, jazz and comedy, as well as bestows Lifetime Achievement and Board of Directors Awards. Past winners include Liza Minnelli, Keely Smith, Sylvia Simms, Joan Rivers, Stiller & Meara, Cy Coleman, The Manhattan Transfer, Kenny Barron and Bucky Pizzarelli among other," according to press notes.

Donald Smith, founder of the Mabel Mercer Foundation and producer of the well-known Cabaret Convention Series which takes place in cities across the country and abroad, and jazz legend Sheila Jordan will receive 2006 MAC Lifetime Achievement Awards. Phoebe Snow, who will receive a Board of Directors Award for her outstanding career, and Ben Taylor, an exciting young songwriter, are just two of the performers scheduled to entertain during the evening. Lee Roy Reams, Karen Mason, Carol Hall and Rocky Carroll are also scheduled to appear at the 20th Annual MAC Awards as it celebrates its rich history, its vibrant present and its exciting future.

Tickets are $45, $75, $125 and $160 for prime orchestra seats. Tickets for the post-Awards party at Charrascuria Tribeca, 221 W. Broadway (btw Franklin & White Sts.) are $50 in advance and $55 at the door and include full Brazilian dinner, soft drinks and live music.

For party tickets and additional information about MAC, call (212) 465 2662 or go to www.macnyc.com.