Karen Akers to be Honored with Anselmo Award, May 7

The Singers Forum Foundation's 11th annual Andy Anselmo Achievement Awards, which honor "excellence in the performing arts," will be presented on Monday, May 7, 2007 at The Theatre of the Lighthouse International in New York. Among the honorees this year is concert and cabaret performer Karen Akers, star of Broadway's Grand Hotel and Nine, who will receive this year's Lifetime Achievement Award. The award directly follows Ms. Akers' acclaimed return to the Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel with her new show, Simply Styne.

Previous winners of the Andy Andelmo Lifetime Acheivement Award include Carol Channing, Tovah Feldshuh, and Mandy Patinkin.

The show is directed by Eric Michael Gillett with music direction by Singers Forum Artistic Director, Don Rebic. The gala will feature performances by, The Phillip A. Campanella Youth Scholarship Chorus, 2007 Achievement Award winners Stephanie Baldwin and Alexia Tate, as well as Andy Anselmo, himself. Presenters include Broadway and cabaret performer KT Sullivan and Back Stage Editor-at-Large Sherry Eaker, and confirmed guests include cabaret legend Julie Wilson, Broadway's Terri Klausner, and famed movie musicals voice Marni Nixon.

Ticket prices range from $250-$1000.  For tickets and information about the event, call (212) 366-0541, ext. 211.