Gregory Toroian News

The month of December has always been an emotional time of the year, especially for our military families; a period to deeply reflect on family and country. Over the past few months in New York cabaret, a few performers have offered up musical testimony on wars, patriotism, and US military veterans. Recently, two singers fairly new to the cabaret scene--Anna Marie Sell and Kim Sutton--staged shows saluting the brave men and women who serve our country now and in the past.

Every year, despite a litany of warnings they come to the Big Apple with big dreams. Warnings like: “You have to pay your dues.” “It's a tough business, kid.” “How are you going to survive?” There's no such thing as an overnight success, yet still they come to be at “the top of the heap,” as Kander and Ebb so eloquently put it. The four young performers featured here haven't yet vaulted to the top of the cabaret heap, but they've certainly made their marks with excellent shows during 2014, while exhibiting the potential to get there. The spotlight is already shining on Chrysten Peddie, Angela Dirksen, Rembert Block, and Kristoffer Lowe.

Sue Matsuki is a 10-time MAC Award Nominee and 3-time Winner (in 6 different categories); the very first (2004) recipient of the Julie Wilson Award given by the Mabel Mercer Foundation (chosen by Julie herself) and a 20 year Cabaret/Jazz singing veteran who has played every NYC Cabaret room including Feinstein's at the Regency and several of the major Jazz Clubs including the legendary Village Gate, Birdland, The Iridium and Sweet Rhythm. Sue has performed all across the U.S. from Alaska to Las Vegas to Maine! Sue is also a writer, reviewer, producer, teacher, coach, comedian, host and an award-winning songwriter.

Sue Matsuki is a 10-time MAC Award Nominee and 3-time Winner (in 6 different categories); the very first (2004) recipient of the Julie Wilson Award given by the Mabel Mercer Foundation (chosen by Julie herself) and a 20 year Cabaret/Jazz singing veteran who has played every NYC Cabaret room including Feinstein's at the Regency and several of the major Jazz Clubs including the legendary Village Gate, Birdland, The Iridium and Sweet Rhythm. Sue has performed all across the U.S. from Alaska to Las Vegas to Maine! Sue is also a writer, reviewer, producer, teacher, coach, comedian, host and an award-winning songwriter.

New York City native Lionel Shockness appears tonight, July 20th for an evening of songs at legendary piano bar and restaurant Don't Tell Mama (on Restaurant Row) in Manhattan.

New York City native Lionel Shockness will appear Friday, July 20th for an evening of songs at legendary piano bar and restaurant Don't Tell Mama (on Restaurant Row) in Manhattan.

New York City native Lionel Shockness invites you to gather tonight, May 20th & May 30th for "Here's To Life!" - an afternoon and evening of songs celebrating life and every joy it brings at legendary piano bar / restaurant Don't Tell Mama (on Restaurant Row) in Manhattan.

New York City native Lionel Shockness invites you to gather on May 20th & May 30th for "Here's To Life!" - an afternoon and evening of songs celebrating life and every joy it brings at legendary piano bar / restaurant Don't Tell Mama (on Restaurant Row) in Manhattan.

April at The Metropolitan Room

April at The Metropolitan Room

It is with great pleasure that The West Bank Café announces upcoming performances to be presented in The Laurie Beechman Theatre. The West Bank Café is located at 407 West 42nd. St., at Ninth Avenue. For reservations, please call 212.695.6909.

It is with great pleasure that The West Bank Café announces upcoming performances to be presented in The Laurie Beechman Theatre. The West Bank Café is located at 407 West 42nd. St., at Ninth Avenue. For reservations, please call 212.695.6909.

It is with great pleasure that The West Bank Café announces upcoming performances to be presented in The Laurie Beechman Theatre. The West Bank Café is located at 407 West 42nd. St., at Ninth Avenue. For reservations, please call 212.695.6909.

It is with great pleasure that The West Bank Café announces upcoming performances to be presented in The Laurie Beechman Theatre. The West Bank Café is located at 407 West 42nd. St., at Ninth Avenue. For reservations, please call 212.695.6909.

The Laurie Beechman Theatre will present 'Jimmy Gleason: Actor Under Fire' beginning on Monday, April 5th. The show will be presented on concurrent Mondays, following again on April 12th.

It is with great pleasure that The West Bank Café announces upcoming performances to be presented in The Laurie Beechman Theatre. The West Bank Café is located at 407 West 42nd. St., at Ninth Avenue. For reservations, please call 212.695.6909.

It is with great pleasure that The West Bank Café announces upcoming performances to be presented in The Laurie Beechman Theatre. The West Bank Café is located at 407 West 42nd. St., at Ninth Avenue. For reservations, please call 212.695.6909.

It is with great pleasure that The West Bank Café announces upcoming performances to be presented in The Laurie Beechman Theatre. The West Bank Café is located at 407 West 42nd. St., at Ninth Avenue. For reservations, please call 212.695.6909.

Jenna gives a rundown of where she's been and what's coming up in the world of cabaret (and sometimes beyond!) This week's column features Sue Matsuki at Feinstein's at Loews Regency, MetroJam at The Metropolitan Room, and a look at the week ahead.

The Laurie Beechman Theatre, located within The West Bank Café, is pleased to announce upcoming performances in January, including performances by Carey Anderson, Donna Lynne Champlin, Michele Dowdy, Joan Treacy Egan, Karen Finely, Judy Gold, Steven Lutvak, Liz McCartney, Laura Osnes & Joan Rivers.