Holly Near News

Downstairs Cabaret has announced its productions for December and January!

Singer, songwriter, and social activist Holly Near has been performing for well over 50 years and in the process created what Gloria Steinem called, 'the first soundtrack of the women's movement.' From small-town Northern California to sold-out shows on some of the most iconic stages to million-person peace marches, HOLLY NEAR: SINGING FOR OUR LIVES documents the story of the activist and her art. Soaring anthems that call for women's rights, gay rights, anti-war protests and all human rights, Near's music speaks directly to the world's young political activists of today. It also serves as an important testament to a time-a time of protest and coalition building, and the weaving of a multicultural consciousness always rooted in contemporary activism.

Literary cabaret House of Speakeasy is back at Joe's Pub with Nina Burleigh, James Geary, Maggie Paxson & Monique Truong, while This Alien Nation, a celebration of immigrant stories, returns with Julio Torres, Mohammad Ewaz, Seuketu Mehta and Fariha Róisín.

As an activist, writer, singer, and songwriter, Michael Callen played a major role in shaping America's response to the AIDS epidemic. On November 11th, Veteran's Day, a stellar cast of singers and musicians breathes new life into Michael's music at PURPLE HEART: The Music of Michael Callen. The event will be held at the iconic Joe's Pub at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street. Doors open at 6pm, show at 7pm. Tickets start at $40, sponsorships at $250.

Five of the most brilliant stars of the singer-songwriter movement of the past three decades reunite on the SOPAC stage on Friday, November 8 at 8 p.m. as part of the national tour of On A Winter's Night a?" 25th Anniversary, a concert celebrating the 1994 release of the now-classic CD.

There are few singer-songwriters who have it all - brilliant lyrics, superb melodies and harmonies, killer performance chops, sophistication, humor, theatricality, insight into the human condition and an abundance of heart. Luckily for us, two of them happen to be longtime pals who have even written songs together. But they have never shared the stage for an evening of story and song…until now!

An outspoken political activist and singer-songwriter, Holly Near's music and life story illustrate how song can have the power to send a clarion call and influence the course of social justice a?" from the lesbian and women's movements to anti-war efforts and the fight to give South American women a voice. American Masters a?" Holly Near: Singing for Our Lives explores how the activist-artist provided an inspiring soundtrack to nearly a half-century of global and local struggles for equality and change. Directed by four-time Emmy Award-winner Jim Brown (American Masters a?" The Highwaymen: Friends Til The End, American Masters a?" Pete Seeger: The Power of Song), the documentary premieres nationwide Friday, March 1 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings) in honor of Women's History Month and will be available to stream the following day via pbs.org/americanmasters and PBS apps.

An outspoken political activist and singer-songwriter, Holly Near's music and life story illustrate how song can have the power to send a clarion call and influence the course of social justice - from the lesbian and women's movements to anti-war efforts and the fight to give South American women a voice. American Masters - Holly Near: Singing for Our Lives explores how the activist-artist provided an inspiring soundtrack to nearly a half-century of global and local struggles for equality and change. Directed by four-time Emmy Award-winner Jim Brown (American Masters - The Highwaymen: Friends Til The End, American Masters - Pete Seeger: The Power of Song), the documentary premieres nationwide Friday, March 1 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings) in honor of Women's History Month and will be available to stream the following day via pbs.org/americanmasters and PBS apps.

Cabaret legends KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar's captivating revival of REMEMBER: SONGS OF THE HOLIDAYS is a great way to kick off the holiday season. We chatted with the dynamic duo after their first show at the Laurie Beechman Theatre!

PBS today announced its Winter-Spring 2019 primetime schedule, featuring a season brimming with new drama, music, arts, history, science, nature and more, as well as returning seasons of favorite series.

Carol de Giere's revised and updated second edition to her earlier biography, 'DEFYING GRAVITY: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz,' was a necessary Act II, since, as we all know, Schwartz's star has only continued to rise since 2008. It's a wonderful addition with brand new behind-the-scene insights on his latest projects. As her webpage states, 'This new edition features a Foreword by Alan Menken and four new chapters covering Schwartz's more recent projects like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Prince of Egypt, and Wicked after Broadway. DEFYING GRAVITY Second Edition includes additional 'Creativity Notes' with comments from Schwartz about overcoming creative blocks, collaboration, and the artistic life.' A stunning 512 pages (with photographs and handwritten notes), de Giere's book is a thoroughly fascinating read as well as something of a musical theatre master class in written form -- one that has been lovingly lensed through the life and creativity of Stephen Schwartz.

Ars Nova, "one of the most adventurous Off-Broadway companies" (New York Times), under the leadership of Founding Artistic Director Jason Eagan and Managing Director Renee Blinkwolt, will host Over/Under Unplugged, a free concert series following select Friday evening performances of Andrew R. Butler's Rags Parkland Sings the Songs of The Future. Concerts will feature performers from The Future and special guests performing unplugged and up close. They'll #playforchange with any donations dropped in their bucket going to select charities including the National Network of Abortion Funds, The Trevor Project, and The National Eating Disorders Association.

Following a productive summer touring schedule which included an appearance at Sister Singers Festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan, multiple community performances in and around greater San Diego, and a standing room only, sold out Pride concert, the San Diego Women's Chorus (SDWC) begins its 2018/2019 singing season this month. Interested community members are invited to learn more about participation at the group's Fall 2018 New Member Orientation and Informational Session on Sunday August 19th from 4-7pm at the SDWC rehearsal space at Mission Hills United Church of Christ, located at 4070 Jackdaw Street, San Diego, CA 92103.

Next Door at NYTW presents the World Premiere of DINNER WITH GEORGETTE by Obie Award winner Rick Burkhardt (Three Pianos), directed by Ellie Heyman.

The San Diego Women's Chorus (SDWC), one of San Diego's premier all-female vocal ensembles, announces its spring production entitled "Voices: Stronger than Silence. Louder Than Hate." This exciting and timely concert is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 4:00 PM, at The Performing Arts Center at Lincoln High School in San Diego, California.

Multi-Grammy nominee, Maria Muldaur, best known for her '74  mega pop hit, Midnight at the Oasis, has recorded  40 solo albums covering all kinds of American Roots Music, including Jazz and Big Band, Blues, Gospel, R&B and 'Bluesiana.' For this performance she'll be performing her special show Jazzabelle …An evening of Vintage Classic Jazz, & Naughty Bawdy Blues.

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (SFGMC)-under the leadership of Dr. Timothy Seelig, Artistic Director andChristopher Verdugo, Executive Director-continues Season 40: Unstoppable withBridges, a one-night-only homecoming concert centered around music's ability to move hearts and minds and catalyze momentous change. Presented by the John C. Kish Foundation, Bridges will take place at Davies Symphony Hall (201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco) on Thursday, March 29 at 8 p.m.

This fall, the talent performing at New Hope's RRazz Room at The Clarion is a diverse mix of world class artists. From legendary mentalist The Amazing Kreskin,to the comedy of Judy Gold, Jackie 'The Joke Man' Martling, Jessica Kirson & Jennie McNulty, 2-Time TONY Award Nominated & American Idol Finalist Constantine Maroulis, TV's Carson Kressley along with Dance Music Artist Kristine W, Philadelphia Resident & Salsoul Records Multi Platinum Recording Aritst Denise Montana (Merry Christmas All), show business royalty Marty Allen (Celebrating His 96th Birthday), there is something for all tastes at the intimate and comfortable Rrazz Room located withing the newly renovated Clarion Hotel & Suites in New Hope. There is nothing quite like the connection between the performers and their audience in a cabaret setting. It is an opportunity to see your favorite artists up close and personal.

This fall, the talent performing at New Hope's RRazz Room at The Clarion is a diverse mix of world class artists. From legendary mentalist The Amazing Kreskin,to the comedy of Judy Gold, Jackie 'The Joke Man' Martling, Jessica Kirson & Jennie McNulty, 2-Time TONY Award Nominated & American Idol Finalist Constantine Maroulis, TV's Carson Kressley along with Dance Music Artist Kristine W, Philadelphia Resident & Salsoul Records Multi Platinum Recording Aritst Denise Montana (Merry Christmas All), show business royalty Marty Allen (Celebrating His 96th Birthday), there is something for all tastes at the intimate and comfortable Rrazz Room located withing the newly renovated Clarion Hotel & Suites in New Hope. There is nothing quite like the connection between the performers and their audience in a cabaret setting. It is an opportunity to see your favorite artists up close and personal.

As a centerpiece of its 25th anniversary season, HERE (Kristin Marting, Artistic Director and Kim Whitener, Producing Director) will present the world premiere commission of Thomas Paine in Violence by 2016-17 HERE resident artist Paul Pinto (thingNY, Varispeed, Robert Ashley) and directed by Obie-winner Rick Burkhardt (Here Be Sirens, Three Pianos, Nonsense Company).