The Broadway at Birdland concert series was proud to present singer Natalie Douglas in another one of her “Tributes,” a monthly performance celebrating iconic singers. On Monday, November 25, Natalie honored the one and only Joni Mitchell with a spectacular evening of music.
Two cabaret nightclub singers walk into a bar... There's no joke, but there are a LOT of laughs with The Showbroads
Remember that song lyric “with Barons and Earls”……..Sophisticated, well heeled and well dressed New Yorkers came to the most elegant spot in New York City, The Pierre on Fifth Avenue last night as KT Sullivan brought Broadway and Cabaret to the iconic hotel's Two E Lounge. It was truly a royal audience in every way (check out the photos). They came to the 90 year hotel which was home to Elizabeth Taylor, hosted Rex Harrison and wife renewing their vows, and was where Yves St Laurent debuted his first US Collection, to hear arguably one of the finest artists in the world of Cabaret, KT Sullivan.
A treasure in gold, Broadway star Avery Sommers returns to New York with her one of a kind talent and amazing nightclub act.
Don't let Carole J. Bufford perform a concert in Central Park during a dry summer season. She might set the trees on fire. Most cabaret shows have their moments. When Carole is on stage it seems that every moment just leads to another moment of vocal excitement. Last night had many highs during the celebration of Carole's newest album, “Come Together” which features the music of the 60s and 70's. Yes, there were many high notes in this show, however one of the best lowest notes between Palm Beach and New York City happened when Carole asked her friend Sandy Fisher to join her on stage. Sandy, Producer, Legends Radio Host (Legends Ladder), and champion of Cabaret and the Great American Songbook was the party planner for this great night.
This is the 12th year Sullivan has held a celebration of artists born in a 20th century year, 100 years after their birth; many of the songs were originally composed by Ervin Drake, though the show also hosted tributes to Liberace, Nat King Cole, and Tennessee Ernie Ford.
Cabaret lovers will have many memories from the Mabel Mercer Foundation's 2019 New York Cabaret Convention. Attendees to all four of the presentations at Rose Theater will no doubt have their favorite music moments from the performances of the more than 75 cabaret artists. However, perhaps the most enduring remembrance will be the remarkable organizational abilities and intelligence of the foundations artistic director, it's face (and hat) of the convention… KT Sullivan. Just imagine how difficult it must be to satisfy the requirements of 75 singers, make their moment in the spotlight as successful as it can be, and cope with the egos that are a necessary part of every performers DNA. All the while fulfilling the sophisticated and knowledgeable audience's expectations of a great show. There were many highs and “almost highs” during the 12 hours of music, and that's what makes it so exciting. Every artist brings their own unique talent to the stage.
The third night of the Mabel Mercer Foundation's New York Cabaret Convention hosted by Judy Garland expert John Fricke and actor, singer, humorist Klea Blackhurst had many noteworthy performances during it's three hours last night at Rose Theater. However, the most touching and dramatic Judy Garland minute was not musical. It happened when Sidney Myer a New York City Cabaret superstar related a story from his youth. It seems that Sidney survived the stress of the 50's and 60's of being “different” in the all boy New Jersey Prep School he attended (which Sidney recalled was populated by boys who specialized in terrorism) by focusing on his love of music and his worship of Judy Garland. He described to a spellbound Convention audience of being brought to a Judy Garland concert by his parents, he had his sign “ We Love Judy” in hand and with thousands cheering her as she walked down the aisle in a twist of fate he accidentally came face to face with her. Judy shook his hand and he managed to get out a “thank you” even though he had rehearsed a speech for years if this kind of moment ever happened. . There wasn't a dry eye in the house after his story. The evening had many humorous and emotional moments as Emmy Award winning host John Fricke, who is considered the preeminent Judy Garland and Wizard of Oz authority related many stories about Garland. Klea Blackhurst is probably one of the most effective and beloved Convention hosts and she used her wit and music to make it as always one of the most enjoyable of Convention nights.
There was so much heart, love and entertainment on the stage of The Rose Theater last night, as The Cabaret Convention celebrated the legacy and the music of the legendary Judy Garland
Day two of the 2019 Mabel Mercer Foundation's 2019 New York Cabaret Convention filled Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center with a lot of Heart and Soul and the music of Frank Loesser last night. The Convention audience was immersed with the music of one of the greatest Broadway songwriters as one by one 23 renowned Cabaret artists performed Frank Loesser hits. The one and only Marilyn Maye brought the evening to a stunning conclusion with her rendition of Joey, Joey and her exciting 3/4 time version of Luck Be A Lady Tonight all arranged and played by the remarkable pianist Tedd Firth.
It was a spectacular start to the four night 2019 Cabaret Convention at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater Last night.
It was a grand night for singing or for dressing as your favorite song, at SINGNASIUM'S Fall Fun(d) Raiser! Singnasium Artistic Director and CEO, Lennie Watts and Board President Kim Grogg started the festivities, and music flowed like hot apple cider. There were no tricks, but A LOT of treats with performances by Rachel Hanser, Jim Speake, Heather Villaescusa, Carmen Cancel, Brad Simmons, Kristine Zbornik, KT Sullivan. Cissy Walken joined in as our glamorous auctioneer.
If a visitor from another planet landed here and asked the question “What is Cabaret?” an easy explanation would be to send him/her to attend a performance by KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar, wether it be solo or jointly. They didn't invent the art form but KT and Jeff's artistry and show construction ranks as one of the finest examples of Cabaret.
Bagels and Broadway a?" the radio show and podcast hosted by 5x Billboard Award winning media personality, Valerie Smaldone a?" brings entertainment notables, from Tony winners to hot newbies to audiences all over the planet, via radio or the world-wide web every Saturday at 9:05am. Valerie has another stellar lineup planned for Saturday, Oct. 19th. Audiences can tune in on radio at AM970, or by logging on to: http://www.am970TheAnswer.com.
In a combined triumph for the Classic Popular Songbook, its purveyors and adherents, and the professionalism and perseverance of THE MABEL MERCER FOUNDATION, the unique organization presents its 30th Annual New York Cabaret Convention at The Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center, beginning Monday, October 28th and running through Thursday, October 31st. The four individual concerts will be offered at 6:00 PM each evening, and more than seventy-five vocalists and musicians are scheduled to perform. Tickets are now on sale at the Jazz at Lincoln Center box office and www.jazz.org.
On Friday, November 1, the venue will welcome the star for an intimate and elegant evening spotlighting Christian's vivid theatrical life in London and New York. His autobiographical performance features songs by Noel Coward, Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, Paul McCartney, Sting, Annie Lennox, and Al Green. These are interwoven with personal and surprising anecdotes and stories that illuminate the musical material. Christian was a star dancer with The Joffrey Ballet in New York in the 60s and 70s. He has choreographed and designed costumes for ballet companies across the US and Europe, as well as designing stage wardrobe for Ann Reinking and Tina Turner.
Actor-Singer-Director, Eric Michael Gillett, has joined the cast of Michael Colby and Paul Katz's Slay It With Music In Concert a?" to benefit International Rescue Committee. The original musical, acclaimed in both London and off-Broadway, is an ode to Grande Dame Guignol, the genre of 1960s horror movies in which stars like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford made screen comebacks, in the tradition of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, Sunset Boulevard, and Psycho. It's a perfect way to cap off Halloween weekend, promising laughs, thrills and chills. The show is Saturday, November 2nd at 7 pm at The Green Room 42, on the 4th Floor of YOTEL at 42nd Street and 10th Avenue. The concert version features an all-star cast, directed by Charles Repole with musical direction by Phil Reno. Tickets range between $22.50 and $62.50, and are available now online at: https://tinyurl.com/yyyo4vhn. There is no minimum required at GR42.
There are many high profile and exciting items auctioned off at prestigious Galas. You can have lunch with Warren Buffett or other famous luminaries. You can replace Maestro Steven Reineke on the podium at Carnegie Hall and conduct The New York Pops Orchestra for a few minutes or win this writer to play piano at your private party if you bid high enough at the Pops Gala. Last night at the historic Lotos Club in New York City one of the most prestigious classical music organizations in the country had a dinner and the winning bidder at The Stecher Horowitz 60th Anniversary Gala last April and invited guests were entertained by the prize.
No, it wasn't an accident the first time around in July. Just as Broadway (Chicago) has recognized her abilities and consistency of excellence so have Haley Swindal's audience's. The only difference in her performance last night was that that black is the new red and Feinstein's/54 Below had another Stephen (Sondheim) in the audience. Here's my review of Haley's July show which was corroborated last night.
Beloved cabaret duo KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar bring their special brand of magic to The Laurie Beechman Theatre with their Sheldon Harnick/Charles Strouse show and the full house on opening night ate it up. And then some.
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