Laurie Krauz News

Last December, after I posted my list of the Best Cabaret Performers of 2012, I followed up my original 'listmania' with a column that served as a way to include some 'honorable mentions,' basically a recognition of other memorable shows and performances of songs that were striking, unique, and/or original that year. The column received a positive response so I thought I'd wheel it out again this year. So as the hours tick away on 2013 and we anticipate the coming of a new year, here is an addendum to the 2013 New York Cabaret Performers of the Year--a totally random list of 30 Honorable Mentions of the 'Best' and 'Most' in Cabaret for 2013 . . . mainly because I can and it's fun. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

Last night, December 19, Town Hall overflowed with the musical joys of the season when three extraordinary talents, Leslie Uggams, Marilyn Maye and Christine Andreas took the stage for Holiday Belles. These award-winning singers brought their unique and diverse talents to the celebration, performing songs from the musical theater and the American Songbook, as well as holiday favorites. The concert, conceived and directed by Michael Bush, featured each singer performing her own individual set, and then brought them together for a very merry finale of holiday melodies. Check out photos from the concert below!

Urban Stages, in association with producer/director/lyricist Peter Napolitano have announced additions to WINTER RHYTHMS 2013 performer line-up now running throughSunday, December 15, 2013 at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). Tickets are $30 per show (unless otherwise noted).Tickets may be purchased on www.smarttix.com or 212 868-4444.

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director), in association with producer/director/lyricist Peter Napolitano announces a series of musical evenings entitled WINTER RHYTHMS 2013, beginning on Tuesday, December 3 and running through Sunday, December 15, 2013 at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). Tickets are $30 per show (unless otherwise noted).Tickets may be purchased on www.smarttix.com or 212 868-4444.

One of the biggest downers perpetrated by American culture is the characterization of Labor Day weekend as the 'unofficial end of summer.' But given what has passed for cabaret entertainment-at least the shows I was able to attend--since the 'unofficial start of summer' on Memorial Day weekend, the end of summer can't come soon enough. But my dismay over the hours lost watching average shows this season was tempered a bit by the pride and joy I felt watching the June performances of three strikingly attractive and talented 30ish brunettes with powerhouse voices-- Jackie Kristel, Karen Gross and Jodi Beck, who all staged entertaining shows as spring was turning to summer.

The Major League Baseball All-Star break (the game is on Tuesday night) has always been considered the midpoint of the season and as a lifelong fan I've always enjoyed reading those analyses from writers that assess the best performances of the first half. Since July is also the middle of the calendar year, I thought it might be fun to present a cabaret equivalent of a baseball midseason report. So . . . (drum roll) . . . presenting the Best (and My Favorite) 20 New York Cabaret Shows and Performances of (the first half) of 2013.

Stephen Hanks, BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret columnist and reviewer, has produced and will host Stephen's Angels, a cabaret variety show presented by ScoBar Entertainment and slated for the Iridium Jazz Club tonight, May 14 at 10pm. Stephen's Angels will introduce audiences to six 'smart, sassy, sexy young women, whose singing is sublime.' Five of the six ladies are currently preparing summer or fall cabaret shows for the Metropolitan Room, and one will be launching a CD release show at the Laurie Beechman Theater in June.

Stephen Hanks, BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret Columnist has produced and will host Stephen's Angels, a cabaret variety show presented by ScoBar Entertainment and slated for the Iridium Jazz Club on May 14 at 10pm. Stephen's Angels will introduce audiences to six 'smart, sassy, sexy young women, whose singing is sublime.' Five of the six ladies are currently preparing summer or fall cabaret shows for the Metropolitan Room, and one will be launching a CD release show at the Laurie Beechman Theater in June.

It's April 1st. Do you know when your Spring is coming? During another longggggg New York winter, the good news is that there were a ton of warming cabaret shows. The bad news is that there were so many, even during this seemingly endless winter our intrepid reviewer Stephen Hanks didn't have enough time to review them all right after the performances. So in what is becoming a seasonal ritual, here he offers yet another compilation of 13 'catch-up' cabaret show reviews.

On Thursday night the Metropolitan Room let the cabaret world know that one of New York's most esteemed music rooms is primed to get better.

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 Kathleen France at the Metropolitan Room, Rob Langeder 'Undead in Hell's Kitchen' and more!

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 John Proulx 'After Hours' at Feinstein's at Loews Regency, Liz Callaway, Raissa Katona Bennett, and more!

The Tudor City Greens FREE outdoor concert series resumes on Wednesday, June 10th at 12:00PM. (Rain date: Thursday, June 10 @ 12 Noon). There will be two sets performed at 12 noon and 1PM. This event - themed 'Jazzy June' - will feature jazz-centric performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret scene.

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs celebrated the 23rd Annual MAC Awards on Monday, May 18th at 7:30pm at B.B. King Blues Club (237 West 42nd St, Between Broadway 8th Avenue).

As previously announced, The Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs will celebrate the 23rd Annual MAC Awards on Monday, May 18th at 7:30pm at B.B. King Blues Club (237 West 42nd St, Between Broadway 8th Avenue). This year's performers/presenters include Polly Bergen (Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award), Klea Blackhurst, Tyne Daly, Karen Mason, Marilyn Maye, John McDaniel, Rex Reed, Steve Ross, and Julie Wilson among others.

Jenna gives a rundown of where she's been and who she's seen in the world of cabaret in the past week. The past week's events include the Bistro Awards at Gotham Comedy Club and a fabulous Cast Party at Birdland!

The nominees for the 23rd Annual MAC Awards have been announced, honoring excellence in New York City cabaret, comedy and jazz.

Complete listing of the 2009 MAC Award Nominees and Special Award recipients.

Back Stage Magazine has announced the winners of its Back Stage Bistro Awards which honor excellence in the world of cabaret. The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 28 at the Gotham Comedy Club.

On Monday, Dec. 1 at 7PM the Metropolitan Room will host a rare evening of 'Jazz & Booze' featuring sets by LAURIE KRAUZ, LUBA MASON and SPIDER SALOFF