Sean Harkness News

Man of music Brad Simmons stands with many who rely on his work, but there are many sides to the man at the keyboard, as this interview shows.

As the world continues to stay at home, the artists of the world continue to create. Here are some of the latest offerings!

Live entertainment producer and promoter, Bernie Furshpan, formerly of the Metropolitan Room, is presenting virtual USO-style 'shows' of support to our frontline medical personnel. This Friday, May 8, 2020 at 6pm EST MetropolitanZoom, as he has dubbed his new platform, will be honoring traveling nurse Lynne Hewett RN, who is presently working with colleagues at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC.

As the days inside stretch out in front of us, artists continue to work at creating from within to spread without, and the masses remain grateful.

The award-winning singer-songwriter has been seen all over her social media doing yoga in her dressing gown and playing with her dog. Now fans can hear from Dawn what life out of town is like as she focuses, solely, on family, health and fitness, and her cute pooch.

On Monday, March 30th, the 2020 MAC Awards were broadcast via Facebook Live from the living rooms or Lennie Watts and Amy Wolk/Lorinda Lisitza in a split-screen presentation in which The Three Stooges of Cabaret made their community of artists laugh with many hi-jinks, giggles, grins, silliness, and an ongoing series of the new MAC Award theme song, penned by Wolk and Lisitza themselves. The intent was to bring some levity to a difficult time in the world and, judging by the comment scroll during the home-made telecast, the hardworking trio tickled the funnybones of many. As names were announced, recipients called in to say a few words (apropos to the proceedings, Mr. Watts' telephone ringtone is the Benny Hill theme song) and particularly moving speeches from the proceedings came from Lisa Viggiano, Meg Flather, and Jeff Harnar. The entire show can be seen on Broadway World HERE. Results of the voting can be seen below.

With the Coronavirus stopping all social gatherings and causing the closing of Don't Tell Mama for the duration, MAC has made a change from the previously announced event which was to be held at the club.

The MAC Awards were scheduled to be celebrated on March 30th at Sony Hall. Instead they will be announced via Facebook Live from Lennie Watts' home. The times are a little different now, but the celebration of art is the same.

During the time of social distancing artists of the cabaret community are doing all they can to keep their bills paid, and Living Room Concerts are a perfect way to do that and to also stay in touch with the outside world. Broadway World brings listings of artists performing online.

During the live entertainment shut-down in New York City people will need entertainment. Stephen Mosher starts a new series on Broadway World Cabaret - a regular playlist the puts a light on the talents who fill the stages of the clubs of NYC.

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has announced the 2020 MAC Award nominees. The nominees were determined by votes cast by the active MAC membership, except for the four song and recording categories, which were determined by special committees.

Much-lauded cabaret singer Karen Oberlin opens this month at The Birdland Theater and next month at The Beach Café. Stephen Mosher talks with her about her life in the arts, feminism, and raising a child who wants to sing.

If you were looking for chill that about tops the list of good chill. The other night in the Birdland Theater Harkness turned a series of (mainly) 70s songs that hearken back to the golden age of Classic Rock into his own personal showcase on 'how to play a guitar.'

The jazz combo called CLEARLY NOW has a fun gig at The Cutting Room that allows them to explore their more bluesy, rock and roll side, and with STORMY MONDAY, they are bringing down the house.

The Bistro Award winning director, producer and performer is having the busiest time of her career. So what better way to celebrate than create the most challenging series of shows possible? That's Tanya Moberly for ya...

One of the longest-running musical partnerships in Broadway history, lyricist and director Richard Maltby, Jr. and composer David Shire, will be honored, along with a diverse group of 17 other outstanding artists, at the 35th Annual Bistro Awards on Monday, March 9 at Gotham Comedy Club (208 West 23rd Street). As is the Bistro Awards tradition, the evening will feature performances by the winners.

Below is the upcoming schedule at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater February 3 through February 16: 

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater are pleased to present the schedule for the month of February! At Birdland Jazz Club, catch the iconic Lionel Hampton Big Band Featuring Jason Marsalis, current GRAMMY nominee Catherine Russell, the Birdland debut of AGUAS Trio with Omar Sosa, Yilian Cañizares and Gustavo Ovalles, and iconic vocalist Jane Monheit. Internationally recognized trumpeter Rachel Therrien, the Seth Weaver Big Band, and The Voice contestant Melinda Rose Rodriguez will also be performing upstairs. 

A 19 year old powerhouse has arrived in New York to become the next big thing in musical theater. Her show LEADING LADIES proves that Hannah Jane Peterson should succeed at her goal.. by next week.

Music combo Clearly Now wraps their 2nd season of performances with two shows and a CD release celebration at the cozy downtown cabaret room Pangea and audiences are howling in support