Back Stage cabaret writers David Finkle and John Hoglund and editor-at-large Sherry Eaker just announced the winners of the 2007 Back Stage Bistro Awards for Outstanding Excellence in Cabaret in their current issue.
* Vocalist: Keith David and Douglas Ladnier * Debut: Valarie Pettiford * Major Engagement: Jeff Harnar and Rebecca Luker * Major Jazz Vocalist: Kurt Elling * Jazz Vocalist: Andrew Suvalsky * Musical Duo: Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch; Faith Prince and Tom Wopat * Musical Group: Tom Andersen, Scott Coulter and Tim Di Pasqua in 'Southern Comfort' * Musical Comedy: Jay Rogers and Kristine Zbornik * Unique Artist: Jose Luis Rodriguez * Return to Cabaret: Charles Cochran * Tribute Show: Terese Genecco in 'Drunk With Love: A Tribute to Frances Faye' * Piano Bar: Ray Fellman at 'The After Party' at West Bank; David Shenton at Helen's; Rick Unterberg at Townhouse * Comedy: Bob Smith at Gotham Comedy Club * Song of the Year: 'One Thing' by Tim Di Pasqua * Special Material: 'Almost (99 I Love Yous)' by Joe Iconis and Robert Maddock * Recording: Mary Foster Conklin for 'Blues for Breakfast'; Barbara Fasano for 'Written in the Stars' * Musical Director: Shelly Markham (for accompanying Andrea Marcovicci) at the Algonquin * Instrumentalist: Sean Smith * Instrumental Group: The Ross Patterson Little Big Band * Technical Director: Tim Flannery at the Algonquin * Special Awards: Chris Mazzilli, Steve Mazzilli and Lennie Watts (Metropolitan Room); Donald Schaffer (Danny's Skylight Room); Erv Raible and Wendy Lane Bailey (Cabaret Conference at Yale University); Mike Greensill. * Ira Eaker Special Achievement Award (for up-and-comer): Sheera Ben-David * Bob Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award: To be announced shortly.