Monday, May 3, 2010
MORE "HERE & THERE" PART II - BLOG EDITION
MORE "HERE & THERE" PART II
As mentioned above, about 75 members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE entered our "pick the winners" contest - far lower than expected, since anyone could enter, it wasn't a "vote for best" but a "predict who others will vote for" event. So I was quite surprised to get back entries that said the writer didn't see enough shows to make a choice. But even more disappointing was the few returned entries that somehow took the opportunity of what was supposed to be a "fun" contest, to criticize MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) for reasons real or imagined (and in one instance for something that happend 6 years ago!).
The cabaret community often prides itself for its support of fellow performers - one only has to recall the nearly 100 folks who turned out a few weeks ago for the benefit on behalf of Gregory Kennel to see this. And cabaret performers attend far more shows per month than "ordinary people" both because of their love of the art, and to give their support to friends and favorites. But there are still folks who want to bring up old hurts and imagined slights.
I've had my differences with MAC over the years (as most folks reading this know) and have been freely critical when I saw what I perceived as a wrong direction or decision. But my support of MAC and it's programs, activities, seminars and fund raising efforts has been unwavering. True, I rejoined MAC this year after a few years "sitting on the sidelines", but not as a means of "protest" but quite simply because I could not afford the $50 fee (and this year I know of several performers and cabaret fans who are in that position). In fact, if it wasn't for the kind "designated donation" of a fellow cabaret fan, I would not be a member right now!
Hey, gang, it's time to get off our "high horse of indignation" and get together to "grow cabaret" - and the cabaret organizations around the country are the best place to make that stand. This is not simply a message for New York area readers - I know of "discontented" performers in other areas who have withdrawn from their respective local cabaret organizations as well.
For New York area fans, there is no better place to get back into the community of fellow cabaret fans and performers than to attend the MAC AWARDS show tomorrow night. I'll be there, and even with one slightly "bum" knee that makes "table hopping" difficult, I'm going to do my best to meet and give a personal hug (ok, I'm Dutch, and we don't hug) to everyone! I'll even have my pal Daniel along to snap a few photos!
A few tickets remain - its not too late to go online and get a ticket (no online orders taken after today) at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/101011 Will I see you tomorrow night? I hope so.
With the elimination of running duplicate event items (except for our advertisers), we have been able to make space for longer "Here & There" comments in the twice-weekly newsletter. And, consequently, we have been receiving more comments via e-mail. Please note that HERE & THERE sections are also posted on the blog the day after the newsletter goes out, and all items on the blog have a place to add comments (subject to approval) including anonymous comments if you wish (I firmly believe that your comment will be more legit if you include your real name).
See a show or two this week! Visit our websites! Run a banner or sidebar ad! Join CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE for 2010-2011. Now - more than ever - cabaret (and CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE) needs your support. Every day, in every way, we're promoting cabaret!
Look for more news on the website ( http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/ ), on this blog and updates, picks & reminders on TWITTER ( http://twitter.com/cabarethotline ).
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