NYC: TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR MARCH 10 GALA

The production of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE'S SECOND ANNUAL MARCH IS CABARET MONTH celebration on March 10th at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - http://www.westbankcafe.com/ ) is being produced by Tom Stajmiger (who has a a lot of experience in producing events) and Tom has lined up a fantastic group of performers for the show.

2009 Nightlife Award winner Brandon Cutrell will host the show, presenting a lineup from newcomers to multi-award winners. In addition to the two "debut" winners of our MEMBERS' CHOICE poll, newcomer Antonio Edwards will perform. Other performers include Kristy Cates (Broadway's Elphaba and part of original WICKED cast), multi-award winner Natalie Douglas, Anne Steele (who won the Metropolitan Room's Metrostar Contest), Joan Curto (from Chicago), Anna Bergman, Sally Mayes and Jack Donahue. Of course, as with all live entertainment events, performers are subject to change.

Tickets are now on sale online at http://www.cabarethotlineonline/thankyou1tkt2.shtml. Tickets are $30 - $20 for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE. This does not include the $15 food/drink minimum set by the venue. All tickets must be ordered online - the LAURIE BEECHMAN is not accepting reservations for this show and no tickets will be sold at the door on the night of the event.

Iy you cannot attend, you may wish to purchase an ad in the program booklet to be distributed at the event - ad prices start at just $20 for 1/8 page. Just go to http://www.cabarethotlineonline/thankyou1prog2.shtml where all ad sizes and prices are shown. $100 sponsorships are also offered - including 1 free ticket plus a 1/4 page ad at http://www.cabarethotlineonline/thankyou1sponsor.shtml

All ticket, program ad and sponsorship proceeds to go directly to support the MARCH IS CABARET MONTH promotion (it actually goes on all year), including posters and promotional post cards to be distributed all over the country (and the world if we figure out a way to do it), further development of the MARCH IS CABARET MONTH website (http://www.marchiscabaretmonth.com/ ) and other cabaret centered promotional events all year long.

The MARCH IS CABARET MONTH event is sponsored in part by
Les Michaels' LIFE IS A CABARET Newsletter
Ron Squeri
Kitty Skrobela of MIRANDA MUSIC
Jim Van Slyke
Marty Geiger
Geri Malino

DID YOU MISS YOUR ISSUE OF CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE TODAY?

It seems that over 60 newsletters were returned today because the contents were considered "inappropriate or spam" by various spam filters. Now, I assume that everyone who has subscribed really wants to receive every issue, and they should check their spam filters to make sure that mail from CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE will be let through - you need to add the e-mail address to your filter's "white list". Of course if you are using a computer hooked up to the server of a company you work for, you may not be able to do this.

I would love to resend you today's issue, but I have no idea why this one was rejected. Last time this happened, the name of a long closed club in Manhattan called BOBO'S was miss-corrected by my spell checker to BOOBS - I didn't catch it and over 60 newsletters were rejected. In today's issue the only "offensive" word I could find would be "gay" but that word has so many different uses I kind of doubt it would be rejected unless you are using a computer at a Southern Baptist or possibly Morman church.

So - today's issue has now been posted on the website - http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/ - and there are 2 links right on the home page - one near the top and one in the left column.

And if you can help me find the offending word I would be most appreciative - so I can avoid it in the future.

HUGS

STU

HOLE-O-MATIC CANCELLED TONIGHT AT THE DUPLEX

The fabulous multi-award winning HOLE-O-MATIC show featuring Karen Mack and Michael Holland scheduled for tonight at THE DUPLEX has been cancelled due to Michael having come down with the flu. Michael & Karen plan to be back at their usual time next week Saturday night.

RECOMMENDED FOR TONIGHT

Bistro and Matson Award winner and recipient of CD of the Year 2008 from John Hoglund/Cabaret Hotline, D.C. Anderson will be appearing on Saturday night, January 17th at 7:30 pm at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440). Musicians Deanna Witkowski, Ritt Henn and Geoff Packard will be joining D.C. for an evening of new songs (many premieres) along with a few favorites. Although a resident of NYC, D.C. has been touring for the past 10 years with THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA which has allowed for infrequent NYC concerts. While in NYC, he will be recording new songs for a late 2009/early 2010 CD release. There is a $12 cover plus a 2-drink minimum.

NOT TO BE MISSED!

MEMBERS' CHOICE DEBUT VOTE TOO CLOSE TO CALL

I thought the tally for the FEMALE & MALE DEBUT sections of the MEMBERS CHOICE FAVORITES OF 2008 balloting would be easy - voters were asked to vote for only one out of much smaller lists than the regular FEMALE & MALE sections (where voters were asked to choose three). But many voters chose to skip the debut sections - sort of indicating that they had not seen any of the performers on the list. As a result, there are a few dead heats in the mix, causing me to go back over all the ballots to make sure my tally was accurate.

In the FEMALE DEBUT section, only one vote separates the top three - Christina Bianco, Deb Berman and Sarah Rice - with two other nominees just 3 votes behind.

In the MALE DEBUTE section, Ben Cherry and Stearns Matthews are one vote apart in the top position, with another trio just a few votes behind - Geoffrey Going, Dominic Sheehan-Stahl and Geoff Stoner.

So, if you have not sent in your ballot yet, you can make a real impact on the outcome in both categories. Voting ends March 31st - MEMBERS ONLY.

Now to tally the DUO or GROUP section.

MEMBERS' CHOICE BALLOTS SHOW FAVORITES & MORE

Trying to tally up the ballots on the MEMBERS' CHOICE FAVORITE PERFORMERS OF 2008 received to date (about half of our 380 members have voted so far) took a lot longer than expected - especially the MALE & FEMAL VOCALIST categories, where, because of the large number of nominees, voters were asked to choose three names. Unfortunately, I had to toss out four ballots because only one name was chosen.

I am not going to give exact numbers but here are some results so far.

FEMALE VOCALIST:
Barbara Cook, not unexpectedly, has a long lead and will be difficult to catch. In fact I will place her in a separate category for the purposes of this poll - I am certain she would not mind.

Raissa Katonah Bennett, Baby Jane Dexter, Terese Genecco, Lina Koutrakos, Laurie Krauz, Sue Matsuki, Marilyn Maye, Amanda McBroom, Karen Oberlin and Julie Reyburn are all bunched for second - only 4 votes separate highest from lowest. And another 4 names are tied - just 1 vote behind the pack.

MALE VOCALIST:
Lennie Watts is clearly the leader here, but less than 10 votes behind Watts is a crowded bunch (3 votes apart from each other) made up of Eric Michael Gillett, Miles Phillips and Marcus Simeone. And another bunch, only a few votes back from that trio are Sam Harris, Russ Lorenson, Barry Lloyd, Martin Vidnovic, Jonathan Whitton and Jason Wynne in a virtual tie.

Now I have to start a new piece of paper and tally the Debut and Duo categories.

Stay tuned.

At this point, every vote counts. Be sure to send in your ballot. Voting ends March 31st - MEMBERS ONLY.

ON RADIO: "AT THE RITZ!" FRIDAYS & STREAMING AUDIO 24/7

*** CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE SUPER PICK ***
---------------
Regular weekly live broadcasts of the AT THE RITZ! radio program can now be heard on WVOF 88.5FM on Fridays from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

Producers and hosts Jeffrey C. Williams and Lynn DiMenna announce a new, convenient way to hear their weekly show, especially for folks outside of WVOF's local listening area. Simply go to http://www.attheritz.org/ and in one click you can enjoy AT THE RITZ! streaming 24/7 anytime! Friday shows are rebroadcast throughout the week along with some internet only music. AT THE RITZ! features cabaret, jazz, Broadway and similar sophisticated music along with celebrity interviews and commentary.

ON RADIO SUNDAY: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY

*** CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE SUPER PICK ***
---------------
On Sunday, January 18th, EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN, on the Radio over WBAI 99.5 FM and on the Internet at http://www.2600.com/offthehook/hot2.ram, usually heard from 9:00 to 11:00 pm and hosted by David Kenney, will feature music of Ann Hampton Callaway. 
Some of the songs from her career
that you will hear: "Hip To Be Happy"; Cole Porter's "Easy To Love"; "Tonight You're All Mine" (Carole King/Ann Hampton Callaway) in duet with Carole King, "The Huge Medley" in duet with Liz Callaway; "On My Way To You" and more. Each week David presents the usual blend of big-band jazz, swing, standards, showtunes, contemporary cabaret and celebrity interviews plus MEGA-MEDLEY MADNESS. For more information contact: oldisnew@earthlink.net. You are also invited to e-mail your comments and suggestions for future shows. You can listen to past shows at any time by going to the WBAI Archives at http://www.archive.wbai.org/ . For more information, see http://www.oldisnew.org/ .

NYC: SETH'S CHATTERBOX: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY CAST

*** CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE SUPER PICK ***
*** FEATURED BENEFIT EVENT ***

2007 MAC BOD AWARD WINNER Seth Rudetsky's BROADWAY CHATTERBOX at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 ) is usually presented on Thursdays at 6:00 pm. The show for Thursday, January 15th will feature as guests the Cast of Forbidden Broadway Goes to Rehab. Seth's weekly interview show always features stars, soon-to-be stars and folks behind the scenes of the musical theater stage - for just a $10 cover - 2-drink minimum. Best of all, all proceeds from the cover go to BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS! For details, see: http://www.sethsbroadwaychatterbox/ .

TICKETS TO MARCH IS CABARET MONTH SHOW GO ON SALE FRIDAY

Tickets go on sale to 2008-2009 members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE for the March 10th MARCH IS CABARET MONTH GALA to be held at THE LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER on Friday, January 16th and to the public on Sunday, March 18th. Ticket prices are $20 for members - $30 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased on line and paid for in advance. No reservations will be taken by the club, no tickets will be available at the door on the night of the show (even if it is not sold out).

Sponsors ($100) receive one free ticket plus a 1/4 page ad in the program booklet plus a mention and website link on all promotional releases and Hotline newsletters and website. Those tickets are available immediately.

For more information go to the MARCH IS CABARET MONTH website - http://www.marchiscabaretmonth.com/- on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/ )

NOW MORE THAN EVER CABARET NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!

HUGS

STU

TIME OUT NY REPORTS ZIPPER FACTORY IS CLOSING

CLICK ON THE HEADLINE TO GO DIRECTLY TO TIME OUT NY ARTICLE

A MOST IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT CABARET ATTENDANCE

Many of the clubs (at least here in NYC), to save/make money, are now requiring that a performer have a minimum number of reservations or the show will be cancelled and the performer will forfeit the deposit or have to pay a minimum room charge or both. In one room the number is 30 reservation or either the show is cancelled or the performer has to pay the club a per/person fee for the difference between the number of seats filled and the minimum number.

If you intend to see a show be sure to make a reservation in advance. It can help assure that there is a show to see and will save the performer considerable expense (musicians need to be paid, show or now show, etc.)

That's CABARET ETIQUETTE!

WISHING YOU A BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

HUGS

STU

A WAY TO HEAL AND TO HELP

We took a few weeks away from the computer over the holidays, cutting back our work to just a few cabaret shows and sending out 2 instead of 4 newsletters for some much needed "introspection and meditation." In spite of that "little sparrow" there are times I do get discouraged, and I wanted a break to think things out - mostly by myself. In July I will turn 70 years old and the newsletter will start its 20th year of publication and 13th year on the internet. So many memories - great, good and not so good (but mostly great). So many plans and ideas - fulfilled, failed and discarded (but mostly fulfilled). I wanted to decide where to go from here. Ever have one of those times in your own life? I sort of imagine that many folks in the cabaret field have those times.

Two cabaret fans/performers, Marilyn Benkler and Ellen Ziegler, are doing something about it! They are Board Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselors, and have formed a partnership to help folks fine tune their lifestyles to promote health, happiness and quality of life. They will show how one can reach and maintain their New Year's goals and enhance their performances. Check out their website at http://www.creativehealingplus.com/ - and in February and March they are offering CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members an initial consultation, with recommendations for just a $25 donation to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE! All you need to do is PayPal me your donations (which, if you are not a member will give you a $20 SILVER membership as a bonus) and I will forward your name and e-mail to Marilyn and Ellen and they will contact you to set up your free consultation. Please mark your donation HEALING PLUS. There is a button on the opening page of the website marked DONATION and this will let you use a credit card (or use http://www.svhamstra.com/PayPalPayment.shtml ). If you prefer to donate by check, please remember, all checks should be made out simply to STU HAMSTRA and mailed to 676A Ninth Avenue #120, New York, NY 10036. Put the words "HEALING PLUS" on the check and don't forget to include your e-mail address. Offer expires March 31st, 2009.

NONE DARE CALL IT JUSTICE

NEWS FLASH AS WE GO TO PRESS:

MADOFF TO REMAIN FREE ON BAIL WITH NEW RESTRICTIONS - A federal judge on Monday rejected the prosecution's request to revoke Bernard L. Madoff's bail and send him to jail. Instead, the financier, who is accused of running a huge Ponzi scheme, will remain under house arrest in his luxury apartment on Manhattan's Upper East Side, guarded by private security guards paid for by his wife. (see blog item just below this one)

Read More: http://www.nytimes.com/?emc=na

I WENT TO A MARVELOUS PARTY - SORT OF

Now I can share a tale that has been heavy on my heart for several weeks. There are a small number of people who have, over the years, been a tremendous support to me, someone to share my innermost feelings with. Everyone needs a few friends like this, and I have been blessed with several. One of them is a Cynthia Crane. And each year Cynthia holds a fabulous post-holiday party at her lovely brownstone in Greenwich Village, and last night was the final one, at least at this space. The house is being put up for sale - not by choice but by necessity.

Almost exactly a month ago I got an e-mail from Cynthia that she and husband Ted Story were among those bilked by the infamous Bernie Madoff (pronounced "made off" as in "made off with the money"). For over 30 years, Mr. Madoff treated them like family - apparently he was a charming, friendly swindler. It is impossible to imagine what this must be like, and for weeks my love and prayers went out to this beloved couple. Her home was always open to all - many MAC committee meeting were held there when she was part of the MAC Board, her piano room was used by several as a rehearsal space over the years. And the annual party was a "must see and be seen" event for people in both cabaret and theater. I am not a "party person" and this was probably the only event of this type that I never missed.

Last night's event can be best be called "bittersweet" - festive with an undercurrent of sadness. The party started at noon and ended at midnight, and while I was only there for an hour or so, I was told that people kept arriving all day - one could hardly move in the main living room, center-pieced by a huge, decorated Christmas tree as well as an effigy of Mr. Madoff hanging alongside the staircase.

Our thoughts and prayers - along with the thoughts and prayers of the cabaret community - continue to go out on behalf of Cynthia & Ted as they leave the only home they have known since their marriage, and begin the task of "starting over." Mr. Madoff, meantime, after ruining the lives, hopes and dreams of so many, has continued to live in his luxurious seven-million dollar penthouse apartment, along with wife, servants and staff - a condition that one hopes will change today when he appears in court to answer to an attempt to dispose of several millions on dollars worth of jewelry and watches last week to family and friends, in defiance of court orders.

SUDDENLY SNOW FREE

I just got back from the deli (around the East Village we call them bodegas) after fulfilling my craving for an Entenmann's Cheese Danish and was expecting to trundle through 5 or 6 inches of snow. Would you believe, after telling us all day we were in for a near-blizzard, the weather people could only come up with a half-inch at most?

And the storm, which was supposed to last all night, seems to have headed north and east!

Now, I'm not complaining, mind you. I used to love the snow (I lived in Michigan for 6 years and you learn to cope). But it took far longer for me to cross the street and navigate the sidewalk than it usually does. I place each foot down very carefully and take my time. And it felt real good to make it there and back without a tumble - no one has bothered to shovel anything yet. The building staff hasn't even spread any salt yet.

So now, as I lick the icing from my fingers, cravings satisfied (at least my hunger cravings) at last, I can get to bed.

Good night, New York!

HUGS

STU

DESPERATELY SEEKING SPONSORS

I want to print out the post cards for the MARCH IS CABARET MONTH promotion but funds are extremely short right now. I was hoping to place the order over the weekend - the artwork is already complete. If you would like to be an early sponsor of the promotion, please let me know or use this link:

http://www.svhamstra.com/thankyou1sponsor.shtml

Sponsors receive a free ticket to our MARCH IS CABARET MONTH GALA at THE LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER on Tuesday, March 10th for each sponsorship unit ($100) they donate, and their name and website (if requested) will be included on all promotional material (except the post card). In addition, sponsors will receive a free 1/4 page ad in the show Program Booklet for each unit.

If you can't afford to be a sponsor right now (or want to be a sponsor and also expand your free show booklet ad to a larger size) or won't be able to come to the show but want to support our promotion, use this link:

http://www.svhamstra.com/thankyou1prog.shtml

Thanks for your continued support of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE and MARCH IS CABARET MONTH

HUGS

STU

NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INNOVATION - SORT OF

Project: send out membership cards by e-mail to all current members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE

Solution: Send out my normal FORM LETTER e-mail program and add a jpg of the card as an attachment

Discovery: The program - which I have been using for 3 years - doesn't permit attachments (never tried it before)

Problem: Members began sending complaints that their card wasn't enclosed

Solution? Research and a bit of luck. I had purchased a different FORM LETTER program about a year ago. I tried it once and found it too confusing. It only cost me $18 so I set it aside. So I found the program and began testing. It took me 17 tries to send out the letter plus attachment - all 17 to myself - until I got it right.

Meantime, I worked all day to update all the member names and website addresses on the website so I had an excuse to send another letter to the members to which I could attach the card.

Result: success!

My fingers are bleeding from all the typing. My eyes are burning because I was staring at the computer screen for about 8 hours. But the job is done!

And now for some TV - There's a MONK marathon today on cable.

SNOW FORECAST NYC REVISED

They've upped the ante - the new forecast this morning calls for 4 to 6 inches of snow in Manhattan - and one TV station, probably in the quest for ratings, is saying (hopefully) 8 inches of snow. In any case, there may actually be some show cancellations tonight after all. So check the message board on the website and this blog - and call the performance venue after 4:00 pm before heading to the cabaret.

By the way, snow is a major headache for traffic and mass transit is the way to go. The MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) has cancelled all track work for the weekend - all subways will be running on their norman routes according to their normal weekend schedules. Be safe - take the subway, take the bus and leave your valuable and dent-free car at home.

HUGS

STU

SNOW IN THE FORECAST FOR NYC AREA

With a light 1-2 inches of snow forecast for Saturday (1/10) here in NYC I don't expect any show cancellations - but when it comes to the weather, one never knows for sure.

If you have an event - or know of an event - that has cancelled for this weekend, please be sure to let me know so I can spread the word. You are invited to post your information as a comment to this posting, post in on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE message board on the website, or contact me by e-mail with the information so I can post it myself.

Once again

WISHING YOU A BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

HUGS

STU

CHASING THE BLUES AWAY - THE CABARET WAY

If you are like me, and getting sick and tired of all the bad news - wars, Ponzi schemes, deficits, bailouts, foreclosures, corruption, racism (even in Congress!), homelessness, famine, violence, and all the rest - let me pass along some advice: go to a cabaret show. The doors close, the lights dim, the performer steps into the spotlight and all the troubles of the world (and even your own personal troubles) are forgotten, even if for only 55 minutes or so. I always say, now more than ever, live entertainment needs your support. I can easily and truthfully add, now more than ever we need live entertainment!

ON RADIO: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": CD ROUNDUP PART II

On Sunday, January 11th, EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN, on the Radio over WBAI 99.5 FM and on the Internet at http://www.2600.com/offthehook/hot2.ram, usually heard from 9:00 to 11:00 pm and hosted by David Kenney, will feature "A Round-Up Of 2008 CD Releases & Re-issues, Part 2". Some of the 2008 Releases & Re-issues that you will hear: Ask Me Again, Nancy LaMott; With A Song In My Heart, John Pizzarelli; Rainbow 'round My Shoulder, Barbara Cook; When The Wind Blows South, Philip Chaffin ; ...At Les Mouches, Patti Lupone; My Own Voice, Devin Richards; In The Heights, Original Broadway Cast; Wonder In The World, Kelli O'hara; Then and Now, Herbie Hancock; The Live Smoke Sessions, Lea De Laria; Family and Friends, Ray Brown, Jr.; Adding Machine, World Premiere Recording; Dreaming Of A Song, Klea Blackhurst  / Billy Stritch; Symphonica, Joe Lovano; A Kiss To Build A Dream On, Jessica Molaskey; Judy Takes Broadway!, Judy Garland; and more. Each week David presents the usual blend of big-band jazz, swing, standards, showtunes, contemporary cabaret and celebrity interviews plus MEGA-MEDLEY MADNESS. For more information contact: oldisnew@earthlink.net. You are also invited to e-mail your comments and suggestions for future shows. You can listen to past shows at any time by going to the WBAI Archives at http://www.archive.wbai.org/ . For more information, see http://www.oldisnew.org/ .

NYC: SHEET MUSIC SOCIETY FEATURES SUE MATSUKI

The New York Sheet Music Society meets the second Saturday afternoon of each month from October through June. The fourth meeting of the season will be on Saturday, January 10th at LOCAL 802 MUSICIANS' HALL (322 West 48th Street, NYC). There is a Flea Market starting at 12:30 pm (a great place to find music, tapes, CD's etc. at bargain prices} followed by a program from 1:45 to 3:30 pm. The meeting on January 10th will feature a Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald with MAC Award winning performer Sue Matsuki, accompanied by Tedd Firth. You can now register and join the NYSMS on line at http://www.NYSMS.org/ . Membership is $50, and includes free admission to all 9 programs (non-member fee is $10 per meeting) plus a monthly newsletter.

NYC: SETH'S CHATTERBOX: GUEST CHRISTOPHER SIEBER

2007 MAC BOD AWARD WINNER Seth Rudetsky's BROADWAY CHATTERBOX at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 ) is usually presented on Thursdays at 6:00 pm. The show for Thursday, January 8th will feature as guest Christopher Sieber, currently appearing in Shrek The Musical. Seth's weekly interview show always features stars, soon-to-be stars and folks behind the scenes of the musical theater stage - for just a $10 cover - 2-drink minimum. Best of all, all proceeds from the cover go to BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS! For details, see: http://www.sethsbroadwaychatterbox/ .

SPECIAL TO MEMBERS OF CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE

Oft times plans go awry and our plan to send out the ballot to all members for our 2009 MEMBERS CHOICE PERFORMERS yesterday certainly went awry - urgent personal business kept me away from the computer most of the day - the ballots will go out instead later today. Sorry for any inconvenience. (I also accumulated 95 e-mails that need answering)

2009 NIGHTLIFE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

2009 NIGHTLIFE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

MARILYN MAYE, CHRISTINE EBERSOLE & BILLY
STRITCH, FREDDIE COLE, HANK JONES,
MICHAEL BIRBIGLIA, BABY JANE DEXTER
AMONG BIG WINNERS IN WORLD’S ONLY
ALL-PERFORMANCE AWARD SHOW!

GUEST PERFORMERS/PRESENTERS ALSO TO INCLUDE
TOMMY TUNE, LARRY GATLIN, STEPHANIE J. BLOCK,
NOAH RACEY, EUAN MORTON, AND MORE!

Unique Awards Concert
Monday, January 26 at 7 PM at The Town Hall

This past year’s most outstanding performances in cabaret, comedy, and jazz have been chosen by more than two-dozen critics and experts who concluded their voting over the holidays (see below). The winners are, as always, a richly eclectic mix of exceptional talents from across the length and breadth of New York nightlife – all of them are in the process of being invited to Town Hall to perform (instead of making acceptance speeches)!  The winners include some stunning repeats from past years, such as Marilyn Maye, Hank Jones, Christine Ebersole & Billy Stritch, Freddie Cole, John Mulaney, and Allan Harris. Among first time winners are comic sensation Mike Birbiglia, long-time cabaret star Baby Jane Dexter, and legendary cabaret comedienne Helen Baldassare, and the popular After Party open mike host Brandon Cutrell. Among the duo or group winners, there is the critically acclaimed cabaret concert version of the soundtrack album of Robert Altman’s Nashville, and two sets of ties provide a multitude of winners including the Hank Jones Quartet and the Steve Bernstein Millenial Territory, as well as Improvised Shakespeare and Kurt Braunhohler & Kristen Schall.

Many, if not most, of the winners will perform at Town Hall. They will be joined, as always, by a glittering array of celebrity performers and presenters, among them (so far) will be multiple Tony Award winner Tommy Tune, Broadway/Nightlife stars Stephanie J. Block and Euan Morton, country superstar Larry Gatlin, and many more, soon to be announced. The awards concert will be directed for the first time by Broadway singer/dancer/choreographer Noah Racey!

Scott Siegel, the creator/producer of The Nightlife Awards said, “Announcing these exceptional winners, just three weeks before the awards show, itself, makes me giddy with anticipation. I can’t wait for January 26th when anyone who buys our sponsored-supported, reasonably priced tickets will get to enjoy what has gained a reputation as one of the year’s most exciting, talent-packed concerts.”

Tickets are $25, $50 & $75 and they are available at The Town Hall Box Office at 123 West 43rd Street (noon to 6 PM except Sunday) or by calling TicketMaster at 212-307-4100 or going to TicketMaster.com.

The Nightlife Awards is sponsored, in part, by ASCAP, TheaterMania.com, The Edythe Kenner Foundation, Trattoria Dopo Teatro, Peter & Barbara Leavy, Jill & Irwin Cohen, Edith & Ervin Drake, Thoroughbred Records, Fred Landau, Stuart E. Bloom & Robert L. Aaron: Lightstyles, LLC, Steven T. Ernst, and Ghostlight Records.



2009 NIGHTLIFE AWARD WINNERS & FINALISTS:

OUTSTANDING CABARET VOCALIST IN A MAJOR ENGAGEMENT:
WINNER: MARILYN MAYE
Finalists: Barb Jungr & Euan Morton

OUTSTANDING CABARET DUO OR GROUP IN A MAJOR ENGAGEMENT:
WINNER: CHRISTINE EBERSOLE & BILLY STRITCH
Finalist: Bill Charlap & Sandi Stewart
              John Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey

OUTSTANDING CABARET VOCALIST:
WINNER: BABY JANE DEXTER
Finalist: Barb Jungr, Julie Reyburn

OUTSTANDING CABARET COMEDY OR CHARACTERIZATION:
WINNER: HELEN BALDASSARE
Finalists: Sharon McNight, Christine Pedi

OUTSTANDING CABARET DUO OR GROUP:
WINNER: NASHVILLE: DARYL GLENN & JO LYNN BURKS
Finalists: Alison Fraser & Mary Testa
               Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano

OUTSTANDING PIANO BAR ENTERTAINER:
WINNER: BRANDON CUTRELL
Finalists: Ann Steele, Alysha Umphress

OUTSTANDING JAZZ VOCALIST IN A MAJOR ENGAGEMENT:
WINNER: FREDDIE COLE
Finalists: Annie Ross, Marilyn Maye

OUTSTANDING JAZZ VOCALIST:
WINNER: ALLAN HARRIS
Finalists: Jay Clayton, Andy Bey

OUTSTANDING JAZZ SOLOIST:
WINNER: HANK JONES
Finalists: Bill Charlap, Harry Allen

OUTSTANDING JAZZ COMBO:
WINNER: TIE –
 HANK JONES QUARTET
 STEVE BERNSTEIN MILLENIAL TERRITORY ORCHESTRA
Finalists: Fred Hersch Trio, Lew Tabackin Quartet

OUTSTANDING COMEDIAN IN A MAJOR ENGAGEMENT:
WINNER: MIKE BIRBIGLIA
Finalists: Jim Gaffigan & Doug Stanhope

OUTSTANDING COMEDIAN:
WINNER: JOHN MULANEY
Finalists: Sean Patton, Julian McCullough

OUTSTANDING COMIC DUO OR GROUP:
WINNER: TIE --
IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE
KURT BRAUNOHLER & KRISTEN SCHALL
Finalist: 4-Track