CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE BLOG

Saturday, June 26, 2010

FLA: ERIC COMSTOCK & BARBARA FASANO RETURN TO THE ROYAL ROOM - FINAL SHOW

FLA: ERIC COMSTOCK & BARBARA FASANO RETURN TO THE ROYAL ROOM

Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano, winners of the 2010 Nightlife Award for Outstanding Cabaret Duo return to THE ROYAL ROOM at THE COLONY HOTEL (155 Hammond Avenue, Palm Beach, FL - 561-659-8100) on Fridays & Saturdays, June 18th & 19th and 25th & 26th at 8:00 pm. Eric & Barbara are the New York nightclub world's most celebrated team, and equally respected in jazz and cabaret circles. For their fifth appearance in the Royal Room, they will perform their critically acclaimed new show, This Thing Called Love, which played a four-week engagement at the Algonquin Hotel. In 2007, Comstock and Fasano received an unprecedented three awards from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs, and were nominated for Major Artist in the 2010 MAC Awards. Pianist, vocalist, raconteur Eric Comstock is the co-creator and star of the hit revues, Singing Astaire, Made for the Movies and Our Sinatra. Their recordings have been played on radio stations around the world, and together they headline in nightclubs and concert halls coast to coast, as well as at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Feinstein's at Loews Regency, The Carlyle, The Oak Room at the Algonquin and Birdland. Cost is $90 per person, dinner & show, and $45 for show only.

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#CABARET ON RADIO: "AT THE RITZ!" SATURDAYS & STREAMING AUDIO 24/7

ON RADIO: "AT THE RITZ!" SATURDAYS & STREAMING AUDIO 24/7
CABARET ON THE RADIO - TV - WEB

Regular weekly live broadcasts of the AT THE RITZ! radio program can now be heard on WVOF 88.5FM on Saturdays from 3:00 to 4:00 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 tohttp://www.attheritz.org/ and in one click you can enjoy AT THE RITZ! streaming 24/7 anytime! The Saturday 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.
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NYC: Laura Hull & Her Jazz Gems Now On WORLD YACHT SATURDAYS

NYC: Laura Hull & Her Jazz Gems Now On WORLD YACHT

Acclaimed jazz vocalist-songwriter Laura Hull continues here new jazz cruise series with New York City's World Yacht Cruises every Saturday. Cruise ships leave from World Yacht Marina at Pier 81 located at 41st Street and 12th Avenue. A native of New York City, Ms. Hull spent her formative years singing at the resorts of upstate New York's fabled Catskill Mountains. In her early career, she worked as a session and jingle singer and showcased her singing at clubs in and around New York City. After a 24-year hiatus from music to pursue a business career, she returned to live performance in 2004 and has been described as having an infectious sense of swing, phrasing and style, applies tasteful treatments to superior material with an array of texture and color. Her music is drawn from an extensive repertoire of American popular songs, jazz standards, obscure gems, and her original songs. Laura Hull & Her Jazz Gems include best-in-class musicians playing the New York jazz scene today. Reservations are highly recommended and a variety of packages are available. See http://www.WorldYacht.com/ for details and reservations.
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NYC: MAC SEMINAR: REVIEWERS SPEAK UP ON STATE OF CABARET 2 PM TODAY

NYC: MAC SEMINAR: REVIEWERS SPEAK UP ON STATE OF CABARET
FEATURED CABARET ORGANIZATION EVENT

MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) will present a special seminar "REVIEWERS SPEAK UP!" on Saturday, June 26th from 2:00 to 3:30 pm atTHE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440). This discussion of the state of cabaret from a reviewer's standpoint will feature a panel made up of Rob Lester (Cabaret Scenes, Nightlife Exchange), David Finkle (Backstage, BistroAwards.com), Kevin Scott Hall (EDGE New York), Daryl Glen (Nightlife Exchange), and Sandi Durell (Cabaret Scenes). Reservations must be made using 212-465-2662 ext. 1 or an email to RSVP@macnyc.com Free for MAC members, $10 for non-members.
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NYC: TAMMY GRIMES AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM THOUGH JUNE 30th

NYC: TAMMY GRIMES AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

Tammy Grimes returns to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440) on Tuesday, June 22md at 7:00 pm with her show "Favorite Songs and Stories". Additional performances are Friday, June 25th through Wednesday, June 30th, all shows at 7:00 pm. Ms. Grimes starred in and won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical as a rough-hewn Colorado social climber in the 1960 hit, The Unsinkable Molly Brown. In 1966, Grimes starred in her own ABC television series, The Tammy Grimes Show, in which she played a modern-day heiress who loved to spend money. Returning to the Broadway stage in 1969, Grimes appeared in a revival of Noel Coward's Private Lives as "Amanda", winning the Tony Award for Best Actress. Grimes has entertained at various New York city night clubs and recorded several albums of songs; she also recited poetry as part of a 1968 solo act in the Persian Room of the Plaza Hotel. Her voice can be heard in romantic duets on some of Ben Bagley's anthology albums of Broadway songs under his Painted Smiles record label. In 1982, she hosted the final season of CBS Radio Mystery Theater. There is a $30 cover plus a 2-drink minimum.

SHOW CANCELLATION NYC: Hole-O-Matic At THE DUPLEX with Karen Mack & Michael Holland Cancelled for Tonight

NYC: Hole-O-Matic At THE DUPLEX with Karen Mack & Michael Holland Cancelled for Tonight
THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR TONIGHT

Karen Mack & Michael Holland return after a short break with their very popular award-winning "Hole-O-Matic 2010" All Request Show to THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438) on Saturdays,June 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th at 7:30 pm. This is the show where the audience gets to pick the song list from hundreds available. Also featured are more road stories, ridiculous prizes, more mash-ups, more prizes, lots more new music, more insanity and custom cocktails. Join NYC musical comedy duo Mack and Holland as they bring their multi-award winning mix of harmony and humor to the best (and worst!) of past, present and future pop. From ABBA to Queen to Kylie, expect lush vocals and comic mayhem in what is always a spontaneous and one-of-a-kind musical experience! There is a $15 cover, 2 drink minimum, no drink maximum.
THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR TONIGHT

Friday, June 25, 2010

LON: PAUL L MARTIN PRESENTS CABARET GOLD THE BATTERSEA BARGE THROUGH JULY 4th

LON: PAUL L MARTIN PRESENTS CABARET GOLD THE BATTERSEA BARGE THROUGH JULY 4th

'King of Cabaret' Paul L Martin celebrates 20 years on the cabaret scene by introducing a stellar line-up of the best cabaret artists around, all presented in the unique and charming surrounding of BATTERSEA BARGE (Riverside Walk, Nine Elms Lane, London - 020 7498 004) during a fortnight of celebrations for PRIDE 2010, from Monday, June 21st to Sunday, July 4th, all shows at 8:30 pm. The festival comprises solo performances from Top quality cabaret acts Adele Anderson, Scales of the Unexpected, Sarah-Louise Young, Paul L Martin, David Mills, Hilda Eus bio, Earl Okin, The Lorraine Bowen Experience and Holly Penfield. Tickets are available at http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/ . Call for cover/minimum information.
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P.N.W.: LINDA CIOFALO WITH DANCING WITH JOHNNY! CD RELEASE IN SEATTLE

P.N.W.: LINDA CIOFALO WITH DANCING WITH JOHNNY! CD RELEASE

Linda Ciofalo heads to the West Coast to celebrate her new CD with a series of performances starting at TULA'S RESTAURANT AND NIGHTCLUB (2214 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA - 206-443-4221) on Friday, June 25th ay 7:30 pm. She is joined by the Kelley Johnson Quartet. The CD, Dancing With Johnny, is a tribute to the great songwriter Johnny Mercer personalizing Mercer selections with a distinct Latin flair. Dancing With Johnny also features stellar musicians John DiMartino (piano), John Benitez (bass), Ernesto Simpson (drums), Little Johnny Rivero (percussion), Paul Meyers (nylon string guitar), Chieli Minucci (electric guitar and effex), Joel Frahm (saxophones), and Grammy-winning trumpeter Brian Lynch. Tickets are $15.
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S.F.: SAM HARRIS AT THE RRAZZ ROOM THROUGH SUNDAY

S.F.: SAM HARRIS AT THE RRAZZ ROOM

RRAZZ ROOM at THE HOTEL NIKKO (222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA - 415-394-1189) will present vocalist Sam Harris, Wednesday through Sunday, June 23td through 27th at 8:00 pm (7:00 pm on Sunday. Born in Oklahoma, Sam Harris has a career than has spanned more than two decades in the public eye and run the gamut from singer/songwriter to stage, film, television actor to writer, producer, and director. Sam received a Drama Desk nomination for his role in Tommy Tune's Grease. He toured in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; starred in Cy Coleman's The Life, for which he received the Drama-League Award, Tony, Outer Critic's Circle and Drama Desk nominations. Tickets are $30-$45.

S.F.: KT SULLIVAN SINGS DIETZ & SCHWARTZ AT THE RRAZZ THROUGH SUNDAY

S.F.: KT SULLIVAN SINGS DIETZ & SCHWARTZ AT THE RRAZZ

KT Sullivan brings her acclaimed show "Dancing In The Dark: The Songs of Howard Dietz & Arthur Schwartz" to RRAZZ ROOM at THE HOTEL NIKKO (222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA - 415-394-1189) on Friday through Sunday, June 25th through 27th at 9:30 pm (Sunday at 3:00 pm). KT Sullivan recently appeared at the Kennedy Center with Brian Stokes Mitchell; in Broadway Today, at the Humanities Festival with Dave Frishberg; and at Carnegie's Zankel Hall with Michael Feinstein. KT has headlined at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, Lincoln Center, and The Caramoor Festival; performed internationally at The Spoleto Festival, The Nouvelle Eve in Paris, the Chichester Festival in England and the Adelaide Festival in Australia. Broadway credits include The Three Penny Opera with Sting, the play Broadway directed by George Abbot, and the leading role in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Tickets are $35-$45.
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S.F.: RUSS LORENSON FEATURED AT SUMMER CABARET FESTIVAL LAST 3 DAYS

S.F.: RUSS LORENSON FEATURED AT SUMMER CABARET FESTIVAL
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $20 OFF THE COVER
FEATURED CABARET FESTIVAL EVENT

The San Francisco SOMETHING C.O.O.L. - THE SUMMER CABARET FESTIVAL, will run from Thursday, May 27th through Sunday, June 27th at THE EUREKA THEATER (215 Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA - TKKTS: 415-674-3863 -http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ ). Centerpiece of the celebration will be singer and recording artist Russ Lorenson, who will bring his award winning "Benedetto/Blessed: A Tribute to the Life and Music of Tony Bennett" to THE EUREKA on Thursdays through Sundays all five weeks of the festival. Performances are Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 6:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm. The show had its opening at the Austin Cabaret Theater followed by sold-out runs at SF's Empire Plush Room, LA's Sterling's Upstairs, Milwaukee's Wilson Center for the Arts, and New York's famed Iridium Jazz Club. Tickets are $25 advance - $30 at the door. $10 cost for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

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L.A.: THE VIC & PAUL SHOW - last 3 shows

L.A.: THE VIC & PAUL SHOW - THREE WEEKENDS IN JUNE

The Vick & Paul show, starring the legendary founders of Chicago's Practical Theatre Co., Victoria Zielinski & Paul Parrosse, will be presented at PUSH LOUNGE (20969 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA - RESV:http://vicandpaulshow.doattend.com/ ) on Thursdays through Sundays, June 10th through 13th, 17th through 20th & 24th through 27th, all shows at 8:00 pm. It will be "an evening of Comedy, Music, Marriage & Martinis". Married in 1990, Paul Barrosse and Vic Zielinski have worked in LA as Emmy- nominated TV producers. Now, after raising their three kids "from diapers to diplomas," they're going back on stage to do what they were doing before they got married: performing sophisticated comedy sketches and music in an intimate cabaret setting, in the mold of early Second City or classic Mike Nichols & Elaine May. Vic & Paul are joined by their musical director, Emmy-winner Steve Rashid, who is coming from Chicago to accompany them on keyboards. Directed by Shelly Goldstein, who will also perform a cabaret set for the second half of the show. Tickets are $10 the first weekend, then rise to $20 after the 13th.
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L.A.: VALERIE LEMON SALUTES COMPOSER MARVIN HAMLISCH ONE NIGHT ONLY

L.A.: VALERIE LEMON SALUTES COMPOSER MARVIN HAMLISCH

Showing the same elegance, sophistication, warmth, and humor she brought to her Jane Froman tribute, A SONG IN MY HEART, Valerie now takes on the multifaceted career of Academy Award-winning Marvin Hamlisch in an evening dedicated to his past and present triumphs. The show will be presented on Friday, June 25th at 9:00 pm at THE GARDENIA (7066 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA - 323-467-7444). She is joined once again by the creative team behind her Froman tribute, Eric Michael Gillett, director, and Don Rebic, musical director. From the early pop songs through his amazing successes on stage and screen, Valerie brings all of her formidable talents to bear in this loving evening dedicated to the man who gave her one of her earliest breaks in show business. Filled with stories of her travels with him on the road as a symphony vocalist, as well as tales of the huge influence he has had on her singing career, Valerie Lemon shines the spotlight on the man responsible for some of the best-loved songs of his generation. From "The Way We Were" to the Pulitzer Prize winning score for A CHORUS LINE, the evening is filled with memorable music. Call for cover/minimum information.
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L.A.: BOOTH & PAT: TWO GUYS, ONE GUITAR, NO STANDARDS - just 2 more shows

L.A.: BOOTH & PAT: TWO GUYS, ONE GUITAR, NO STANDARDS

After taking the East Coast by storm, the irreverent music/comedy stylings of Booth & Pat (Booth Daniels & Patrick Frankfort) are heading to Hollywood where they will be appearing as part ofHOLLYWOOD FRINGE at COMEDYSPORTZ LA (733 Seward Street, Hollywood, CA - TKTS: 866-811-4111) on Monday & Tuesday, June 21st & 22nd at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, June 23rd at 3:00 pm, Friday, June 24th at 5:00 pm and Saturday, June 25th at 9:00 pm. Booth & Pat present an hour of song, shtick and sketch idiotic in its observations, but ridiculous in its infectiousness. From the original and insightful "Where Have All the Straight Girls Gone?" lamenting Pat's ability to convert the women he dates into lesbians, to a skewering of the beloved "Let It Be", to a parody of Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack" where the undynamic duo dream of all the outdated things they could make stylish (#I'm bringing dial-up back / Those slow connections are where it's at#). It's like Entourage. Minus the cars. And the money. And the HBO contract. But with singing! Tickets are $20.
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FLA: ERIC COMSTOCK & BARBARA FASANO RETURN TO THE ROYAL ROOM

FLA: ERIC COMSTOCK & BARBARA FASANO RETURN TO THE ROYAL ROOM

Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano, winners of the 2010 Nightlife Award for Outstanding Cabaret Duo return to THE ROYAL ROOM at THE COLONY HOTEL (155 Hammond Avenue, Palm Beach, FL - 561-659-8100) on Fridays & Saturdays, June 18th & 19th and 25th & 26th at 8:00 pm. Eric & Barbara are the New York nightclub world's most celebrated team, and equally respected in jazz and cabaret circles. For their fifth appearance in the Royal Room, they will perform their critically acclaimed new show, This Thing Called Love, which played a four-week engagement at the Algonquin Hotel. In 2007, Comstock and Fasano received an unprecedented three awards from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs, and were nominated for Major Artist in the 2010 MAC Awards. Pianist, vocalist, raconteur Eric Comstock is the co-creator and star of the hit revues, Singing Astaire, Made for the Movies and Our Sinatra. Their recordings have been played on radio stations around the world, and together they headline in nightclubs and concert halls coast to coast, as well as at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Feinstein's at Loews Regency, The Carlyle, The Oak Room at the Algonquin and Birdland. Cost is $90 per person, dinner & show, and $45 for show only.
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NYC: BRANDON CUTRELL HOSTS "THE AFTER PARTY" WITH GUESTS TBA

NYC: BRANDON CUTRELL HOSTS "THE AFTER PARTY" WITH GUESTS TBA

At THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909) on Fridays at 10:30 pm, 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Brandon Cutrell hosts THE AFTER PARTY, a free-wheeling open-mic with guest stars from Broadway and Cabaret, Ray Fellman at the piano and Becca Johnson -Southworth and serving up drinks and taking turns at the mic. Guest performers from Broadway, off-Broadway and cabaret drop by each week to sing, chat and join in the fun. This week's THE AFTER PARTY special guests are TBA. No cover, no minimum, no reservations - first come, first seated.
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NYC: TAMMY GRIMES AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM THOUGH JUNE 30th

NYC: TAMMY GRIMES AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

NYC: Dawn Derow At DON'T TELL MAMA'S in June - final show tonight

NYC: Dawn Derow At DON'T TELL MAMA'S in June

Dawn Derow is bringing a new show to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) on four dates in June: Friday, June 11th at 7:15 pm; Sunday, June 13th at 3:30 pm; Tuesday, June 22nd at 7:15 pm; and Friday, June 25th at 7:15 pm. Lennie Watts serves at Director and Tracy Stark as Musical Director. Dawn will be joined by special guests Jason Reiff and Suzanne Fiore. Call for cover/minimum information.

PICK: NYC: JARON VESELY RETURNS WITH "SOMETHING GOOD"

NYC: JARON VESELY RETURNS WITH "SOMETHING GOOD"
FEATURED CABARET BENEFIT EVENT

2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Jaron Vesely returns to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440) on Friday, June 25th at 9:45 pm for one night only with his brand new show "Something Good" - a show celebrating the wisdom of innocence and the desires of youth. Vesely, a member of the Back Stage Bistro Award Winning Fabulous Pink Flamingos, presents an eclectic set for his second solo show, featuring songs by Cole Porter, Dolly Parton, Freddie Mercury, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Paul Simon, and others. Scott Bradlee, mashup jazz pianist extraordinaire of YouTube fame, returns as musical director and co-arranger. Russell Taylor, known on the New York cabaret scene for his award winning work with The Fabulous Pink Flamingos, directs. All Proceeds Benefit Marriage Equality USA.There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum.

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NYC: TICKETS SELLING FAST FOR THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE will celebrate its 20th Anniversary (officially on July 6th) on Tuesday, July 13th at 7:00 pm at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909). Tickets are on sale now, online only, at the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website only. No reservations will be taken by the venue - no tickets will be sold at the door on the night of the event. Reservations are limited to 75. All proceeds will go to support the website and newsletter during the summer months, when banner advertising is insufficient to keep the bills paid. There is a $10 discount per ticket for 2010-2011 members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE (SILVER & ABOVE).

Scheduled to perform include Esther Beckman, Lucille Carr-Kaffashan, Suzanne Carrico, Jill Cohen, Hector Coris, Frank Dain, Booth Daniels, Baby Jane Dexter, Tim Di Pasqua, Terese Fischer, Sidney Myer, Shaynee Rainbolt, Parker Scott, Marcus Simeone, Maureen Taylor, Jon Whitton and Jim VanSlyke. Multi-award winner Tracy Stark will be musical director for the show. We hope to have our 20-performer roster complete over the weekend. As with all live entertainment events, performers are subject to change without notice.

Ticket price for 2010-2011 members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE is $25 - members may order one additional ticket at this price. Ticket price for NON-MEMBERS is $35 per ticket. There is a $15 food/drink minimum required by the venue.

TICKET ORDER FORM

The CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE 20th ANNIVERSARY GALA
is sponsored in part by:
Marty GeigerTeresa Fischer
Jim Van Slyke
Accounting Services Group
Miranda Music
plus 2 anonymous donors

To become a sponsor at
$100 per unit

CLICK HERE

MORE "HERE & THERE" PART II (INCLUDING 4 CABARET REVIEWS)

MORE "HERE & THERE" PART II

Tickets are selling at a brisk pace with close to 50 tickets out of 72 sold. We're going to make a special push this weekend to current members so that they don't miss out on this special, one-time-only event and expect to sell out completely by July 1st. That will allow us to spend full time on making this the best CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE party ever.

If you're too far away to make it to the gala - or have another event your obliged to go to, why not show your support by purchasing an ad in the program booklet - just $25 for a 1/4 page ad, $40 for 1/2 page, $75 for full page ($25 additional for cover position). Same price as our MARCH IS CABARET booklet. This is an especially handy way for folks to advertise a cabaret event or CD release coming up in July, August or early September. Space it limited. Deadline is July 6th. For specs and to order, just click here:

I saw four shows in the past 7 days that I want to tell you about. Each one was in different style, and that's the great thing about cabaret. There is no "one way to do it".

On Friday, June 18th, I was at the METROPOLITAN ROOM for jazz pianist and vocalist Patti Wicks' show at 7:30 pm. I love all kinds of cabaret when they are done well, and this was one of the types of shows I particularly enjoy. Ms. Wicks simply sat at the piano and sang and played, with a minimum of patter and a maximum of talent. In the style of a saloon singer, the emphasis was on the song not the story. The show had simplicity and at the same time elegance. Accompanied by bassist Linc Milliman, she worked her way through a dozen or so songs, impressing each with her own mark, her own interpretation. It was jazz without all that clap-trap of forced scat, drum solos and showboating band members. Mr. Milliman was Ms. Wicks' partner throughout, even cueing her for the next song, since Patti has a visual disability that meant she could not follow the prepared song list without his help. In the familiar style of the likes of Barbara Carroll here in NYC, and Audrey Morris in Chicago, Ms. Wicks' smokey vocals gave the entire set a sense of liesure and calm - like a smooth glass of brandy after a hearty meal. Patti visits us from her home in Florida only once or twice a year, developing a loyal audience of true jazz aficionados. I hope she returns soon.

You all know by now my fondness for Tommy Femia's "JUDY! LIVE!" show, now in its 20th season, at DON'T TELL MAMA on Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 pm. There is no one in this town, and perhaps on the planet, that can recreate the energy, the charisma, the wildness, the spontaneity of the Garlan persona as well as Mr. Femia. This not a "drag act", this is a true celebrity impersonation. With the incomparable David Maiocco at the piano, "Judy" takes us on a whirlwind tour of both her songs and her emotions, with several Garland standards like The Trolly Song, Chicago, The Man That Got Away, plus several that weren't in her repertoire, like the classic "Fifty Percent" from Ballroom. And this being Judy Garland month - she was born on June 10th, 1922 and died on June 22, 1969 - both my pal Daniel and I made sure we were there on this special occasion. But there was another element that made it even more special. Each show Tommy invites a guest vocalist to perform a song or two while he does a costume change, and this time his guest was the unsinkable Cynthia Crane. After her two songs, "Judy" returned to the stage to sing along with Cynthia that classic Garland/Streisand duet, "Happy Days Are Here Again" and I will tell you, I have seen song this done by Tommy and dozens of partners over the years, but never quite like this! It was incredible, goose-bump producing, magic! Yes, that's another thing I love about cabaret: the unexpected surprise, the "impossible to duplicate" thrill that happens (and not rarely) in a live entertainment cabaret event.

Tommy Femia appears twice a month with JUDY! LIVE! at DON'T TELL MAMA on Saturday nights at 8:30 pm. Each show is similar in that each is exciting, yet each show is different, depending on the audience, the special guest or event that day's headlines. Check www.donttellmamanyc.com for the next show dates.

On Monday, June 21st I was at THE DUPLEX at 7:00 pm for Oron Stenesh's "THE BIG 3-0" show, celebrating turning 30. Oron is not simply a great vocalist, he is also a poet, a dancer (dancing samples scattered here and there in the show), and a consummate entertainer. His carefully crafted show, with Tex Arnold serving as musical director, presented a variety of song styles and genres. It was Mr. Stenesh's chance to look back over his life, beginning in the Kalamazoo, moving to NYC fresh out of college with no job, no apartment, and not much money, just a lot of ambition and self confidence. In the 8 years that he's been in NYC, he has truly had a varied career history - including theater, summer stock, children's theater, office temp and currently secretary in a law firm. Each phase of his city life was punctuated by a cleverly delivered story or anecdote, plus a song. His poetic talent was displayed as well, with a rap-like rant on gay equality. He had the audience totally captivated by his with, charm and even a bit of self-depreciation presented with a wink and a smile. No bitterness, no looking back, always the optimist, always moving to the next adventure with gusto. And, with show-ending announcement, Oran told us that in a few days he will move on to the next phase of his life - resettling in Minneapolis! The why wasn't answered, but we all knew that the makings of his next cabaret show were going to surely be the result.

The fourth cabaret show attended during the past seven days was on Wednesday, June 23rd at 7:30 pm, back at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM for Darren Williams' fantastic "Not The Boy Next Door The Peter Allen Songbook" - and in a unique style as well. Its a show celebrating the life and music of the very larger than life" Peter Allen, the man who inspired the musical THE BOY FROM OZ. With a 7 piece band (actually a very reasonable facsimile) made up of musical director Dennis Buck at piano, Ray Kilday on bass and Ray Grappone on percussion, this indeed was an exciting show, led by Mr. Williams, a dynamic showman in his own right. Every song in the show was an Allen gem, and it was great to hear them sung big and bold - Radio City Music Hall style. And most interestingly, the familiar Allen ballads weren't done as wimpy dirges but instead as anthems! The total package is one of challenge and inspiration, which comes through in so many of Peter Allen's works. This is actually the third time I've seen this show, yet it was fresh with as much energy and excitement as the first time I saw it. I am certain we will see more of the dynamic Mr. Williams in the future.

Well, this issue is about half the size of the Monday issue, yet took me about as much time to write - more original writing, less "cut & paste writing". Let me know if you like the new format - Monday issue packed with listings, WEEKEND issue packed with news items, reviews and the special weekend listings of shows with guest artists or changing themes. We can always switch back.

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 CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website , on theCABARET HOTLINE ONLINE blog and almost-hourly updates, picks & reminders on TWITTER.

And that's just about the way it was. The rest will have to wait until Mondays's issue. (The MEMBERS ONLY ISSUE goes out as usual on Saturday).

Thanks for your support of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE!

Hugs & Stuff,

HERE & THERE - PART I - BLOG EDITION

HERE & THERE - PART I

Brother, can you spare five bucks? That's all a sustaining 2010-2011 CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE MEMBERSHIP costs - and for $5 you get listed on the website with your website, FaceBook, MySpace & Twitter URLs (if applicable), become eligible for discounts on cabaret events, and even get to take part in our various MEMBERS ONLY polls and elections. Plus you get sent to you each Saturday the special MEMBERS ONLY NEWSLETTER with news and special offers not found on the website or in the regular twice-weekly newsletters. Just $5!

Regular memberships start at $20 and include (in addition to the above) discounts and rebates on advertising, a free CD Sales page to promote your CDs, links to your YouTube Video and your Blog Link, and more. Each level of membership provides you with more benefits. ALL members can upgrade to another level at any time during the membership year to gain additional benefits with full credit of membership fee already paid.

If you enjoy and appreciate our efforts, and want to see CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE continue - and grow, send in your membership donation this weekend! Just CLICK HERE to for details on all levels of membership and convenient PayPal buttons so you can join instantly. (memberships under $20 must be made by PayPal, since my bank gets disturbed if I deposit too many small checks in my "senior" fee-free account).

You get a "bonus" issue this month - sort of. You see, because Memorial Day is always on a Monday, our issue went out on Tuesday the 1st of June, and the final issue this month goes out on the 28th (next Monday) making 9 issues this time around. Just a special advance warning: The 4th of July is celebrated on Monday, the 5th, so that means the issue that week will go out on the 6th - which happens to be my 71st Birthday. The Thursday issue will probably go out on Friday, therefor.

The heat wave continues here in NYC, and I keep forgetting that it is actually winter in Australia, where the 10th Annual Adelaide Cabaret Festival is drawing to a close (it runs through Saturday, the 26th). We received Frank Ford's report on the second week of the festival overnight, and posted it this morning on both the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website and blog before starting this issue. Mr. Ford is truly a gem of a correspondant (he was one of the founders of the festival) and his enthusiasm for the art and artists of cabaret is probably even greater than my own! Be sure to read both reports currently running - we expect the final report to come in early next week.

Another Cabaret Festival also draws to a close this weekend: The 5-week San Francisco SOMETHING C.O.O.L. - THE SUMMER CABARET FESTIVAL being presented at THE EUREKA THEATER which runs through Sunday, the 27th. Centerpiece of the celebration was singer and recording artist Russ Lorenson, and his award winning "Benedetto/ Blessed: A Tribute to the Life and Music of Tony Bennett". Details in the listings below. By the way, there's a $20 discount for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE for Russ' show! I believe that's the largest discount ever offered by a performer!

While California-based director Tim Nelson prepares a co-production of Brigadoon for it's weekend at The CABARET AT FORT SALEM THEATER (11 East Broadway, Salem, NY - 518-854-9200 - ) to run July 2nd through 4th, Fort Salem's artistic director, Jay Kerr, has traveled to Vincennes, Indiana, to musical direct his score for the World Premiere of Alice of Old Vincennes: A Musical, at the RED SKELTON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (0 Red Skelton Boulevard, Vincennes, IN - 812-888-4039 - ). Both Skelton and Alice resided in Vincennes, a small city in the southwestern corner of Indiana, on the banks of the Wabash River. Skelton caught the eye of comedian Ed Wynn when Wynn was at performing at the local vaudeville house, and was then and there encouraged to go to Hollywood and make his mark. Alice is a fictitious character created in the 1901 novel, Alice of Old Vincennes, by then popular novelist Maurice Thompson, who also lived there.

At the suggestion of Rick Holen, a performer with Kerr in Special Services in Vietnam and then a professor at Vincennes University, Kerr was commissioned to provide a musical score in a project guided by the university musical theater department. Lyrics were written by Vincennes poet and university English professor, Dr. Laurel Smith, with a book by theater chair, Dr. James Spurrier. The performance in Vincennes runs the Friday through Sunday, June 25th through 27th and is billed a Concert Staged Reading, with a cast of fifteen portraying the thirty-some roles in the show. After this year's concert reading, the show will enjoy an annual full-scale pageant production during Indiana's tourist-heavy summers.

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Thursday, June 24, 2010

S.A.: CAPE MASALA CHOIR AT VILLA PASCAL FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS

S.A.: CAPE MASALA CHOIR AT VILLA PASCAL

Cape Masala, under the leadership of Cape Malay Choir veteran Adam Samsodien, returns to VILLA PASCAL (28 Van Der Westhuizen Street. Durbanville, Capetown, SA - Tel: 021-9752566) on Friday & Saturday, June 25th & 26th at 7:00 pm. The show enjoyed a 4 week sold out season with their last visit to Villa Pascal. Cape Masala is a festive showcase featuring traditional Cape Malay ghoema music and liedjies, including standards like Rosa, Daar Kom Die Alabama, Welcome to Cape Town and many more. The show is hosted by popular Cape Town tenor Frankie Sawyer who started his singing career with the Cape Malay Choir. Call for cover/minimum information.

AUS: BRONWYN BAUD IN WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED...? - BUTTERFLY CLUB THROUGH SUNDAY

AUS: BRONWYN BAUD IN WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED...?

Bronwyn Baud presents a collection of songs about that most popular of songwriters' subjects at THE BUTTERFLY CLUB (204 Bank Street, South Melbourne, VIC - 03 96902000) Thursday through Sunday, June 24th through 27th at 7:00 pm (Sunday at 6:00 pm). The songs are mainly drawn from theatre shows, particularly those by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart, Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber. They are sometimes witty, sometimes sad, sometimes caustic, sometimes tender but always about ... LOVE. Call for cover/minimum information.
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AUS: KIM SMITH in MORPHIUM AT THE BUTTERFLY CLUB THROUGH SUNDAY

AUS: KIM SMITH in MORPHIUM AT THE BUTTERFLY CLUB

Australian cabaret artist Kim Smith returns to Melbourne following his Adelaide Cabaret Festival debut with his show MORPHIUM at THE BUTTERFLY CLUB (204 Bank Street, South Melbourne, VIC - 03 96902000) on Thursday through Sunday, June 24th through 27th at 9:00 pm (8:00 pm on Sunday). Morphium is a dark and whimsical evocation of the decadence and decay of 1930s Europe. Singing in German, French, and English, Smith reinterprets works by Weimar-era composers, and modern-day artists alike, from Mischa Spoliansky and the Supremes, to Kurt Weill and Kylie Minogue, as he charts a ruinous path through the arrivals and departures of a neo-Weimar, musical misfit. Amanda Hodder accompanies on piano, Christian Coulson directs. Morphium premiered in March 2009 at the Neue Galerie's Cafe Sabarsky in New York, before touring to Australia to perform exclusively at The Butterfly Club. Morphium has since returned to Cafe Sabarsky, and performed at Joe's Pub at the Public Theater, and at Don't Tell Mama NYC. Call for cover/minimum information.
copyright 2010 - CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE - POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW

HERE'S WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT ....

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Friday, June 25, 2010

Thursday, June 24, 2010