Saturday, December 27, 2008
SAD NEWS: EARTHA KITT PASSES AT AGE 81
CLICK ON THE HEADLINE ABOVE FOR AN ARTICLE BY STEPHEN HOLDEN - NEW YORK TIMES
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR'S EVE???
CLICK ON THE HEADLINE ABOVE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE NEW YEAR'S PAGE
UPDATED TWICE A WEEK - ON THE WEBSITE
UPDATED TWICE A WEEK - ON THE WEBSITE
NYC: ALGONQUIN SALON THIS SUNDAY WITH HOST MARK JANAS
Mark Janas' Algonquin Salon usually takes place on Sunday nights from 7:00 to 10:00 pm in the lobby of THE ALGONQUIN HOTEL (59 West 44th Street, NYC - 212-419-9331). The Salon is a weekly event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members in the lobby of the Algonquin Hotel, an informal, yet elegant setting with a grand tradition of artists gathering to socialize. There is no cover and no minimum. Salon Secretary Peter Napolitano reports that THE ALGONQUIN SALON on Sunday, December 28th the theme will be "AULD LANG SYNE!" and the special co-hosts will be two Salon founding members from the original cast of "THE TALK OF THE TOWN", Donna Coney Island and Chris Weikel. Remember, any material, on or off-theme, is always welcome at the Algonquin Salon.
ON RADIO: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": YEAR END THOUGHTS IN MUSIC
On Sunday, December 28th, 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 "Year End Thoughts in Music." 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/ .
Monday, December 22, 2008
NYC: JULIE REYBURN MAKES HER FEINSTEIN'S DEBUT
Award Winning Vocalist Julie Reyburn makes her Feinstein's debut on January 6th in a special One Night Only performance of her show "It's A New World" at FEINSTEIN'S at the REGENCY HOTEL (540 Park Avenue, NYC - 212-339-4095) on Tuesday, January 6th at 8:30 pm. This brand new show was created specifically to celebrate the occasion! Directed by Peter Napolitano, Julie is joined by her longtime Musical Director, Mark Janas and Bassist Ritt Henn performing a unique collection of celebrated standards, Broadway classics, and new works soon to become part of the American Songbook. Composers/Lyricists include Stephen Sondheim, Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Maltby & Shire, Janas & Napolitano, Alec Wilder, Harold Arlen, E.Y. Harburg, Ira Gershwin, Vernon Duke, Henry Mancini & Johnny Mercer and Irving Berlin. Julie is a multi-award winning singer, actor and recording artist who has appeared in many of the top clubs in Manhattan. Her ability to connect to a lyric with unique interpretations has established her as one of New York's celebrated female vocalist. She is the first ever Nightlife Award recipient for Outstanding Female Vocalist in 2003 and again in 2005 as a finalist. There is a $30 cover charge, plus a $25 food/drink minimum.
NYC: 2009 NIGHTLIFE AWARDS: GATLIN, BLOCK, MORTON & MORE!
On Monday, January 26th at 7:00 pm, the 7th Annual Nightlife Awards Concert returns once again to THE TOWN HALL (123 West 43rd Street, NYC - 212-997-1929 ) with the most - and the best - entertainment of any awards show in the world. The reason is simple: there are no acceptance speeches at The Nightlife Awards. The winners perform to show why they were chosen. And the reason they're the best is because they've been chosen by a broad-based panel of more than two dozen members of the press of New York City that covers cabaret, comedy, and jazz. And the best of New York City nightlife is, by defintion, the best in the world. Among the winners who have performed at The Nightlife Awards in the past have included such luminaries as Brian Stokes Mitchell, Elaine Stritch, Alan King, Betty Buckley, Ute Lemper, Robert Klein, Karen Akers, Judy Gold, Liz Callaway, Ann Hampton Callaway, Lea DeLaria, John Pizzarelli, Jessica Molaskey, Marilyn Maye, Barb Jungr, Paula West, Maureen McGovern, Kristin Chenoweth, Donna Murphy, Bruce Vilanch, Andrea Marcovicci, Christine Ebersole, Freddy Cole, Keely Smith, Bill Charlap, Sandi Stewart, Eartha Kitt, etc., etc.
The 2009 edition of The Nightlife Awards will be just as star-studded, if not more so, than in the past. Though the winners will not be announced until January, here are just a few of the guest performers who will be on stage on January 26th to add their talent to the glitter of the evening. Country superstar Larry Gatlin will perform. So, too, will Broadway and Nightlife stars, Stephanie J. Block and Euan Morton. Stephanie will be starring in 9 - 5 on Broadway in the Spring, and Euan Morton is the Tony-nominated star of Taboo. More guest performers and celebrity presenters will be announced soon, as will the actual Nightlife Award winners.
Tickets to the Nightlife Awards have only recently gone on sale to the public. The price is a recession proof $25, $50, or $75 for a non-stop evening of great performances. Tickets are availabe via TicketMaster at 212-307-4100 or at TicketMaster.com. Tickets will be available at the Town Hall Box Office starting Monday, January 5th.
Friday, December 19, 2008
SHOW CANCELLATIONS FOR FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS
Keep up to date on show cancellations due to the winter storm predicted for Friday & Saturday - we will post them here as they are received and will also be sending out special NYC CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE NYC BULLETINS to all subscribers to this service if and when they are received - if you are not yet a subscriber to the NYC BULLETIN SERVICE click HERE for information.
HUGS
STU
HUGS
STU
BE SURE TO CHECK OUR RUNDOWN OF 2008 NEW YEAR'S EVE SHOWS AND EVENTS
CLICK ON THE HEADLINE ABOVE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE NEW YEAR'S PAGE
UPDATED TWICE A WEEK - ON THE WEBSITE
UPDATED TWICE A WEEK - ON THE WEBSITE
ON RADIO: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": SONGS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
On Sunday, December 21st, 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 of music of the Holidays. Songs featured include "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", Judy Garland; "The Christmas Song", Nat King Cole; "If I Hear Another Song About Christmas", Michael Feinstein; "My Simple Christmas Wish", Alix Korey; "Baby, It's Cold Outside", Liza Minnelli & Alan Cumming; "What Child Is This", Mahalia Jackson; "Ave Maria", Leontyne Price; "Surabaya Santa", Kristine Zbornik; "It's Christmas And We're Jewish", Karen Benjamin & Alan Chapman; "White Christmas", Bing Crosby; "Just In Time For Christmas", Nancy LaMott; "All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)", Alvin & The Chipmunks; "Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep", Maureen Mcgovern; "My Christmas Song For You", Andrea Marcovicci; 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/ .
Thursday, December 18, 2008
CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE NEEDS YOU!
If you subscribe to the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE newsletter and have not yet become a member, isn't it time? A basic SILVER membership is still just $20. Joining is simple - just click on the button marked JOIN HERE at the top of every page of the website. You can even join and donate instantly using a credit card, debit card or e-check via PayPal - all the benefits are shown on that page, as well as the various levels of membership. Or you can donate the old fashioned way, by paper check - just remember, all checks should be made out simply to STU HAMSTRA and mailed to 676A Ninth Avenue #120, New York, NY 10036.
We are about 70 members short of the number of members we had at this point last year - 440 - which is about a 16% shortage. At the same time our Banner Ad income is down $5,000 from last year at this time. And this does not take into account the loss of income from outside work - website design and maintenance. Income in that category has dropped by close to $2,000 to date in 2008.
I just looked this all up - and even shocked myself with these figures. I knew things were bad, but didn't realize how bad until this morning! As Orwell said in 1984 (the book, not the year) "Ignorance Is Bliss" and I was in a false state of bliss for the past few months! Now I realize why I have had to cancel my cabaret-going plans so often lately for lack of funds!
We're not "crying wolf" when we say that our financial situation is critical. If it wasn't for some extraordinary gifts (non membership, non advertising) and some loans from friends and relatives, and even two wonderful folks who paid for banners far in advance, this whole operation would have collapsed back in August. 166 members out of 478 (nearly 35%) from 2007-2008 have not re-joined.
Please - if you are not yet a member, consider joining before the end of 2008.
HUGS
STU
We are about 70 members short of the number of members we had at this point last year - 440 - which is about a 16% shortage. At the same time our Banner Ad income is down $5,000 from last year at this time. And this does not take into account the loss of income from outside work - website design and maintenance. Income in that category has dropped by close to $2,000 to date in 2008.
I just looked this all up - and even shocked myself with these figures. I knew things were bad, but didn't realize how bad until this morning! As Orwell said in 1984 (the book, not the year) "Ignorance Is Bliss" and I was in a false state of bliss for the past few months! Now I realize why I have had to cancel my cabaret-going plans so often lately for lack of funds!
We're not "crying wolf" when we say that our financial situation is critical. If it wasn't for some extraordinary gifts (non membership, non advertising) and some loans from friends and relatives, and even two wonderful folks who paid for banners far in advance, this whole operation would have collapsed back in August. 166 members out of 478 (nearly 35%) from 2007-2008 have not re-joined.
Please - if you are not yet a member, consider joining before the end of 2008.
HUGS
STU
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
YOU READ IT FIRST RIGHT HERE
Because of the extra work involved, we will discontinue promoting the sale of 2008-2009 CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE memberships as of December 31, 2008.
Each membership includes not just a listing on the appropriate membership page, but also an opportunity to have a personal CD SALE page on the website - which involves page building, adding a jpg of a CD cover plus linking the page to the members website and if available the iTunes or CD Baby page where the CD may be purchased.
Plus I need to regularly print out and mail membership cards to each member - involving postage and printing costs, etc. Currently I have over 30 cards that need printing and mailing, with 2 empty ink cartridges that need replacement and no funds available for blank cards, ink or stamps (I do have enough envelopes).
In fact, I have come to discover that a simple $20 SILVER membership involves at least an hour's work per member signed up and then the $20 can be applied in full to a BANNER AD as a rebate (once each membership year) at a net "loss" to me.
So by ceasing the membership program on December 31st, it gives me a few months to study my alternatives before the new membership year starts on July 6, 2009 and the memberships actually go on sale on May 1st.
Your comments and suggestions will be most welcome.
HUGS
STU
Each membership includes not just a listing on the appropriate membership page, but also an opportunity to have a personal CD SALE page on the website - which involves page building, adding a jpg of a CD cover plus linking the page to the members website and if available the iTunes or CD Baby page where the CD may be purchased.
Plus I need to regularly print out and mail membership cards to each member - involving postage and printing costs, etc. Currently I have over 30 cards that need printing and mailing, with 2 empty ink cartridges that need replacement and no funds available for blank cards, ink or stamps (I do have enough envelopes).
In fact, I have come to discover that a simple $20 SILVER membership involves at least an hour's work per member signed up and then the $20 can be applied in full to a BANNER AD as a rebate (once each membership year) at a net "loss" to me.
So by ceasing the membership program on December 31st, it gives me a few months to study my alternatives before the new membership year starts on July 6, 2009 and the memberships actually go on sale on May 1st.
Your comments and suggestions will be most welcome.
HUGS
STU
Monday, December 15, 2008
MORE ABOUT THE CURRENT STATE OF CABARET
Here's another take on the recent discussions we have had here in the newsletter and on the blog regarding the state of cabaret, sent in by a subscriber:
"I thought it was interesting your comments about emails you have been getting as to why cabaret has been struggling. One of the things I find so interesting is why people need to find blame as to why they are not successful. I go and see many cabaret acts and am so disappointed in what I see and it is so expensive. I see a lot of "Performing" and not a whole lot of real emotional connection with us, the audience. When I see people really trying to learn to connect, it makes me want to cheer them on. I appreciate the Julie Wilsons, Marilyn Mayes, Barbara Cooks, Lee Roy Reams and others of that ilk because they really connect and communicate to the audience, so much more than just ego. I want to be deeply moved and laugh hard."
Another reader commented on the quality of service and (for some venues) the quality of ambiance - likening one club's facilities to a school lunch room. Ambiance is a tough call, since most club owners are trying to keep their costs down, but good service should be a given - it doesn't cost a penny more. My own experience lately has been the seemingly high turnover of staff in many of the clubs. Hopefully, since most cabaret staff members are also performers, this means that the waiters and bartenders have gotten gigs in musicals, on cruise ships and in touring companies of Broadway shows. But I have noticed drinks are now often being served during serious moments in the show, where the waiters used to "wait" until the ballad was over - and then drop off drinks during the applause. This could be a lack of training, or it could be thoughtlessness.
And then there is the "disappearing waiter" act, usually about 3/4 into the show, where the staff disappears - sometimes to tally all the bills for the show, sometimes just to chat or have a smoke. Heaven help anyone who tips over a drink with no staff person around to come to the rescue with a towel or some napkins. I personally think - simply for safety sake - one staff member other than the lighting techie should be in the cabaret room during the show at all times. A few weeks ago I was at a show that ended and no one was around to bring the bills. Fortunately thanks to the honesty of the cabaret audience, no one left without paying. Even worse is the habit in some rooms to hand out the bills during the last song, and then attempting to collect payment before the show has even ended. Perhaps we could call Maggie Cullen out of retirement to open a school for cabaret wait staff!
"I thought it was interesting your comments about emails you have been getting as to why cabaret has been struggling. One of the things I find so interesting is why people need to find blame as to why they are not successful. I go and see many cabaret acts and am so disappointed in what I see and it is so expensive. I see a lot of "Performing" and not a whole lot of real emotional connection with us, the audience. When I see people really trying to learn to connect, it makes me want to cheer them on. I appreciate the Julie Wilsons, Marilyn Mayes, Barbara Cooks, Lee Roy Reams and others of that ilk because they really connect and communicate to the audience, so much more than just ego. I want to be deeply moved and laugh hard."
Another reader commented on the quality of service and (for some venues) the quality of ambiance - likening one club's facilities to a school lunch room. Ambiance is a tough call, since most club owners are trying to keep their costs down, but good service should be a given - it doesn't cost a penny more. My own experience lately has been the seemingly high turnover of staff in many of the clubs. Hopefully, since most cabaret staff members are also performers, this means that the waiters and bartenders have gotten gigs in musicals, on cruise ships and in touring companies of Broadway shows. But I have noticed drinks are now often being served during serious moments in the show, where the waiters used to "wait" until the ballad was over - and then drop off drinks during the applause. This could be a lack of training, or it could be thoughtlessness.
And then there is the "disappearing waiter" act, usually about 3/4 into the show, where the staff disappears - sometimes to tally all the bills for the show, sometimes just to chat or have a smoke. Heaven help anyone who tips over a drink with no staff person around to come to the rescue with a towel or some napkins. I personally think - simply for safety sake - one staff member other than the lighting techie should be in the cabaret room during the show at all times. A few weeks ago I was at a show that ended and no one was around to bring the bills. Fortunately thanks to the honesty of the cabaret audience, no one left without paying. Even worse is the habit in some rooms to hand out the bills during the last song, and then attempting to collect payment before the show has even ended. Perhaps we could call Maggie Cullen out of retirement to open a school for cabaret wait staff!
NYC: WEDNESDAY JAZZ AT NOON WITH YULETIDE CELEBRATION
Jazz at Noon continues on Wednesdays at ST. PETER'S CHURCH - LIVING ROOM (Lexington Avenue at 54th Street, NYC). This long-running series was created by Edmund Anderson and is now produced by Ronny Whyte. Next show is on Wednesday, December 17th with Jazz at Noon's Annual Yuletide Celebration featuring Joyce Breach, Saundra Silliman, Daryl Sherman, Alex Leonard and Ronny Whyte with Boots Maleson on Bass. There are no performances on Wednesdays, December 24th & 31st. Performances are at 1:00 pm, $7 admission.
BOSTON: ROSEMARY LOAR IN BOSTON BENEFIT TONIGHT
Rosemary
Loar, currently appearing in Boston in "Grinch" will present an Equity
sponsored AIDS benefit show tonight, Monday, December 15th at ENCORE LOUNGE at THE COURTYARD MARRIOT (275 Tremont Street, Boston, MA - 617-728-2162 ) at 7:00 pm. Rosemary's
repertoire is fresh and interesting. Two other cast members of
"Grinch" will be joining her for a fun group number. She will be accompanied by Tom LaMark on piano bassist Tony d'Amico. No cover, but there is a suggested donation of $20.
N.J.AREA: BOB'S BIG MONDAY SHOWCASE TONIGHT AT STOCKTON INN
BOB's BIG MONDAY SHOWCASE returns tonight, December 15th (and every other Monday), at 7:30 pm at the STOCKTON INN (1 North Main Street, Stockton NJ - 609-397-1250). The show usually features 6 to 10 vocalists from the NY-NJ-PA area. Performers for for scheduled for this showcase include Andi Rose, Carol Mikulski, Jane Arthur, Jerry Wichinsky, Meghan Hughes, Lisa Poulos & Dennis Razze, Steve Kolbo and Kate & Dennis Varley and more to be announced. Only $10 cover/$10 minimum. Serving dinner, from 5:30 pm.
SAD NEWS FROM HOLLYWOOD
Sad news from the owners of HOLLYWOOD SHEET MUSIC (7777 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA - 323-850-1075). In spite of tremendous support from performers and friends in the Los Angeles area, including a special Master Class/Fund Raiser put on by CABARET WEST and led by Sharon McNight back in October, the store has been forced to close. The owners pledge to do their best to reopen at another location if possible. Stay tuned.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
CHICAGO: CHICAGO HOLIDAY: CELEBRATING THE SEASON
CCP (Chicago Cabaret Professionals) and DRURY LANE WATER TOWER PLACE (175 East Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL - 312-642-2000) announces the last of five new Musical Mondays concerts, held monthly through December. On Monday December 15th at 7:30 pm the show is "CHICAGO HOLIDAY: Celebrating the Season", with a wonderfully diverse group of cabaret artists, we present to you a delightful variety of classic holiday hits and memorable moments. The show will feature Elizabeth Doyle, Rob Dorn, John Eskola, Tim Hairston, KT McCammond, Alma Mendoza, Sami Scott, Carolyn Wehner and Carol Weston. Musical direction by Joshua Stephen Kartes. Directed by Rob Dorn. Tickets are $25 and are on sale now by calling the Box Office at 312-642-2000 or visiting http://www.ticketmaster.com/ .
Friday, December 12, 2008
NEW ON THE WEBSITE - today!
I got such a cute holiday card today I decided to share it - and decided to add any more clever/cute/inspirational/appropriate cards to the page if and as they come in (jpg or gif via e-mail). Check it out!
These are a few of my favorite cards .... of 2009!
HUGS
STU
These are a few of my favorite cards .... of 2009!
HUGS
STU
COMMENTS ON THE CURRENT STATE OF CABARET
I have been getting a lot of responses to my article in the newsletter and on the website a few weeks ago regarding the current state of cabaret and the need for action on the part of all to support this art form.
One person reminded me of the time when live entertainment venues were closing all over town, with the owners converting their clubs to discos - even THE DUPLEX was converted to a disco for a few years. Fortunately that period was short lived, but the number of live entertainment venues never recovered to its former numbers. Then there was the "comedy club conversion" - venue owners discovered that they could do away with a lot of staff and expense by simply setting a mic in front of a brick wall and a simple spotlight, and get the comic-want-to-be's to fill their rooms by requiring them to bring a minimum number of paying guests in order to get a chance to perform. A lot of this still goes on today - ever notice the kids in the Times Square area handing out discount fliers for this comedy club or that one? The fliers are marked with the comic's code and he is credited with how many actually show up and pay the cover. CAROLINES started out as a cabaret room!
Another e-mail writer blames the clubs and club owners for allowing anyone - good or bad - to present a show as long as they can fill the room. Folks attending a cabaret show for the first time are "turned off" to cabaret when they get suckered into these events by their friends and family.
Or take this one: The so-called major clubs have become dominated by big names from TV, film or Broadway (many of whom are not even known as vocalists), and there is no longer an incentive for cabaret performers to strive to "move up" since they feel they are locked in to the middle-tier rooms. So they get discouraged and drop out of the cabaret scene. And the whole of cabaret is left with lesser skilled and lesser experienced performers.
Here's another complaint: No one seems to set any guidelines for cover charges any more. One could usually get an indication of the skill level of a performer by the cover charge, but it seems like performers are free to charge whatever cover they wish - with debut, inexperienced performers sometimes putting on shows in the $25-$30 range. This creates some real anger and disappointment on the part of the person who feels he didn't get decent value for his cover fee, and all of cabaret gets tainted. And is a $60 to $150 cover (and usually accompanied by a $40 to $60 minimum) seem realistic for a 55 minute show?
The same could be said of the progressively higher minimums charged by the venues and the steadily increasing price of drinks. Some clubs seem to be taking their pricing cues from the "posh" celebrity clubs catering to the "stretched white Hummer" crowd.
Another complaint I have heard is the practice of clubs to cancel a show and still charge a fee if there are less than a certain number of reservations on the book (lately that number has climbed to 15 in some instances). The performer is left holding the bag - absorbing all the costs of creating, producing, advertising and staffing a show, while the venue is in a win-win situation. The musicians usually need to be paid whether there is a show or not, and the cost of arrangements, post cards, fliers, posters, is money down the drain. As one person wrote me, this means the good performer trying to build a career is frightened off, while to lesser performer with a rich benefactor/spouse and a lot of similarly wealthy friends gets the good dates. This drags down the quality of the art.
And - a little closer to home - one person felt that the cabaret reviews he found often bore no resemblance to the quality of the actual show. He felt there was a reluctance on the part of publications/websites to give a bad review of a bad show. And this, coupled with the raves of friends and relatives on the message boards and yahoo/google group mailings, often led to high expectations and total disappointment.
It is interesting to note that not one e-mail was received blaming the recent apparent drop in cabaret attendance on the economy! Maybe that was a foregone conclusion, but interesting just the same.
More comments anyone? I'm listening.
HUGS
STU
One person reminded me of the time when live entertainment venues were closing all over town, with the owners converting their clubs to discos - even THE DUPLEX was converted to a disco for a few years. Fortunately that period was short lived, but the number of live entertainment venues never recovered to its former numbers. Then there was the "comedy club conversion" - venue owners discovered that they could do away with a lot of staff and expense by simply setting a mic in front of a brick wall and a simple spotlight, and get the comic-want-to-be's to fill their rooms by requiring them to bring a minimum number of paying guests in order to get a chance to perform. A lot of this still goes on today - ever notice the kids in the Times Square area handing out discount fliers for this comedy club or that one? The fliers are marked with the comic's code and he is credited with how many actually show up and pay the cover. CAROLINES started out as a cabaret room!
Another e-mail writer blames the clubs and club owners for allowing anyone - good or bad - to present a show as long as they can fill the room. Folks attending a cabaret show for the first time are "turned off" to cabaret when they get suckered into these events by their friends and family.
Or take this one: The so-called major clubs have become dominated by big names from TV, film or Broadway (many of whom are not even known as vocalists), and there is no longer an incentive for cabaret performers to strive to "move up" since they feel they are locked in to the middle-tier rooms. So they get discouraged and drop out of the cabaret scene. And the whole of cabaret is left with lesser skilled and lesser experienced performers.
Here's another complaint: No one seems to set any guidelines for cover charges any more. One could usually get an indication of the skill level of a performer by the cover charge, but it seems like performers are free to charge whatever cover they wish - with debut, inexperienced performers sometimes putting on shows in the $25-$30 range. This creates some real anger and disappointment on the part of the person who feels he didn't get decent value for his cover fee, and all of cabaret gets tainted. And is a $60 to $150 cover (and usually accompanied by a $40 to $60 minimum) seem realistic for a 55 minute show?
The same could be said of the progressively higher minimums charged by the venues and the steadily increasing price of drinks. Some clubs seem to be taking their pricing cues from the "posh" celebrity clubs catering to the "stretched white Hummer" crowd.
Another complaint I have heard is the practice of clubs to cancel a show and still charge a fee if there are less than a certain number of reservations on the book (lately that number has climbed to 15 in some instances). The performer is left holding the bag - absorbing all the costs of creating, producing, advertising and staffing a show, while the venue is in a win-win situation. The musicians usually need to be paid whether there is a show or not, and the cost of arrangements, post cards, fliers, posters, is money down the drain. As one person wrote me, this means the good performer trying to build a career is frightened off, while to lesser performer with a rich benefactor/spouse and a lot of similarly wealthy friends gets the good dates. This drags down the quality of the art.
And - a little closer to home - one person felt that the cabaret reviews he found often bore no resemblance to the quality of the actual show. He felt there was a reluctance on the part of publications/websites to give a bad review of a bad show. And this, coupled with the raves of friends and relatives on the message boards and yahoo/google group mailings, often led to high expectations and total disappointment.
It is interesting to note that not one e-mail was received blaming the recent apparent drop in cabaret attendance on the economy! Maybe that was a foregone conclusion, but interesting just the same.
More comments anyone? I'm listening.
HUGS
STU
ON RADIO: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": FRANK & FUNDRAISING
On Sunday, December 7th, 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 of music of Frank Sinatra at Reprise Records. Some of the songs that will be played: "It Was A Very Good Year", "Send In The Clowns", "My Way", "Strangers In The Night", "Summer Wind", "Fly Me To The Moon", "I Love My Wife", "Mack The Knife", "Something Stupid", "How Insensitive", "Me & My Shadow", "That's Life", "Here's To The Band", "Theme from New York, New York", "The Last Dance " and More.
HELP SUPPORT WBAI-FM & EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN ! Call 212-209-2950 with your pledge during this broadcast. For your pledge of $50 David will send you: KENNEY'S KHRISTMAS GRAB BAG which includes 2 CDs (great stocking stuffers) and a one year membership to WBAI.
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. For more information, see http://www.oldisnew.org/ .
WBAI is a listener supported radio station - commercial free. Which means it can broadcast viewpoints from all over without fear of sponsor censorship. David's show plays "our kind of music" - and there aren't many stations doing that anymore, especially in the NYC area. The continuation of this show depends totally on the support of people who enjoy big-band, jazz, swing, standards, showtunes, contemporary cabaret and celebrity interviews. That's your cue to phone in with your pledge.
HELP SUPPORT WBAI-FM & EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN ! Call 212-209-2950 with your pledge during this broadcast. For your pledge of $50 David will send you: KENNEY'S KHRISTMAS GRAB BAG which includes 2 CDs (great stocking stuffers) and a one year membership to WBAI.
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. For more information, see http://www.oldisnew.org/ .
WBAI is a listener supported radio station - commercial free. Which means it can broadcast viewpoints from all over without fear of sponsor censorship. David's show plays "our kind of music" - and there aren't many stations doing that anymore, especially in the NYC area. The continuation of this show depends totally on the support of people who enjoy big-band, jazz, swing, standards, showtunes, contemporary cabaret and celebrity interviews. That's your cue to phone in with your pledge.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
NYC: AFTER PARTY FRIDAY WITH GUEST JONATHAN GROFF
At THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 on Fridays at 10:30 pm, Brandon Cutrell & Alysha Umphress host AFTER PARTY, a free-wheeling open-mic with guest stars from Broadway and Cabaret, Ray Fellman at the piano and others 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. No cover, no minimum. Singer/dancers invited at all times - you can hang out at the bar, at a table or even on stage. On Friday, December 12th THE AFTER PARTY will feature performances by Tony Award Nominee & Prayer For My Enemy's Jonathan Groff; TV's Third Watch's & Prayer For My Enemy's Skipp Sudduth; Hairspray's Charlotte Crossleyand the Larry King Orchestra's Larry King. Also in attendance will be the cast of Prayer For My Enemy including Tony Award Winner Victoria Clark Tony Award Winner Michelle Pawk Theatre Award Winner Cassie Beck and Zachary Booth - with Avenue Q's Mark Hartmann at the piano.
NYC: CHRISTMAS CABARET AND TOY DRIVE FOR COPA
New York's only Singing Santa & Mrs. Claus are doing a Charity Cabaret at UNCLE CHARLIE'S (139 East 45th Street 2nd Floor, NYC - 212-661-9097) 8:00 pm tonight, December 11th. Paul Vincentt, a professional Santa for over 15 years, and Beth Sacks, a professional Mrs Claus who has worked for several harities, are performing in a show called "Claus with a Cause" at the regular Thursday night no cover "Cabaret Fever" show, hosted each week by singer/pianist David Pellegrene.
Its a toydrive and fund raiser for CHILDREN OF PARENTS WITH AIDS a wonderful charity thyat deserves all of our support. So often, families affected or infected with HIV spend so much on medical care and medicine for those infected that the children go without. No child should ever wake up on Christmas day with nothing from Santa. Bring a new unwrapped toy to Uncle Charlies and see a fun cabaret with the Clauses, Afterwards you will have a chance to take a picture with the jolly Elves. All proceeds go to CHILDREN OF PARENTS WITH AIDS.
HUGS
STU
Its a toydrive and fund raiser for CHILDREN OF PARENTS WITH AIDS a wonderful charity thyat deserves all of our support. So often, families affected or infected with HIV spend so much on medical care and medicine for those infected that the children go without. No child should ever wake up on Christmas day with nothing from Santa. Bring a new unwrapped toy to Uncle Charlies and see a fun cabaret with the Clauses, Afterwards you will have a chance to take a picture with the jolly Elves. All proceeds go to CHILDREN OF PARENTS WITH AIDS.
HUGS
STU
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
NO ALGONQUIN SALON SUNDAY DECEMBER 14TH
Salon Secretary Peter Napolitano reports that there will be NO SALON this SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14th. But be of good cheer! He also reports that THE ALGONQUIN SALON, hosted by Mark Janas in the lobby of the historic Algonquin Hotel, will return on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21st, from 7 to 10PM, as they put their own special twist on the Holiday season with "MERRY SOLSTICE!", in honor of the fact that the Winter Solstice falls on that date. Of course, the Salon will also be celebrating Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Festivus and any other holiday you want to sing about. Special co-hosts on the 21st will be The Definitely Dickens Holiday Carolers, a wonderful a capella quartet mostly comprised of Salon regulars. You are invited to join them for an evening of yuletide words and music with our warm, welcoming Salon family. No cover.
NYC: WEDNESDAY JAZZ AT NOON TODAY WITH JACKSON & PALTER
Jazz at Noon continues on Wednesdays at ST. PETER'S CHURCH - LIVING ROOM (Lexington Avenue at 54th Street, NYC). This long-running series was created by Edmund Anderson and is now produced by Ronny Whyte. Next show is on Wednesday, December 10th at 1:00 pm with Boston's Lynne Jackson & Mike Palter performing a Birthday Tribute to Hoagy Carmichael. Performances are at 1:00 pm, $7 admission.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
NYC: SETH'S CHATTERBOX: GUEST HAYDN GWYNNE
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, December 11th will feature as guest Haydn Gwynne, currently appearing in BILLY ELLIOT on Broadway. 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.
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