IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM DON SCHAFFER

Popular PR/Artist Management guru Donald Schaffer wanted his cabaret friends to know that he is spending a few days in the hospital for some tests and treatment due to a diabetic related condition. He has taken some work with him and is on top of things from his room (with a great view.) He sends regrets that he can't attend some events that he was invited to and is still overseeing the needs of current active clients: Jon Petersen, Darren Williams, Marcus Simeone (October 21 at Metropolitan Room); Cindy Marchiondra (October 17 at Laurie Beechman); Anne Kerry Ford (October 16-17 at Metropolitan Room).

He sends his love and thanks for the well wishes.

NYC: BROADWAY CABARET FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND AT THE TOWN HALL

NYC: BROADWAY CABARET FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND AT THE TOWN HALL
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The three-day Broadway Cabaret Festival, created especially for The Town Hall by Scott Siegel, takes place this weekend at THE TOWN HALL (123 West 43rd Street, NYC - 212-997-1929 - ), Friday through Sunday, October 16th through 18th.

The Festival will kick off on Friday, October 16th at 8:00 pm with A Tribute to David Merrick featuring Tony Award nominees Robert Cuccioli, Stephen Bogardus, Lee Roy Reams and MAC Award winner Jim Caruso. The evening celebrates the fabled showman whose six-decade career gave Broadway the original productions of Gypsy, Oliver!, Hello Dolly!, 42nd Street, Mack & Mabel and I Do! I Do!, yielding a songbook of popular standards by Jule Styne, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Jerry Herman, Stephen Sondheim, Tom Jones, Harvey Schmidt, Harold Rome, John Kander and Fred Ebb.

Linda Eder will take centerstage October 17th at 8:00 pm with her newest concert act, All of Me. All of Me blends Eder's signature songs into an exciting new show allowing her multifaceted voice to shine through. Newly penned originals and great cover songs from pop music legends are mixed with new arrangements to some of her classic "hits" like Vienna and Someone Like You. The show is packed with energy and grooves that keep your toes tapping. Multi-talented piano man Billy Stein is at the helm of a 7-piece band featuring guitars, fiddle, B3 and lush backing vocal harmonies, offering up some of the classic sounds that have made Eder's arrangements famous.

The Broadway Originals concert on Sunday, October 18th at 3:00 pm will feature a tribute to William Finn's Tony-winning Falsettos. The show features Michael Rupert, Stephen Bogardus, Barbara Walsh, Chip Zien and Jonathan Kaplan - the five original Broadway stars of William Finn's Falsettos the show-stopping Stephanie J. Block (9 to 5) and Tony nominee Celia Keenan-Bolger (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Julia Murney (Lennon), Kerry O'Malley (Irving Berlin's White Christmas). Sharon McNight (Tony nominee for Starmites), Marc Kudisch and more.

Tickets are $55 and $50 and are available through Ticketmaster.com, 212-307-4100 or the Town Hall Box Office (123 West 43rd Street). For more information visit www.the-townhall-nyc.org.

TRUDI MANN'S FABULOUS OPEN MIC BRUNCH TO END OCTOBER 18th

We have a sad note - the end of a long run of open-mic events held just about every Sunday that I can remember - Trudi Mann's Fabulous Open Mic Brunch For Singers, most recently running at BUTTERFIELD EIGHT RESTAURANT (5 East 38th Street, NYC - 212-679-0646 - ) starting around 1:00 pm. You have just 2 more weeks to be a part of these truly "open-mic" shows - no pre-arranged guest stars, simply open-mic where anyone can perform (as long as time allows). Trudi and her husband Ray have been trucking the equipment for the events every week from their home in Long Island, faithfully supporting performers - known and unknown, young and old. The cabaret community owes them a tremendous debt of gratitude for their tireless dedication, and generous gift of time and effort.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD YOUR COMMENTS - JUST CLICK ON THE WORD "COMMENTS" BELOW

TWELVE GREAT SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO MEMBERS NEXT 10 DAYS!

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TWELVE GREAT SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO MEMBERS NEXT 10 DAYS!
$60 WORTH OF MEMBER DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
===============
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NYC: JIM SPEAKE SINGS THE SONGS OF HIS GENERATION
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
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Jim Speake brings his new show My Generation to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) on Saturday, October 10th at 5:00 pm; Tuesday, October 13th at 7:00 pm and Saturday, October 17th at 5:00 pm. He is joined by special guests Wendy A. Russell and Lennie Watts. The show includes songs recorded by James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Jim Croce, Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon, Neil Sedaka, Billy Joel, the 5th Dimension, Chicago, the Beatles and more. His director is Lennie Watts and the musical director is Steven Ray Watkins with the My Generation Band. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: JENNA ESPOSITO SINGS CONNIE FRANCIS AT THE METROPOLITAN
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
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Jenna Esposito will bring poodle skirts and puppy love back to the big city with a reprise performance of her acclaimed show, "Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis" at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440) for one night only, on Saturday, October 10th at 11:45 pm. "Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis" is an engaging and endearing time capsule that revisits the musical world one of the most beloved and best-selling female vocalists of the 20th Century. Directed by Lennie Watts with musical direction by Fortune Esposito, the show features a five piece band and backup singers, complete with period vocal arrangements. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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M.W.AREA: THE RETURN OF "CHRISTY WHO?"
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
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Full-time caregiver and part-time performer Christy Simmons was once a prominent name and face in the world of St. Louis entertainment. Now Christy jokes that she has become "Christy Who?" On Saturday, October 10th at 8:00 pm at the KRANZBERG ART CENTER (501 North Grand Street, St. Louis, MO - 314-795-8778) she is stepping back into the spotlight with her solo cabaret debut. She's managed to keep her skills honed, as her solo cabaret debut on October 10th will attest. The show is called: Christy Simmons: 'Cause I'm A Woman, and it features songs from the Great American Songbook, with nods to Musical Comedy, Jazz Standards, and even a few hits from the Big Band era. Her show a fundraiser for The National Stroke Association. Offering solid musical support are Christy's long-time accompanist, Don Kallembach on the piano, Clancy Newell on drums, and Dave Troncoso on bass. Tickets are $20 in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com. $15 cover to members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE purchasing their tickets at the door (cash only
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NYC: LUCILLE CARR-KAFFASHAN FINDING HOME DON'T TELL MAMA
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
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Lucille Carr-Kaffashan returns this fall to her cabaret home, NYC's legendary DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788). Along with musical director and accompanist, David Brunetti, Lucille will present three performances of her celebrated cabaret show, Finding Home. Performance dates are Saturday, October 10th at 7:30 pm, Friday, October 30th at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, November 8th at 5:00 pm. Finding Home, directed by Lina Koutrakos, brings the listener on a nostalgic journey that explores our various concepts of "home". There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: SARAH RICE'S "SCREEN GEMS: SONGS OF OLD HOLLYWOOD"
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
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Sarah Rice (the original Johanna in Sweeney Todd) will appear on Saturdays, October 10th & 17th at 5:00 pm at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909). For her show "Screen Gems: Songs of Old Hollywood", Ms. Rice sings songs chosen from film scores sung by or dedicated to stars and their movie roles in the films of old Hollywood, starting with the silents. The show features the music of Nacio Herb Brown, Michel Legrand, Simon & Garfunkle, Nino Rota, Jerome Kern, The Sherman Bros., Clanaad and many others. There is a $25 cover plus a $15 food/drink minimum. $20 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
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NYC: HECTOR CORIS REPRISES DEBUT SOLO SHOW
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $2 OFF THE COVER
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Award-winning NYC cabaret performer Hector Coris returns with two more performances of his debut solo show "Life is Wonderful" at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) on Sunday, October 11th at 6:30 pm. In his debut solo show, Hector explores the musicality of mortality through the words and music of Ben Folds, Kander and Ebb, Zoe Lewis, Susan Werner, My Chemical Romance, William Finn and other contemporary songwriters. Musical direction is by Ray Bailey, with Dale Henderson on cello, and direction by Angela Shultz. There is a $12 cover charge plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: ANGELA SHULTZ RETURNS WITH HER NEW SOLO SHOW
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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NYC cabaret performer Angela Shultz reprises her new solo show "Kiss Me Like You Mean It," at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - ) on Sunday, October 11th at 3:30 pm. Angela Shultz returns with a show about the kind of love that drives you to commit or be committed, featuring the songs of Derek Webb, Cy Coleman, Heart, Heisler and Goldrich, Harold Arlen and the Magnetic Fields. Musical direction is by Brett Kristofferson, with direction by Hector Coris. There is a $12 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $7 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: VICKIE PHILLIPS IS "MUSICALLY INCLINED"
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $8 OFF THE COVER
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Award-Winning Singer/Actress Vickie Phillips returns to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - / ) with her acclaimed show "MUSICALLY INCLINED" featuring Music Director Gerry Dieffenbach on Wednesday, October 14th at 7:30 pm and Saturday, October 24th at 7:00 pm. The show is a program of songs that include Lieber & Stoller, Rodgers & Hart, Dory Previn and includes an original song written for Vickie by Ost and Dieffenbach, A Song Is Like a Friend. There is an $18 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: "FROM HOLLYWOOD TO HAYMARKET" WITH PAUL & ROCHELLE
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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Cabaret's favorite fun couple, Paul Chamlin & Rochelle Breyer, return to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) with their acclaimed show, "From Hollywood to Haymarket", celebrating the music of Ray Evans, Lew Spence and David Heneker. Performances are scheduled for Wednesday, October 14th at 7:00 pm; Sunday, October 18th at 3:30 pm; and Thursday, October 22nd at 8:30 pm. From Hollywood to Haymarket celebrates the music of three composers who had long and prolific careers, yet, strangely enough, did not receive any major retrospectives in the New York area. This is the third collaboration for Paul and Rochelle, who met 4 years ago while singing a professional choral gig and went on to chronicle their courtship and marriage in their shows Mutual Admiration Society and The Honeymoon is Over. There is a $10 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $5 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: JAMIE deROY & FRIENDS RETURNS TO METROPOLITAN ROOM
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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Celebrated cabaret performer Jamie deRoy returns with her acclaimed show "Jamie deRoy & friends" on Thursday, October 15th at 7:00 pm at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440). The the show is titled "Not Good But GREAT ... BRITAIN" and evening will feature well known and rising stars from Broadway, comedy and cabaret from the UK. Performers scheduled so far are Paul Scott Goodman, Jon Peterson, Alexandra Silber and Lorna Dallas. More to be announced shortly. Barry Kleinbort is the director of Jamie deRoy & friends. There is a $30 cover plus a 2-beverage minimum.$25 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE - USE CODE "BRIT".
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NYC: SHANA FARR HAS "PURE IMAGINATION"
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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Shana Farr brings her acclaimed debut cabaret show, Pure Imagination, back to THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - ) on Thursday, October 15th at 9:30 pm. Shana Farr is known for her classically trained, operetta voice and has been seen on several New York stages, including the New York City Center. In "Pure Imagination" she sets aside the classical music and brings her rich, expressive voice to songs from all different genres and songwriters, including Kurt Weill, Harold Arlen, Tim Di Pasqua, Francesca Blumenthal, Jeanine Tesori, Cyndi Lauper, Carly Simon and more. The show is directed by Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Steven Ray Watkins. There is a $20 cover plus a $15 food/drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: CINDY MARCHIONDA: RETURNS - LIVE AT THE BEECHMAN
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 ) presents Jeff Award winner Cindy Marchionda in her acclaimed show "Cindy Marchionda: Live at the Beechman" on Saturday, October 17th, November 21st, all shows at 8:00 pm. Cindy's musical director, Ray Fellman, will be at the piano and Andy Gale directs. She is joined by Brandon Cutrell of "The After Party" and Michael Sheridan on backup and Joey Pier on lights and sound. The show explores the last two years of Cindy's life, going from the very funny experience of entering another career to expense some very high dental bills to a very sobering reality when her father is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The show includes songs by Jamie Cullum, Leiber and Stoller, Jackson Brown, The Indigo Girls, Johnny Mercer, Randy Newman and The Beatles. There is a $15 cover charge and a $15 food/drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

Tim Flannery Celebration of Life set for October 19th

A few weeks ago the cabaret community lost a true artist. Timmy Flannery was sound and light designer for the Algonquin's Oak Room for more than 10 years, and at Rainbow and Stars before that. His gifts will be missed by every performer that had the joy of working with him. There will be a celebration of his life and talents at NB LOUNGE at the LOMBARDY HOTEL (109 East 56th Street, NYC - 212-750-5656 - ) on Monday, October 19th at 5:00 pm.

AUS: DAVID CAMPBELL AND OTHERS JOIN LIGHT THE NIGHT

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AUS: DAVID CAMPBELL AND OTHERS JOIN LIGHT THE NIGHT
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The Light the Night charity concert will take place on Monday, October 19th at 7.30 pm at the CITY RECITAL HALL (Angel Place, Sydney, NSW, AUS - 02 8256 2222 - ). Now in its fifth year, Light the Night has become an extremely popular annual charity concert. To date, funds raised at this event have exceeded $200,000 and all proceeds go towards leukemia research.

Light the Night is inspired by Matthew Rennie, a brave young man who fought a three year battle against leukemia. Unfortunately Matthew passed away in October 2007, shortly before that year's concert. Light the Night was created by Matthew's two brothers, musical theatre performers Shaun Rennie and Adam Rennie, and friends Monica Smith and Greg Smith.

Performers already confirmed include Australia's king of swing David Campbell, pop sensation Andy Bull, extraordinary jazz vocalist Emma Pask, guitar sensation Nathan Cavaleri, breathtaking singer/actress Ursula Yovich, opera virtuoso and winner of Australia's Got Talent Mark Vincent, country singer-songwriter Amber Lawrence, stars of the musical WICKED Rob Mills and Lucy Durack, and cast members of the sensational Broadway musical Avenue Q, songstress Katie Noonan, charismatic singer/songwriter Lior, Australian Idol sensation Matt Corby, Australia's leading man of musical theatre David Harris, musical comedy act Tripod, contemporary a cappella group The Idea of North and musical theatre stars Christie Whelan and Monique Montez.

Tickets are $49.50/$62.50/$110.

Its a big week for cabaret in NYC (and Chicago, too).

Its a big week for cabaret in NYC (and Chicago, too). Monday was the first night of our TOWNHOUSE HAS TALENT contest - see info above and in the listings - and CCP (Chicago Cabaret Professionals - http://www.chicagocabaret.org/ ) will present its eleventh anniversary Gala Benefit 2009 "Put on Your Sunday Clothes" on Sunday, October 11th at 7:00 pm at THE PARK WEST in Chicago - see details in listings below.

Also, this week NYC plays host to the 20th Annual MABEL MERCER CABARET CONVENTION at JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER - Wednesday through Friday, with shows each night at 6:00 pm - ending in time for many folks to have a quick supper and see a cabaret show. These events used to be held over 5 nights and one afternoon, but several forces have affected the event. Economic forces for one - ticket prices were at one time kept low (in the $15-$25 range) in order to allow folks of all incomes to afford to see one or more of the shows. Most of the performers in the shows still appear for free (many hiring their own accompanists) and only a few from outside NYC are given travel/housing while in town. But other expenses (and inflation) have required increased prices, and while some $25 seats are available, most seats are at the $50/$100 levels. And other "cabaret festival" events in NYC during the year have also diminished the specialness of the cabaret convention. Finally, the cabaret audience of today has moved beyond "great American Songbook" that the convention emphasizes and on to many new styles and formats for cabaret show. In the early years, it was nearly impossible to get tickets to several of the nights just a few days after they went on sale - today, seats are still available for all shows.

But the aura of "convention week" still brings a bit of excitement and revitalization to the NYC cabaret community, and folks from out of town still make the trip to NYC (albiet a shorter stay). And, while the new JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER facilities do not afford the space for the camaraderie pre and post show as the former THE TOWN HALL location (including the chance to purchase CDs by the performers during intermission), it still is a time of celebration of the most exciting art form ever created.

CDs FOR THE HOLIDAYS CONTEST & PARTY ANNOUNCED

TOWNHOUSE HAS TALENT CONTEST SERIES II STARTS OCTOBER 5th

ELEVEN GREAT SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO MEMBERS NEXT 10 DAYS!

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ELEVEN GREAT SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO MEMBERS NEXT 10 DAYS!
$55 WORTH OF MEMBER DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
===============
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NYC: ROSE ANDREZ RETURNS TO DON'T TELL MAMA
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $3 OFF THE COVER
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Rose Andrez will be performing on Friday, October 2nd at 9:15 pm at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - ). Known for a stylish pop/jazz sound reminiscent of Rosemary Clooney and Bette Midler, Rose sings a variety of songs by such songwriters as Ray Charles, Amanda McBroom, Annie Lennox, Peggy Lee and the Beatles. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $12 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: TRIPLE AWARD-WINNING SHOW RETURNS TO METROPOLITAN ROOM
MEMBER DISCOUNT $5 OFF THE COVER
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Daryl Glenn and his co-star Jo Lynn Burks return to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ) on Sunday, October 4th at 7:00 pm with their popular, critically acclaimed, BISTRO and NIGHTLIFE and MAC award-winning tribute to Robert Altman's classic 1975 film, "NASHVILLE". The country-western style show will include every song from the beloved soundtrack album, lovingly recreated, including Keith Carradine's Academy Award winning "I'm Easy". Musical direction & arrangements are by Ms. Burks. Vince DeGeorge directs. There is a $25 cover plus a 2-beverage minimum. $20 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
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NYC: TERESE GENECCO & HER LITTLE BIG BAND AT IRIDIUM
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $10 OFF THE COVER
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Scobar Entertainment presents Terese Genecco and her 8-piece Little Big Band at IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB (1650 Broadway, NYC - 212-582-2121) on Tuesday, October 6th at 8:00 & 10:00 pm. The band for this performances will include Mike Greensill on piano, Sean Harkness on guitar and Mayra Casales on bongo. There is a $25 cover plus a $10 food/drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
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NYC: NESHA WARD DISCOVERS SELF IN SHOW AT MAMA'S
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
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Nesha Ward brings back her cabaret show "I Am..." to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) for three performances, on Thursday, October 8th; Wednesday, October 21st; and Monday November 2nd, all shows at 7:30 pm. Musical Director is William T. Hall and Lennie Watts directs. The show attempts to answer questions of self discovery. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: JIM SPEAKE SINGS THE SONGS OF HIS GENERATION
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
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Jim Speake brings his new show My Generation to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) on Saturday, October 10th at 5:00 pm; Tuesday, October 13th at 7:00 pm and Saturday, October 17th at 5:00 pm. He is joined by special guests Wendy A. Russell and Lennie Watts. The show includes songs recorded by James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Jim Croce, Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon, Neil Sedaka, Billy Joel, the 5th Dimension, Chicago, the Beatles and more. His director is Lennie Watts and the musical director is Steven Ray Watkins with the My Generation Band. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: JENNA ESPOSITO SINGS CONNIE FRANCIS AT THE METROPOLITAN
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
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Jenna Esposito will bring poodle skirts and puppy love back to the big city with a reprise performance of her acclaimed show, "Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis" at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440) for one night only, on Saturday, October 10th at 11:45 pm. "Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis" is an engaging and endearing time capsule that revisits the musical world one of the most beloved and best-selling female vocalists of the 20th Century. Directed by Lennie Watts with musical direction by Fortune Esposito, the show features a five piece band and backup singers, complete with period vocal arrangements. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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M.W.AREA: THE RETURN OF "CHRISTY WHO?"
FEATURED CABARET BENEFIT EVENT
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
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Full-time caregiver and part-time performer Christy Simmons was once a prominent name and face in the world of St. Louis entertainment. Now Christy jokes that she has become "Christy Who?" On Saturday, October 10th at 8:00 pm at the KRANZBERG ART CENTER (501 North Grand Street, St. Louis, MO - 314-795-8778) she is stepping back into the spotlight with her solo cabaret debut. She's managed to keep her skills honed, as her solo cabaret debut on October 10th will attest. The show is called: Christy Simmons: 'Cause I'm A Woman, and it features songs from the Great American Songbook, with nods to Musical Comedy, Jazz Standards, and even a few hits from the Big Band era. Her show a fundraiser for The National Stroke Association. Offering solid musical support are Christy's long-time accompanist, Don Kallembach on the piano, Clancy Newell on drums, and Dave Troncoso on bass. Tickets are $20 in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com. $15 cover to members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE purchasing their tickets at the door (cash only
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NYC: LUCILLE CARR-KAFFASHAN FINDING HOME DON'T TELL MAMA
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
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Lucille Carr-Kaffashan returns this fall to her cabaret home, NYC's legendary DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788). Along with musical director and accompanist, David Brunetti, Lucille will present three performances of her celebrated cabaret show, Finding Home. Performance dates are Saturday, October 10th at 7:30 pm, Friday, October 30th at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, November 8th at 5:00 pm. Finding Home, directed by Lina Koutrakos, brings the listener on a nostalgic journey that explores our various concepts of "home". There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: SARAH RICE'S "SCREEN GEMS: SONGS OF OLD HOLLYWOOD"
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
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Sarah Rice (the original Johanna in Sweeney Todd) will appear on Saturdays, October 10th & 17th at 5:00 pm at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909). For her show "Screen Gems: Songs of Old Hollywood", Ms. Rice sings songs chosen from film scores sung by or dedicated to stars and their movie roles in the films of old Hollywood, starting with the silents. The show features the music of Nacio Herb Brown, Michel Legrand, Simon & Garfunkle, Nino Rota, Jerome Kern, The Sherman Bros., Clanaad and many others. There is a $25 cover plus a $15 food/drink minimum. $20 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
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NYC: HECTOR CORIS REPRISES DEBUT SOLO SHOW
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $2 OFF THE COVER
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Award-winning NYC cabaret performer Hector Coris returns with two more performances of his debut solo show "Life is Wonderful" at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) on Sunday, October 11th at 6:30 pm. In his debut solo show, Hector explores the musicality of mortality through the words and music of Ben Folds, Kander and Ebb, Zoe Lewis, Susan Werner, My Chemical Romance, William Finn and other contemporary songwriters. Musical direction is by Ray Bailey, with Dale Henderson on cello, and direction by Angela Shultz. There is a $12 cover charge plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: ANGELA SHULTZ RETURNS WITH HER NEW SOLO SHOW
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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NYC cabaret performer Angela Shultz reprises her new solo show "Kiss Me Like You Mean It," at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - ) on Sunday, October 11th at 3:30 pm. Angela Shultz returns with a show about the kind of love that drives you to commit or be committed, featuring the songs of Derek Webb, Cy Coleman, Heart, Heisler and Goldrich, Harold Arlen and the Magnetic Fields. Musical direction is by Brett Kristofferson, with direction by Hector Coris. There is a $12 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $7 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

SHOW CANCELLATION: WATTS HAPPENING CANCELLED FOR OCTOBER 1

Lennie Watts' monthly "Watts Happening!" show cancelled for this Thursday night (tomorrow - Ocober 1st) at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - ) - Steven Watkins is ill.

NEW MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS ANNOUNCED FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH

Tomorrow we will announce several new MEMBERS' ONLY benefits plus another FREE CABARET COVER award for a CABARET FOR SENIORS member, plus news on our CDS FOR THE HOLIDAYS show and contest, some news about our MARCH IS CABARET MONTH promotion and gala, and a brand new BANNER SALE (for members, and especially new members). If you join as a member over the weekend, I will send you a MEMBERS' ONLY newsletter when I receive your payment.

CABARET & STU NOW ON 4 TWITTER ACCOUNTS

You can now also follow me on TWITTER in 4 places! We just started a new account for our CABARETSINGS.COM - http://twitter.com/cabaretsings where we will let songwriters and singers know about the latest updates and additions to our CABARETSINGS.COM website at http://www.CabaretSings.com/ . And we also now have a TWITTER ACCOUNT for our MARCHISCABARETMONTH.COM website - which will soon be reactivated, to keep everyone informed on cabaret events around the world that are part of this special cabaret promotion. That account is http://twitter.com/marchiscabaret . Of course the original CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE TWITTER account http://twitter.com/cabarethotline and my personal TWITTER account http://twitter.com/stuhamstra are the other two choices.

If you already belong to TWITTER just click on the TWITTER LINK above and then click on the button FOLLOW and you will be all set to receive updates. If you don't belong to TWITTER yet, a page will come up asking you to set up a free account. Just click on that JOIN button, pick a name for yourself and a password and then click on my FOLLOW button.

NYC: THE 20TH ANNUAL CABARET CONVENTION OPENS OCTOBER 7th

NYC: THE 20TH ANNUAL CABARET CONVENTION OPENS OCTOBER 7th
FEATURED CABARET FESTIVAL EVENT
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THE 20TH ANNUAL CABARET CONVENTION, presented by The Mabel Mercer Foundation on Wednesday through Friday, October 7th through 9th at FREDERICK P. ROSE HALL (Columbus Circle, Broadway at 60th Street, NYC - CenterCharge: 212-721-6500 - ).

The three-day convention, which salutes the best of New York cabaret, will kick off on Wednesday with "Celebrate! Celebrate! Celebrate!" The evening, which will include the presentation of the Dick Gallagher Award to Eric Michael Gillett, will feature the talents of Lucie Arnaz, Barbara Carroll, Matt Cavenaugh, Simon Green, LaTanya Hall, Mary Cleere Haran, Nicolas King, Andrea Marcovicci, Karen Mason, Amanda McBroom, Sidney Myer, Marian Seldes, Elaine Stritch, Wesla Whitfield and award recipient Gillett.

"All in the Family" the title of the Thursday show will feature the talents of Adam, Batyah, Kerry and Sheera Ben-David (who will be presented the Julie Wilson Award); Ann Hampton, Liz and Shirley Callaway; Eric Comstock; Tony DeSare; Kevin Dozier; Tim Draxl; Christine Ebersole; Barbara Fasano; Nicole Henry; Beckie Menzie; Tom Michael; Mark Nadler; Will and Anthony Nunziata; Elizabeth, Stacy and KT Sullivan; and Maria Teece.

The convention will concludes on Friday with "Music Heals" which will feature the vocals of Karen Akers, Baby Jane Dexter, Natalie Douglas, Jeff Harnar, Marilyn Maye, Phillip Officer, Barbara Rosene, Craig Rubano, Catherine Russell, Daryl Sherman, Billy Stritch, Marlene VerPlanck and Julie Wilson. As with all live performances, performers subject to change without notice. All shows begin at 6:00 pm.

Tickets are priced $20, $50 and $100. Tickets are available for all shows.

CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE ANNOUNCES 2009 CD CONTEST

Did you release a new CD in 2009 (between November 1st, 2008 and November 1st, 2009)? Well, you might want to enter it in our 2nd Annual CABARET CD contest. This year we have three judges, a performer, a reviewer and a cabaret maven. So we need for you to submit 3 copies of your CD (non returnable) to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, 676A Ninth Avenue #120, New York, NY 10036. The contest is free for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE - if you're not a member, a SILVER membership is just $20 and comes with a host of benefits. Top three winners will be announced at our 2nd Annual CABARET CDs FOR THE HOLIDAYS event in November (date to be announced). More details going out tomorrow in the Friday MEMBERS' ONLY newsletter, including deadlines, names of judges, submission rules, etc.

TOWNHOUSE HAS TALENT CONTEST SERIES II STARTS OCTOBER 5th

THE TOWNHOUSE OF NYC (236 East 58th Street, NYC - 212-754-4649) will be holding a Talent Contest for Singers - THE TOWNHOUSE HAS TALENT - hosted by David Pelegrene and held every Monday night starting on October 5th through the 26th. Musical directors are Steve Bocchino and David Pelegrene. 1st prize is $500, 2nd place: $250 and 3rd place $100. All the rules and more information are on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website - just click on the SIDE-BAR banner in the right column on the opening (home) page, or click on the SUPERSIZE banner that will appear at random at the top of every page.

Celebration of Hal Blankenship's Life

There will be a Celebration of Hal Blankenship's Life Monday October 19 from 7-9 PM Actors' Equity Association 165 W. 46th St., 2nd fl. NYC

WEST COAST NEWS AND PUBLICITY AVAILABLE FROM LES MICHAELS

WEST COAST NEWS AND PUBLICITY AVAILABLE FROM LES MICHAELS
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Les Michaels publishes a weekly newsletter covering events on the West Coast - check out http://lesmichaels.com/lifeisacabaret/newsletter - and has sponsored recent shows in Palm Springs featuring L.A. area cabaret artists and also heads up a weekly open-mic show in the area. The newsletter is free and instructions for submitting your West Coast news are right on the site. Don't forget to also send your release us at CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE. Les also assists in all areas of publicity for West Coast cabaret events.

"THE LEADING MEN IV" DVD SOLD AT B'WAY FLEA MARKET

"THE LEADING MEN IV" DVD SOLD AT B'WAY FLEA MARKET
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A DVD of "The Leading Men IV", a benefit concert for Broadway Cares, will be sold exclusively at the Broadway Flea Market in Shubert Alley (between 44th and 45th Streets, NYC) on Sunday, September 27th. Filmed on May 11, 2009 at BIRDLAND, the sold-out event was a celebration of outstanding male performers from Broadway, Off-Broadway and cabaret. John Tartaglia hosted a lineup that consisted of: Nick Adams, Tom Andersen, James Barbour, Jim Caruso, Mickey Conlon, Michael Kadin Craig, Jack Donahue, Kevin Earley, Cody Green, Jonathan Groff, Norm Lewis, Paolo Montalban, Graham Phillips, Tom Postilio, Zak Resnick, Nicholas Rodriguez and Tony Yazbeck. With musical direction by Seth Rudetsky and direction by Alan Muraoka, the benefit raised more than $10,000 for BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS. It was produced by Wayman Wong, who edits entertainment for the NY Daily News and wrote "The Leading Men" column for Playbill.com from 2003-06. The DVDs will be sold for $25 each at the Flea Market. After September 28th, it will be only available through Applause Video for $35.

NEW MAC BOARD MEMBERS ELECTED - ANNUAL MEETING DATE SET

Congratulations to the new members who were elected recently to the Board of Directors of MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets): Eric Michael Gillett, Thomas Honeck, Sue Matsuki and Julie Reyburn, who will join existing Board members Scott Barbarino, Hector Coris, Jenna Esposito, Ruth Kurtzman, Sidney Myer, Eric Pickering, Ricky Ritzel and Lennie Watts. Interestingly, out of 688 ballots that were mailed to the members, only 147 were returned in the election. For many current MAC members, memberships will expire December 31, 2009. MAC extended all memberships with 2009 expiration dates through December 31, 2009. The annual membership meeding of MAC will be held at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM on Saturday, October 24th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

MESSAGE BOARD ON WEBSITE FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND PLUGS

And we often forget to promote the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE MESSAGE BOARD - the longest running cabaret message board on the internet - active since 1997. Anyone is free to post - if they follow the rules. You must use your own name - which is intended to eliminate those nasty personal comments you might see on other message boards where folks can post anonymously. My rule is that if you can't put your name on it, it isn't worth writing (or reading)!

We're always looking for more ways to grow our benefits for all members. Please send in your suggestions and comments. Every day in every way, we're promoting cabaret!

MORE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

We're trying our best to make CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE memberships more valuable - and not simply for performers. We have had the member discount program in effect since the start of the membership system in 2001, and this year we added "Cabaret for Seniors" - where senior members get a 2-year membership for the same cost as one year, and can get extra senior discounts, free covers for select shows, and their own special section of the website and a monthly newsletter.

We have added our TWITTER account postings - http://twitter.com/cabarethotline - to the front page of the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website, which lists our cabaret picks every day as well as special bulletins and notices of fast moving stories. In addition, my personal TWITTER ACCOUNT - http://twitter.com/stuhamstra - which mainly covers thoughts, ideas, comments and jokes - can now be found on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE BLOG - the last 5 comments are listed. I am able to post quickly to both TWITTER accounts even while I am away from my computer, using my iPod Touch (I can also read my e-mail and answer important ones on the go).

HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN

If you are in Manhattan for the next few days, leave your car parked somewhere - traffic will be a mess at least through Thursday morning. All the big mucky-mucks from around the world are in town for some shindig on the East Side which will be big on noise but probably small on accomplishment. It is a once-a-year chance for a bunch of non-important people to feel important by arranging motorcades to zoom around the city, running red lights, chasing all other cars to the curbs and generally causing gridlock and mayhem along their routes. Stay away from the areas between First & Park Avenues and 42nd to 50th Street because there will be a constant shuttle between that area hotels and the East River debating society's building. Even the theater district and the major shopping areas will be affected as wives and girlfriends of the delegates (most of the delegates are male) spend the aid dollars the US gives their countries at the fancy shops and for expensive theater seats - all the time accompanied by several carloads of police and secret service agents.

ONLY 14 MORE MEMBERS NEEDED TO REACH 300!

SONGWRITERS & SONGSEEKERS: THIS ONE'S FOR YOU

You can see some of the top songwriters who specialize in "cabaret songs" at http://www.cabaretsings.com - check it out!