The fabulous multi-award winning HOLE-O-MATIC show featuring Karen Mack and Michael Holland scheduled for tonight at THE DUPLEX has been cancelled due to Michael having come down with the flu. Michael & Karen plan to be back at their usual time next week Saturday night.
RECOMMENDED FOR TONIGHT
Bistro and Matson Award winner and recipient of CD of the Year 2008 from John Hoglund/Cabaret Hotline, D.C. Anderson will be appearing on Saturday night, January 17th at 7:30 pm at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440). Musicians Deanna Witkowski, Ritt Henn and Geoff Packard will be joining D.C. for an evening of new songs (many premieres) along with a few favorites. Although a resident of NYC, D.C. has been touring for the past 10 years with THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA which has allowed for infrequent NYC concerts. While in NYC, he will be recording new songs for a late 2009/early 2010 CD release. There is a $12 cover plus a 2-drink minimum.
NOT TO BE MISSED!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
MEMBERS' CHOICE DEBUT VOTE TOO CLOSE TO CALL
I thought the tally for the FEMALE & MALE DEBUT sections of the MEMBERS CHOICE FAVORITES OF 2008 balloting would be easy - voters were asked to vote for only one out of much smaller lists than the regular FEMALE & MALE sections (where voters were asked to choose three). But many voters chose to skip the debut sections - sort of indicating that they had not seen any of the performers on the list. As a result, there are a few dead heats in the mix, causing me to go back over all the ballots to make sure my tally was accurate.
In the FEMALE DEBUT section, only one vote separates the top three - Christina Bianco, Deb Berman and Sarah Rice - with two other nominees just 3 votes behind.
In the MALE DEBUTE section, Ben Cherry and Stearns Matthews are one vote apart in the top position, with another trio just a few votes behind - Geoffrey Going, Dominic Sheehan-Stahl and Geoff Stoner.
So, if you have not sent in your ballot yet, you can make a real impact on the outcome in both categories. Voting ends March 31st - MEMBERS ONLY.
Now to tally the DUO or GROUP section.
In the FEMALE DEBUT section, only one vote separates the top three - Christina Bianco, Deb Berman and Sarah Rice - with two other nominees just 3 votes behind.
In the MALE DEBUTE section, Ben Cherry and Stearns Matthews are one vote apart in the top position, with another trio just a few votes behind - Geoffrey Going, Dominic Sheehan-Stahl and Geoff Stoner.
So, if you have not sent in your ballot yet, you can make a real impact on the outcome in both categories. Voting ends March 31st - MEMBERS ONLY.
Now to tally the DUO or GROUP section.
MEMBERS' CHOICE BALLOTS SHOW FAVORITES & MORE
Trying to tally up the ballots on the MEMBERS' CHOICE FAVORITE PERFORMERS OF 2008 received to date (about half of our 380 members have voted so far) took a lot longer than expected - especially the MALE & FEMAL VOCALIST categories, where, because of the large number of nominees, voters were asked to choose three names. Unfortunately, I had to toss out four ballots because only one name was chosen.
I am not going to give exact numbers but here are some results so far.
FEMALE VOCALIST:
Barbara Cook, not unexpectedly, has a long lead and will be difficult to catch. In fact I will place her in a separate category for the purposes of this poll - I am certain she would not mind.
Raissa Katonah Bennett, Baby Jane Dexter, Terese Genecco, Lina Koutrakos, Laurie Krauz, Sue Matsuki, Marilyn Maye, Amanda McBroom, Karen Oberlin and Julie Reyburn are all bunched for second - only 4 votes separate highest from lowest. And another 4 names are tied - just 1 vote behind the pack.
MALE VOCALIST:
Lennie Watts is clearly the leader here, but less than 10 votes behind Watts is a crowded bunch (3 votes apart from each other) made up of Eric Michael Gillett, Miles Phillips and Marcus Simeone. And another bunch, only a few votes back from that trio are Sam Harris, Russ Lorenson, Barry Lloyd, Martin Vidnovic, Jonathan Whitton and Jason Wynne in a virtual tie.
Now I have to start a new piece of paper and tally the Debut and Duo categories.
Stay tuned.
At this point, every vote counts. Be sure to send in your ballot. Voting ends March 31st - MEMBERS ONLY.
I am not going to give exact numbers but here are some results so far.
FEMALE VOCALIST:
Barbara Cook, not unexpectedly, has a long lead and will be difficult to catch. In fact I will place her in a separate category for the purposes of this poll - I am certain she would not mind.
Raissa Katonah Bennett, Baby Jane Dexter, Terese Genecco, Lina Koutrakos, Laurie Krauz, Sue Matsuki, Marilyn Maye, Amanda McBroom, Karen Oberlin and Julie Reyburn are all bunched for second - only 4 votes separate highest from lowest. And another 4 names are tied - just 1 vote behind the pack.
MALE VOCALIST:
Lennie Watts is clearly the leader here, but less than 10 votes behind Watts is a crowded bunch (3 votes apart from each other) made up of Eric Michael Gillett, Miles Phillips and Marcus Simeone. And another bunch, only a few votes back from that trio are Sam Harris, Russ Lorenson, Barry Lloyd, Martin Vidnovic, Jonathan Whitton and Jason Wynne in a virtual tie.
Now I have to start a new piece of paper and tally the Debut and Duo categories.
Stay tuned.
At this point, every vote counts. Be sure to send in your ballot. Voting ends March 31st - MEMBERS ONLY.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
ON RADIO: "AT THE RITZ!" FRIDAYS & STREAMING AUDIO 24/7
*** CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE SUPER PICK ***
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Regular weekly live broadcasts of the AT THE RITZ! radio program can now be heard on WVOF 88.5FM on Fridays from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
Producers and hosts Jeffrey C. Williams and Lynn DiMenna announce a new, convenient way to hear their weekly show, especially for folks outside of WVOF's local listening area. Simply go to http://www.attheritz.org/ and in one click you can enjoy AT THE RITZ! streaming 24/7 anytime! Friday shows are rebroadcast throughout the week along with some internet only music. AT THE RITZ! features cabaret, jazz, Broadway and similar sophisticated music along with celebrity interviews and commentary.
---------------
Regular weekly live broadcasts of the AT THE RITZ! radio program can now be heard on WVOF 88.5FM on Fridays from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
Producers and hosts Jeffrey C. Williams and Lynn DiMenna announce a new, convenient way to hear their weekly show, especially for folks outside of WVOF's local listening area. Simply go to http://www.attheritz.org/ and in one click you can enjoy AT THE RITZ! streaming 24/7 anytime! Friday shows are rebroadcast throughout the week along with some internet only music. AT THE RITZ! features cabaret, jazz, Broadway and similar sophisticated music along with celebrity interviews and commentary.
ON RADIO SUNDAY: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY
*** CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE SUPER PICK ***
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On Sunday, January 18th, EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN, on the Radio over WBAI 99.5 FM and on the Internet at http://www.2600.com/offthehook/hot2.ram, usually heard from 9:00 to 11:00 pm and hosted by David Kenney, will feature music of Ann Hampton Callaway. Some of the songs from her career that you will hear: "Hip To Be Happy"; Cole Porter's "Easy To Love"; "Tonight You're All Mine" (Carole King/Ann Hampton Callaway) in duet with Carole King, "The Huge Medley" in duet with Liz Callaway; "On My Way To You" and more. Each week David presents the usual blend of big-band jazz, swing, standards, showtunes, contemporary cabaret and celebrity interviews plus MEGA-MEDLEY MADNESS. For more information contact: oldisnew@earthlink.net. You are also invited to e-mail your comments and suggestions for future shows. You can listen to past shows at any time by going to the WBAI Archives at http://www.archive.wbai.org/ . For more information, see http://www.oldisnew.org/ .
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On Sunday, January 18th, EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN, on the Radio over WBAI 99.5 FM and on the Internet at http://www.2600.com/offthehook/hot2.ram, usually heard from 9:00 to 11:00 pm and hosted by David Kenney, will feature music of Ann Hampton Callaway. Some of the songs from her career that you will hear: "Hip To Be Happy"; Cole Porter's "Easy To Love"; "Tonight You're All Mine" (Carole King/Ann Hampton Callaway) in duet with Carole King, "The Huge Medley" in duet with Liz Callaway; "On My Way To You" and more. Each week David presents the usual blend of big-band jazz, swing, standards, showtunes, contemporary cabaret and celebrity interviews plus MEGA-MEDLEY MADNESS. For more information contact: oldisnew@earthlink.net. You are also invited to e-mail your comments and suggestions for future shows. You can listen to past shows at any time by going to the WBAI Archives at http://www.archive.wbai.org/ . For more information, see http://www.oldisnew.org/ .
NYC: SETH'S CHATTERBOX: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY CAST
*** CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE SUPER PICK ***
*** FEATURED BENEFIT EVENT ***
2007 MAC BOD AWARD WINNER Seth Rudetsky's BROADWAY CHATTERBOX at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 ) is usually presented on Thursdays at 6:00 pm. The show for Thursday, January 15th will feature as guests the Cast of Forbidden Broadway Goes to Rehab. Seth's weekly interview show always features stars, soon-to-be stars and folks behind the scenes of the musical theater stage - for just a $10 cover - 2-drink minimum. Best of all, all proceeds from the cover go to BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS! For details, see: http://www.sethsbroadwaychatterbox/ .
*** FEATURED BENEFIT EVENT ***
2007 MAC BOD AWARD WINNER Seth Rudetsky's BROADWAY CHATTERBOX at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 ) is usually presented on Thursdays at 6:00 pm. The show for Thursday, January 15th will feature as guests the Cast of Forbidden Broadway Goes to Rehab. Seth's weekly interview show always features stars, soon-to-be stars and folks behind the scenes of the musical theater stage - for just a $10 cover - 2-drink minimum. Best of all, all proceeds from the cover go to BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS! For details, see: http://www.sethsbroadwaychatterbox/ .
TICKETS TO MARCH IS CABARET MONTH SHOW GO ON SALE FRIDAY
Tickets go on sale to 2008-2009 members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE for the March 10th MARCH IS CABARET MONTH GALA to be held at THE LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER on Friday, January 16th and to the public on Sunday, March 18th. Ticket prices are $20 for members - $30 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased on line and paid for in advance. No reservations will be taken by the club, no tickets will be available at the door on the night of the show (even if it is not sold out).
Sponsors ($100) receive one free ticket plus a 1/4 page ad in the program booklet plus a mention and website link on all promotional releases and Hotline newsletters and website. Those tickets are available immediately.
For more information go to the MARCH IS CABARET MONTH website - http://www.marchiscabaretmonth.com/- on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/ )
NOW MORE THAN EVER CABARET NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!
HUGS
STU
Sponsors ($100) receive one free ticket plus a 1/4 page ad in the program booklet plus a mention and website link on all promotional releases and Hotline newsletters and website. Those tickets are available immediately.
For more information go to the MARCH IS CABARET MONTH website - http://www.marchiscabaretmonth.com/- on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/ )
NOW MORE THAN EVER CABARET NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!
HUGS
STU
TIME OUT NY REPORTS ZIPPER FACTORY IS CLOSING
CLICK ON THE HEADLINE TO GO DIRECTLY TO TIME OUT NY ARTICLE
A MOST IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT CABARET ATTENDANCE
Many of the clubs (at least here in NYC), to save/make money, are now requiring that a performer have a minimum number of reservations or the show will be cancelled and the performer will forfeit the deposit or have to pay a minimum room charge or both. In one room the number is 30 reservation or either the show is cancelled or the performer has to pay the club a per/person fee for the difference between the number of seats filled and the minimum number.
If you intend to see a show be sure to make a reservation in advance. It can help assure that there is a show to see and will save the performer considerable expense (musicians need to be paid, show or now show, etc.)
That's CABARET ETIQUETTE!
WISHING YOU A BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!
HUGS
STU
If you intend to see a show be sure to make a reservation in advance. It can help assure that there is a show to see and will save the performer considerable expense (musicians need to be paid, show or now show, etc.)
That's CABARET ETIQUETTE!
WISHING YOU A BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!
HUGS
STU
Monday, January 12, 2009
A WAY TO HEAL AND TO HELP
We took a few weeks away from the computer over the holidays, cutting back our work to just a few cabaret shows and sending out 2 instead of 4 newsletters for some much needed "introspection and meditation." In spite of that "little sparrow" there are times I do get discouraged, and I wanted a break to think things out - mostly by myself. In July I will turn 70 years old and the newsletter will start its 20th year of publication and 13th year on the internet. So many memories - great, good and not so good (but mostly great). So many plans and ideas - fulfilled, failed and discarded (but mostly fulfilled). I wanted to decide where to go from here. Ever have one of those times in your own life? I sort of imagine that many folks in the cabaret field have those times.
Two cabaret fans/performers, Marilyn Benkler and Ellen Ziegler, are doing something about it! They are Board Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselors, and have formed a partnership to help folks fine tune their lifestyles to promote health, happiness and quality of life. They will show how one can reach and maintain their New Year's goals and enhance their performances. Check out their website at http://www.creativehealingplus.com/ - and in February and March they are offering CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members an initial consultation, with recommendations for just a $25 donation to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE! All you need to do is PayPal me your donations (which, if you are not a member will give you a $20 SILVER membership as a bonus) and I will forward your name and e-mail to Marilyn and Ellen and they will contact you to set up your free consultation. Please mark your donation HEALING PLUS. There is a button on the opening page of the website marked DONATION and this will let you use a credit card (or use http://www.svhamstra.com/PayPalPayment.shtml ). If you prefer to donate by check, please remember, all checks should be made out simply to STU HAMSTRA and mailed to 676A Ninth Avenue #120, New York, NY 10036. Put the words "HEALING PLUS" on the check and don't forget to include your e-mail address. Offer expires March 31st, 2009.
Two cabaret fans/performers, Marilyn Benkler and Ellen Ziegler, are doing something about it! They are Board Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselors, and have formed a partnership to help folks fine tune their lifestyles to promote health, happiness and quality of life. They will show how one can reach and maintain their New Year's goals and enhance their performances. Check out their website at http://www.creativehealingplus.com/ - and in February and March they are offering CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members an initial consultation, with recommendations for just a $25 donation to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE! All you need to do is PayPal me your donations (which, if you are not a member will give you a $20 SILVER membership as a bonus) and I will forward your name and e-mail to Marilyn and Ellen and they will contact you to set up your free consultation. Please mark your donation HEALING PLUS. There is a button on the opening page of the website marked DONATION and this will let you use a credit card (or use http://www.svhamstra.com/PayPalPayment.shtml ). If you prefer to donate by check, please remember, all checks should be made out simply to STU HAMSTRA and mailed to 676A Ninth Avenue #120, New York, NY 10036. Put the words "HEALING PLUS" on the check and don't forget to include your e-mail address. Offer expires March 31st, 2009.
NONE DARE CALL IT JUSTICE
NEWS FLASH AS WE GO TO PRESS:
MADOFF TO REMAIN FREE ON BAIL WITH NEW RESTRICTIONS - A federal judge on Monday rejected the prosecution's request to revoke Bernard L. Madoff's bail and send him to jail. Instead, the financier, who is accused of running a huge Ponzi scheme, will remain under house arrest in his luxury apartment on Manhattan's Upper East Side, guarded by private security guards paid for by his wife. (see blog item just below this one)
Read More: http://www.nytimes.com/?emc=na
MADOFF TO REMAIN FREE ON BAIL WITH NEW RESTRICTIONS - A federal judge on Monday rejected the prosecution's request to revoke Bernard L. Madoff's bail and send him to jail. Instead, the financier, who is accused of running a huge Ponzi scheme, will remain under house arrest in his luxury apartment on Manhattan's Upper East Side, guarded by private security guards paid for by his wife. (see blog item just below this one)
Read More: http://www.nytimes.com/?emc=na
I WENT TO A MARVELOUS PARTY - SORT OF
Now I can share a tale that has been heavy on my heart for several weeks. There are a small number of people who have, over the years, been a tremendous support to me, someone to share my innermost feelings with. Everyone needs a few friends like this, and I have been blessed with several. One of them is a Cynthia Crane. And each year Cynthia holds a fabulous post-holiday party at her lovely brownstone in Greenwich Village, and last night was the final one, at least at this space. The house is being put up for sale - not by choice but by necessity.
Almost exactly a month ago I got an e-mail from Cynthia that she and husband Ted Story were among those bilked by the infamous Bernie Madoff (pronounced "made off" as in "made off with the money"). For over 30 years, Mr. Madoff treated them like family - apparently he was a charming, friendly swindler. It is impossible to imagine what this must be like, and for weeks my love and prayers went out to this beloved couple. Her home was always open to all - many MAC committee meeting were held there when she was part of the MAC Board, her piano room was used by several as a rehearsal space over the years. And the annual party was a "must see and be seen" event for people in both cabaret and theater. I am not a "party person" and this was probably the only event of this type that I never missed.
Last night's event can be best be called "bittersweet" - festive with an undercurrent of sadness. The party started at noon and ended at midnight, and while I was only there for an hour or so, I was told that people kept arriving all day - one could hardly move in the main living room, center-pieced by a huge, decorated Christmas tree as well as an effigy of Mr. Madoff hanging alongside the staircase.
Our thoughts and prayers - along with the thoughts and prayers of the cabaret community - continue to go out on behalf of Cynthia & Ted as they leave the only home they have known since their marriage, and begin the task of "starting over." Mr. Madoff, meantime, after ruining the lives, hopes and dreams of so many, has continued to live in his luxurious seven-million dollar penthouse apartment, along with wife, servants and staff - a condition that one hopes will change today when he appears in court to answer to an attempt to dispose of several millions on dollars worth of jewelry and watches last week to family and friends, in defiance of court orders.
Almost exactly a month ago I got an e-mail from Cynthia that she and husband Ted Story were among those bilked by the infamous Bernie Madoff (pronounced "made off" as in "made off with the money"). For over 30 years, Mr. Madoff treated them like family - apparently he was a charming, friendly swindler. It is impossible to imagine what this must be like, and for weeks my love and prayers went out to this beloved couple. Her home was always open to all - many MAC committee meeting were held there when she was part of the MAC Board, her piano room was used by several as a rehearsal space over the years. And the annual party was a "must see and be seen" event for people in both cabaret and theater. I am not a "party person" and this was probably the only event of this type that I never missed.
Last night's event can be best be called "bittersweet" - festive with an undercurrent of sadness. The party started at noon and ended at midnight, and while I was only there for an hour or so, I was told that people kept arriving all day - one could hardly move in the main living room, center-pieced by a huge, decorated Christmas tree as well as an effigy of Mr. Madoff hanging alongside the staircase.
Our thoughts and prayers - along with the thoughts and prayers of the cabaret community - continue to go out on behalf of Cynthia & Ted as they leave the only home they have known since their marriage, and begin the task of "starting over." Mr. Madoff, meantime, after ruining the lives, hopes and dreams of so many, has continued to live in his luxurious seven-million dollar penthouse apartment, along with wife, servants and staff - a condition that one hopes will change today when he appears in court to answer to an attempt to dispose of several millions on dollars worth of jewelry and watches last week to family and friends, in defiance of court orders.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
SUDDENLY SNOW FREE
I just got back from the deli (around the East Village we call them bodegas) after fulfilling my craving for an Entenmann's Cheese Danish and was expecting to trundle through 5 or 6 inches of snow. Would you believe, after telling us all day we were in for a near-blizzard, the weather people could only come up with a half-inch at most?
And the storm, which was supposed to last all night, seems to have headed north and east!
Now, I'm not complaining, mind you. I used to love the snow (I lived in Michigan for 6 years and you learn to cope). But it took far longer for me to cross the street and navigate the sidewalk than it usually does. I place each foot down very carefully and take my time. And it felt real good to make it there and back without a tumble - no one has bothered to shovel anything yet. The building staff hasn't even spread any salt yet.
So now, as I lick the icing from my fingers, cravings satisfied (at least my hunger cravings) at last, I can get to bed.
Good night, New York!
HUGS
STU
And the storm, which was supposed to last all night, seems to have headed north and east!
Now, I'm not complaining, mind you. I used to love the snow (I lived in Michigan for 6 years and you learn to cope). But it took far longer for me to cross the street and navigate the sidewalk than it usually does. I place each foot down very carefully and take my time. And it felt real good to make it there and back without a tumble - no one has bothered to shovel anything yet. The building staff hasn't even spread any salt yet.
So now, as I lick the icing from my fingers, cravings satisfied (at least my hunger cravings) at last, I can get to bed.
Good night, New York!
HUGS
STU
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