IT AIN'T OVER 'TILL ITS OVER

A quick thank you once more to all the folks who made Tuesday's MARCH IS CABARET MONTH GALA such a success! Remember, it "ain't over till its over" so keep adding the tag MARCH IS CABARET MONTH to your e-mail signature and at the end of any postings on Twitter, MySpace, YouTube or Facebook and spread the word to all. Our GALA producer Tom Stajmiger mentioned at our show on Tuesday that when he started producing cabaret events in Wisconsin, most folks in the area only thought that cabaret was a movie that starred Liza Minnelli. There are a lot of folks out there - many of your friends, probably - who haven't a clue about this marvelous and exciting art form, and the tag line on your e-mail just might evoke some kind of discussion, and hopefully win another "convert" to join the friends of cabaret. There is another generation coming up that needs to be informed - its up to us to spread the word.

6 GREAT SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE MEMBERS NEXT 10 DAYS

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NYC: JIM VAN SLYKE SALUTES NEIL SEDAKA AT THE BEECHMAN
MEMBER DISCOUNT $5: OFF THE COVER
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Jim Van Slyke returns to NYC and THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909) on Saturday, March 14th at 4:00 pm; and Sunday, March 15th at 7:00 pm. Critically acclaimed singer Jim Van Slyke returns with this highly anticipated new show celebrating the music of pop icon Neil Sedaka. Jim lends his beautiful voice and charm to the intimate melodies of Neil Sedaka in his latest project "The Sedaka Show". Directed by Tony nominated singer/actor Brian Lane Green with Music Direction by MAC Nominee/Back Stage Bistro Award Winner Tim DiPasqua, this tour de force trio have created a magnificent evening of Neil Sedaka favorites, lost gems and a few surprises! There is a $15 cover plus a $15 food/drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: BEN CHERRY RETURNS IN "I HATE NEW YORK: A LOVE STORY"
MEMBER DISCOUNT $3 OFF THE COVER
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2008 CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE MEMBERS' CHOICE winner (debut), actor-singer Ben Cherry makes returns with his show "I Hate New York: A Love Story" on Saturday March 14th at 5:00 pm and Tuesday March 17th at 7:00 pm at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788). Ben will be accompanied by musical director Tracy Stark at the piano. The show includes a wide range of carefully-chosen musical selections, each highlighting some aspect of love, hate, or ambivalence toward living in New York City. There is a $10 cover plus a 2-beverage minimum. $7 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: HOLE-O-MATIC AT THE DUPLEX WITH MACK & HOLLAND
DISCOUNT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR MEMBERS - ASK AT THE DOOR
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Karen Mack & Michael Holland continue with their with their very popular award-winning "Hole-O-Matic" All Request Show to THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438 - http://www.theduplex.com/ ) on Saturdays at 7:30 pm running through April 11th. This is the show where the audience gets to pick the song list from hundreds available. Also featured are more road stories, ridiculous prizes, and custom cocktails. There is a $15 cover, 2 drink minimum, no drink maximum. Ask if they are still giving a $5 discount to members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE (this wasn't included in their release).
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NYC: CYNTHIA CRANE IS CONFUSED AND THEREFOR SHE IS
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $8 OFF THE COVER - SUNDAY NIGHT!
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Cynthia Crane returns with her acclaimed show I'M CONFUSED, THEREFORE I AM to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440) on Sundays, March 15th, 22nd & 29th at 4:00 pm. Musical director is Paul Greenwood, with Boots Maleson on bass. Director is Ted Storey. The show includes songs by composers Noel Coward, Rupert Holmes, Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Dave Frishberg, Harburg & Arlen, Tom Toce & Zina Goldrich, Cole Porter, Lew Spence, Ervin Drake, Steve Goodman, Alan Chapman and Marshall Barer & Anita Nye. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $12 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: BIG BAND TUESDAYS AT THE IRIDIUM
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $10 OFF THE COVER
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SCOBAR ENTERTAINMENT presents Alex Nguyen and the Jazz Conceptions Orchestra featuring Amanda Brasher at IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB (1650 Broadway, NYC - 212-582-2121) as part of their BIG BAND TUESDAYS series on Tuesday, March 17th with sets at 8:00 & 10:00 pm. There is a $25 cover plus a $10 food/drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: GRACE NOTES: A SINGERS' SOIREE: FLOWER POWER!
*** MEMBER DISCOUNT *** $5 OFF THE COVER ***
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GRACE NOTES - a Singers' Soiree, hosted by Bistro Award Winner Grace Cosgrove, is held monthly at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) with the next show, FLOWER POWER! - MUSIC OF THE 60'S, scheduled for Thursday, March 19th at 6:30 pm. The lineup of special guest performers for this show include Julie Reyburn, Lennie Watts, Jenna Esposito, Stearns Matthews, Billie Roe, Steven Ray Watkins, Stefanie Rose, Grace Cosgrove. Don Rebic is Musical Director, with Tom Hubbard on Bass. Lennie Watts serves as Director. This is an on-going lab for top-notch singers - a place for great singers to perform, to try out new material, and to expand their audiences. Each show also introduces a newcomer. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

MAYBE I AM IMAGINING THIS BUT ....

Is the economy on an uptick? Something very unusual happened this week - or I should say something didn't happen that has been happening a lot lately. I have noted for the past several months that with each mailing of the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE newsletter, I got back from 1 to 4 "returns" from corporate websites indicating that the e-mail address was no longer valid - meaning the person was no longer employed at that firm. But the past two issues, no such returns! I note that the stock market also seemed to be making a bit of a recovery for the past two days (let's see if that holds up today). I will keep an eye on this phenomenon for the next to issues and report back.

TIPS FOR CABARET PERFORMERS:

A good cabaret performer will make sure that nothing that is said, sung or done will distract from presenting an effective and enjoyable performance. This includes a tasteful and appropriate wardrobe, non-distracting lighting design, and good behavior (no mugging allowed) by other performers and musicians sharing the stage with you.

ON RADIO: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": LIZA & BLOSSOM

On Sunday, March 15th, 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, feature the music of Liza Minnelli. Some of the songs from her career that you will hear: "A Quiet Thing", "Let's Make A Date" (in duet with Johnny Rodgers), Peter Allen's "Simon", "Lonely Feet" (Jerome Kern / Oscar Hammerstein Ii), "But The World Goes 'Round", "Cabaret", "Theme From New York, New York" and "What Makes A Man" and more. David will also continue a Celebration of the Music of Blossom Dearie. Here are some of your requests: "My Attorney Bernie", "Bruce", "Bye, Bye Country Boy", "I Don't Remember", "Dusty Springfield", "Touch The Hand Of Love" 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: FREE SAMPLE CLASS DAY AT SINGERS' FORUM

THE SINGERS' FORUM (49 West 24th Street, NYC - 4th Fl. - 212-366-0541 - http://www.singersforum.org/ ) will host a Free Sample Class Day on Sunday, March 15th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm offering free abbreviated sample classes of several of their Spring courses. There is no fee and no pre-registration required. Teachers attending include: Lennie Watts and Steven Ray Watkins, Eric Michael Gillett, Elizabeth Russo, Jerome Harmann-Hardeman, Vicki Stuart and Teri Ralston. Free Consultations will be held all afternoon, and as an added bonus, if you sign up for a full session of a group class on March 15th, you'll save 10% off the class fee.

NYC: CORIS OF DISAPPROVAL: THE SONGS OF HECTOR CORIS

As part of The Shortened Attention Span Festival at THE PLAYERS THEATRE (115 Macdougal Street, NYC), Dominic Sheahan Stahl, Angela Shultz and Jonathan Whitton start in a mini-revue of the songs of Hector Coris on Thursday through Saturday, March 12th through 14th at 8:00 pm and on Sunday, March 15th at 3:00 pm. The show has as director Hector Coris and musical director Brett Kristofferson. Tickets are $18.

ON CABLE: JAMIE deROY & FRIENDS TV SHOW MOVES TO A NEW TIME

Starting on Sunday, March 29th, "Jamie deRoy & friends" will move from every other Tuesday at 4:00 pm to every other Sunday at 7:30 pm. In NYC, the show will be aired on MNN-Time Warner on Channel 56 and on RCN on Channel 83. In other areas, check you local cable listings for time and channel. The show is produced by Jamie deRoy & friends, inc. and directed by Barry Kleinbort. Taped and Edited by Applause Video. For details see http://www.jamiederoy.com/ . The final Tuesday at 4:00 pm shows on Time Warner, Channel 67 and RCN, Channel 85 were on March 10th.

TIPS FOR CABARET PERFORMERS:

Cabaret publications - including CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE - are always looking for things to write about. Don't overlook anyone when preparing your publicity mailing list. You local cabaret organization should have one available for you - another great reason for joining - and the venue you perform that should also be able to provide you one. Just be sure that your press release is complete without being overwhelming.

LAST CHANCE FOR GALA TICKETS IS MONDAY 3/09 AT MIDNIGHT

There are a few seats left for tomorrow night's MARCH IS CABARET MONTH GALA at THE LAURIE BEECHMAN - two additional tickets were sold this morning and I have 2 inquiries, so by the time you read this it may be a sell-out. If you still want to come, I need your order before midnight tonight! No tickets will be sold at the door on the night of the show - too complicated. Send me a note at once at stuhamstra@svhamstra.com

OUT AND ABOUT AT LAST!

The weather seems to have settled down to the approaching spring (about 2 weeks away) and I had a few extra bucks come in (thank you, Jamie deRoy for renewing your ad), so I was actually able to get "out and about" catching five (yes 5!) shows in five days (saw 2 shows on Thursday and took a night off on Saturday). I'll get some reviews on the blog as soon as tomorrow night's gala is out of the way.

In a nutshell:

Christiana Bianco - absolutely a smash, sort of a downsized Karen Mason;

Jim VanSlyke - voice of an angel and with his new musical director/director team, this show glows like an angel!;

Adriana McPhee - great vocals, great charm but lifeless, technique-obsessed delivery. If you want to see great cabaret, skip this one!;

Julie Wilson - her tribute to Billie Holiday is totally awesome, and you should be ashamed of yourself if you miss it!;

Cynthia Crane - so entertaining, so exciting, so much fun, so Cynthia! If you want to see great cabaret, don't miss this one!

NYC: SETH'S CHATTERBOX: CANCELLED - SETH OFF TO THE BIG EASY

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. This week Thursday, March 12th, Seth's off to perform at LE CHAT NOIR in New Orleans. 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!

ON CABLE: JAMIE deROY & FRIENDS TV SHOW MOVES TO A NEW TIME

Starting on Sunday, March 29th, "Jamie deRoy & friends" will move from every other Tuesday at 4:00 pm to every other Sunday at 7:30 pm. In NYC, the show will be aired on MNN-Time Warner on Channel 56 and on RCN on Channel 83. In other areas, check you local cable listings for time and channel. The show is produced by Jamie deRoy & friends, inc. and directed by Barry Kleinbort. Taped and Edited by Applause Video. For details see http://www.jamiederoy.com/ . The final Tuesday at 4:00 pm shows on Time Warner, Channel 67 and RCN, Channel 85 will be on March 10th.

ANOTHER TIP FOR CABARET PERFORMERS

: Giving a "trade" discount to your show? Be sure to make the person seating the room aware of this fact before the show - and explain exactly what the discount is and to whom it should be given (even if you have already explained this when you booked the room).

A NEW EXPERIENCE FOR AN OLD NEW YORKER

Another first: I have lived in the NYC area all but 6 of my nearly 70 years of life, and for the past 35 years in one of the 5 boroughs (plus Jersey City). But last week Friday night, for the first time in all those years, I was delayed by someone jumping in front of a train in the station I was catching a train at. Fortunately the jumper (a very troubled man who had walked away from a psychological treatment center) was on the downtown local track, while I was across the station on the uptown track, but they had to shut off the power to all the tracks completely for about 40 minutes while the firemen and rescue worked could do their thing (they originally announced 15 minutes, so I stayed put). But that made me about 20 minutes late for Jim VanSlyke's show at THE LAURIE BEECHMAN. I am rarely late, but I guess I had a good excuse this time.

BLAME IT ON THE MOON

They say that the night of a full moon is a good time to complete projects if you wish them to be successful. Well, Tuesday, March 10th, the night of our gala there also happens to be a full moon - a really good omen. It also happens to be the anniversary of my subway-stairway fall four years ago that knocked me out of commission for several months - including my only overnight stay in a hospital since the day I was born, and my first ever medicare claim (I turned 65 and was eligible just 9 months earlier). I wonder if that date was a full moon? Google, anyone?

TIPS FOR CABARET PERFORMERS

Giving a "trade" discount to your show? Please be sure to tell those who might take advantage of the discount to alert the host when you are seated, and the staff person taking your order of this. It will save time and confusion at the end of the show when your get your bill. This is especially true if credit cards are involved. If they don't speak up at the start, they may not get the discount at the end.