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Cabaret Hotline Online is an independent website with more than 7,400 pages of news, information and stories on cabaret, owned and maintained by Stu Hamstra. CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE is not affiliated with any club or organization. It is totally supported through advertising and membership donations. This blog is an extension of the website and newsletter.

NOW IN OUR 26th YEAR OF PROMOTING THE ART & ARTISTS OF CABARET!

"His eye is on the sparrow...."

Friday, November 6, 2009

12 GREAT SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO MEMBERS THROUGH NOV 12

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12 GREAT SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO MEMBERS THROUGH NOV 12
$75 WORTH OF MEMBER DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
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NYC: CAROL SHEDLIN IS "FEELIN' GROOVY" AT MAMA'S
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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Carol Shedlin brings her new show, "Felin' Groovy" to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) for more performances in November. She is joined by her musical director Jon Delfin at the piano and David Dunaway on bass. Aaron Morishita directs. Celebrating more than 15 years of impeccable musical taste, Carol takes us on her personal journey of musical and personal "grooviosity" spanning five decades from bobby soxer to bopper. In an evening rich with personal anecdotes, Carol moves from suburban life to Manhattan urbanity, sharing songs that helped shape her viewpoint, including boogie, blues, Bernstein, The Beatles and beyond. Performances are scheduled for Saturday, November 7th; Monday, November 9th; and Monday, November 16th. All shows are at 7:00 pm. There is a $12 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $7 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: TAYLOR MADE: THE SONGS OF BOB MERRILL
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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Maureen Taylor brings her new show TAYLOR MADE: BOB MERRILL to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440) with performances scheduled for Sunday, November 8th at 4:00 pm and Monday, November 9th at 7:00 pm. TAYLOR MADE celebrates the "extraordinary" Bob Merrill who wrote songs from "How Much Is That Doggie In the Window" to "People". Bob Merrill's vast amount of work spans the simple to the sublime, with numerous chart hits, novelty songs, a Tony Award, and Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. The show is directed by MAC Award winner Peter Napolitano, with musical direction by Matt Castle, and accompanied by Joe Brent on guitar and mandolin. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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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. Final performance is on 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". The program reflects Lucille's diverse musical interests, featuring selections from musical theater giants such as Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, and Cole Porter, alongside those of contemporary singer-songwriters such as Randy Newman, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Neil Sedaka, and Annie Dinerman. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: RICKY RITZEL IN "HYSTERICAL BLONDNESS"
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $10 OFF THE COVER
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Cabaret veteran Ricky Ritzel brings his show "Hysterical Blondness" to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ) with shows scheduled for Sunday, November 8th at 7:00 pm; Thursday, November 12th at 9:45 pm; and Sunday, November 15th at 9:30 pm. Ritzel has been a fixture on the nightclub and cabaret scene in NYC for 30 years and has received a multitude of Cabaret awards, including 13 Manhattan Association of Clubs Awards in 8 different categories. He has performed all over the USA as well as London and Paris. An accomplished solo performer, Ricky has also accompanied such greats as Vivian Blaine, Ruth Warrick, Arthur Prysock, Varla Jean Merman, Julie Wilson, Lenora Nemetz and Miss Coco. With famed Chicago jazz vocalist Spider Saloff, Ricky created several award winning revues such as "1938", which was recorded on the Kopathetics label, "Porgy & Bess: a Cabaret Concert" and "Ira and Others".His performance as Jimmy Durante in "Schnozzola!" earned him critical raves and numerous awards. The show is written by Ricky Ritzel and Jim Luzar, and directed by Mr. Luzar. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: SUE MATSUKI ENCORES HIT SHOW AT THE LAURIE BEECHMAN
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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7 time MAC Award Nominee (in 6 different categories); 3 time MAC award winner; the 1st Julie Wilson Award recipient and the 2009 recipient of the Cabaret Hotline Online's Jeff Matson Award, Sue Matsuki returns with one more encore performance of her first new show in 2 years to THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - ) on Monday, November 9th at 7:00 pm. Featured in the show are Sue's Musical Director of over 13 years, Gregory Toroian; her percussionist who has also worked with her for 13 years, Ron Tierno and the two new additions to Team Matsuki are: Steve Millhouse on bass and the multi-award winning singer/director Eric Michael Gillett as her Director. In this show, Sue goes back to her singing roots, which means getting her trio together and doing a jazzier set in a show arc that will mean whatever it will mean to the audience as heard through their own filters. There is a $20 cover plus a $15 food/drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: BIG BAND TUESDAYS: DOUG ACOSTA & MIKE BERKOWITZ ORCHESTRA
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $10 OFF THE COVER
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Scobar Entertainment presents Big Band Tuesdays at IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB (1650 Broadway, NYC - 212-582-2121 - ) on Tuesday, November 10th at 8:00 & 10:00 pm featuring Doug Acosta & The Mike Berkowitz Orchestra. The award-winning voice of New York City's Doug Acosta has been swaying audiences across the globe. Drawn to the Great American Songbook and artists of its time, Doug simultaneously imparts exuberance and refrain to his delivery, always shining new light on familiar standards. There is a $25 cover plus a $10 food/drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: NICOLE KAFKA WITH "VAMPS, VIXENS & VILLAINS"
MEMBER DISCOUNT $5 OFF THE COVER
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"When I'm good I'm very good, but when I'm bad I'm better!" Mae West said it, and now cabaret chanteuse Nicole Kafka lives it in her new solo outing, "Vamps, Vixens & Villains" at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - ) for 5 performances. Shows are scheduled for Wednesday, November 11th at 9:15 pm, Friday, November 13th at 7:00 pm and Saturday, November 15th at 6:00 pm. Proving once again that naughty can almost always be nice, Nicole's set includes a cornucopia of bad girl repertoire, from "I Want to Be Bad" to "Cruella De Vil" and the original vamping lady, "Louisville Lou." Spanning decades of musical theater and popular song, "Vamps, Vixens & Villains" celebrates the best that a gal gone wrong has to offer. Musical director is David Shenton and the show is directed by Eric Michael Gillett. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: KAREN OBERLIN RETURNS WITH EXCITING NEW SHOW
MEMBER DISCOUNT $5 OFF THE COVER
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MAC and Bistro Award-winning jazz-pop singer Karen Oberlin returns to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ) on Thursday, November 12th at 7:30 pm. Ms. Oberlin will present an excitingly unique, brand-new show "BIRDS DO IT: Songs of the Natural World". In the show, Oberlin celebrates the complexity and the surprises that the mother of all muses, nature, provides. Songs range from such varied songwriters as Cole Porter, Fred Hersch, Rodgers and Hart, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Stephen Sondheim and Dietz and Schwartz. Tedd Firth serves as musical director. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: GRACE NOTES: SINGERS' SOIREE: HARVEST'S BOUNTY
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $10 OFF THE COVER
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GRACE NOTES - a Singers' Soiree, hosted by Bistro Award Winner Grace Cosgrove, returns to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - ) with the next show, HARVEST'S BOUNTY - a benefit for CITY HARVEST, scheduled for Thursday, November 12th at 7:00 pm. Don Rebic is Musical Director, with Tom Hubbard on Bass. Lennie Watts serves as Director. Performers for this show include Marcus Simeone, Lynne Loosier, Maureen Taylor, Tom Gramblin, Suzanne Fiore, Tanya Soberly comedy duo Booth & Pay and Grace Cosgrove. 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. This special benefit show will honor CITY HARVEST , which "rescues" left-over food from area restaurants and groceries. In addition to the cover, guests are asked to contribute at least one item of canned food for the organisation. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: JOSHUA WARR IN NYC DEBUT: SING NO EVIL
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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In his NYC Nightclub Debut, Joshua Warr tackles the "Subject of Sin" head-on with grace, passion and humor, at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - ). Performances are scheduled for Thursday, November 12th at 7:00 pm; Saturday, November 14th at 5:00 pm; Friday, December 4th at 8:00 pm and Saturday, December 12th at 7:00 pm. Inspired by the greats like Liza Minnelli, Ben Vereen, Barbra Streisand, Peter Allen and Jessica Rabbit - Joshua dives into a delectable assortment of poetry, dance and (of course) music to spread a little decadent fun around the Nine Circles of Hell - all the while maintaining that he's "not Evil - just drawn to the material." Musical director is Tracy Stark. Miles Phillips directs. There is a $15 cover plus a $15 food/drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: JAY MICHAEL REEDS HITS THE ROAD IN "ROAD TRIP"
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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Jay Michael Reeds gets down and dirty at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) in this ode to the Road Trip. Final performances is Friday, November 13th at 7:30 pm. The music, which gets little bit country, a little bit rock (throw in a smattering of jazz swing) is the perfect recipe for a rollicking good time. Wells Hanley on piano, Ritt Henn on Bass, Matt Kane on Drums and Tony Romano on Guitar. Jay Rogers directs. There is a $10 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $5 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: WANDER STREETS OF BERLIN WITH ADRIENNE CATHRINE HAAN
MEMBER DISCOUNT $5 OFF THE COVER
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The German Cabaret Artist Adrienne Cathrine Haan, a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NY, as well as the Cologne School of Music in Germany, is proud to present her musical-historical chanson evening "Streets of Berlin" at THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438) on Thursdays, November 12th & 19th at 9:30 pm. Ms. Hana will take you into the bizarre and decadent world of the Weimar Republic, where you will learn about the women's movement and the liberalization of the gays in 1920s Germany; listen to the melancholy of Klezmer as well as the passionate melodies of French chansonniers Jacques Brel and Edith Piaf, sung in German, English, French and Yiddish. Musical Direction is by Benjamin Schaefer. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

For all shows offering discounts to members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE just click on the button marked DISCOUNTS at the top of every page in the website http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/

TICKETS TO CD SHOW GO ON SALE RIGHT NOW

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TICKETS TO CD SHOW GO ON SALE RIGHT NOW
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Our CDs FOR THE HOLIDAYS show on Monday, November 30th at 7:00 pm at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - ) will be held on Monday, November 30th, and tickets are on sale right now. Tickets will be at our lost price ever: $15 for non-members, $10 for 2009-2010 CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members and $5 for CABARET FOR SENIORS members (you must have signed on to get this ticket price.

Tickets MUST be purchased online, in advance via the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website - . NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN BY THE VENUE. Limited to 70 seats - no reservations taken after November 27th.

The show will be MCd by Jim Speake. Musical director is Tracy Stark. Performers already announced are:

CYNTHIA CRANE - JOSHUA WARR - BOOTH DANIELS - KATHLEEN FRANCE - SUE MATSUKI - EDD CLARK - DENISE WHITTIER - more will be added soon.

15 cabaret CDs were entered in our annual CDs FOR THE HOLIDAYS contest, where we will choose THE 2009 CD OF THE YEAR. Three CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members will serve as judges this year: A performer (Sue Matsuki), a Cabaret Maven (Joe Regan, Jr.) and a reviewer (John Hoglund). CDs will be judged for 3 main qualities, with weighted points awarded in each area: VOCALS/INSTRUMENTALS, PRODUCTION/TECHNICAL QUALITY and PACKAGING/PRESENTATION. Top three winners will be announced at the CABARET CDs FOR THE HOLIDAYS event.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

The passing of ART D'LUGOFF, founder of The Village Gate and so much more. . .

The passing of ART D'LUGOFF, founder of The Village Gate and so much more. . .

Dear Friends of Art,

In the event you haven't heard yet, I wanted to let you know before the radio and press begins reporting it that our old friend Art D'Lugoff passed away yesterday (Wednesday, November 4, 2009) from a heart attack.

The past five months had been very difficult for Art, as infection complications from a hip replacement left him seriously ill in the hospital for three months. This stress of this illness was compounded by his needed attention to the increasing health deterioration of his dear wife Avital of more than sixty years, and having to oversee their moving into a new apartment just this past month.

However, during the last few weeks, his vitality, energy and spirit returned as he began subwaying around the city for meetings on the development of the National Folk Music Museum, for which he was the Chairman, and working on a documentary film on his life. And just two days ago, he was down in Soho looking at spaces to open a new nightclub! As saddened as I am by the loss of dear friend, I am pleased that he had bounced back and while in his late `80s and was still shaking up the trees!

What can we say about Art D'Lugoff that the world doesn't already know. I had immense admiration for him, when in the 1950s, as the communist witch hunt scared other promoters from producing concerts with Pete Seeger and Paul Robeson, Art proudly presented Pete (with a young Mary Travers in her first concert), and then producing Paul Robeson's concerts at Carnegie Hall. And of course, his reputation as a brilliant producer of a wide variety of music and theatre took the national stage when he opened The Village Gate on Bleeker Street in Greenwich Village, and began forty years of producing the hottest acts and shows in the world, from Billie Holiday to Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Josh White, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Harry Belafonte, Odetta, Nina Simone, Miriam MaKeba, Charles Mingus, Thelonius Monk, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison, in addition to the comedians, Mort Sahl, Bill Cosby, Woody Allen, Chevy Chase and Jon Belushi, to name just a few of the acts who performed at the Gate. If one of his acts became too hot for the club, Art promoted them at Carnegie Hall.

And who could ever forget all the classic live albums recorded at the Gate, such as "Herbie Mann Live at the Village Gate"? Before long, he wisely expanded his operation to producing some of the most revered long running Off-Broadway musicals, such as "Jacques Brel Alive and Well in Paris," "Salvation," and "National Lampoon." As an heir to Sol Hurok, and in the best sense of the word, Art was a premier "Showman." And one with ethics and a heart. . .

In 1992, Art was most proud to be honored with the Paul Robeson Award.

In his later years, Paul helped raise the funds and launch the National Jazz Museum of Harlem, and then devoted his efforts to spearheading the creation of the National Folk Music Museum, which is currently in development. He also acted as a consultant the new club "Le Poisson Rouge," that now occupies the space of the old Village Gate, and most recently, he has been very active in the development of the new film documentary based on Art's life and the music and arts of Greenwich Village.

On a personal note, Art was as caring a friend as I could have. Despite whatever troubles he may have had he always called to make sure I was OK and to lift my spirits. When Odetta's health took a rapid decline last year, he called every day to get an update on her condition and for me to tell her that he was thinking of her. I loved his stories about his adventures while stationed in China during WWII, his family history in Palestine and Israel which went back hundreds of years, and his early days struggling as a promoter in the Village. Art was and is a good friend. I will miss his calls, I will miss his mischievous smile whenever telling a humorous story. I will miss the warmth of his spirit,

Art is survived by Avital, their three daughters and son, Sharon, Dahlia, Racheal, and Raphael, and a large extended family.

Memorial plans will be announced soon.

Loving you through Art,

Doug Yeager

Douglas A. Yeager Productions, Ltd.
300 West 55th Street
Suite # 15E
New York, New York 10019

EMAIL: yeagerprod@aol.com

SAD NEWS: ART D'LUGOFF (1924-2009)

SAD NEWS: ART D'LUGOFF (1924-2009)

Moments before we sent out our newsletter today we received word from Jamie deRoy that Art D'Lugoff, owner of The Village Gate passed away last night. THE VILLAGE GATE was a nightclub at the corner of Thompson and Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, New York. Art opened the club in 1958, on the ground floor and basement of 158 Bleecker Street. The large 1896 Chicago School structure by architect Ernest Flagg was known at the time as Mills House No. 1 and served as a flophouse for transient men. Throughout its 36 years the Village Gate featured such musicians as John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Evans, Vasant Rai, Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin, who made her first New York appearance there. The show Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, debuted at the Village Gate in 1968. (taken from Wikipedia). More details on Monday and/or on the website as received.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

MAC FUND RAISER BAZAAR AT DON'T TELL MAMA MAY 8th

MAC FUND RAISER BAZAAR AT DON'T TELL MAMA MAY 8th

Sunday, November 8th from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788), MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) will be holding a Fund Raiser BAZAAR that is part Flea Market, part Silent Auction, part day-long Raffle of really cool stuff, part Entertainment throughout the day, part socializing and networking among the members! Music and fun all day long! You are also invited to bring canned goods for Grace Cosgrove's Grace Notes Food Drive to benefit CITY HARVEST and receive 1 FREE Raffle ticket. Winning bids for the silent auction will be read at 2:30 and you must be there to claim all prizes! There is no cover charge. More details at http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/