ON RADIO SUNDAY: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": SONDHEIM, HARDIN, BEECHMAN

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RADIO: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": SONDHEIM, HARDIN, BEECHMAN
CABARET ON THE RADIO - TV - WEB
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EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN, on the Radio over WBAI 99.5 FM and on the Internet at http://www.wbai.org/, usually heard from 9:00 to 11:00 pm on Sundays, and is hosted by David Kenney. Each week David presents the usual blend of big-band jazz, swing, standards, showtunes, contemporary cabaret and celebrity interviews plus MEGA-MEDLEY MADNESS. On Sunday, April 4th, the show continues its new format, featuring several artists instead of one. This weeks features are a tribute to Stephen Sondheim; four songs from "Anyone Can Whistle"; Melora Hardin's new CD: All The Way To Mars; the recently released Laurie Beechman CD: No One Is Alone. For more information, see http://www.oldisnew.org/ or contact: oldisnew@earthlink.net. You are 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/ .

HEAR OUR OWN KIND OF MUSIC - MUSIC FROM "THE PENTHOUSE"

People of all ages are discovering the timeless music of "The Great American Songbook" as sung by an ever-increasing list of modern artists like Harry Connick, Jr., Matt Dusk, Diana Krall, Michael Bublé, Julian Yeo, Tamela D'Amico, Denise Brigham, John-Eric Booth, Carl Beluga, Gary Fields, Bobby Caldwell, Margot Roi, Steve Tyrell, Linda Ronstadt, Jenna Esposito and many others. What's more, many of these performers are reworking some of their favorite songs and even adding original compositions to the mix. You can listen via desktop - laptop - mobile smart phon - to PENTHOUSE RADIO http://www.thepenthouse.fm/ 24 hours a day!

ON RADIO: "AT THE RITZ!" SATURDAYS & STREAMING AUDIO 24/7

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ON RADIO: "AT THE RITZ!" SATURDAYS & STREAMING AUDIO 24/7
CABARET ON THE RADIO - TV - WEB
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Regular weekly live broadcasts of the AT THE RITZ! radio program can now be heard on WVOF 88.5FM on Saturdays from 3:00 to 4:00 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! The Saturday 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.

NYC: CALLING ALL ANGELS TO BENEFIT GREGORY KENNELL

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NYC: CALLING ALL ANGELS TO BENEFIT GREGORY KENNELL
FEATURED CABARET BENEFIT EVENT
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John Hoglund and Geri Malino present CALLING ALL ANGELS, a special cabaret show to benefit Gregory Kennell at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - ) on Saturday, April 10th at 2:00 pm. A musical brunch with 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Jerry Scott and friends will begin at 1:00 pm. Performers scheduled to appear as of this date are Tom Andersen, Esther Beckman, David Brian Colbert, Joyce Breach, Scott Coulter, 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Cynthia Crane, John De Marco, 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Baby Jane Dexter, Lina Koutrakos, 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Sue Matsuki, Julie Reyburn, Steve Ross, Jerry Scott, Marcus Simeone, 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Tracy Stark, KT Sullivan as well as some very special surprise guests from cabaret and theater. As with all live entertainment events, performers are subject to change without notice. A full report on the event appears on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website - . There is a $25 cover ($50 VIP) plus a $15 food/drink minimum.

For those who cannot attend and/or would like to make a donation to help, please make checks payable to Geri Malino who is in charge of finances for the soon to be formed Gregory Kennelll Foundation. Checks can be mailed directly to Geri Malino at 54 West 16th Street, Ste. 16C, New York, NY 10011.

SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO MEMBERS TONIGHT (FRIDAY 04-02)

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NYC: KATHLEEN FRANCE READS THE BOOK OF LOVE
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
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2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Kathleen France brings back her acclaimed 2009 Debut Cabaret Show entitled "Book of Love" to the THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ) on Friday, April 2nd 7:30 pm. The show explores the trials and tribulations of dating through song. An avid reader, Kathleen daydreams about her love life being like those in novels, only to find that real life doesn't quite measure up to the stories she reads on the train. Music includes selections from Queen, Billy Joel, Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton, Sippie Wallace, and others from the Great American Songbook. Music Direction is by Tracy Stark and the show is directed by Lina Koutrakos. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

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NYC: SARAH RICE IN SCREEN GEMS SONGS OF OLD HOLLYWOOD
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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In her show "Screen Gems", Sarah Rice (the original Johanna in Sweeney Todd) sings songs chosen from film scores sung by or dedicated to stars and their movie roles in the films of old Hollywood at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - ) on Friday, April 2nd at 7:00 pm. Jo Ann Yeoman serves as Director, with Seth Weinstein, Piano; Ritt Henn, Bass; and Bobby Sher, Drums. The show features the music of Nacio Herb Brown, Georges Auric, Moises Vivanco, Nino Rota, Jerome Kern, The Sherman Bros., Byron Gay, Ted Snyder and many others. There is a $20 cover plus a $15 food/drinkminimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

SEE ALL THE SHOWS CURRENTLY OFFERING DISCOUNTS AT CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE

NYC: BRANDON CUTRELL'S AFTER PARTY WITH BRIAN CRUM

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NYC: BRANDON CUTRELL'S AFTER PARTY WITH BRIAN CRUM
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At THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - ) on Fridays at 10:30 pm, 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Brandon Cutrell hosts AFTER PARTY, a free-wheeling open-mic with guest stars from Broadway and Cabaret, Ray Fellman at the piano and Becca Johnson -Southworth and serving up drinks and taking turns at the mic. Guest performers from Broadway, off-Broadway and cabaret drop by each week to sing, chat and join in the fun. This week's AFTER PARTY special guest is NEXT TO NORMAL's Brian Crum. No cover, no minimum, no reservations - first come, first seated.

NYC: METROJAM OPEN MIC TONIGHT: HOSTED BY JENNA ESPOSITO

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NYC: METROJAM OPEN MIC: HOSTED BY JENNA ESPOSITO
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METROJAM, the monthly cabaret/jazz open mic event held at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ), will have its next show on Friday, April 2nd at 10:00 pm featuring host, 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Jenna Esposito. Accompaniment is provided by the MetroJam house band: John DiPinto on piano, Ritt Henn on bass, and Bobby Sher on drums. Each week, Jenna welcomes a special guest. This week's special guest is David Ippolito (better known as "that guitar man from Central Park!) Open-mic performers have a chance to perform with a full jazz band. If you're planning to perform, please arrive by 9:30 pm to sign up and be sure to bring two copies of your music (uptempo is recommended!). There is a $10 cover plus a 2-drink minimum.

HERE & THERE - PART II - BLOG EDITION

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MORE "HERE & THERE" PART II
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If you were looking for a special "April Fool" issue today, I'm sorry to have disappointed you. Hitting the end of MARCH IS CABARET MONTH means a lot of work on the website, taking down promotional stuff and putting http://www.MarchIsCabaret.com/ on hiatus until December, when it all starts over again. Plus we've had to do a lot of pleading, scurrying and working to raise some funds to keep this whole operation afloat. I was able to raise enough to pay the rent today, but barely - I'm awaiting a banner ad payment to help us through the weekend. We start each month, it seems, with a zero balance, but somehow, we manage to continue - "eye on the sparrow" style.

But living on the edge like this does add some excitement to my life - keeps the blood flowing. And it also helps me appreciate the friends and supporters (and especially advertisers) who make it possible for all the many ways that CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE promotes the art and the artists of this art form that I treasure so much.

We seem to be living in an era of divisiveness and confrontation - even cooking shows on TV involve competition and challenges! We're all about winners and losers, and not mutual respect and cooperation. It saddens me to see cabaret performers lose sight of the concept of providing entertainment and enjoyment to their audiences and instead have their "eye on the prize" instead of their craft.

I've been at this "game" now for nearly 20 years, and I know that as far as cabaret is concerned, it is not a new phenomena. But it is a divisive, non-productive and hurtful one. The prize is not the award - its always about the applause.

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It's never too late to join as a member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE - for just $20 you can become a SILVER member through July 5, 2010! Show discounts, advertising rebates & discounts, a free CD Sale Page, and a host of other benefits await you. Your membership donations help us keep this operation going all year long. Just click on the JOIN HERE button at the top of every page on the website for details.

HERE & THERE - PART I - BLOG EDITION

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HERE & THERE - PART I
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I had a rather unexpected pre-April's Fool joke played on me by my internet service provider - my email account quit accepting or at least forwarding mail to my account around 12:15 pm yesterday. I could receive Yahoo mail (I have a Yahoo account to receive Cabaretsingers' group items) and Google Mail (which handles mail from my blog) and MAC mail (which handles mail from my family) but no mail to my main e-mail account, stuhamstra@svhamstra.com. I finally contacted them around 3:00 pm and was informed they would look into it.

Nothing happened until around 11:00 pm, when suddenly "the dam" burst, and over 1000 e-mails were received, some dating back to February 3rd! Plus another 1000+ were caught by the spam filter and held on the ISP's servers. There was no explanation, especially why some items were dated nearly 2 months ago. Overwhelmed, I went to bed.

So, I know this issue is incomplete, in that I don't have time to edit and reformat any press release emails received after noon yesterday except a few I chose which cover events before Tuesday of next week - I will catch up on the Monday issue. Please don't flood me with repeat releases quite yet - I will sort everything out by tomorrow.

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Fortunately, with both Passover and Easter weeks coinciding this year, it is sort of a slow week for cabaret (comparatively speaking) but we note a lot of last minute cabaret schedule changes in the NYC area as folks who discovered they are official 2010 MAC AWARD nominees scurry to book dates while the voting is on - MAC rules require voters to actually see a performer/performance in the nominated show to be able to vote for that performer/show.

This rule serves a double purpose: it makes for intelligent voting rather than popularity voting, and it also prods performers to deliver higher quality performances to impress the voters. Of course the rule is often ignored, but honest MAC members will be out and about the next few weeks catching up on nominated shows that they may have missed.

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Some folks (especially nominees) take the MAC voting process very seriously and several have expressed dismay that already there are articles circulating containing "predictions" and "favorites" by some individuals and/or publications. Of course, with a major award committee releasing its 2010 choices even before the preliminary nomination voting was complete, it's hard to criticize those who chose to make their choices publicly known before the final vote has started, but I can truly understand the anger expressed against those who seem to want to "influence" the outcome - for whatever reason they might have.

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But I was influenced by the reaction of MAC voters and nominees to what appeared to them to be a blatant attempt to "cook the books" and have slightly revised our own CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE "straw poll". We will still send "ballots" to all members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE to make their choices for their favorite nominees for the 2010 MAC AWARDS but instead we are changing it into a contest as to who can most accurately predict the final results of the MAC voting for the top 6 or 8 categories. The winner who gets the most correct will win a collection of 6 CDs (unwrapped) that I have on hand - I often get duplicates of CDs to review/listen. In case of a tie, we will split the prize. MAC voters are only permitted to vote for shows/performers they have actually seen in 2009. But in the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE "Straw Poll" anyone can enter their predictions - on the basis of a number of factors - reviews they've read, shows they've seen, previous performances by the nominees in other years, etc. Or they can just choose the way I choose numbers when I occasionally buy a lotto ticket - randomly.

And, because of the new system, we won't be able to actually name the prize winners until after the award show, and won't be publishing any tallies before the award show so as not to give any clues to folks still making their contest choices.

N.E.: PROVINCETOWN CABARET FEST 2010 ANNOUNCED

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N.E.: PROVINCETOWN CABARET FEST 2010 ANNOUNCED
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The Provincetown Business Guild is excited to present PROVINCETOWN CABARET FEST 2010, Friday through Sunday, April 16th through 18th. The event features 14 performers appearing in 4 venues, and opens on Friday April 16th with a special Opening Night Party at 8:00 pm at CROWN & ANCHOR (47 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA - 508-487-1430 - ) hosted by NYCs Jim Caruso, and featuring each of the Cabaret Fest performers along with guest appearances by Celeste Howe, Lisa Jason, and Barbara Nye. Tickets are $25 and on sale at http://www.ptown.org/ or by calling 508-487-2313.

The festival continues on Saturday, April 17th at 5:00 pm, also at CROWN & ANCHOR (47 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA - 508-487-1430 - ) with a show featuring Boston favorites Dane Vannatter and Krisanthi Pappas. Tickets are $25. On Saturday April 17th at 8:00 pm Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch team up for a show, again at CROWN & ANCHOR (47 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA - 508-487-1430 -). Billy Stritch is one of the premier singer-pianists on the New York and national jazz and cabaret scene. Jim Caruso recently made his Broadway debut alongside Liza Minnelli in the smash hit Liza's At The Palace! The show was honored with a 2009 Tony Award for Best Special Event and the recording is a Grammy nominee.

The final featured event will be on Sunday April 18th at 11:30 am, Sunday Brunch with Carol O'Shaughnessy, again at CROWN & ANCHOR (47 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA - 508-487-1430 - ). Carol has been dubbed "Boston's First Lady of Cabaret", and she has earned the city's Cabaret "Entertainer of the Year" for appearances at New York City's Town Hall, Jordan Hall, The Regattabar and Scullers. Tickets are $29.

Several "after hours" events are also planned. A full listing and more detail on all events will soon be found on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website and is also listed at http://www.ptown.org/CabaretFest.asp

NYC: ANY WEDNESDAY FEATURES CHRISTINE REISNER

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NYC: ANY WEDNESDAY FEATURES CHRISTINE REISNER
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ANY WEDNESDAY, the free in-store concert series that features the best in cabaret, jazz and theater music takes at THE BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSTORE (66th Street and Broadway, NYC). Performances are at 6:00 pm. On Wednesday, March 31st at 6:00 pm, Swingin' With Christine Reisner: Beginner's Luck shows this cabaret singer is far more than lucky, but talented and charming as well as she shares selections from the great American songbook, including several composed by her uncle, Albert Hague. No Reservations taken. No cover. CDs for sale after show.

NYC: MIDTOWN JAZZ AT MIDDAY - "ELLINGTON DOES THE CLASSICS"

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NYC: MIDTOWN JAZZ AT MIDDAY - "ELLINGTON DOES THE CLASSICS"
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MIDTOWN JAZZ AT MIDDAY continues at ST. PETER'S CHURCH - LIVING ROOM (Lexington Avenue at 54th Street, NYC - ) and is now presented on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. This long-running series was created by Edmund Anderson and is now produced by Ronny Whyte. The show on Wednesday, March 31st features "Ellington Does the Classics" with the Harmonie Jazz Ensemble/New York, Steve Richman, Conductor. Performances are at 1:00 pm, $7 donation.

NYC: MIDTOWN JAZZ AT MIDDAY - LAURA HULL WITH RIO CLEMENTE

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NYC: MIDTOWN JAZZ AT MIDDAY - LAURA HULL WITH RIO CLEMENTE
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MIDTOWN JAZZ AT MIDDAY continues at ST. PETER'S CHURCH - LIVING ROOM (Lexington Avenue at 54th Street, NYC - ) and is now presented on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. This long-running series was created by Edmund Anderson and is now produced by Ronny Whyte. The show on Tuesday, March 30th features Laura Hull, singer and Rio Clemente, piano. Performances are at 1:00 pm, $7 donation.

NYC: 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE SHOWCASE: STAND-UP COMEDY TONIGHT

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NYC: 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE SHOWCASE: STAND-UP COMEDY
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Get a shot of stand-up comedy at this performance showcase at THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438 - ) on Tuesday, March 30th at 6:30 pm, featuring the Male and Female Stand Up Comedy MAC Award nominees. Hosted by Nancy Witter, the nominees are Danny Cohen, Joe deVito, Joe Matarese, Jane Condon, Mary Dimino and Jodie Wasserman. FREE FOR MAC MEMBERS ($15 non-members). No minimum; cash bar available. Reservations 212-465-2662 ext. 1 or online at http://www.TheDuplex.com/ .

MORE "HERE & THERE" PART II - BLOG EDITION

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MORE "HERE & THERE" PART II - MONDAY MARCH 29, 2010
FROM CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE #100309
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This issue is over 1000 words shorter than our issues of the past few weeks. Several reasons can be mentioned, but the main one is that my cold has returned - sort of as punishment for my going out to cabaret shows in defiance of my rule to stay home when not feeling 100%. But I could not resist seing John Patrick Hart's solo cabaret debut on Saturday at DON'T TELL MAMA - John is a bit older than I and I wanted to applaud him for taking on such a project as a cabaret show in his senior years. The show wasn't ready for a review, but from the way the audience cheered at the end, I know that with a tweak and a tuck here and there, John will be back "on the boards" soon.

I was "in the area" so I stepped through the piano bar and into the newer cabaret room at DON'T TELL MAMA to catch Cynthia Crane's show - I had seen it already last year, but its always a thrill to see a show a second time and relive the memories - and see how the show as developed. In cabaret one is able to add and delete songs and patter from show to it was even more delightful. She's got two more performances (and a MAC NOMINATION) and I suggest you catch this one.

I actually had planned to go to three events on Sunday, all at DON'T TELL MAMA but each an hour or so apart, but I was feeling so miserable I stayed home as long as I could, popped a couple of DayQuils and just went to Matt Leahy's 7:00 pm show at MAMA'S - his "Under the Covers" series contribution, Don McLean's "American Pie" cover. I simply cannot resist a Matt Leahy performance! Any my cold cleared up for the 3 hours or so (including travel time) I took to attend. Matt doesn't just "sing the songs", he creates an experience. It was one of those shows where you just wished all of your friends were along to see it! My pal Daniel came in from Queens to join me - his first time at a "Leahy Experience" and he was bubbling with praise at the end.

Fortunately, the rain (its pouring right now - noon in the East Village) held up until after I got home.

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I had planned to catch two shows tonight, but I will see if this cold goes away and if the rain stops. This issue is going out a little later than usual because I slept in an extra 2 hours this morning.

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Just a reminder of our change of format: items regarding benefits, cabaret festivals and cabaret organization events (which up to now appeared in every issue) will only appear in the MONDAY issues, or, during the actual week of the event, the issue closest to the event date. We have added extra pages on the website where these events will be posted for prompt lookup, and they always appear in the CABARET LISTINGS section.

All shows giving discounts to members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE will continue to be listed in the Thursday issue and included in the Saturday "Members Only" issue the week before the event. There is a special page on the website where these shows are listed for prompt lookup, and they too always appear in the CABARET LISTINGS section.

Of course events advertising on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website will be included in both the Monday & Thursday issues of the newsletter.

Finally, we have re-labeled the CABARET LISTINGS section to simply CABARET LISTINGS over the weekend and moved the "button" to the top row.

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It's never too late to join as a member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE - for just $20 you can become a SILVER member through July 5, 2010! Show discounts, advertising rebates & discounts, a free CD Sale Page, and a host of other benefits await you. Your membership donations help us keep this operation going all year long. Just click on the JOIN HERE button at the top of every page on the website ( http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/ ) for details.

Every day, in every way, we're promoting cabaret!

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And that's just about the way it was. I still have a lot more to tell you about but we've run out of space so the rest will have to wait until Thursdays's issue.

Thanks for your support of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE! Remember, MARCH IS CABARET MONTH!

HERE & THERE - PART I - BLOG EDITION

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HERE & THERE - PART I - MONDAY MARCH 29th
from CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE #100309
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Well, this is the final week MARCH IS CABARET MONTH and it has been a fantastic one! Opening with the terrific MARCH IS CABARET MONTH GALA on March 2nd, celebrations have been held in Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles and other cabaret "hot spots" around the country. Our thanks to everyone, especially the cabaret organizations around the country for spreading the word and promoting these special events!

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Today is the first day of Passover and the second day of "Easter Week". Best wishes to all on their respective holiday celebrations and commemorations. Here in NYC, where I am told the Jewish population is larger than in all of Israel, things may be a little less busy than normal. And even parking rules have changed - read the signs carefully and check with the parking rules listed daily in the newspapers and on radio/tv.

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And quite fittingly for the last few days of MARCH IS CABARET MONTH, this is 9th issue of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE this month! We rarely have a 9 issue month, but there happened to be 2 Mondays in March this year.

And, while years ago the MAC Awards were held at the end of March or very early in April, this year the list of 2010 MAC nominees was announced in March on the 25th. A full list of the nominees can be found on the website http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/ - there's a link on the front (home) page.

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By the way, the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE "straw poll" is back - and "ballots" will be sent to all members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE to make their choices for their favorite nominees for the 2010 MAC AWARDS. We will be giving updated tallies in each Saturday MEMBERS ONLY issue on the "straw poll" totals once the ballots are sent out. Keep in mind that the results could be far different from the final official results, since MAC voters are only permitted to vote for shows/performers they have actually seen in 2009. CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE Straw Poll Voters (who are all over the world) can vote on the basis of a number of factors -reviews they've read, shows they've seen, previous performances by the nominees in other years, etc.

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In that connection, there is a special "see the nominees" showcase on Thursday, March 30th at THE DUPLEX where award-winning Nancy Witter will host the nominees for the Male & Female Stand-Up Comedy awards.

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Today is the first day of Passover and the second day of "Easter Week". Best wishes to all on their respective holiday celebrations and commemorations. Here in NYC, where I am told the Jewish population is larger than in all of Israel, things may be a little less busy than normal. And even parking rules have changed - read the signs carefully and check with the parking rules listed daily in the newspapers and on radio/tv.

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If you haven't seen 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Jonathan Whitton around too much lately, its because he's been keeping busy out of town. He's currently appearing at TRUSTUS THEATRE (520 Lady Street, Columbia, SC - 803-254-9732 - ) in Jason Robert Brown's THE LAST FIVE YEARS through April 17th, and, in addition, he's getting set to present the premiere of his new rock cabaret evening NEW RELIGION. In a benefit for Trustus Theatre, NEW RELIGION will be unveiled for one night only on Tuesday, April 13th at 7:30 pm in anticipation of it's upcoming NYC engagement. Smearing the line between theater, rock concert, and confessional cabaret, NEW RELIGION is an edgy transmigration through deceptive worlds where one balances extravagant parties and casual sex. Musical selections for NEW RELIGION come from Ben Folds, Billy Joel, Morrissey, MIKA, Dolly Parton, Jason Robert Brown, Alice Smith, Rufus Wainwright, amongst others. Onstage Whitton will be backed by a rock ensemble, led by music director Tom Beard. Tickets are $30.

A TOAST TO EARL

THIS AFTERNOON (Sunday, March 28th) there will be "A Toast to Earl" - an informal gathering to remember Earl Wentz, for friends, family, colleagues, students and others at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - ) from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A pianist will be provided if you wish to perform - please bring music/lead sheets in your key. If you plan to attend, please e-mail Bill Watkins at williamwatkins@earthlink.com so that he can let MAMA'S have a count for staffing purposes. Cash bar. Earl Wentz and his personal project, the Great American Composer series, , which he produced starting in 2000, mostly at DON'T TELL MAMA in NYC. brought to our attention some great songwriters/composers by creating original, multi-performer revues, and at the same time, he exposed us to hundreds of great vocalists. He was also a long-time supporter of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE. I plan to be there in the later part of the event, and I hope to see many of you there as well.