DESPERATELY SEEKING SPONSORS

I want to print out the post cards for the MARCH IS CABARET MONTH promotion but funds are extremely short right now. I was hoping to place the order over the weekend - the artwork is already complete. If you would like to be an early sponsor of the promotion, please let me know or use this link:

http://www.svhamstra.com/thankyou1sponsor.shtml

Sponsors receive a free ticket to our MARCH IS CABARET MONTH GALA at THE LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER on Tuesday, March 10th for each sponsorship unit ($100) they donate, and their name and website (if requested) will be included on all promotional material (except the post card). In addition, sponsors will receive a free 1/4 page ad in the show Program Booklet for each unit.

If you can't afford to be a sponsor right now (or want to be a sponsor and also expand your free show booklet ad to a larger size) or won't be able to come to the show but want to support our promotion, use this link:

http://www.svhamstra.com/thankyou1prog.shtml

Thanks for your continued support of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE and MARCH IS CABARET MONTH

HUGS

STU

NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INNOVATION - SORT OF

Project: send out membership cards by e-mail to all current members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE

Solution: Send out my normal FORM LETTER e-mail program and add a jpg of the card as an attachment

Discovery: The program - which I have been using for 3 years - doesn't permit attachments (never tried it before)

Problem: Members began sending complaints that their card wasn't enclosed

Solution? Research and a bit of luck. I had purchased a different FORM LETTER program about a year ago. I tried it once and found it too confusing. It only cost me $18 so I set it aside. So I found the program and began testing. It took me 17 tries to send out the letter plus attachment - all 17 to myself - until I got it right.

Meantime, I worked all day to update all the member names and website addresses on the website so I had an excuse to send another letter to the members to which I could attach the card.

Result: success!

My fingers are bleeding from all the typing. My eyes are burning because I was staring at the computer screen for about 8 hours. But the job is done!

And now for some TV - There's a MONK marathon today on cable.

SNOW FORECAST NYC REVISED

They've upped the ante - the new forecast this morning calls for 4 to 6 inches of snow in Manhattan - and one TV station, probably in the quest for ratings, is saying (hopefully) 8 inches of snow. In any case, there may actually be some show cancellations tonight after all. So check the message board on the website and this blog - and call the performance venue after 4:00 pm before heading to the cabaret.

By the way, snow is a major headache for traffic and mass transit is the way to go. The MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) has cancelled all track work for the weekend - all subways will be running on their norman routes according to their normal weekend schedules. Be safe - take the subway, take the bus and leave your valuable and dent-free car at home.

HUGS

STU

SNOW IN THE FORECAST FOR NYC AREA

With a light 1-2 inches of snow forecast for Saturday (1/10) here in NYC I don't expect any show cancellations - but when it comes to the weather, one never knows for sure.

If you have an event - or know of an event - that has cancelled for this weekend, please be sure to let me know so I can spread the word. You are invited to post your information as a comment to this posting, post in on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE message board on the website, or contact me by e-mail with the information so I can post it myself.

Once again

WISHING YOU A BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

HUGS

STU

CHASING THE BLUES AWAY - THE CABARET WAY

If you are like me, and getting sick and tired of all the bad news - wars, Ponzi schemes, deficits, bailouts, foreclosures, corruption, racism (even in Congress!), homelessness, famine, violence, and all the rest - let me pass along some advice: go to a cabaret show. The doors close, the lights dim, the performer steps into the spotlight and all the troubles of the world (and even your own personal troubles) are forgotten, even if for only 55 minutes or so. I always say, now more than ever, live entertainment needs your support. I can easily and truthfully add, now more than ever we need live entertainment!

ON RADIO: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": CD ROUNDUP PART II

On Sunday, January 11th, 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 "A Round-Up Of 2008 CD Releases & Re-issues, Part 2". Some of the 2008 Releases & Re-issues that you will hear: Ask Me Again, Nancy LaMott; With A Song In My Heart, John Pizzarelli; Rainbow 'round My Shoulder, Barbara Cook; When The Wind Blows South, Philip Chaffin ; ...At Les Mouches, Patti Lupone; My Own Voice, Devin Richards; In The Heights, Original Broadway Cast; Wonder In The World, Kelli O'hara; Then and Now, Herbie Hancock; The Live Smoke Sessions, Lea De Laria; Family and Friends, Ray Brown, Jr.; Adding Machine, World Premiere Recording; Dreaming Of A Song, Klea Blackhurst  / Billy Stritch; Symphonica, Joe Lovano; A Kiss To Build A Dream On, Jessica Molaskey; Judy Takes Broadway!, Judy Garland; 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: SHEET MUSIC SOCIETY FEATURES SUE MATSUKI

The New York Sheet Music Society meets the second Saturday afternoon of each month from October through June. The fourth meeting of the season will be on Saturday, January 10th at LOCAL 802 MUSICIANS' HALL (322 West 48th Street, NYC). There is a Flea Market starting at 12:30 pm (a great place to find music, tapes, CD's etc. at bargain prices} followed by a program from 1:45 to 3:30 pm. The meeting on January 10th will feature a Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald with MAC Award winning performer Sue Matsuki, accompanied by Tedd Firth. You can now register and join the NYSMS on line at http://www.NYSMS.org/ . Membership is $50, and includes free admission to all 9 programs (non-member fee is $10 per meeting) plus a monthly newsletter.

NYC: SETH'S CHATTERBOX: GUEST CHRISTOPHER SIEBER

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 8th will feature as guest Christopher Sieber, currently appearing in Shrek The Musical. 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/ .

SPECIAL TO MEMBERS OF CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE

Oft times plans go awry and our plan to send out the ballot to all members for our 2009 MEMBERS CHOICE PERFORMERS yesterday certainly went awry - urgent personal business kept me away from the computer most of the day - the ballots will go out instead later today. Sorry for any inconvenience. (I also accumulated 95 e-mails that need answering)

2009 NIGHTLIFE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

2009 NIGHTLIFE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

MARILYN MAYE, CHRISTINE EBERSOLE & BILLY
STRITCH, FREDDIE COLE, HANK JONES,
MICHAEL BIRBIGLIA, BABY JANE DEXTER
AMONG BIG WINNERS IN WORLD’S ONLY
ALL-PERFORMANCE AWARD SHOW!

GUEST PERFORMERS/PRESENTERS ALSO TO INCLUDE
TOMMY TUNE, LARRY GATLIN, STEPHANIE J. BLOCK,
NOAH RACEY, EUAN MORTON, AND MORE!

Unique Awards Concert
Monday, January 26 at 7 PM at The Town Hall

This past year’s most outstanding performances in cabaret, comedy, and jazz have been chosen by more than two-dozen critics and experts who concluded their voting over the holidays (see below). The winners are, as always, a richly eclectic mix of exceptional talents from across the length and breadth of New York nightlife – all of them are in the process of being invited to Town Hall to perform (instead of making acceptance speeches)!  The winners include some stunning repeats from past years, such as Marilyn Maye, Hank Jones, Christine Ebersole & Billy Stritch, Freddie Cole, John Mulaney, and Allan Harris. Among first time winners are comic sensation Mike Birbiglia, long-time cabaret star Baby Jane Dexter, and legendary cabaret comedienne Helen Baldassare, and the popular After Party open mike host Brandon Cutrell. Among the duo or group winners, there is the critically acclaimed cabaret concert version of the soundtrack album of Robert Altman’s Nashville, and two sets of ties provide a multitude of winners including the Hank Jones Quartet and the Steve Bernstein Millenial Territory, as well as Improvised Shakespeare and Kurt Braunhohler & Kristen Schall.

Many, if not most, of the winners will perform at Town Hall. They will be joined, as always, by a glittering array of celebrity performers and presenters, among them (so far) will be multiple Tony Award winner Tommy Tune, Broadway/Nightlife stars Stephanie J. Block and Euan Morton, country superstar Larry Gatlin, and many more, soon to be announced. The awards concert will be directed for the first time by Broadway singer/dancer/choreographer Noah Racey!

Scott Siegel, the creator/producer of The Nightlife Awards said, “Announcing these exceptional winners, just three weeks before the awards show, itself, makes me giddy with anticipation. I can’t wait for January 26th when anyone who buys our sponsored-supported, reasonably priced tickets will get to enjoy what has gained a reputation as one of the year’s most exciting, talent-packed concerts.”

Tickets are $25, $50 & $75 and they are available at The Town Hall Box Office at 123 West 43rd Street (noon to 6 PM except Sunday) or by calling TicketMaster at 212-307-4100 or going to TicketMaster.com.

The Nightlife Awards is sponsored, in part, by ASCAP, TheaterMania.com, The Edythe Kenner Foundation, Trattoria Dopo Teatro, Peter & Barbara Leavy, Jill & Irwin Cohen, Edith & Ervin Drake, Thoroughbred Records, Fred Landau, Stuart E. Bloom & Robert L. Aaron: Lightstyles, LLC, Steven T. Ernst, and Ghostlight Records.



2009 NIGHTLIFE AWARD WINNERS & FINALISTS:

OUTSTANDING CABARET VOCALIST IN A MAJOR ENGAGEMENT:
WINNER: MARILYN MAYE
Finalists: Barb Jungr & Euan Morton

OUTSTANDING CABARET DUO OR GROUP IN A MAJOR ENGAGEMENT:
WINNER: CHRISTINE EBERSOLE & BILLY STRITCH
Finalist: Bill Charlap & Sandi Stewart
              John Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey

OUTSTANDING CABARET VOCALIST:
WINNER: BABY JANE DEXTER
Finalist: Barb Jungr, Julie Reyburn

OUTSTANDING CABARET COMEDY OR CHARACTERIZATION:
WINNER: HELEN BALDASSARE
Finalists: Sharon McNight, Christine Pedi

OUTSTANDING CABARET DUO OR GROUP:
WINNER: NASHVILLE: DARYL GLENN & JO LYNN BURKS
Finalists: Alison Fraser & Mary Testa
               Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano

OUTSTANDING PIANO BAR ENTERTAINER:
WINNER: BRANDON CUTRELL
Finalists: Ann Steele, Alysha Umphress

OUTSTANDING JAZZ VOCALIST IN A MAJOR ENGAGEMENT:
WINNER: FREDDIE COLE
Finalists: Annie Ross, Marilyn Maye

OUTSTANDING JAZZ VOCALIST:
WINNER: ALLAN HARRIS
Finalists: Jay Clayton, Andy Bey

OUTSTANDING JAZZ SOLOIST:
WINNER: HANK JONES
Finalists: Bill Charlap, Harry Allen

OUTSTANDING JAZZ COMBO:
WINNER: TIE –
 HANK JONES QUARTET
 STEVE BERNSTEIN MILLENIAL TERRITORY ORCHESTRA
Finalists: Fred Hersch Trio, Lew Tabackin Quartet

OUTSTANDING COMEDIAN IN A MAJOR ENGAGEMENT:
WINNER: MIKE BIRBIGLIA
Finalists: Jim Gaffigan & Doug Stanhope

OUTSTANDING COMEDIAN:
WINNER: JOHN MULANEY
Finalists: Sean Patton, Julian McCullough

OUTSTANDING COMIC DUO OR GROUP:
WINNER: TIE --
IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE
KURT BRAUNOHLER & KRISTEN SCHALL
Finalist: 4-Track

OFFICIAL NOMINEES FOR MEMBERS' CHOICE 2008 FAVORITE PERFORMER ANNOUNCED

CLICK ON THE HEADLINE ABOVE TO SEE THE NOMINEES

OUT WITH THE OLD - IN WITH THE NEW

The annual calendar change just took place at my desk. Each year I receive a small desk calendar from my sister in Florida, promoting her insurance agency business and it's just the right size to sit atop my computer screen and shows three months on each page - great for helping me compose the newsletter and update the website. And on the first of January each year I toss out the old one and set up the new one in its place. This year I found myself doing this chore with extra glee - the more quickly I put 2008 behind me, the better I know I will feel. The big thrill is knowing in my heart that the only way from here is up.

WISHING YOU A BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

HUGS

STU

NYC: JULIE GOLD SHOW AT DUPLEX MONDAY SOLD OUT

Julie Gold's regular monthly Monday night show at THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438 ) is SOLD OUT for this Monday, January 5th at 7:00 pm. Her special guests for the show are THE BACON BROTHERS - Kevin and Michael. Her guest on Monday, February 5th is Karen Mason. Incidentally, it is Julie's birthday on Tuesday, February 6th.

NYC: AFTER PARTY FRIDAY WITH GUEST TONY YAZBECK

At THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - http://www.westbankcafe.com ) on Fridays at 10:30 pm, Brandon Cutrell & Alysha Umphress host AFTER PARTY, a free-wheeling open-mic with guest stars from Broadway and Cabaret, Ray Fellman at the piano and others 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. No cover, no minimum. Singer/dancers invited at all times - you can hang out at the bar, at a table or even on stage. Special guest this week Friday January 2nd, is Tony Yazbeck, currently performing on Broadway as Tulsa in Gypsy with Patti Lupone. He recently played Gabey in On The Town at City Center Encores! Also, at the piano, Matt Castle, who most recently played Peter (and piano and bass) in the Tony Award-winning revival of Company.

BE SURE TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK TONIGHT

Because it is leap year, and because there was one extra day this year, to be exactly precise, one additional second has to be added to the year - which means you must turn your clock back one second at midnight tonight. Most computers and cell phones will do this automatically.

WISHING YOU A BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

HUGS

STU

STREET & PARKING RESTRICTIONS FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE NYC

Click on the above headline - YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME AND USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. For any events in the Times Square area, be sure to arrived before 8:15 pm - many subway stations will be closed in the area and bus traffic will be rerouted.

WISHING YOU A BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

HUGS

STU

N.J.AREA: BOB'S BIG MONDAY SHOWCASE TONIGHT AT STOCKTON INN

BOB's BIG MONDAY SHOWCASE returns tonight, December 29th (and every other Monday), at 7:30 pm at the STOCKTON INN (1 North Main Street, Stockton NJ - 609-397-1250). The show usually features 6 to 10 vocalists from the NY-NJ-PA area. Performers for for scheduled for this showcase include Janellen Farmer, AJ Tyndale, Amy Raditz, Keith Nielson, Jan Baldwin, Richard Catenacci, Patty Leone, Jane Arthur, Devyn Rush, Ashley Wayne Barlow, Jerry Wichinsky, and special guest Susie Speidel. Only $10 cover/$10 minimum. Serving dinner, from 5:30 pm.

SPECIAL NOTE TO NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBERS

Since New Year's Day falls on Thursday this year, there will be no CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE newsletters on January 1st. We plan to send out a special end-of-year report to all members on CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE on or about December 31st. For any special late-breaking news in the meantime, check out this CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE BLOG.

LAST CALL FOR NOMINATIONS (MEMBERS TAKE NOTE)

Last Call for Nominations: All 2008-2009 CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members are reminded to nominate their choices for the best performances/performers during the past year - from December 1, 2007 through November 30th, 2008 - by Wednesday, December 31st midnight. This is an INTERNATIONAL poll - not limited to the USA - not limited to the NYC club scene. The only rules are that the performance/performer be nominated by a current member and the nominating member must have attended the show of the performer nominated. The performer nominated does not need to be a 2008-2009 member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE. There are only 5 categories - Female & Male Vocalist, Female & Male Debut, and Musical and/or Comedy Duo or Group. These categories may be sub-divided if we receive a large number of nominees in a certain category (i.e. Female/Male Jazz, Female/Male Major, etc.) The balloting will take place in January - the winners announced in February. REMEMBER: You must be a member to nominate and vote in this poll. More details on the website - there's a link to the nomination rules and a nominating form on the opening page. Nominations received as of this morning are listed on the website as well.

SAD NEWS: EARTHA KITT PASSES AT AGE 81

CLICK ON THE HEADLINE ABOVE FOR AN ARTICLE BY STEPHEN HOLDEN - NEW YORK TIMES

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR'S EVE???

CLICK ON THE HEADLINE ABOVE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE NEW YEAR'S PAGE
UPDATED TWICE A WEEK - ON THE WEBSITE

NYC: ALGONQUIN SALON THIS SUNDAY WITH HOST MARK JANAS

Mark Janas' Algonquin Salon usually takes place on Sunday nights from 7:00 to 10:00 pm in the lobby of THE ALGONQUIN HOTEL (59 West 44th Street, NYC - 212-419-9331). The Salon is a weekly event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members in the lobby of the Algonquin Hotel, an informal, yet elegant setting with a grand tradition of artists gathering to socialize. There is no cover and no minimum. Salon Secretary Peter Napolitano reports that THE ALGONQUIN SALON on Sunday, December 28th the theme will be "AULD LANG SYNE!" and the special co-hosts will be two Salon founding members from the original cast of "THE TALK OF THE TOWN", Donna Coney Island and Chris Weikel. Remember, any material, on or off-theme, is always welcome at the Algonquin Salon.

ON RADIO: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": YEAR END THOUGHTS IN MUSIC

On Sunday, December 28th, 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 "Year End Thoughts in Music." 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: JULIE REYBURN MAKES HER FEINSTEIN'S DEBUT

Award Winning Vocalist Julie Reyburn makes her Feinstein's debut on January 6th in a special One Night Only performance of her show "It's A New World" at FEINSTEIN'S at the REGENCY HOTEL (540 Park Avenue, NYC - 212-339-4095) on Tuesday, January 6th at 8:30 pm. This brand new show was created specifically to celebrate the occasion! Directed by Peter Napolitano, Julie is joined by her longtime Musical Director, Mark Janas and Bassist Ritt Henn performing a unique collection of celebrated standards, Broadway classics, and new works soon to become part of the American Songbook. Composers/Lyricists include Stephen Sondheim, Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Maltby & Shire, Janas & Napolitano, Alec Wilder, Harold Arlen, E.Y. Harburg, Ira Gershwin, Vernon Duke, Henry Mancini & Johnny Mercer and Irving Berlin. Julie is a multi-award winning singer, actor and recording artist who has appeared in many of the top clubs in Manhattan. Her ability to connect to a lyric with unique interpretations has established her as one of New York's celebrated female vocalist. She is the first ever Nightlife Award recipient for Outstanding Female Vocalist in 2003 and again in 2005 as a finalist. There is a $30 cover charge, plus a $25 food/drink minimum.

NYC: 2009 NIGHTLIFE AWARDS: GATLIN, BLOCK, MORTON & MORE!

On Monday, January 26th at 7:00 pm, the 7th Annual Nightlife Awards Concert returns once again to THE TOWN HALL (123 West 43rd Street, NYC - 212-997-1929 ) with the most - and the best - entertainment of any awards show in the world. The reason is simple: there are no acceptance speeches at The Nightlife Awards. The winners perform to show why they were chosen. And the reason they're the best is because they've been chosen by a broad-based panel of more than two dozen members of the press of New York City that covers cabaret, comedy, and jazz. And the best of New York City nightlife is, by defintion, the best in the world. Among the winners who have performed at The Nightlife Awards in the past have included such luminaries as Brian Stokes Mitchell, Elaine Stritch, Alan King, Betty Buckley, Ute Lemper, Robert Klein, Karen Akers, Judy Gold, Liz Callaway, Ann Hampton Callaway, Lea DeLaria, John Pizzarelli, Jessica Molaskey, Marilyn Maye, Barb Jungr, Paula West, Maureen McGovern, Kristin Chenoweth, Donna Murphy, Bruce Vilanch, Andrea Marcovicci, Christine Ebersole, Freddy Cole, Keely Smith, Bill Charlap, Sandi Stewart, Eartha Kitt, etc., etc.

The 2009 edition of The Nightlife Awards will be just as star-studded, if not more so, than in the past. Though the winners will not be announced until January, here are just a few of the guest performers who will be on stage on January 26th to add their talent to the glitter of the evening. Country superstar Larry Gatlin will perform. So, too, will Broadway and Nightlife stars, Stephanie J. Block and Euan Morton. Stephanie will be starring in 9 - 5 on Broadway in the Spring, and Euan Morton is the Tony-nominated star of Taboo. More guest performers and celebrity presenters will be announced soon, as will the actual Nightlife Award winners.

Tickets to the Nightlife Awards have only recently gone on sale to the public. The price is a recession proof $25, $50, or $75 for a non-stop evening of great performances. Tickets are availabe via TicketMaster at 212-307-4100 or at TicketMaster.com. Tickets will be available at the Town Hall Box Office starting Monday, January 5th.