LEARN TO MAKE YOUR OWN LEADSHEET AT SINGERS FORUM

SINGERS FORUM (49 West 24th Street, NYC - 212-366-0541 - ) will be holding a Leadsheet Workshop on Saturday, March 14th from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Taught by Ted Muzio, B.S., M.A., Ph.D., a well-known and highly respected New York area singer/pianist, accompanist and music educator, this 3-hour workshop will teach an easy, step-by-step approach to transposing a tune into your own key. You will receive all needed materials, including music manuscript paper and a transposing wheel. During class you will actually prepare a leadsheet from music you bring to the workshop, so please make sure the original you bring has chord symbols above the music staff.

BOSTON: BACA MARCH IS CABARET MONTH 2009 FESTIVAL

BOSTON: BACA MARCH IS CABARET MONTH 2009 FESTIVAL

The BACA (Boston Association of Cabaret Artists) "March Is Cabaret Month 2009 Festival" will take place from Thursday through Sunday, March 19th through 22nd at THE BLACKSMITH HOUSE (56 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA - 617-547-6789 - Ext. 1 ). The Festival gives Boston audiences the unique opportunity of experiencing all things cabaret in one venue over the span of a few days. The MICM 2009 Festival is designed to give BACA members as many opportunities as is possible over an extended weekend to perform for the cabaret community in a supportive atmosphere. Members will also have the chance to take part in workshops and a master class intended to deepen their performance skills and knowledge about other matters related to putting on a show.

In addition, the Festival serves as BACA's major fundraising event. A portion of ticket sales will go to support further initiatives, such as a Songwriter's Showcase with its own master class this year, the BACA newsletter, website development and a forthcoming scholarship program to help performers mount shows at our events (pending approval of non-profit status), among other projects.

The Boston Association of Cabaret Artists is a non-profit membership-organization that supports, promotes and expands awareness of cabaret as a live entertainment art form. Activities of the group include increasing performance opportunities for cabaret entertainers through BACA events and venue development, publicizing the work of local cabaret songwriters, raising public attention about cabaret's presence in Boston and New England, presenting workshops and master classes, providing information about member shows and recordings and advocating for cabaret in arts-related forums.

For full information on all performances - performer/date/time plus ticket prices for all events, see the BACA website - http://www.bostoncabaret.com/ .

RE: SEEDY HOTEL PIANO BARS CIRCA 2005

Someone is working on a research project and is looking for pianists who might have been employed at a seedy sort of Midtown NYC hotel piano bar circa 2003. Reminds me of the old story of the guy who wanders down into the lobby of a seedy midtown NYC hotel (circa 2003) and discovers an old friend from high school playing the piano. The friend was one of the finest musicians in the school and even had gotten a scholarship to one of the finest conservatories in the country. He was shocked, and went to the pianist and said "I never thought I would find you working in a dump like this!" To which the pianist replied: "I just work here, I don't have to sleep here."

I have avoided seedy hotels circa 2003, and I actually don't know of any hotels right now - seedy or opulent - which have pianists or piano bars. Anyone out there that can help? Drop me a line. Thanks.

BROADWAY FOR A NEW AMERICA CANCELLED FOR TONIGHT

The BROADWAY FOR A NEW AMERICA scheduled for tonight, Monday March 2nd at SYMPHONY SPACE (Broadway at 95th Street - 212-864-5400 ) has been cancelled due to the oncoming snow storm. It will most likely be re-booked in April at Symphony Space.

BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARDS GALA & WINNERS ANNOUNCED

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 on Sunday, March 1st, the THE ALGONQUIN SALON co-host will be Broadway, jazz and cabaret favorite Devin Richards, who has chosen, appropriately enough, "FRIENDSHIP!" for the theme of the evening. Any song from a movie or about the movies would fit the theme, but Saloners are encouraged to perform Oscar-winning or nominated songs. Remember, any material, on or off-theme, is always welcome at the Algonquin Salon.

ON RADIO: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": BLOSSOM DEARIE

On Sunday, March 1st, 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 present the music of Blossom Dearie. David will host a "Live On-Air" Panel Discussion on the Art, Career, & Life of the late Blossom Dearie with James Gavin, Rex Reed, Donald Schaffer & Daryl Sherman. Some of the songs from her career that you will hear: "I Like You, You're Nice", "I'm Hip", "Peel Me, A Grape", "I'm Shadowing You", "Hey John", "Once Upon A Summertime", "Dearie's Blues", "Rhode Island Is Famous For You", "Bye Bye, Country Boy", "Let Me Love You", "Lovin' In The Present Tense", "Bobby And Me", "Bruce", "My Attorney Bernie", "The Party's Over", "After Me" 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: SCOTT SIEGEL'S BROADWAY JUKEBOX MUSICAL REVUE SUNDAYS

Broadway Jukebox, an ever-changing revue of Broadway music on Sunday nights at 6:30 pm at http://www.birdlandjazz.com (315 West 44th Street, NYC - 212-581-3080 - / ) features a different trio of musical theater stars every week, each offering a brand new slate of songs. Further, in the spirit of the show's title, the audience will get to pick the Broadway songs they will hear each week. The weekly series continues on Sunday, March 1st with Cheryl Freeman (The Who's Tommy, Play On, The Civil War); Annie Golden (The Full Monty); and Michael Winther (33 Variations, Mamma Mia!). Broadway Jukebox is directed by Scott Coulter, with musical direction by Tedd Firth. Broadway Jukebox is conceived and produced by Scott Siegel, who will also host this Sunday night revue. There is a $25 cover plus a $10 food/drink minimum.

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

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: AFTER PARTY WITH GUESTS LAURA OSNES & SUSAN CAMPANARO

At THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - ) 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. This week's guests are star of Broadway's Grease and soon-to-be star of Broadway's South Pacific Laura Osnes and Lavinia Draper, the nightlife persona of and created by actress Susan Campanaro.

KEY WEST POPS CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Pianist/musical director Jono Mainelli wrote to tell that he's now the assistant conductor for THE KEY WEST POPS ORCHESTRA. On Sunday, March 8th the orchestra will present its official 10th Anniversary Concert at THE TENNESSEE WILLIAMS THEATRE (5901 College Road, Ket West, FL - TKTS: http://keystix.ticketforce.com/ ). Heading the list of guest artists is Lee Roy Reams - others appearing include Maria Zito-Kaufman, Susan Speidel and Michael Mulligan plus guests Joy Hawkins, Danny Weathers and surprise appearances by members of the Pops family.

CABARET IS BUSTING OUT ALL OVER DEPT.

The Cabaret at the Connoisseur Room in Indianapolis, IN is seeking cabaret acts for an on-going cabaret series. This plush, elegant space (formerly The American Cabaret Theatre) seats 125 and is reminiscent of a Cole Porter era nightclub. Performances run on Fridays and Saturdays with two performances each evening. If you are interested in performing at this venue, send press materials, digital or video performance footage, and audio materials, along with talent fee information to: Shannon Forsell at: The Cabaret, PO Box 44224, Indianapolis, IN 46244. For more information visit http://www.actindy.org/ .

CONGRATULATIONS TO RAINIE & CINDI

Belated congratulations (because we just heard about it - Rainie's computer was in for repair) to Rainie Cole and her partner Cindi on their recent marriage - during their 10-year anniversary season, they decided to make it official.

NYC: SETH'S CHATTERBOX: ENTER LAUGHING CAST MEMBERS

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. This week Thursday, February 26th, Seth's guests are Josh Grisetti, Jill Eikenberry & Michael Tucker from "Enter Laughing". 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/ .

IT'S A LOVERLY DAY TODAY

I have to catch you all up on a new project I started (no, not another website - at least not quite yet) but a new type of personal regimen. You see, for Christmas my pal Daniel gave me an iPod Touch for Christmas - its like an iPhone but without the phone part. And you can download from the iTunes store small applications (that's why they call it the App Store - and there are over 10,000 to choose from) that are either for entertainment or everyday use.

So Monday afternoon I found a little app called "Lose It!" - by which you keep track of everything you eat, figures the calories and and gives you a daily and weekly total. You start by putting in your weight and then adding your weight goal (mine goal is to lose 20 pounds by my birthday). Then it gives you a daily calorie quota that should help you lose weight weekly to reach the goal - about 20 weeks means about a pound a week.

Tuesday morning I began my record keeping - which all by itself is enough to make you more careful about how much you eat.

My daily quota is 2,230 calories - and yesterday I was 474 calories under my quota (I assume I can save these for a big meal once in a while). I didn't weigh myself when I started, so on next Monday, when the second week is about to start, I will do an official weigh in and then keep track each week.

And exercise (which for me is walking a little briskly) allows you to deduct calories - I took a 1 hour walk today and got credited 247 calories! So when I got home I could eat 3 cookies - 232 calories!

Stay tuned.

NO MIDTOWN JAZZ AT MID-DAY AT ST. PETERS THIS WEEK

MIDTOWN JAZZ AT MIDDAY normally presents on Wednesdays at ST. PETER'S CHURCH - LIVING ROOM (Lexington Avenue at 54th Street, NYC) is cancelled this week in observance of ASH WEDNESDAT. This long-running series was created by Edmund Anderson and is now produced by Ronny Whyte. Next show is on Wednesday, March 4th, artist TBA. Performances are at 1:00 pm, $7 donation.

NYC: ANY WEDNESDAY FEATURES JOHNNY RODGERS

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, February 125th at 6:00 pm, featured performers is Johnny Rodgers. The exuberant performer/songwriter takes time off from being one of Liza Minnelli's "boys" to offer a new selection of songs from his CD, Bound Together. No cover.

NYC: CABARET PANEL TONIGHT AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

A cabaret round table discussing the Art and Business of Cabaret called "Get Your Cabaret Act Together" will take place on Monday, February 23rd at 7:30 pm at TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY in HORACE MANN HALL (525 120th Street, NYC). The event features cabaret guru Sidney Meyer with Stephanie Samaras, host and moderator. The panel includes: Sydney Myer (Cabaret booking agent and performer), James Gavin (Historian, Author and NY Times Critic), Marcy Heisler (prominent lyricist of the duo Heisler and Goldrich), Baby Jane Dexter (Legendary cabaret soloist), and Donald Smith (Head of the Mabel Mercer Foundation and consultant). It is free for NATS-NYC members, $10 for non-members.

UPDATED PERFORMER LIST FOR BOB'S BIG MONDAY SHOWCASE

BOB's BIG MONDAY SHOWCASE returns on Monday, February 23rd (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 Katt D'Ambroso, Joe Flanagan & Toni Facciabella, Devyn Rush, Chris Chadwick, Joey Cavaliere's ELVIS tribute, Cat Faulkner, Louisa Haggerty, William Vosseler, Jim Thomas, and more to be announced. Only $10 cover/$10 minimum. Serving dinner, from 5:30 pm.

NOW THERE ARE THREE CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE ISSUES A WEEK

In addition to our regular twice-weekly CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE NEWSLETTERS on Mondays and Thursdays, we are now publishing a "Members Only" newsletter on Fridays sent to our 401 loyal members with special news items not appearing in our regular missives, and news of interest to members only regarding their membership privileges.

YOU CAN'T KEEP A GOOD GAL DOWN!

You can't keep a good gal down - at least not for long. Irene Soderberg no sooner gets released from the hospital and she's doing making her first post surgery appearance at the "Sassy Show" tonight, Monday February 23rd at 10:00 pm at HERE LOUNGE (696 North Robertson, West Hollywood, CA - 310-360-8455). Irene will open the show, singing numbers from her new CD - her 5th - which should be completed in a couple of weeks.

MARCH IS CABARET MONTH GALA UPDATE

BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARDS SET FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 28TH

It's official - the 2009 BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARDS gala will be held on Tuesday, April 28th at THE GOTHAM COMEDY CLUB (208 West 23rd Street, NYC - 212-367-9000) - tickets will go on sale soon. The official announcement of the 2009 BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARD winners will be announced some time this week. Keep an eye on this blog and on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website for an announcement as soon as we receive it.

DOES ANYONE REALIZE THAT THE ACADEMY AWARDS ARE TONIGHT?

Just about every year I can remember, at least two or three ACADEMY AWARD events were held in the local cabaret venues here in NYC. But an extensive search of the club venue websites this morning unearthed only one - at COMIX on West 14th Street. I haven't been in a movie theater in several years, and though I get HBO on cable at my apartment, I rarely watch it - maybe once a month. So I have completely lost track of who is who and what is what when it comes to Hollywood. So I plan to be at Will Trice's show at THE LAURIE BEECHMAN at 8:30 pm tonight - and there are other cabaret events going on all over the place as well for other "who cares who wins - who's running anyway" folks like me.

THIS NEWSPAPER ITEM HAD ME IN TEARS THIS MORNING