Stephen Downey News

Remember that song lyric “with Barons and Earls”……..Sophisticated, well heeled and well dressed New Yorkers came to the most elegant spot in New York City, The Pierre on Fifth Avenue last night as KT Sullivan brought Broadway and Cabaret to the iconic hotel's Two E Lounge. It was truly a royal audience in every way (check out the photos). They came to the 90 year hotel which was home to Elizabeth Taylor, hosted Rex Harrison and wife renewing their vows, and was where Yves St Laurent debuted his first US Collection, to hear arguably one of the finest artists in the world of Cabaret, KT Sullivan.

Day two of the 2019 Mabel Mercer Foundation's 2019 New York Cabaret Convention filled Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center with a lot of Heart and Soul and the music of Frank Loesser last night. The Convention audience was immersed with the music of one of the greatest Broadway songwriters as one by one 23 renowned Cabaret artists performed Frank Loesser hits. The one and only Marilyn Maye brought the evening to a stunning conclusion with her rendition of Joey, Joey and her exciting 3/4 time version of Luck Be A Lady Tonight all arranged and played by the remarkable pianist Tedd Firth.

If a visitor from another planet landed here and asked the question “What is Cabaret?” an easy explanation would be to send him/her to attend a performance by KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar, wether it be solo or jointly. They didn't invent the art form but KT and Jeff's artistry and show construction ranks as one of the finest examples of Cabaret.

There are many high profile and exciting items auctioned off at prestigious Galas. You can have lunch with Warren Buffett or other famous luminaries. You can replace Maestro Steven Reineke on the podium at Carnegie Hall and conduct The New York Pops Orchestra for a few minutes or win this writer to play piano at your private party if you bid high enough at the Pops Gala. Last night at the historic Lotos Club in New York City one of the most prestigious classical music organizations in the country had a dinner and the winning bidder at The Stecher Horowitz 60th Anniversary Gala last April and invited guests were entertained by the prize.

The Broadway at Birdland concert series presented cabaret superstar KT Sullivan on the historic stage on Monday, May 21. KT Sullivan celebrated the master melodist Jerome Kern with songs both obscure ("Raggedy Ann" and "Bungalow In "Quogue") and classic ("Bill", "All the Things You Are" and, yes, "Old Man River"). KT was ably supported by jazz greats Jon Weber on piano and Steve Doyle on bass.

The Beach Cafe on 70th & 2nd Ave sure felt like one of the intimate Cabaret rooms on the Las Vegas strip last night. Joshua Lance Dixon, this years MAC Award winner for Best Male Vocalist produced all the charisma and excitement of the Rat Pack with his show which tells (in story and song) the history of Frank, Dean, Sammy, Joey, and Peter Lawford.

KT Sullivan and Mark Nadler brought their show "Almost Like Being In Love" to the Laurie Beechman Theatre last night and BroadwayWorld was there.

Some of the best musical experiences have taken place in houses of worship. Sadly, Holy Cross Church in Times Square was the location of such an occurrence on Saturday as a Requiem Mass for Jean-Claude Baker who committed suicide on January 15th 2015 was held at the historic church. The Romanesque Revival style building was constructed in 1870 and is the oldest building on 42nd Street. BroadwayWorld brings you photos of the performances below!

Lots of times there are signature sounds. A voice seems like it was always meant to be heard in a certain venue. It's a perfect fit. At Yankee Stadium it was announcer Bob Sheppard, For CBS News it was Walter Cronkite and for the Carlyle it was Bobby Short. It will always be Steve Tyrell for this Father of The Brides.

Dick Robinson and LegendsRadio.com presented vocalist Deborah Silver in 'Sing Happy,' a benefit concert for The Society for the Preservation of The Great American Songbook on Saturday, October 25th at 8pm at 54 Below (254 West 54th Street - between Broadway & 8th Avenue). BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture the event, so check out the photos below!

Last night more than a dozen musical theater and cabaret stars celebrated the remarkable musical career of Ervin Drake in a special concert to benefit The Gold Coast Arts Center and Landmark on Main Street, two non-profit cultural gems located on the North Shore of Long Island.

For four magical nights in October, the Mabel Mercer Foundation present a sparkling array of America's leading cabaret stars. Among the 60 outstanding artists who will take the stage at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Last night was Before The Parade Passes By, hosted by KLea Blackhurst and starring Corinna SowersAdler, Raissa Katona Bennett, William Blake, Kevin Dozier, Liam Forde, John Forster, Gregory Generet,Tanya Holt,Eva Kantor, Stearns Matthews, Sally Mayes, Colleen McHugh, Marissa Mulder, Sidney Myer, Mark Nadler, Georga Osborne, and Nick Ziobro.

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs has just announced the winners of the 2013 MAC Awards, which were presented last night at the 27th Annual MAC Awards Show. CLICK HERE for a full list of winners and check out photos from the festivities below!

Yesterday, October 13, Bill Cosby, Chita Rivera and Mark Nadler led the benefit for ART START, an organization that operates with the mission of providing underprivileged children of New York with confidence, creativity and hope through the arts. The volunteers of ART START visit shelters all over the city armed with paintbrushes, mics and instruments - and with them, an opportunity to change a young person's life. Check out the after party below!