The Mabel Mercer Foundation, Est. 1985
Preserving and promoting the intimate art of Cabaret, its timeless Songbook, and the legacy of Mabel Mercer.
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Cabaret Spotlight
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Sharon McNight
THE ONE AND ONLY!
Oct 3 @ 7:00PM
Don’t Tell Mama
Legendary Broadway and cabaret star Sharon McNight takes the stage for an unforgettable evening of music and laughter. Hailed by The New York Times’ John S. Wilson as “a jovial, semi-tough blonde with a heart-shaped face, a pink-and-white complexion and a voice that could penetrate the hubbub of any frontier saloon,” McNight brings her singular style and powerhouse vocals to the cabaret spotlight. With acclaimed pianist Ian Herman at the keys, expect a night of bold humor, heartfelt ballads, and McNight’s trademark charisma.
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Karen Ziemba, more!
SONGBOOK SUNDAYS: TONIGHT, BERNSTEIN
October 5 @ 5:00 & 7:30PM
Dizzy’s Club
Broadway meets the swing of Dizzy’s in a high-spirited salute to Leonard Bernstein, where the genius of On the Town and West Side Story comes alive with a jazz twist. From “Somewhere” and “New York, New York” to “Lucky to Be Me” and more, Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba and Broadway favorite Sydney James Harcourt lend their voices to Bernstein’s unforgettable classics. They’re joined by an all-star band led by pianist and music director Tedd Firth, with American Songbook expert Deborah Grace Winer hosting this lively autumn celebration.
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Kim David Smith
COMME UNE FOLLE (TORCH SONGS FOR TOUGH TIMES BECAUSE GAY)
October 5 @ 8:30PM
Joe’s Pub
Hailed by Broadway World as the “David Bowie of cabaret,” deemed “slyly subversive” by The Wall Street Journal, and called the “male Marlene Dietrich” by The New York Times, Australian cabaret star Kim David Smith returns to Joe’s Pub with Comme Une Folle — torch songs for tough times because gay. In this glittering, genre-bending evening, queer mega-muses collide as Marlene, Minnelli, and Minogue meet Eartha, Piaf, Judy, and more, reimagined in jazzy, Julie London–esque arrangements by award-winning musical director Tracy Stark. Smith is joined by Matt Podd (accordion), Skip Ward (bass), and David Silliman (drums), with special guest turns from Welsh pop star Bright Light Bright Light and Tony-nominated stage and screen legend Charles Busch—both featured on Smith’s acclaimed new album, Mostly Marlene, now streaming everywhere.
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Corinna Sowers Adler
ALL THAT MATTERS
October 5 & 11
Don’t Tell Mama
Join celebrated vocalist Corinna Sowers Adler for her latest show, All That Matters — a heartfelt and uplifting musical journey that celebrates what truly counts in life. With Shane Turner at the piano, Corinna brings her signature warmth, clarity, and emotional depth to a thoughtfully curated set of songs that speak to love, gratitude, and purpose. The performance runs approximately 65 minutes, and begins at 7:00PM on October 5th and 4:00PM on October 11th.
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Jeff Harnar
JEFF HARNAR SINGS THE 1959 BROADWAY SONGBOOK
October 6 @ 7:00PM
Birdland Jazz Club
The 1959 Broadway Songbook is a musical collage of the 21 musicals that were playing in New York in 1959. Gypsy, The Sound of Music, Fiorello, West Side Story, My Fair Lady, The Music Man, Flower Drum Song, Bells are Ringing, and Once Upon a Mattress are among the shows in this tribute to an era some have called the twilight of The Golden Age of Broadway. Songwriters represented include Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Harold Arlen & Yip Harburgh, Leonard Bernstein, Comden & Green, and Lerner & Loewe. Over 40 songs are woven together including “Tonight,” “On The Street Where You Live,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Til There Was You,” “The Party’s Over,” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”.
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Marnie Klar
SINGS BOBBIE GENTRY
October 6 @ 7:00PM
Don’t Tell Mama
Bistro Award winner and three-time MAC Award nominee Marnie Klar celebrates the soulful storytelling and unforgettable songs of Bobbie Gentry in a captivating evening of music. She is joined by Steven Ray Watkins on piano, Matt Scharfglass on bass, and Don Kelly on drums, with direction by Tanya Moberly. The evening features a $20 cover charge and a $20 minimum (must include 2 drinks) per person, or a $15 cover charge for MAC members with the same minimum. Cash only. Food menu available. Seating begins at 6:15 PM. Approximate running time: 65 minutes.
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Ava Nicole Frances
THE DREAM THAT I SEE
October 10 @ 7:00PM
Laurie Beechman Theatre
One of NYC's most exciting new vocalists -- American Idol finalist, two-time Broadway World Cabaret Award winner, 2025 MAC Award nominee, -- Ava Nicole Frances is proud to make her Laurie Beechman Theater debut with her critically acclaimed show, “The Dream That I See.” Inspired by the lyric, “The dream that I see makes me who I am", and an array of genres and artists including Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Meredith Wilson, Marilyn Maye, Tom Kitt, Renee Rapp, Beyonce, Linda Ronstadt, as well as her own originals, Ava’s soaring vocals and heartfelt dreams take wing. Updated with new surprises, this “Dream” will slay again!
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Christine Andreas
S’WONDERFUL…
October 17 & 18 @ 7:00PM
54 Below
S’ WONDERFUL… is just that! Christine Andreas reflects on the finest qualities of being a human over 2,000 plus years, (ok… just a small portion thereof :), as she performs the very best of the American Songbook, old and new. From Berlin to Bacharach, Gershwin to Billy Joel, not to mention a taste of Rodgers with Hammerstein, Lerner with Lane, Mancini with Mercer, a little Silvestri with Higgins, and much more! If you need a little ‘pick me up’ … S’ Wonderful is the musical elixir that will brace your spirit and bolster your heart. Musical direction by Martin Silvestri.
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Renee Katz
ENEE KATZ SINGS IRVING BERLIN: LOST IN HIS ARMS (ALBUM RELEASE CELEBRATION)
October 19 @ 7:00PM
54 Below
“The Most Heartwarming Show of the Year” is how Times Square Chronicles’ Jacqueline Parker describes Renee Katz Sings Irving Berlin: Lost In His Arms in her recent column “Top Cabaret Artists of 2024.” And now Renee, the multiple MAC and BroadwayWorld Award-nominated cabaret artist, who has often been compared to the late Barbara Cook, reunites with critically-acclaimed arranger and musical director Christopher Marlowe in celebration of the release of their highly regarded new album with her 54 Below debut. The album combines Berlin’s timeless standards with a special focus on his earlier work and some of his rarer gems, together with Renee’s singular sound, and deeply personal perspective.
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Frank Dain
A CELEBRATION!
October 16 & 27 @ 7:00PM
Don’t Tell Mama
Frank Dain returns with A Celebration!—an encore performance 24 years in the making. With Kathleen Landis as Musical Director on piano, he is joined by Boots Maleson on bass and Peter Calo on guitar, in association with Kurt Peterson. Directed by Lennie Watts, this not-to-be-missed evening promises heartfelt vocals and stellar musicianship. The performance features a $20 music charge and a $20 minimum per person (must include two drinks), with a full food menu available. Cash only. Seating begins at 6:15 PM, and the show runs approximately 70 minutes.
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Klea Blackhurst & Billy Stritch
DREAMING OF A SONG
October 19 @ 7:00PM
Chelsea Table + Stage
Dreaming of a Song unites Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch for their first artistic collaboration, a critically acclaimed celebration of Hoagy Carmichael, one of America’s most treasured songwriters. Carmichael, the composer behind timeless standards such as “Stardust,” “Skylark,” “Heart and Soul,” and “Georgia On My Mind,” also penned dozens of hidden gems that shaped the Great American Songbook. With Klea’s ebullient energy and Billy’s suave crooning, the duo brings fresh life to beloved classics while uncovering rarities like “Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief,” “My Resistance Is Low,” and “Walk It Off.” Seamlessly blending solos and duets, they showcase the wit, charm, and emotional depth of Carmichael’s music, offering audiences an evening that is as joyful as it is poignant—a true tribute to one of the most influential voices of 20th-century American song.
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Maureen Kelley Stewart
THIS IS ALWAYS
October 16 @ 7:00PM
Chelsea Table + Stage
Manhattan Association of Clubs & Cabaret's (MAC) Hanson Award-Winning Cabaret Artist Maureen Kelley Stewart performs an evening of classics from the Great American Songbook, Broadway and Contemporary Jazz Standards. In New York, Maureen has presented a number of beautifully-crafted salutes to iconic American composers, lyricists and singers including Johnny Mercer, EY "Yip" Harburg, Harry Warren, Cole Porter, George & Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Richard Rodgers, Lerner & Loewe, Tom Jones & Harvey Schmidt, Bing Crosby and others. She has enjoyed successful collaborations with noted Musical Directors Tedd Firth, Alex Rybeck, Don Rebic, Daryl Kojak, Christopher Denny, David Maiocco, John McMahon, and a cherished 13-year collaboration with the late Dick Gallagher.
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Phillip Officer
PHILLIP OFFICER SALUTES MABEL MERCER: YOU FASCINATE ME SO
October 24 @ 9:30PM
54 Bel0w
No understanding of the American popular song is complete without the knowledge of the legendary Mabel Mercer and her influence on lyric interpretation. Her perfect diction and honest approach to lyrics attracted many of America’s rising singers to emulate her style: Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Bobby Short, Peggy Lee, and Nat King Cole. What they learned from Mercer transformed American culture. Tin Pan Alley was expanding its trunk of tunesmiths to include Broadway’s brightest composing stars: Cole Porter, George & Ira Gershwin, Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein, Cy Coleman & Carolyn Leigh. The chic supper clubs and smokey saloons were a perfect playground for the intimate art of cabaret.
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Ricky Ritzel
RICKY RITZEL'S BROADWAY
October 24 @ 7:00PM
Don’t Tell Mama
Don’t miss Ricky Ritzel’s Broadway!—the Bistro and five-time MAC Award-winning musical comedy series that pays riotous tribute to the Great White Way. Hosted by the incomparable Ricky Ritzel at the piano and featuring an ensemble cast, this beloved show delivers laughter, songs, and showbiz sparkle. Cover charge is $20 ($15 for MAC members) with a $20 minimum per person (must include two drinks). Cash only. A full food menu is available. Seating begins at 6:15 PM, and the performance runs approximately 75 minutes.
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Carole J. Bufford
DARING DAMES OF THE SILVER SCREEN
October 24-26 (Two Shows Nightly)
Birdland Theater
Carole J. Bufford returns to Birdland Theater with her newest show, "Daring Dames of the Silver Screen." From femme fatales and sultry sirens to plucky ingénues and leading ladies, Bufford will celebrate the women who put their indelible stamp on the face of American Cinema. With exciting, fresh takes on these Hollywood hits, expect an evening of powerhouse vocals and fascinating stories from the cabaret star lauded by The New York Times as "the real thing!" and the Wall Street Journal as the new "last of the red hot mamas!" Featuring songs made famous by Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Judy Garland, Lena Horne, Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Rita Hayworth, Lauren Bacall, Julie Andrews, and more!
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Marta Sanders & Leanne Borghesi
THE SHOW BROADS LIVIN' OUT LOUD
October 25 & 26
Don’t Tell Mama
Marta Sanders and Leanne Borghesi return with The Show Broads: Livin’ Out Loud!—a theatrically comedic, musical nightclub act brimming with powerhouse vocals, outrageous humor, and old-school showbiz flair. Sanders, the legendary Broadway performer (Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, MAC Lifetime Achievement Award), joins forces with Borghesi, the “big-boned comedienne” and 2022 MAC Award winner, for a night hailed as “a sumptuous feast of outrageousness” (Broadway World). Following their sold-out engagements at Birdland Jazz Club, these award-winning singers bring their unique style to the stage with brassy belts, swinging serenades, and a dash of original tunes. Complete with bodacious boas, campy comedy, and sparkling camaraderie, The Show Broads celebrate friendship, diversity, and the joy of truly Livin’ Out Loud!
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Ali Harper
LIVE AT DON’T TELL MAMA
October 26 & November 1
Don’t Tell Mama
Fresh from New Zealand, award-winning entertainer Ali Harper returns to New York with her signature sparkle, warmth, and powerhouse voice. From the breathtaking landscapes of her homeland to career-defining roles and transformative moments, Ali takes audiences on an unforgettable journey through the music of Carole King, Dave Dobbyn, Edith Piaf, Doris Day, Burt Bacharach, and more. Winner of Best Actress and Best One Woman Show at New York’s United Solo Festival, Harper has been hailed as “a national treasure… her voice, her warmth, her storytelling—all exquisite” (Theatreview). With Musical Director Matthew Everingham and under the direction of Lina Koutrakos, this 70-minute evening promises brassy charm, heartfelt artistry, and a true celebration of life and song.
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Marilyn Maye
LIVE AT 54 BELOW
October 26 - November 28
54 Below
Back by popular demand! Marilyn Maye makes a shining return to Broadway’s Living Room. A theatrical legend with the power to “melt the heart of the most hardened cynics” (The New York Times), Maye will show audiences why she’s been crowned Manhattan’s Queen of Cabaret. Following her recent sold-out shows, Marilyn returns with an all new show. Her previous engagements at 54 Below have been critically acclaimed, with rave reviews calling her concerts “a master class in singing conducted by a polished pro” (The New York Observer), who bowls audiences over “in the hippest, most swinging way imaginable” (The Wall Street Journal). Put simply, “no entertainer gives you more in terms of great music, great theater, and great comedy” (Opera News).
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Natalie Douglas
TRIBUTES: THE 70'S
October 27 @ 7:00PM
Birdland Jazz Club
Natalie is thrilled to collaborate with her longtime Music Director, Mark Hartman (Avenue Q, Sondheim on Sondheim, Drama Desk Nominee), and her band as they debut an exciting program celebrating this singular decade: from bell bottoms to “Dyn-O-Mite!” to feathered hair to disco and Watergate - these symbols of the “Me Generation” heralded great musical, cultural and social transformation, including iconic tunes by artists such as Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye, The Carpenters, Stevie Wonder, Linda Ronstadt, Janis Ian, and a few unforgettable “one-hit wonders.”
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Norm Lewis, more!
BARRINGTON STAGE COMPANY HONORS EDA SOROKOFF
October 27 @ 6:00PM
Chelsea Table + Stage
Barrington Stage Company will host its annual fall celebration, cabaret-style in NYC, with Broadway favorite Norm Lewis as host. The evening will feature appearances from Hugh Panaro (Masquerade), Tony winner Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line), and Storm Large. Directed by Richard Jay-Alexander with music direction by Billy Stritch, the event will pay special tribute to former BSC Board Chair Eda Sorokoff. Proceeds will benefit the company’s Julianne Boyd New Works Fund, supporting the development of original plays and musicals. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, sit-down dinner, and a one-night-only performance celebrating BSC’s legacy and future.
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Ann Kittredge
WHEN IN LOVE
October 28 @ 7:00PM
Chelsea Table + Stage
2025 Bistro Award–winning singer and recording artist Ann Kittredge returns with When in Love, an intimate evening accompanied solely by her musical director Christopher Denny. Together they explore the many facets of human nature—especially that unruly emotion called love—through a musically diverse program ranging from classics like “Melancholy Baby” and “It Might as Well Be Spring” to contemporary gems such as Ahrens and Flaherty’s “The Human Heart” and Alan Menken and Tim Rice’s “When I Fall in Love,” written for their Broadway musical King David (in which Ann appeared). Critics hail Kittredge as “rapturous…a unique talent…compelling to watch” (Cabaret Scenes), praising her ability to dig deep into emotion with “captivatingly convincing renditions” (Talkin’ Broadway).
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The Friends of Alec Wilder
40TH ANNUAL CONCERT OF ALEC WILDER’S MUSIC
November 8 @ 2:30PM
This year, we celebrate Alec Wilder’s popular songs! Come join us for an afternoon of magical music, marvelously performed. Our stellar cast is led by Jed Distler, pianist and music director, and features Steve Ross, pianist and vocalist; and Jeff Harnar and Marissa Mulder, vocalists. Chuck Granata will be our host for the event, and the show’s producer is Mark Walter. The show is from 2:30p.m. to 4:00p.m., with doors opening at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $25. Please note that there is no food or drink minimum, as neither will be served.
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Linda Purl
TUNES AND TALES
November 10 @ 7:00PM
The Green Room 42
TV, Broadway and cabaret star Linda Purl returns to The Green Room 42 with an unforgettable new show made just for this moment. Tunes and Tales celebrates great jazz and pop standards with Purl’s storyteller’s passion and humor, asking the question, “How can our adventures help us survive?”. Acclaimed Music Director Tedd Firth leads an all-star jazz trio in this fresh, surprising evening.
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Karen Mason
ENCORE-NUCOPIA
November 10 @ 7:00PM
Birdland Jazz Club
Just on the heels of winning yet another award, Broadway, concert, and recording star Karen Mason returns to her favorite musical home, Birdland, with “Encore-Nucopia” — a dazzling celebration of her favorite songs, stories, and laughter-filled moments. Performances will feature showstoppers including “Lorna’s Here/I Wanna Be With You,” “Ring Them Bells,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Karen’s Back in Town” and many more. The evening is directed by Barry Kleinbort, with music direction by Christopher Denny, and Tom Hubbard on bass.
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Ari Axelrod
A PLACE FOR US: A CELEBRATION OF JEWISH BROADWAY
November 12 @ 7:00PM
54 Below
A Place For Us is a celebration of Jewish culture, honoring the songs and stories of Jewish composers and their crucial contributions to the American Musical. While there are many stories in the world about Jewish suffering, there are fewer stories about Jewish life and vitality. Our history is not only about how we survived, but also about how we thrived, and A Place for Us highlights this in its exploration of Jewish Broadway. JoinAri Axelrod in celebrating this award-winning show’s brand new album!
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Christine Andreas, more!
THE BEAT OF A WANDERING HEART: THE SONGS OF MARTY SILVESTRI AND JOEL HIGGINS
November 11-15 @ 7:00PM
Laurie Beechman Theatre
Starring Christine Andreas, George Dvorsky, James Harkness and Casey Borghesi. The Beat of a Wandering Heart - a seventy-five minute theatrical revue, displaying the immense color and range of Silvestri's and Higgins' music and lyric style. It’s a sung-through story of the thrills of being anywhere else, being with anyone else and, eventually, finding peace by coming home. Created and directed by award-winning director Mark Nadler, choreography by James Harkness and musical arrangements by Nadler.
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Klea Blackhurst
EVERYTHING THE TRAFFIC WILL ALLOW
November 16 @ 7:00PM
Chelsea Table + Stage
The show is Klea Blackhurst's loving tribute to the songs made famous by the quintessential stage personality, Ethel Merman. Rather than a Merman imitation, Klea offers a paean to the great Broadway legend that serves as a potent and happy reminder of Merman's sheer, undeniable importance to both the history of the twentieth century entertainment and the iconic composers like Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Jerry Herman, who wrote songs just for her. The engagement is a rare chance to experience Blackhurst's crackling wit and powerful vocals as she performs her brilliant, savvy valentine to one of American theatre's greatest stars.
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Steve Ross
SONDHEIM AND BEFORE
November 17 @ 7:00PM
Birdland Jazz Club
Steve Ross will celebrate the release of his latest recording, “Steve Ross Sings Sondheim With Friends.” Sondheim classics will include “Being Alive,” “Sorry/Grateful,” “Not a Day Goes By,” as well as songs by other composers Sondheim admired, such as Oscar Hammerstein II, Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Weill, and Vernon Duke. Joining Steve will be two guest performers from the recording, pianist Dennis Buck and baritone Benjamn Weil.
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Lee Roy Reams
BEHIND THE SCENES OF 42ND STREET
November 18 @ 7:00PM
54 Below
The New York Times has called Lee Roy “Broadway’s song & dance man non pareil.” His October 18th show is all about his eight year run in the Broadway smash 42nd Street. Lee Roy will regale audiences with songs as well as intimate stories about being there firsthand for the glorious musical that brought audiences “Lullaby of Broadway,” “We’re In The Money,” “Go Into Your Dance,” and so much more. From his initial audition to his rehearsals with Gower Champion and the historic opening night when producer David Merrick announced Gower’s death, Lee Roy will take 54 Below audiences on the full journey of naughty, gaudy, bawdy 42nd Street. The evening will include personal never before seen photos and videos of the production numbers. So come & meet those dancing feet. On the avenue we’re taking you to….42ND STREET!
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Melissa Errico
THE STREISAND EFFECT
November 19-22 @ 7:00PM
54 Below
Melissa Errico sings Barbra Streisand! A musical marriage made in heaven, surely– The coming together of two pure-bred New Yorkers, one the legendary hamische Jewish-comedienne-chanteuse, the other the intellectual-Italian enchantress who has for so long been inspired by her. The “Streisand Effect” is in part, the power of songs and her example of independent-minded pursuit. It’s no accident that in recent years Melissa has found herself surrounded by many of Streisand’s greatest collaborators, from composer Michel Legrand to the pianist Randy Waldman, and arranger Peter Matz. Musical direction by Barbra Streisand’s own 40-year pianist and conductor Randy Waldman. The quartet will also include Streisand’s longtime guitarist Brian Koonin. Also joined by David Finck on bass and Eric Halvorson on drums.
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Richard Skipper
RICHARD SKIPPER CELEBRATES!
November 21 @ 7:00PM
Laurie Beechman Theatre
After 46 years in show business, award-winning entertainer and host Richard Skipper invites you to join him for a one-night-only celebration of life, legacy, and laughter — shaped entirely by the audience. In this unscripted and joyfully unpredictable evening, Richard answers real questions submitted by audience members — live and unrehearsed. Blending heartfelt storytelling, classic showbiz tales, songs, and spontaneous moments, the show is a love letter to live performance and the communities that keep it alive. Whether you’ve followed Richard’s journey for decades or are discovering him for the first time, this is your chance to ask, connect, and celebrate alongside one of cabaret’s most beloved voices. You Never Know Who Might Show Up and What Might Happen!
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Dorian Woodruff
FOREVER ME IN LOVE
November 21 @ 7:00PM
Chelsea Table + Stage
Woodruff is proud to share this collection of tunes from his many years of working in jazz and cabaret clubs. He honors composers and lyricists such as Michel Legrand, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Lew Spence, and Leslie Bricusse, Lori Mechem, and Beegie Adair to name a few. With vocals produced by Lina Koutrakos and engineered by Nik Chinboukas and Steve Rizzo, mastering by Roger Lian and arrangements by Tedd Firth, Piano; Lori Mechem, piano; and the late Mike Renzi, piano, and Sean Harkness; guitar, Woodruff has created an album for the ages. Tunes include Nice and Easy; Summer Me, Winter Me; Something to Live For; Fly Away; The Way We Were, and more, filling this album with timeless classics. Woodruff will be joined on stage by amazing musicians: Ron Drotos, piano; Matt Scharfglass, bass; and direction by Lina Koutrakos.
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Joie Bianco
JOIE BIANCO TRIO
November 22 @ 5:30PM
Birdland Jazz Club
Joie Bianco is a 24-year-old jazz singer, teacher, and arranger from Staten Island, New York. She is known for her sweet yet warm tone, reminiscent of jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington. Joie draws inspiration from across the musical spectrum, from the elegance of Nat King Cole and the swing of Roy Eldridge to the spirit of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the soul of James Brown. She has appeared in many of NYC's renowned jazz and cabaret clubs, including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Birdland, and The Django. Joie has also performed at various venues across Texas, such as Monks Jazz, Jazz Texas, and Parker Jazz Club.
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Tim Connell
‘TIS THE SEASON
November 28 & December 27 @ 7:00PM
The Green Room 42
2023 Bistro Award Recipient Tim Connell will present his new holiday-themed show, ‘TIS THE SEASON, with his inimitable aesthetic of story and song woven together, to awaken the holiday spirit. In addition to cherished holiday classics, the evening will include funny, irreverent, and not so classic holiday selections, as well as reflections and observations that speak to the meaning of this extraordinary time of year. A Perfect way to kick off “the season”! Musical Director: James Followell, Director: Mark Chmiel, Drums: Ray Marchica, Bass: Sean Conly
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Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano
SO NICE TO COME HOME TO
November 29 @ 5:30PM
Birdland Jazz Club
Hailed as “smart, funny, and utterly delightful” and "a hotbed of pleasure" by The New York Times, Eric and Barbara have been on a roll in 2025, releasing an acclaimed CD, PAINTING THE TOWN, and touring the country. They draw from an ever-evolving American Songbook – Jazz and pop classics by Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen, and Cole Porter to singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Carole King, and Bruce Springsteen, plus surprising gems. November 29 is Billy Strayhorn’s 110th birthday and two weeks before Frank Sinatra’s 110th birthday. Their set will include salutes to both these brilliant artists, as well as new tunes and a few favorites. Joining Eric and Barbara will be their longtime collaborators Sean Smith (bass) and Vito Lesczak (drums).
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Christine Ebersole & Billy Stritch
I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
November 29 - December 6 @ 7:00PM
Join legendary two-time Tony Award® winner Christine Ebersole and musical icon Billy Stritch at the piano, as they celebrate the holidays together. I’ll Be Home For Christmas will feature the greatest hits of their twenty year partnership, going all the way back to 42nd Street on Broadway when they first met! Christine Ebersole recently co-starred on Chuck Lorre’s hit sitcom “Bob Hearts Abishola” for CBS. She starred most recently on Broadway in War Paint in her Tony® nominated role as Elizabeth Arden, opposite fellow Tony® nominee Patti LuPone as Helena Rubinstein. She won her second Tony Award® for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, as well as virtually every Off-Broadway award, for her “dual role of a lifetime” as Edith Beale and Little Edie Beale in Grey Gardens.
Upcoming Events
Discover the magic of Mabel Mercer.
Mabel Mercer’s distinctive style was defined by her exquisite phrasing, impeccable diction, and deep emotional nuance. Rather than belting or embellishing with vocal acrobatics, she delivered songs with an intimate, conversational quality, making each lyric feel deeply personal. Her mastery of subtle inflections and pauses gave new depth to lyrics, transforming songs into storytelling experiences. Mercer’s influence extended beyond traditional cabaret, shaping the interpretative styles of legendary singers like Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Tony Bennett. Her refined, understated approach made her a revered artist among those who valued the power of lyrical interpretation.
“Mabel Mercer taught me everything I know.”
— Frank Sinatra

Make a donation.
As we celebrate the forty-year milestone at the Mabel Mercer Foundation, we want to extend our sincere gratitude for your continued generosity and support in preserving the timeless art of Cabaret by keeping great songs alive.
“The Mabel Mercer Foundation, American song’s best friend.”
— Octavio Roca, San Francisco Chronicle

