You Must Believe In Spring: The Love Songs of Alan & Marilyn Bergman
The Mabel Mercer Foundation presents a one-night-only celebration of the extraordinary songwriting partnership of Alan & Marilyn Bergman—the most beloved husband-and-wife team in American popular music. Their timeless lyrics have shaped generations of listeners, earning them three Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. From cherished classics like “The Way We Were,” “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?,” “The Windmills of Your Mind,” and “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” the Bergmans have defined the language of love for generations.
In tribute to their remarkable legacy, a cast of cabaret favorites gathers for a stellar evening honoring the Bergmans’ enduring contributions to the Great American Songbook. Performers include Karen Akers, Steven Brinberg, Michael-Demby Cain, Natalie Douglas, Bryan Eng, Eric Yves Garcia, Jeff Harnar, Ann Kittredge, Nicolas King, Karen Mason, Marieann Meringolo, Stephanie Pope, Craig Rubano, KT Sullivan, and Dorian Woodruff.
Presented as a gala benefit evening for The Mabel Mercer Foundation, whose mission for more than four decades has been to preserve and celebrate cabaret artistry and classic song interpretation, the event will include libations, a two-course dinner, and an intimate cabaret performance in the iconic setting of 54 Below. “Cabaret festive attire” is encouraged, and a livestream option will be available for audiences who wish to experience this tribute to the Bergmans’ luminous songs of love.
“Once In a Blue Moon”- A Tribute to Mabel Mercer (37th New York Cabaret Convention)
Hosted by Jeff Harnar and Andrea Marcovicci. Cast be announced.
The Mabel Mercer Foundation proudly presents the annual New York Cabaret Convention, to be held at the Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, located at The Shops at Columbus Circle, New York, NY. This year’s event promises three nights of spectacular performances from October 13th to October 15th, 2026. Celebrating its 37th year, the New York Cabaret Convention continues to showcase the timeless artistry and vibrant diversity of the cabaret world. The concerts will feature over 60 performers including cabaret legends, exciting new talents, and artists making their Cabaret Convention debuts. ( * denotes New York Cabaret Convention debut)
“I’ve Gotta Be Me” - The Songs of Sammy Davis, Jr. (37th New York Cabaret Convention)
Hosted by Natalie Douglas. Cast to be announced.
The Mabel Mercer Foundation proudly presents the annual New York Cabaret Convention, to be held at the Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, located at The Shops at Columbus Circle, New York, NY. This year’s event promises three nights of spectacular performances from October 13th to October 15th, 2026. Celebrating its 37th year, the New York Cabaret Convention continues to showcase the timeless artistry and vibrant diversity of the cabaret world. The concerts will feature over 60 performers including cabaret legends, exciting new talents, and artists making their Cabaret Convention debuts. ( * denotes New York Cabaret Convention debut)
“With a Song in My Heart” - A Cornucopia of Entertainment (37th New York Cabaret Convention)
Hosted by KT Sullivan. Cast to be announced!
The Mabel Mercer Foundation proudly presents the annual New York Cabaret Convention, to be held at the Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, located at The Shops at Columbus Circle, New York, NY. This year’s event promises three nights of spectacular performances from October 13th to October 15th, 2026. Celebrating its 37th year, the New York Cabaret Convention continues to showcase the timeless artistry and vibrant diversity of the cabaret world. The concerts will feature over 60 performers including cabaret legends, exciting new talents, and artists making their Cabaret Convention debuts. ( * denotes New York Cabaret Convention debut)
Adela & Larry Elow American Songbook High School Competition
Now in its 9th year, this joyful, high-spirited showcase invites audiences to cheer on twelve outstanding young finalists as they perform beloved standards from the Great American Songbook (1900–1970). Endowed by the Adela and Larry Elow Endowment Fund and presented by the Mabel Mercer Foundation, the competition encourages students from New York City’s performing arts high schools to explore, interpret, and delight in this timeless music, with the afternoon hosted by Education Director Natalie Douglas—including a bonus performance—and Maestro Jon Weber at the piano. A panel of distinguished industry professionals selects three prize winners, awarding $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third, with the first-prize winner also invited to perform at the annual New York Cabaret Convention—a lively, supportive celebration of great songs, fresh voices, and the next generation of cabaret talent, presented live and up close.
Support Our Misson
Your donations go a long way to ensure that the Mabel Mercer Foundation can continue to preserve the memory of the legendary Mabel Mercer and promote public interest in cabaret. The Mabel Mercer Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation organized under the laws of New York State. A copy of our latest annual report may be obtained, upon written request, from the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.