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CurtainUp's
Cabaret Nights— November 2009
An Annotated List of New York's Leading Cabaret Venues
It's a long, long time from May to December, but cabaret does not rest. At the Metropolitan Room, the formidable Baby Jane Dexter has a brand new show, All About Love . (Nov. 18, Nov. 20-Dec. 19 on Fridays and Saturdays). Maybe just now, with the leaves dropping fast, you're not thinking about nature, but Karen Oberlin has examined the flora and fauna in musical terms for her latest show, Birds Do It: Songs of the Natural World . (November 5, 12). Uptown Express reprises their engaging show at the Metropolitan on Nov. 11 with guest Julie Gold . In the same room, two repeats that provide some evocative fun are award-winner, Jenna Esposito with Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis on Nov. 3 and newcomer Merrill Grant remembering My Shirley Years . Yes, it's that Shirley. (Nov. 7. 14). Another newcomer is Metrostar competition's first runner up Danielle Grabianowski , debuting one-night-only on Nov. 4.
Marilyn Maye did it last month at the Metropolitan Room. Andrea Marcovicci is doing it later this month at the Algonquin Hotel's Oak Room from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. What's going on? This year is the 100th anniversary of lyricist Johnny Mercer's birth and cabaret has been singing his praises all year. Lyrics and Lyricists at the 92nd Street Y is sold out for its tribute performance on Nov. 18 and author Robert Kimball has just released a book of lyrics. At Feinstein's at the Loews Regency Mary Cleere Haran is Celebrating the Johnny Mercer Centennial on Oct. 29–31, Nov. 5-6 . Shifting to a different slant at Feinstein's, on Nov. 10–14 Maude Maggard shares her musical views on Parents and Children . The sassy brilliance of Amanda Green opens the month on Nov. 1. If you haven't experienced POP… with pizAZZ, you haven't seen The Johnny Rodgers Band . (Nov. 30). Oh, and don't forget those Magical Nights with a variety of magicians every Sunday night through Dec. 27.
New York's favorite jazz bargain is still St. Peter's Jazz at Noon series for $7. This month includes Carol Fredette singing with David Matthews and Manhattan Jazz Orchestra (Nov. 4), and one week later, singer/pianist, Valerie Capers. (Nov. 11). Grab a sandwich and get to the York Theatre from 1–2pm for some good music.
Birdland is no turkey in turkey month. On Nov. 2, you can catch the always creative, always entertaining Marcy & Zina. Vocalist Patrick DeGennaro appears on Nov. 9. Steve Marzullo invites some friends like Kate Baldwin, Andrea McArdle &Terri Klausner to sing his award-winning songs. (Nov. 16). On Nov. 22, The Broadway Boys sing their mix of pop, jazz, gospel, and funk to reinvent the familiar. Their special guest is Shoshana Bean. Natalie Douglas sings To Lena: A Tribute to the Lady and Her Music on Nov. 23. If you like the specialized jazz ensemble sound, New York Voices is the group to see. (Nov 24 -28). To jump-start the holiday offerings, Stephanie J. Block promises an "extravaganza" on Nov. 30.
Billie Holiday often said her favorite singer was Jimmy Scott . Many agree and he will be at the Iridium on Nov. 28, 29. Mark Murphy will do his show at the club on Nov. 26, 27.
As usual, the Laurie Beechman Theatre has an bustling month coming up. Trent Armand Kendall promises a soulful and funny show on Nov. 2, 16 and Dec. 14, 21. On Nov. 5, Leslie Orofino vamps it up with Red, Hot and Blues . On Nov. 7, 22, 29, I’ve Got A Little Twist: An Intimate G&S Revue from New York’s Gilbert & Sullivan Players tweaks some contemporary American musical songs. Patrick Monahan delivers international standards by Coward, Porter, Aznavour and Brel. (Nov. 8, 21). It seems like we just get autumn but Anthony Santelmo, Jr. Seeks Out Winter Songs on Nov. 20.
Nesha Ward, 2008 Runner-Up Metro Star Talent Search, appears at Don't Tell Mama on Nov. 2. Judy Garland Live! starring Tommy Femia continues his monthly appearances on Nov. 7, 21. Bistro award winner, Kim Smith brings in Kim Smith in Morphium on Nov. 22. If you want the unique and intriguing, Don't Tell Mama is the place to go.
Unless you choose the Duplex. While most other singers are saluting Johnny Mercer, On Nov. 5, Duplex regular, Colleen McHugh delivera all Harold Arlen with Why, Oh, Why, Can't I? not? No reason at all. Opening Doors Theatre revives the Jules Styne and Comden and Green musical Subways Are for Sleeping , directed by Hector Coris. (Nov. 1, 2, 8-11).
For those who want to stimulate the economy, believe me, it's worth the cash to catch John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey . (Through Nov. 7). You might want to try the Cabaret at Café Sabarsky in the Neue Gallery where, surrounded by art and music, Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano presents another of their classy shows on Nov. 12. Ticket price is $110 (dinner $65, performance $45; purchased together). Downtown at the Algonquin Hotel's Oak Room Paula West and her immaculate jazz quartet continue through Nov. 14. Finally, Steve Tyrell takes over the Carlyle from Nov. 10 through Dec. 30.
Holiday season has begun. Start jingling those bells.
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An Annotated List of New York's Leading Cabaret Venues YOUR AD HERE
For information: esommer@curtainup.comMetropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street. (212)-206-0440. A favorite. Friendly, comfortable and reasonable. Covers are $15 to $35, depending on performer and two-drink minimum. Serves tempting pies, cakes (try the carrot cake), and a few snack bowls. Alas, food is not included in drink minimum. Every Tuesday, Annie Ross swings with great band. Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46 St. (212) 757-0788. Middle of theatre district with cabaret and a lively piano bar seven days a week. A long time favorite, reasonable, run well with wide variety of talent and friendly staff. Covers vary but are reasonable, plus two drink minimum. Credit cards not accepted. The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street on 7th Avenue.Piano bar with an open mike downstairs and singers upstairs. Check out weekly events. The Laurie Beechman Theater, West Bank Cafe, 407 West 42 Street. (212) 695-6909.$15 minimum plus cover. Besides nightly performers, they present New Voices on Monday nights ($10 cover). Friday nights is The After Party (No cover, no minimum). This spot is always adding something new. Time Out Lounge, West 50 St., west of Eighth Avenue. If you're around New World Stages, take the elevator down to this no-cover little bar with jazz and standards. Birdland, 315 W 44th St. NYC. Phone: 212-581-3080. Cabaret features Monday nights with "Broadway at Birdland" at 7pm. Then stay on for Jim Caruso's Cast Party, 9:30pm to 1:00am ($10 Cover and a $10 Food/Drink Minimum). Bar, minimum $5 plus cover. Offers good Cajun cooking at reasonable prices. Iridium, 1650 Broadway (51st Street), (212) 582-2121. Monday nights with legendary Les Paul is a must-see. Strong jazz lineup the rest of the week and some solid jazzy singers. Prices vary. Midtown Jazz at Midday, St. Peter's Church, Lexington Avenue and 54th Street, (212) 935-2200. A real bargain. Every Wednesday, bring your sandwich, pay $2 and watch top-notch jazz or cabaret artist for an hour. Begins 12:30pm. Reprise Room @ Dillon's, 254 West 54 Street. NYC. Every Monday night, Back in Pictures, songs from movies. Check schedule. Broadway Baby Bistro at Broadway Comedy Club. 318 W. 53 St. NYC., 212-757-5808. A piano bar and show room. Credit cards accepted. The Triad Theatre, 158 W. 72nd St., 212-362-2590. Climb up the winding stairs to the cabaret room. Frequently features Off-off Broadway shows Covers vary often $10 or $15 or higher. Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street. 212-962-7555 or 212-539-8778. Good news/bad news. This is not a concert space and not a cabaret space, but a bit of both. It lacks intimacy but usually features intriguing artists and some big names trying new venues. Can be packed and some sightlines are undesirable, yet excitement level can be high. You must buy tickets in advance and then make seating/dinner reservations. Two drink or $12 food minimum per person. When price is no object — The Algonquin Hotel Oak Room, 59 West 44th Street. (212) 840-6800. Historic room offering many yearly favorites but also new touches-of-jazz newcomers. Cover varies from $60-$75, depending on performer. Sunday show and brunch with legendary Barbara Carroll and Jay Leonhart is $70. There is a Salon in the lobby Sunday nights between 5:30 and 9:30pm (no minimum). Cafe Carlyle, Madison Avenue at 76th Street. (212) 744-1600. Beautiful room for posh night out with big-name entertainer. Monday night is jazz night with Woody Allen, if he shows up. Cover is high, and varies. Feinstein's at The Regency, 540 Park Ave. Big names, usually from non-cabaret genres -- Broadway, films, television. Cover varies from $61.00 - $88.00. Expensive dinners named for current performers. Sunday and Monday nights often feature Broadway singers at lower covers. |
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For information: esommer@curtainup.com
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