May 2009
JAN WALLMAN
New York cabaret owes a big debt of gratitude to Jan Wallman. A nurturing music lover and businesswoman, she famously ran the original Upstairs-at-the-Duplex and the clubs bearing her name. She insisted on paying the performers salaries, rather than a portion of the cover charge. Her eagle eye for talent spotted stars-to-be Woody Allen, KT Sullivan, Claiborne Cary, Judy Kreston & David Lahm, and Joan Rivers, who presented her with the MAC Award for Lifetime Achievement.
She remains active in cabaret as a MAC Advisory Board member, cabaret producer, and CabaretExchange.com reviewer. Jan says, “I have great hope for the future of my favorite entertainment medium!”