2024 New York Cabaret Convention Preview

By Alix Cohen

Mark your calendars! It’s only 97 days till this year’s Cabaret Convention October 22-24. OK, it’s not as if you need to make plane or hotel reservations— well, some of you do—but optimism is where we find it these days and having the dates on your calendar and securing tickets creates something to which one can look forward with positivity. Where else can one sample a wealth both veteran and newbie talent in one place? This year performers range from 16 to 96!

Supporting live music takes on a special meaning with The Mabel Mercer Foundation’s annual event. For 35 years the organization has hoisted a banner recognizing the evolution of cabaret entertainment, encouraging attendance in clubs, showcasing vocalists, and offering school workshops. Long may it wave.

Tuesday October 22, 2024
Put On a Happy Face: A Celebration of Charles Strouse
Hosted by Jeff Harnar and Andrea Marcovicci

Jeff Harnar: “Charles Strouse came onto my radar when I was in the fifth grade and Bye Bye Birdie was our school’s 8th grade play.  From “The Telephone Hour” onwards I was hooked.  As my cast album collection grew I discovered Charles was a musical chameleon, able to disappear into the voice of any project’s setting, characters, or style.

Whenever you hear, “They don’t write ’em like they used to,” Charles is one of the precious handful of greats they’re referring to. And with Charles, always, always the melodies are memorable and accessible, and for me, they’re the definition of Broadway. Andrea and I are so excited that Charles plans to attend this very special opening night of the Convention Strouse celebration and will witness just how much his work means to the cabaret community.”

Andrea Marcovicci: “I was 14 years old when I first started singing “Once Upon a Time,” the song that I am thrilled to be singing on our night of the Convention. I can’t remember whose recording of it influenced me to go to Schirmer’s music store on East 49th Street, buy a copy, go home, and learn to play the accompaniment so that I could pour my heart out to that gorgeous, heartbreaking tune! Even at 14, I must have been carrying a torch for some long lost love! What a hoot!”

“I just might have a little more experience to draw from when I sing it now! Happily, there will be jauntier songs to sing with my trusty and devoted ten-time partner Jeff Harnar. As always, we’re looking forward to a great show with a sensational cast!”

Wednesday October 23, 2024
“I’m In Love Again” with Bobby Short: A Centennial Celebration
Hosted by Natalie Douglas

Natalie Douglas: “From the moment I fell in love with NYC thanks to old movies and TV shows, it became clear that Mr. Short was the very definition of New York sophistication. I sought out everything I could about him, his music, and his inimitable style. I couldn’t get enough of the rasp in his voice contrasting with the smooth polish of his persona.

For this L.A. girl growing up almost 3,000 miles away from what seemed like the Promised Land, the intimacy in Bobby Short’s singing felt like he was sharing all the best New York City secrets in his music. I couldn’t imagine a day that the Café Carlyle or even Manhattan would exist without him. I miss him still and can think of no better way to celebrate his centennial than with some of the best cabaret and nightclub artists of today.”

On Wednesday night, we welcome Ava Allen, winner of The Jim and Elizabeth Sullivan Scholarship (Oklahoma in October 2023). Ava is a 17-year-old high school junior who’s been singing and dancing (she’s a competitive dancer and choreographer) almost her entire (young) life—in talent shows, choir, and musical theater.  Clear about what she wants to do, Ava has additionally attended musical theater summer camp programs for years. The young woman tells me she has no trouble learning lyrics or lines; in fact, she learned an Italian song in a day, and after so much time performing, no stage fright. “Fear and excitement are the same emotion. It’s just how you channel them,” she sagely comments. Ava plans to take a BAFA somewhere in the East after graduating. She is excited to be flown to New York and appear in such talented company.

Thursday October 24, 2024
Everything Old is New Again
Hosted by KT Sullivan, Artistic Director, The Mabel Mercer Foundation

This year’s final evening is a paean to the longevity of good songs. Those on the program range from James Lyman Molloy’s 1879 “The Kerry Dances” (a staple of the Mabel Mercer repertoire) to about the 1970s. “I spend my time going to people’s shows and when I hear something I think would work at Rose Hall, I invite the vocalist. I’m the queen of asterisks,” KT tells me. (Asterisks in the brochure indicate Convention debuts.) The artistic director also reviews tapes when artists are recommended.

Sullivan is generally particularly struck by the performance of one song in an act. That number will be recreated on October 24. Convention newbies extend from Faye Cantero, second place winner of The Jim and Elizabeth Sullivan Scholarship, to celebrated veteran Melissa Errico about whom one can only respond, it’s about time. Amra-Faye Wright will perform a salute to Chita Rivera. Naathan Phan will execute a magic trick while singing. Partners Nic & Desi will dance. That’s entertainment!

Thursday’s show includes the Convention’s youngest performer, 16-year-old Luz Velazquez going into her junior year at Celia Cruz High School and 2024’s winner of the Adela and Larry Elow Great American Songbook High School Competition last May. I spoke with the articulate young woman a day away from participating in MasterVoices at Madison Square Garden. Two years in the Side By Side Mentor Program, she’s the only high schooler. Luz plans to pursue music and (wisely) business in college. Her father, a professional vocalist, taught her to sing at three, but voice lessons were only embarked upon this year. She also plays the trumpet and calls out Benny Benack III, who also sings and plays, as inspiration second only to her dad. Others admired are Johnny Hartman, Ella Fitzgerald, and Veronica Swift. In January, Luz will participate in the National Competition for YoungArts. The next generation is coming!

New York Cabaret Convention October 22-24, 2024
At Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall
The Mabel Mercer Foundationwww.mabelmercer.org