Chicago Cabaret Professionals-Growing Exponentially!

It's turning out to be a great year for Chicago Cabaret Professionals (CCP)! Not only does the organization celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, and it's first (quite successful) cabaret show at a major venue in downtown Chicago, it's now 200 members strong.
 
When asked for the reasons behind its recent surge in membership, CCP's president, Suzanne Petri said, "There are important reasons why. First, CCP has grown more responsive to the needs of the beginning and intermediate level cabaret singer. When we began, our main focus was on the more experienced singer. Today, we have newcomers' showcases and our Holiday Cabaret is open to singers at all levels. Recently we started offering workshops where aspiring cabaret singers can elect to hear feedback on their performances from their more experienced colleagues. As the word gets around that there is an active cabaret community in Chicago, nationally recognized cabaret artists have begun to offer master classes here and our members participate enthusiastically."
 
CCP Vice President, Daryl Nitz added another reason for CCP's noteworthy growth. "The press in Chicago recently began covering many of CCP's events.  Last fall, Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune wrote a wonderful article about our annual Gala. Mr. Reich really helped educate Chicago audiences about cabaret–about how our membership includes singers who perform Broadway, jazz, burlesque and everything in between. He has been incredibly supportive of the organization in the last few years. That sort of press coverage makes more folks want to join CCP not just as singers–but as fans, too."
 
Membership chairman, KT McCammond added another cause for CCP's burgeoning membership. "Our recent joint venture with the Drury Lane Theater at Water Tower Place has really expanded our audience base. Our first show, "My Fair Cabaret," had over four hundred people enjoying cabaret on a cold Monday night. We are now receiving more applications than ever from people wanting to join CCP as singers as well as friends of the art."
 
CCP is a non profit organization that raises funds for Teen Living Programs and the Save the Children Foundation through its annual Holiday Cabaret.  It's annual Gala commands audiences in the hundreds and honors recognized cabaret and jazz performers for contributions to the art. Recent honorees have included Julie Wilson, Buddy Charles, and Audrey Morris. The organization just presented it's five-show March series, "Counting Down the Decades," to sold out audiences. CCP is currently in negotiations with Drury Lane to offer more showcases downtown in late spring and early summer.
 
"Yes, it's true that Cabaret is booming here," says Petri, " In a time when live music is being replaced by Ipods, pre-recorded tracks, and DJ's, it's gratifying to see a growing creative association and fan base that is helping live music thrive in Chicago."
 
"More than most musical approaches," adds Petri, "Cabaret involves a special bond between the singer and the audience. We have a special appreciation for our audiences and gratefully attribute so much of our growth to them." 

For more information contact: CCP Publicists Heather Moran (847) 865-5241 and (847) 691-8341 or MaryMonica Thomas (312) 217-0096.

Reprinted by permission.

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