Luker, Prince, Pettiford Among Bistro Award-Winners

Back Stage cabaret writers David Finkle and John Hoglund and editor-at-large Sherry Eaker just announced the winners of the 2007 Back Stage Bistro Awards for Outstanding Excellence in Cabaret in their current issue.

Among Broadway performers to have won Bistros are: Keith David, Rebecca Luker, Valarie Pettiford, Faith Prince, Billy Stritch, Tom Wopat. Other winners include cabaret faveorites Tom Andersen, Scott Coulter, Tim Di Pasqua, Jeff Harnar, Jay Rogers, and Kristine Zbornik. The awards will be given out Mon., April 9, at the Gotham Comedy Club, and it will be open to the public.  More information will be announced.

The winners are as follows:

* Vocalist: Keith David and Douglas Ladnier
* Debut: Valarie Pettiford
* Major Engagement: Jeff Harnar and Rebecca Luker
* Major Jazz Vocalist: Kurt Elling
* Jazz Vocalist: Andrew Suvalsky
* Musical Duo: Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch; Faith Prince and Tom Wopat
* Musical Group: Tom Andersen, Scott Coulter and Tim Di Pasqua in 'Southern Comfort'
* Musical Comedy: Jay Rogers and Kristine Zbornik
* Unique Artist: Jose Luis Rodriguez
* Return to Cabaret: Charles Cochran
* Tribute Show: Terese Genecco in 'Drunk With Love: A Tribute to Frances Faye'
* Piano Bar: Ray Fellman at 'The After Party' at West Bank; David Shenton at Helen's; Rick Unterberg at Townhouse
* Comedy: Bob Smith at Gotham Comedy Club
* Song of the Year: 'One Thing' by Tim Di Pasqua
* Special Material: 'Almost (99 I Love Yous)' by Joe Iconis and Robert Maddock
* Recording: Mary Foster Conklin for 'Blues for Breakfast'; Barbara Fasano for 'Written in the Stars'
* Musical Director: Shelly Markham (for accompanying Andrea Marcovicci) at the Algonquin
* Instrumentalist: Sean Smith
* Instrumental Group: The Ross Patterson Little Big Band
* Technical Director: Tim Flannery at the Algonquin
* Special Awards: Chris Mazzilli, Steve Mazzilli and Lennie Watts (Metropolitan Room); Donald Schaffer (Danny's Skylight Room); Erv Raible and Wendy Lane Bailey (Cabaret Conference at Yale University); Mike Greensill.
* Ira Eaker Special Achievement Award (for up-and-comer): Sheera Ben-David
* Bob Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award: To be announced shortly.

Photo of Rebecca Luker by Linda Lenzi