Murphy, Haran, Etc. Join Cabaret Convention, 10/16-10/20

The Mabel Mercer Foundation and Jazz at Lincoln Center will present the 17th Annual Cabaret Convention at Rose Theater for one-week only, October 16-20, with specially themed concerts each evening. All performances begin at 6PM.

More stars recently joined the Convention, including Tony Award-winner Donna Murphy and Mary Cleere Haran.

The roster of vocalists scheduled to perform also includes Klea Blackhurst, Ann Hampton Callaway, Barbara Carroll, Jeff Harnar, Andrea Marcovicci, Karen Mason, Amanda McBroom, Steve Ross, Billy Stritch, KT Sullivan, Wesla Whitfield and Julie Wilson, to name a few (all artists subject to availability).

"The Cabaret Convention is the world's premier festival celebrating the art of cabaret and is designed to further honor the memory of Mabel Mercer and her unforgettable and timeless repertoire," according to press notes.  "This year, the Foundation expands its awards program by honoring an outstanding performer each evening who works tirelessly to bring the art of the song to a thriving audience."

"The American Songbook is a national treasure trove that offers the art of cabaret a glorious gateway to an eternal library of legendary musical geniuses ranging from George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin to Jerry Herman, John Kander, Fred Ebb and Stephen Sondheim, among many others. The mission of the Mabel Mercer Foundation is to preserve the classic American popular music and cabaret with dedication to the traditions so eloquently and unforgettably exemplified by Mabel Mercer, arguably the supreme cabaret artist of the twentieth century."

The schedule of five-themed concert programs is as follows:

Monday, October 16: Gala Opening
"Say it with Music" will be  "an evening of matchless melodies and the wondrous lyrics of Irving Berlin" with vocal performances by Klea Blackhurst, Judy Blazer, Barbara Carroll, Bill Charlap, Karen Mason, Steve Ross, Craig Rubano, Sandy Stewart, KT Sullivan and Lumiri Tubo. There will be a special appearance by Marian Seldes. "The Mabel Mercer Award" will be presented to Steve Ross.

Tuesday, October 17:
"Classic Cabaret Cross-Country" ­ will offer "the very best vocalists from all over the U.S. brought together for one special performance." Scheduled to appear are Nancy Anderson, Tony Andriacchi, Karen Benjamin, Stephanie Browning, Allan Chapman, Banu Gibson, Marilyn Maye, Amanda McBroom, Sidney Myer, Jan Peters, Billy Stritch and Ronny Whyte. "The Dick Gallagher Award" will be presented to Ronny Whyte.

Wednesday, October 18:
"Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup" ­ will be "an evening celebrating the incomparable music of Hildegarde." Judy Barnett, Ann Hampton Callaway, Eric Comstock, Barbara Fasano, Greta, Jeff Harnar, Justin Hayford, Karen Kohler, Andrea Marcovicci, Phillip Officer, Georga Osborne and Marlene VerPlanck are scheduled to appear. "The Bart Howard Encouragement Award" will be presented to Ann Hampton Callaway.

Thursday, October 19:
"It's Today!" ­ will feature "the Great Popular Songbook performed by voices and personalities that light and enliven the current cabaret scene" such as: Klea Blackhurst, Brandon Cutrell, Natalie Douglas, Mary Cleere Haran, Stevie Holland, Richard Malavet, Rosalyn McClore, Suzanne Petri, Alison Ruble, Karen Saunders, Marcus Simeone, Avery Sommers and Robert Whorton. The inaugural presentation of "The Paula Laurence Award" will go to Klea Blackhurst.

Friday, October 20:
"The Glory of the Gershwins" ­ will be an evening of song celebrating Ira and George. The final evening brings together Kay Armen, Anna Bergman, Joyce Breach, Beckie Menzie, Tom Michael, Donna Murphy, Jennifer Sheehan, Wesla Whitfield and Julie Wilson.  "The Julie Wilson Award" will be presented to Jennifer Sheehan.

Tickets to the 17th Annual Cabaret Convention are priced from $100 - $25 and may be purchased by visiting the website at www.mabelmercer.org.