Stephen Hanks Launches New Bi-Monthly Variety Series—Cabaret Campaigns: Ride The Blue Wave 2018

New York-based Cabaret producer, performer, promoter, and former reviewer (for Cabaret Scenes Magazine and BroadwayWorld.com) Stephen Hanks is in the midst of a serious love-hate relationship. He loves the art form of Cabaret and hates the dramatic rise of voter suppression and white supremacy in America during the current Republican Party rule of all three branches of the United States Government. So with the November 2018 Midterm elections on the horizon, Hanks has decided to combine the objects of his love and his hate and channel that energy into political action on behalf of the Democratic and Progressive candidates running for the US Senate, the House of Representatives, and perhaps some state governorships in November.

On April 4, 7 PM at the iconic Cabaret Room Don't Tell Mama (343 W 46th St, between 8th & 9th Ave), Hanks will Produce & Host the launch show of his new bi-monthly variety series CABARET CAMPAIGNS: RIDE THE BLUE WAVE 2018! Subsequent shows in the series are scheduled for June 28, August 16, and early October (date TBA), all at 7 PM. For reservations: http://donttellmamanyc.com/shows/main/cabaret-campaigns-ride-the-blue-wave-2018-4-4

"Like millions of Americans, I've been profoundly depressed about the direction of our country since the day after the 2016 Presidential election and I've been searching for a way to effect change," Hanks admits. "I recently read the quote: 'Art has a responsibility to reach out and to inspire the culture it reflects and is affected by-Music IS Art.' Since I've always been passionate about Progressive politics, I felt compelled to action so Congress can be flipped to Democratic Blue in 2018. Music and Cabaret seemed the ideal way to make a statement. And in this particular variety show, the performers will not only be singing, they will be representing specific candidates and before their two-song sets, they will make brief campaign speeches to explain why their candidates deserve our support."

To help him with his "Campaigning," and to also acknowledge the impact that women throughout the country have had both politically and socially in the past year through the Women's Marches and the #MeToo Movement, Hanks has recruited All-Star Casts of Women Cabaret performers who are equally passionate about motivating people to "Ride the Blue Wave" in 2018. The April 4 series kickoff show will feature Lisa Viggiano, Dawn Derow, Kathleen France, Sandra Bargman, and Remy Block, with Ian Herman as Musical Director. The June 28 show will star Meg Flather, Laurie Krauz, Rosemary Loar, Karen Oberlin, and Sue Matsuki, with Tracy Stark as Musical Director. The August 16 installment (with Matthew Martin Ward as Musical Director) will feature Julie Reyburn, Sarah Rice, Janice Hall, Billie Roe, and Annie Hughes. In early October (date TBD), Musical Theater Composer Michael Roberts (who has written a theme song especially for the series) will provide piano support for Kim Grogg, Kim Sutton, Lynda D'Amour, and 2018 Bistro Award winners Mary Sue Daniels and Katie Dunne McGrath.

The cover charge for these shows is $30 (with a two-drink minimum, cash only) and proceeds from each show will be donated to the candidates represented by the performers in that show. Hanks will be contributing matching funds from personal resources and donors equal to the amount raised from the show cover charges. For more information and interview requests, email stephenhanks41@gmail.com

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