Deb Brisson Kicks off THT Cabaret Series 10/28

The intimate cabaret on Town Hall Theater's lower level comes to life as Deb Brisson presents an evening of jazz and torch songs.

It's an exciting new direction for Brisson. Known locally as a superb folk singer, she's recently moved into rock & roll as lead singer with The Horse Traders. The chance to do another, more sultry kind of singing was provided by THT executive director Doug Anderson.

"Deb was in our recent Middlebury Does Woodstock. It was the first time I'd worked with her, and she knocked me out. She sang Gracie Slick and I thought, whoa, this is a magnificent voice, and she really knows how to inhabit a song. She'd be amazing in a sultry cabaret setting, singing ballads, torch songs and jazz standards."

Anderson asked pianist Chuck Miller to work with Brisson, and the two hit it off. Miller has headed several jazz groups in the area, and enjoyed a long collaboration with the late Sandra Wright. "I thought this was a match made in heaven," say Anderson. "Chuck's immense knowledge and Deb's astonishing talent. This could be the start of something big."

The revue is the first of five cabarets this season in the Byers Studio on THT's lower level. The intimate room seats only 48 people. Bistro tables and a cash bar make it the ideal place to hear music. "It reminds me of a cool little New York club," says Anderson. "Everyone loves it."

Deb Brisson will present two shows on Thursday, October 28, at 7:00 and 9:00 pm. Tickets are $10, and may be purchased at www.townhalltheater.org, 802 382-9222, at the THT Box Office (Mon-Sun, noon-5 pm) and at the door.