Please note: No "song lists" distributed at the convention, so some of the song titles in these reports may not be accurate and/or misspelled.

The second night of the MABEL MERCER CABARET CONVENTION was billed as "ASCAP PRESENTS 'NEW YORK, NEW YORK - A Centennial Celebration'," and was produced and presented by ASCAP's Michael Kerker. For me it was one of the most enjoyable of all the convention shows I have seen over the years. As on the first night, no single performer dominated the evening. Instead, we were treated to some fine talent singing some fine songs.

The show was hosted by Nancy Dussault, who was musically introduced by the Australian trio COMBO FIASCO after some brief opening comments and announcements by Mercer Director Donald Smith. Mr. Smith amplified on his remarks of the night before by announcing that the 1999 London Cabaret Convention was tentatively set for October 25 through 30, meaning that the New York Convention next year would probably have to be earlier than usual, possibly the last week in September.

Ms. Dussault entertained us with an opening song, "Autumn in New York," setting the scene for the evening's tribute. 1998 is the 100th Anniversary of the joining of the 5 boroughs that make up New York City, and the show would consist of songs written about the city.

Next on the program was Lainie Nelson, whose powerful voice filled the hall with songs about Manhattan, including "Old New York" and "Rose of Washington Square." It is interesting to note that a show dedicated to New York should be opened by an Australian trio, hosted by a Los Angeles performer, and the first guest is also from California!

Native New Yorker Elena Bennett was next, singing a tribute to both New York and Josephine Baker with "Harlem on My Mind." Ms. Bennett has a smooth, sexy voice that neatly countered the sometimes more shrill vocals on hears in these larger halls. Her second number, a duet with musical director Fred Barton, while cleverly arranged, perhaps could have used a few more practice runs.

The only solo male vocalist on the bill, Sidney Myer, next took center stage, and once again proved that when in doubt, you can always count on Sidney bring a combination of humor, wit and sophistication to any show. He was only a few sentences into his medley when the house realized that Sidney was singing the theme songs of several TV shows set New York. Each new theme song brought a wave of laughter and applause - I doubt the song "Movin' on Up" was ever before given a full "cabaret" treatment before an adoring crowd of 1500+ people.

Surprise guest Christine Lavin was announced. This cheery lady lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and writes country-style songs, many of them very clever and sometimes a bit twisted. Her contribution this evening was "Another New York Afternoon," a song that intertwined the tale of a lovelorn deli proprietor with phrases from Sinatra hits.

Alix Korey has such a powerful voice, I am sure that when she stepped forward to sing "Get Back on the Bus," the sound man leaped for his control switches. This was the first sort of "hate New York" song of the evening, and Korey's rendition was a masterful one. She followed with a gentler song, a tribute to the famous THALIA movie theater on West 95th St., the scene of so many "first dates" years ago. In fact, I had a first-date with a special someone about 16 years ago at the THALIA. I have long forgotten the film we saw, but will never forget the rest of that evening.

But I digress.

Next was a delightful treat - songwriter Francesca Blumenthal was introduced and she sang her song "Queens," - the forgotten borough. Mr. Kerker showed both his excellent insight and his love for songwriters by booking Ms. Blumenthal to sing her own creation. What she may have lacked on the vocal side, she made up for in the very special timing this song requires. For those special moments during the song, Francesca was the very essence of the place she sang about. Even the folks who live in Queens would have been proud of this reading.

The delightful Lisa Asher was next on the program, with Jeff Waxman at the piano. Her rendition of "East Side, West Side" began with almost a Gospel beat, and suddenly we found ourselves in "A New York Minute," and scary picture of NYC. The combination was startling - sending shivers up my spine. Lisa's clear, breath-of-country voice led us through both songs with such assurance, one could feel that in spite of the scary lyrics, somehow we were safe. For her second number, Lisa introduced songwriter Julie Gold. Lisa sang Julie's "Good Night, New York," with the songwriter at the keyboard. It was a magic moment.

After a brief intermission, COMBO FIASCO returned to musically introduce the second part of the show, followed by another contribution by the delightful Mr. Sidney Myer. His song this time was about an East Village love affair.

Claiborne Cary was next on the program. She had the misfortune of trying to follow Sidney Myer with another comedy number. Moving all over the stage while she sang, she very nearly became a Judi Connelli parody.

Nancy Dussault returned to sing a medley consisting of songs that mention "Broadway" - or at least that's what it seemed like to me. One got the impression that this was her answer to Angela LaGreca's fantastic "Love" medley of opening night, but this medley was not quite tightly woven.

Pamela Myers was a newcomer to New York when she appeared in the original production of COMPANY on Broadway. Her Merman-like vocals were a real crowd pleaser as she entertained with a few songs from that show, "Why, Oh Why, Ohio" and "City of Strangers."

A gal who has gone from cabaret to Broadway and more, Karen Mason, strode onto the stage with a rather large champagne glass, and sang "The Ladies Who Lunch." I love this gal, and love the lyric-perfect delivery she always treats us to, but for this number Ms. Mason was slightly over-dramatic, almost as if Norma Desmond was toasting us throughout the song. But her second song was perhaps the one we all expected all evening, "New York, New York." But this was not the Liza version, but the Karen Mason version, as arranged by the late Brian Lasser. The audience joined in for the final chorus.

It indeed was a grand night - and one that made me proud to be a New Yorker (and I work in Queens!). But it also made me proud to be a part of cabaret. It felt like I had attended a party with friends. Hats off to Mr. Kerker and his staff and performers for a wonderful evening of live and lively entertainment. WEDNESDAY'S SHOW FEATURES Tom Andersen, D.C. Anderson, Eric Comstock, Baby Jane Dexter, Catherine DuPuis, Natalie Gamsu, Zina Goldrich & Marcy Heisler, Carol Hall, Jeff Harnar, Steven Lutvak, Gary Lyons, Lizz Manners, Mark Nadler, KT Sullivan and John Wallowitch & Bertram Ross.

On to Cabaret Convention Night Three Wednesday, October 14, 1998

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