EASTERN STANDARD TIME RETURNS TO THEIR "HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS" Ĉ JUDY'S CHELSEA

MAC Award-Nominated Vocal Group Enlists Aids of Cabaret Stars To Aid Children's Pediatric Foundation December 10th & 17th at 8:30 pm

Eastern Standard Time, the vocal trio nominated by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC) as Outstanding Vocal Group, returns to their cabaret "home," JUDY'S CHELSEA (169 Eighth Avenue, NYC - 212-929-5410 - http://www.judyschelsea.com/) for two very special shows celebrating the season, Monday, December 10th and Monday, December 17th. Both shows begin at 8:30 pm; dinner seating begins at 7:30 pm. Proceeds from both shows benefit the Children of China Pediatrics Foundation. Cover is $25 with a $10 food drink minimum.

Joining Eastern Standard Time for both performances will be a diverse selection of award-winning cabaret talent as well as newcomers to the cabaret scene. On December 10th, the trio will be joined by beloved cabaret chanteuse Vicki Smith with pianist Bryon Sommers; cabaret newcomer Adam Wald, the inimitable song stylings of Mitch Ellis; the jazz vocals of Sue Matsuki with musical director Gregory Toroian; MAC and Bistro Award-winner Julie Reyburn with accompanist Mark Janas; and Richard Skipper as Carol Channing.

Singer/songwriter D.C. Anderson, with bassist Ritt Henn, joins the group on December 17th, along with the comedy of Baus and Troche, joined by the MAC award-winning Ricky Ritzel,; Bistro Award-winning vocalist Aaron Lee Battle, accompanied by Joe Regan; the very funny Georga Osborne (who is also a Bistro and MAC Award-winner); and the soulful voice of Deian McBryde, accompanied by Tracy Stark. Michael Barbieri is Technical Director for both shows.

The mission of Children of China Pediatrics Foundation is to provide medical treatment for disabled children in China's orphanages. ĉAs a not-for-profit organization, they send teams of pediatric surgeons from the United States to China to perform surgeries on orphans to correct disfiguring birth defects and disabilities. Physicians and surgical nurses from New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Mount Sinai-NYU Medical Center comprise their volunteer medical teams. ĉDr. John Schullinger of New York-Presbyterian is the Foundation's Medical Director, and Dr. Neal LeLeiko of Mount Sinai-NYU is the Deputy Medical Director. In just an hour or two, a doctor can change the life of a child forever. ĉAlmost immediately, we can see how a life has been transformed. ĉYour donation goes directly for the care and treatment of children with disabilities. ĉWithout this, most will never receive surgery, be adopted, and some will not survive at all.

Eastern Standard Time co-founder Dana Merritt worked as a media consultant for seven years at New York Presbyterian Hospital (where many of the Foundation's volunteer Physicians work) and witnessed on a daily basis the tireless efforts of the doctors and nurses there. "When I found out that these dedicated people used their vacation to volunteer for the poor orphans of China, I wanted to make some kind of contribution as well. I am so pleased with the generosity of all the cabaret professionals who are donating their time and talent to help raise money for this very worthy cause."

Formed by Christopher Howatt and Dana Merritt, Eastern Standard Time pays tribute to the classic standards from the Golden Age of the American Songbook Ĉ the 30's and 40's. Joined by soprano Beth Covell the trio harkens back to a time when melodies were humable and lyrics were intelligent and memorable, composed by such legends as the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael and Richard Rodgers. Since their successful debut off-Broadway at the Triad Theatre in 1997, the trio has performed at many prestigious venues and affairs throughout the metropolitan area, including numerous engagements at the elegant Judy's Chelsea, the Garrick Gaieties, Manhattan School of Music, George Street Playhouse, Tavern on the Green and Arden Conference Center in Harriman, NY and for such groups as St. Christopher's, the American Bar Association and New York's Dutch Treat Club, which counts Walter Cronkite and humorist Art Buchwald as members. Eastern Standard Time has made various television and radio appearances, most recently on the nationally-syndicated Jim Lowe and Company. The trio was selected to appear at the Mabel Mercer Foundation's Tenth Anniversary Cabaret Convention at New York's Town Hall, sharing the bill with Cybill Shepherd and cabaret legend Michael Feinstein.

You can find out more about Eastern Standard Time (and hear them) on their website: http://www.angelfire.com/nj/EasternStandardTime/index.html

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