CABARET DIARY/DATEBOOK 2008

Once again we will be presenting two awards at our annual birthday show in honor of two people who have contributed to the art and artists of cabaret in the past and are no longer with us, but should never be forgotten. We are very proud to announce this year's recipients, who will be honored at CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE's 19th Birthday show on July 9th.

The JEFF MATSON AWARD - given annually to a person(s) who, like Jeff, has done extraordinary work in supporting, mentoring and giving leadership to others in cabaret. This year we are presenting the award to Sue Matsuki, a lady who has done all those things over the years, in addition to performing, volunteering, and even promoting fellow performers (and attending a lot of shows). Sue has also assisted CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE in producing many of the special events we have sponsored - like our Birthday Parties. As an award winner, Sue will also perform a number in the show.

The DOTTIE BURMAN SONGWRITER award will be presented to Brett Kristofferson, who, like Dottie, writes original songs, but also mentors and gives attention to many of the younger singers in the world of cabaret. His work has been heard in numerous venues around New York City, including The Duplex, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, Don't Tell Mama, Rose's Turn, Manhattan Theatre Source, and Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC). He has presented several revues of his work, including This Love; Beginnings: The Music of Brett Kristofferson; The Man on the Rock, and most recently, Keeping My Composure, a one-night event at the Laurie Beechman Theatre just last week. He has written book, music and lyrics for several musicals, including Insanities; The Red House (additional lyrics by Angela Shultz), The Gospel According to Tammy Faye (book & lyrics by Jeff Dobbins); As the Curtain Rises (book & lyrics by Brent Peterson); and In Her Place (book & lyrics by Angela Shultz). His song, "The Whole Wide World" was nominated for Song of the Year by the Manhattan Association of Cabaret and Clubs (MAC). As an award winner, Brett will present a number in the show, performed by Angela Shultz.

The 19th BIRTHDAY PARTY of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE will be held on Thursday, July 9th at 7:00 pm at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - ). Already announced cast members include cabaret legend Tom Andersen, recent cabaret newcomer Terrell Baker, cabaret/Broadway favorite Raissa Katona Bennett, host of Grace Notes, Grace Cosgrove, the delightful Moira Danis, the all-girl vocal group The Delivery Girls, singer/dancer Ryan Greer and the inimitable singer/actor Jim Speake. Musical director for the show is the 2009-double-MAC-Award winning Tracy Stark.

The party celebrates the start of the 20th year of publication of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, which saw its first issue go out (in print) on July 6th, 1990 - published on the internet since 1997. The event also celebrates the 70th birthday of the founder, editor and publisher (and the only person who actually reads every issue all the way through - because he writes them) Stu Hamstra. The show will feature a number of performers who have become favorites of the newsletter's editor over the years. Part II - "More of My Favorites" will be presented next July when the publication celebrates its 20th Anniversary as the longest running cabaret-only news source of all things cabaret.

Proceeds from the "A Few of My Favorites" party go to support CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE through the summer months, when banner and other advertising income traditionally drops by 50-70%. We are hoping to raise at least $3000 for this purpose - and are nearly half way there, thanks to tickets already sold and the generosity of our sponsors.

Each year CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE presents the DOTTIE BURMAN and JEFF MATSON awards, and this year we welcome back as our honored guests, past winners: DC Anderson, Hector Coris, Trudi Mann, Collette Black, Joe Regan and Miles Phillips - JEFF MATSON AWARD which has been presented since our first birthday party in 2004 and Maria Gentile and Tracy for the DOTTIE BURMAN AWARD, which we started presenting in 2007.

Tickets are $15 for new/renewed 2009-2010 members and $25 for non-members (plus the usual $15 food/drink minimum required by the venue). SOLD OUT - no reservations will be taken by the club, no tickets will be available the night of the show.