Presented by the Mabel Mercer Foundation, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Convention will feature more than 60 singers.
Attendees can expect tributes to the melodies of Marvin Hamlisch and Vernon Duke, the songs of John Kander & Fred Ebb, and A Sentimental Journey through the music and lyrics that sustained America through World War II. Each show boasts its own host, and the emcees include Klea Blackhurst, Jeff Harnar, Andrea Marcovicci, Karen Mason and KT Sullivan (artistic director of The Mabel Mercer Foundation).
Each performance begins at 6 PM at The Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street. Presale advance tickets now are available only through The Mabel Mercer Foundation; call (212) 980-3026 or visit MabelMercer.org.
The complete lineup for each of the four evenings follows:
Oct. 13: Gala Opening Night, hosted by KT Sullivan. Also featuring Christine Andreas, George Ball, Stefan Bednarczyk, Frans Bloem, Joshua Dixon, Lauren Fox, Allan Harris, Maxine Linehan, Kristoffer Lowe, Rebekah Lowin, Marilyn Maye, Sidney Myer, Karen Oberlin, and Vivian Reed. Presentation of The Julie Wilson Award, underwritten by Linda and Peter Hanson. Presentation of The Mabel Mercer Award to Amanda McBroom. Oct. 14: A Sentimental Journey -- World War II Songs, hosted by Jeff Harnar & Andrea Marcovicci. Also featuring Karen Akers, Celia Berk, Anna Bergman, Carole J. Bufford, Ann Hampton Callaway, Eric Comstock, Natalie Douglas, Barbara Fasano, Tovah Feldshuh, Clint Holmes, Nicolas King, Karen Kohler, Marissa Mulder, Todd Murray, Jennifer Sheehan, Gabrielle Stravelli, Iris Williams, and Karen Wyman. Presentation of The Donald F. Smith Award, underwritten by Adela & Larry Elow. Presentation of The Margaret Whiting Award, underwritten by My Ideal Music.
Oct. 15: Life Is A Cabaret -- The Songs of Kander & Ebb, hosted by Karen Mason. Also featuring Brent Barrett, Jim Brochu, Bobby Creighton, Penny Fuller, Anita Gillette, Ian Knauer, Lina Koutrakos, Stearns Matthews, Sally Mayes, T. Oliver Reid, Steve Ross, Lauren Stanford, Sandy Stewart and Amra-Faye Wright.
Oct. 16: What I Did For/Take A Chance On/Love -- The Music of Vernon Duke and Marvin Hamlisch, hosted by Klea Blackhurst. Also featuring Matt Baker, Raissa Katona Bennett, Broadway by the Year Chorus, Alexis Cole, Shana Farr, Liam Forde, Eric Yves Garcia, Eric Michael Gillett, Eva Kantor, Valerie Lemon, Heather MacRae, Nancy McCall, Tammy McCann, Marieann Meringolo, Shawn Ryan and Carol Woods.
