Elegance & Legacy: Celebrating 40 Years of the Mabel Mercer Foundation & 125 Years of Mabel Mercer (Livestream Available!) Wednesday, June 11, 2025 @ 54 Below - CLICK FOR TICKETS
The Mabel Mercer Foundation, Est. 1985
Preserving and promoting the intimate art of Cabaret, its timeless Songbook, and the legacy of Mabel Mercer.
Learn More About Us ⟶


Upcoming Events
Cabaret Spotlight
-
Liz Callaway
THE WIZARD AND I: LIZ CALLAWAY SINGS STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
May 14 - 17 @ 7:00PM
54 Below
Featuring songs from an extraordinary career that has spanned nearly 60-years (and in every form of media), as well as a brand new song, Liz honors Stephen in her signature way, pairing his iconic songs with tales of their lifelong professional relationship and friendship. Featuring Academy Award and Grammy-winning tunes from Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, The Baker’s Wife, and more, The Wizard and I is a personal celebration of the man who made a witch take flight and gave a bird sight.
-
Mark Nadler
BACK AT THE BEECHMAN: LOTS OF RHYME AND NO REASON
May 16 @ 7:00PM
Laurie Beechman Theatre
With no particular theme—just sheer, unfiltered entertainment— Mark Nadler promises an evening packed with dazzling musicality, outrageous humor, and his signature blend of showmanship. A multi-award-winning, internationally celebrated singer, pianist, and tap-dancer, Nadler delivers a high-octane performance that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable. Expect the unexpected, and prepare to be thoroughly entertained.
-
Ava Nicole Frances
THE DREAM THAT I SEE
May 16 @ 7:00PM
The Green Room 42
Back by popular demand, American Idol finalist, two-time Broadway World Cabaret Award, and Cabaret Convention alumni Ava Nicole Frances returns to The Green Room 42 for a special reprise of her “dream” show, celebrating the release of her new live album The Dream That I See. With soaring vocals and a diverse mix of influences—from Sondheim to Beyoncé—Ava’s performance is a journey through dreams, passion, and possibility. Joined by Luke-Michael from American Idol, musical director Michael Collum, and her five-piece band, this is a night you won’t want to miss!
-
Klea Blackhurst
A BRAND NEW EVENING WITH
May 18 @ 7:00PM
Chelsea Table + Stage
Klea Blackhurst has originated memorable characters and introduced standout songs in world premieres that never quite made it to Broadway, from Radio Gals' "Dear Mr. Gershwin" to Buffalo Gals' "The Yodeling Muchacha," along with roles in The Nutty Professor, Hazel, and more. In this special evening, Klea shares the songs she's made her own, alongside her favorite selections from the Great American Songbook. With humor, heart, and a touch of the unpredictable nature of a life in the arts, Klea creates a celebration of the joy and absurdity in the pursuit of a dream. Music Direction and Arrangements by Michael Rice with The Lunch Money Trio.
-
Marissa Mulder & Bill Zeffiro
YOU CAN'T MAKE OLD FRIENDS
May 18 & June 15 @ 4:00PM
Join award-winning performers Marissa Mulder and Bill Zeffiro for an evening of unforgettable music and chemistry in their intimate musical duo performance, "You Can't Make Old Friends." With a mix of heartfelt songs and engaging storytelling, this dynamic duo brings a truly special experience to the stage.
-
Steve Ross
SONGS OF ROMANCE & RUE
May 19 @ 7:00PM
Birdland Jazz Club
Birdland is proud to present cabaret icon Steve Ross as he delves into the rich treasures of the Great American Songbook in this new collection, featuring classics by Berlin, Porter, the Gershwins, Dietz and Schwartz, Johnny Mercer, Michel Legrand, Lerner & Loewe, and Noël Coward. He'll also introduce newly-minted gems by contemporary American and British songwriters.
-
Ben Jones
TEMPTATION
May 20 @ 7:00PM
54 Below
Featuring the songs of Kaci Bolls, Nat King Cole, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Jason Isbell, Peggy Lee, Julie London, MIKA, Anthony Newley, Ed Sheeran, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim, Chris Stapleton, Rufus Wainwright, Tom Waits, The Weeknd, and more, Jones dazzles audiences with touching and hilarious renditions of your favorite songs of love, infatuation, heartbreak, obsession and temptation. Join award-winning vocalist Ben Jones and legendary pianist, composer, and music director Ron Abel as they combine their considerable talent for an evening of side-splitting laughs and unbelievable music.
-
Craig Rubano
TAKE THE MOMENT
May 24 @ 7:00PM
Laurie Beechman Theatre
Encore performance of the M.A.C. award-nominated and Bistro Award recipient for Outstanding Autobiographical Show! Broadway’s (Les Misérables, The Scarlet Pimpernel), Craig Rubano reprises his celebrated 2024 run in New York City at The Laurie Beechman Theatre with Take the Moment, a collection of songs that shine a spotlight on the choices we make during the moments that matter. Craig taps into music and lyrics by Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, Stephen Sondheim, Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Jerry Herman, and more.
-
Ari Axelrod
A PLACE FOR US: A CELEBRATION OF JEWISH BROADWAY
May 26 @ 7:00PM
54 Below
A Place For Us is a celebration of Jewish culture, honoring the songs and stories of Jewish composers and their crucial contributions to the American Musical. While there are many stories in the world about Jewish suffering, there are fewer stories about Jewish life and vitality. Our history is not only about how we survived, but also about how we thrived, and A Place for Us highlights this in its exploration of Jewish Broadway. JoinAri Axelrod in celebrating this award-winning show’s brand new album!
-
Rosemary Loar
VAGABOND HEART
May 29 @ 7:00PM
The Green Room 42
Broadway, jazz, cabaret, and recording artist Rosemary Loar returns to her jazz roots in her most musically ambitious show yet, celebrating the release of her 12th CD Vagabond Heart. With out-of-the-box arrangements and both hilarious and heartbreaking stories behind the music, Rosemary performs well-known standards, original compositions, and classic Broadway songs—all with her signature twist and in four different languages. Critics call her “that rare combination of jazz vocalist, comedienne, and dramatic actress”
-
Frank Dain
A CELEBRATION 24 YEARS IN THE MAKING!
May 29 @ 7:00PM
Don’t Tell Mama
Join Frank Dain for a special musical event, "A Celebration," marking 24 incredible years in the making! With an outstanding ensemble featuring musical director Kathleen Landis on piano, Boots Maleson on bass, and Peter Calo on guitar, this performance promises to be a night to remember. Directed by Lennie Watts and in collaboration with Kurt Peterson, this unique celebration showcases Frank’s journey and the music that has defined his career. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of powerful performances and timeless tunes!
-
Carole J. Bufford
TOO DARN HOT
May 30 @ 7:00PM
54 Below
Carole J. Bufford returns to 54 Below with Too Darn Hot, a musical romp through those sultry, starlit summertime evenings. Carole will put her unique spin on timeless classics made famous by Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Adele, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Wilson Pickett, Patsy Cline, Randy Newman, and more. From Broadway to blues, and standards to soul, join Carole for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling to ignite your senses and kickstart your summer season!
-
Lee Roy Reams
LEE ROY REAMS: ME & BETTY (AKA LAUREN BACALL)
June 3 @ 7:00PM
54 Below
Join us as Lee Roy reminisces with stories and songs about his up-close-and-personal relationship with the legendary star Lauren Bacall. He knew, worked with, and loved Lauren Bacall… but when they were alone, she was Betty Joan Perske from the Bronx! Book now for the inside scoop! The Tony Award®-nominated star of Broadway’s legendary 42nd Street was the first actor to play an openly gay man in the Broadway musical Applause, starring Lauren Bacall.
-
Gabrielle Stravelli & Billy Stritch
CLOSE TO YOU
June 2 @ 7:00PM
Birdland Jazz Club
In Close To You, Stritch and Stravelli will explore a thrilling repertoire that spans jazz, pop, Brazilian music, classic rock-n-roll, country, and rhythm & blues. With selections from artists such as The Everly Brothers, Lou Rawls, Milton Nascimento, Michel Legrand, and Jule Styne, the evening promises a rich and diverse musical journey—brought to life with extraordinary artistry, improvisation, and heart.
-
Sue Matsuki
THIS BROAD'S WAY
June 6 @ 7:00PM
Don’t Tell Mama
In this Broadway themed show, Sue brings her unique voice and interpretation to songs from Wonderful Town, Damn Yankees, Dr. Doolittle, Sweeney Todd, City of Angels, Cinderella, The King & I, How to Succeed in Business, Kiss Me Kate, Wicked—and more! Featuring works by legends like Comden & Green, Bernstein, Bricusse, Sondheim, Zippel, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Porter, and others, these are songs Sue would “never be cast to sing,” sung out of context, with surprising twists, playful arrangements, and a jazz/cabaret spin that’s all her own.
-
Jeff Harnar
IT’S DE-LOVELY
June 9 @ 7:00PM
Birdland Jazz Club
What better place to be on Cole Porter’s birthday than at Birdland, the crown jewel of New York’s music scene? A joyful, stylish celebration of Porter’s timeless wit and elegance, IT’S DE-LOVELY features beloved standards including “It’s De-Lovely,” “Let’s Do It,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Begin the Beguine,” “Easy to Love,” and a few delightful surprises originally introduced by Danny Kaye and Jimmy Durante. The New York Times has declared, “Harnar and Porter are a perfect fit,” and this evening promises to be just that—an ideal pairing of interpreter and inspiration.
-
Seth Sikes
AND FRIENDS CELEBRATE JUDY GARLAND’S 103RD BIRTHDAY
June 10 @ 7:00PM
54 Below
The evening will feature iconic duets made famous by Judy, reimagined with fresh energy, while special guests offer their own renditions of her most cherished standards. Backed by a full seven-piece band and under the expert musical direction of Phil Reno, this unforgettable night promises music, glamour, and heartfelt homage. Featured performers include Tony Award® nominee Charles Busch (The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, Die Mommie Die, Psycho Beach Party), Nicolas King (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, A Thousand Clowns, Hollywood Arms), and Alysha Umphress (On the Town, Bring It On, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever), with more stars to be announced.
-
Natalie Douglas
A JUNETEENTH JUBILEE – THE NAT PACK: SAMMY & NAT & STEVIE & JOE
June 16 @ 7:00PM
Birdland Jazz Club
Known for her deeply soulful voice, charismatic storytelling, and joyful presence, Douglas will pay tribute to four iconic African American musical legends: Sammy Davis, Jr., Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, and Joe Williams. This concert marks the New York City debut of the new program, which recently premiered to rave reviews at London’s famed Crazy Coqs. Clive Davis of The Times (UK) awarded the show a rare five-star review, writing: “(Natalie Douglas) For pure energy, playfulness and heart-on-sleeve emotion, she is in a league of her own. Her latest show…turns out to be even more exhilarating.”
-
Melissa Errico
SINGS SONDHEIM
June 20-21 @ 7:00PM
54 Below
Stephen Sondheim is the musical north star of Tony®-nominated Broadway star and writer Melissa Errico. Melissa worked with Stephen Sondheim on productions of Sunday in the Park with George, John Doyle’s hit production of Passion, and Do I Hear A Waltz? at City Center. She played the Baker’s Wife in a concert run of Into The Woods. She has sung Sondheim on PBS, “Finishing The Hat” for Poetry In America, and on her own filmed solo special. She sang and spoke a tribute to him in her Carnegie Hall debut in 2022 with The New York Pops. She has made two all-Sondheim albums, with a third on the way. Musical direction by Tedd Firth.
-
Steve Ross
CABARET SCENES AND AMERICAN SONGBOOK ASSOCIATION CELEBRATE STEVE ROSS
June 21 @ 7:00PM
The Green Room 42
A cavalcade pf Cabaret All-Stars from around the globe celebrate the man the New York Times calls "the Crown Prince of Cabaret". The Darrell Henline Award honors an individual whose professional career in the field of cabaret is one of consistent excellence and distinction. The illustrious cast includes Peter Mintun, Karen Murphy, Eric Michael Gillett, Ron Spivak, Don Wiggans and, of course, Steve Ross himself, with Michael Lavine, MD. Hosted by the American Songbook Association and Cabaret Scenes Magazine, the annual Henline award show is always a glamorous and meaningful night to remember!
“Mabel Mercer taught me everything I know.”
— Frank Sinatra
Discover the magic of Mabel Mercer.
Mabel Mercer’s distinctive style was defined by her exquisite phrasing, impeccable diction, and deep emotional nuance. Rather than belting or embellishing with vocal acrobatics, she delivered songs with an intimate, conversational quality, making each lyric feel deeply personal. Her mastery of subtle inflections and pauses gave new depth to lyrics, transforming songs into storytelling experiences. Mercer’s influence extended beyond traditional cabaret, shaping the interpretative styles of legendary singers like Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Tony Bennett. Her refined, understated approach made her a revered artist among those who valued the power of lyrical interpretation.
“The Mabel Mercer Foundation, American song’s best friend.”
— Octavio Roca, San Francisco Chronicle

Make a donation.
As we celebrate the forty-year milestone at the Mabel Mercer Foundation, we want to extend our sincere gratitude for your continued generosity and support in preserving the timeless art of Cabaret by keeping great songs alive.

