By Marcia Blondin***The wonderful Fiesta de Cabaret came to a close last week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The brainchild of virtuoso pianist Mark Hartman, and co-produced with David Sabella, brought a NYC learning curve to our beach town and left a wealth of 
knowledge with our singers, both Mexican Nationals and our foreign community.
Seven singers from Vallarta attended the rigorous schedule for eight days and evenings, having their brains stuffed with practical information on what cabaret is and how to perform it. Small things, like moving a microphone stand properly, to voice modulation that will make an audience weep.
Our students learned well and presented a fast-paced final concert in the Casa 
Karma Red Room at Act2PV. Not one of them appeared nervous; I noticed everyone wore something new. It was appropriate to dress up their newfound voices.
Across the board was change; confidence soared, voices never rushed with phrasing slowed down to perfection. Our singers tried new styles and genres of music, with classically trained voices getting campy and balladeers jazzing the hell out of their lyrics. They obviously had fun, and the teachers seemed genuinely sad to say goodbye to this particular bunch of students. Maybe it’s our sunshine?
Whatever it is, I look forward to the Second Annual Fiesta de Cabaret a year from now. Bring it, New York!
