Some little while ago, NiteLife Exchange introduced a column entitled Who Was Who!, profiling cabaret stars who are no longer with us. The success of that series has given birth to a new one, Who Was Where!, authored by performer Kati Neiheisel, a MAC Award Nominee for Best NY Debut Female. Most of Kati’s career had been in the philanthropic sector, but she longed to sing. When her brother Albert, who has Down syndrome, celebrated his 40th birthday by singing in public with complete joy and abandon, he inspired Kati to live her dream. Kati became part of the cabaret community, introduced to it through Helen Baldassare’s Cabaret Performance Workshop.
Here are Kati’s own words on how she came to conceive of and write Who Was Where!
“On January 2, 2022, NiteLife Exchange asked readers who they should celebrate next in Who Was Who!, a column acknowledging past residents of New York City’s nightlife whose shoulders we stand upon. As a fan of Who Was Who!, I was intrigued. However, as a singer who came late to the cabaret game, I wanted to learn more about the history of the clubs and piano bars that I sadly missed and all the folks connected to them, on stage and off. I also wanted to vicariously experience the unique vibe of each venue. I wanted to know Who Was WHERE! To that end, Scott Barbarino graciously gave me space to do just that, starting with Ted Hook’s Backstage, followed by Reno Sweeney, and Danny’s Skylight Room.
For initial research, James Gavin’s Intimate Nights: The Golden Age of New York Cabaret (first published in 1991; revised and updated in 2006) has been indispensable and a joy to read. It’s also been a pleasure and a privilege to interview those who had been on the scene at these clubs and piano bars of decades past. After generously sharing their own stories, they introduced me to others eager to share theirs. In response to each article, it’s been thrilling to see the conversation continue as people reminisce about their shared performance history and reconnect online and offline. In a broader sense, I hope that honoring the past will inspire a brighter future for our beloved city and its nightlife. I’m grateful to be a small part of this experience. Cheers to those who’ve gone before!”
Thank you Kati! We look forward to many more Who Was Where! articles from you!
