By Beth Naji***The American Popular Song Society (APSS) honored a cabaret icon with an unforgettable evening of music, memories and love: on June 15, beloved and legendary Sidney Myer received a Lifetime Achievement Award before an adoring, packed house at The Cutting Room. The evening was under the musical direction of APSS Board member Michael Lavine, and co-produced by Board President Linda Amiel Burns and Board Treasurer Glen Charlow, with Board Secretary 
(and NLE Editor) Marilyn Lester serving as stage manager.
Sidney, who is the heartbeat of the cabaret world, was celebrated in an evening that brought together generations of artists whose lives he has touched. I was fortunate to sit close to him, watching his soulful eyes fill with tears as performer after performer took the stage to share stories and songs honoring a man who is not only a brilliant cabaret artist himself, but someone who has devoted his life to uplifting and championing others. Each story and song became part of a larger portrait of a man whose influence extends far beyond the stage—a beautiful reflection of the love, admiration, and gratitude so many artists feel for him.
The gala celebration opened with a deeply moving video created by the wonderful Michael Lee Stever, taking us on a journey through Sidney’s life, from a bright-eyed young performer to the beloved icon he is today. As images and memories unfolded on the screen, we were reminded that he still possesses that same sparkle, charisma, warmth and magic that have touched so many lives. The tears were flowing before the first live performance even began. Our hearts were full. 
Michael Lavine, serving as accompanist for the majority of the singers, along with bassist Michael O’Brien, guided the evening and introduced each performer one by one. Here are some highlights among the dazzling array of artists paying tribute to dear Sidney:
The marvelous Marilyn Maye offered her own original heartfelt lyrics and song for Sidney, “It’s a Happy World When Sidney’s Here,” accompanied by David Pearl. The witty Jeff Harnar delighted the audience with clever and touching lyrics set to the tune of Charles Strouse’s “Rosie.” while Tanya Moberly delivered a fabulous belting rendition of John Kander and Fred Ebb’s “Cabaret.” Richard Skipper shared a hilarious story from 1998, when he was performing as Carol Channing. Sidney was sitting in the audience with his mother, who turned to him and said, “She’s still got it, but she’s starting to show her age.” Skipper then launched into Jerry Herman’s “World, Take Me Back” with great gusto.
The amazing Nicolas King, accompanied by Tracy Stark, recalled how Sidney gave him his very first cabaret night at Don’t Tell Mama when he was just 12 years old, before delivering a standout performance of “Johnny One Note” by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, 
showcasing the vocal mastery that always makes him shine. Lennie Watts, accompanied by Tracy Stark, performed “One Night’s Sleep Too Few” (from One Rock and Roll Too Many by Andrew Lloyd Webber
and Richard Stilgoe) and offered an uncanny, loving imitation of dear Sidney.
The wonderful Tracy Stark, who performs regularly with Sidney, sat at the piano and sang directly to him, “Quiet Please, There’s a Lady (a Sidney) on the Stage,” prompting another wave of emotion in the room. Also appearing were: Sue Matsuki, Frank Dain, Ethan Mathias (17 years old), Bryce Edwards, Renee Katz, Steven Brinberg, Charles Busch (accompanied by Jono Mainelli), Carolyn Montgomery (accompanied by Jon Weber), Ricky Ritzel (accompanying himself), Karen Akers, Lee Roy Reams (both accompanied by Alex Rybeck), Mark William, Mark Nadler and KT Sullivan, Shawn Moninger (accompanied by David Friedman) and Seth Rudetsky—far too many extraordinary talents to fully 
describe here. But each performance was a love letter to a man whose generosity,
encouragement, friendship and unwavering support have touched
countless lives.
When Sidney rose to thank everyone, with those beautiful, kind, soulful eyes and that unmistakable Sidney cadence, he spoke of his dear parents and how blessed he has been. He also spoke lovingly of his partner, Michael Lee Stever, whom Sidney said he had “waited a lifetime to meet.” He reflected on how, growing up, records were his closest companions and how extraordinary it felt to one day meet some of the very artists he idolized, including Peggy Lee, Judy Garland, and, of course, his dear friend Marilyn Maye. He closed with a quote from the song “Touch the Earth” (by Jeri Southern and Gail Allen Lyrics), which Sidney called his mantra: “You’ll find, as long as you live, all you can hold to is what you can give.”
No one embodies those words more completely than Sidney Myer. He gives with his whole heart and soul, every single day. He has spent a lifetime lifting others up, holding their hands, creating community and making artists feel seen, valued and loved. Every day should be Sidney Myer Day!
Photos by Maryann Lopinto
