This year, the Mabel Mercer Foundation presents its 37th annual New York Cabaret Convention from Tuesday, October 13 to Thursday, October 15 at the Rose Theater in Jazz at Lincoln Center—and a notable 15 performers (out of 60 total) are making their 
Convention debuts. On October 13: Francesca Amari; October 14: Suri Vu, Reed Harris Butts, Anna Anderson, Jonathan Arons and Danielle Chambers; October 15: Kate Baldwin, The IMs (singer Tim Cahill and pianist-arranger Jim Harder), Susan Mack, Mafalda Minnozzi, Dawn Padmore, Madeline Joy Travis, Melodie Wolford and Can Yasar.
This year’s event continues to showcase the timeless artistry and vibrant diversity of the cabaret world and NiteLife Exchange (NLE) has asked six of them about their debuts: Francesca Amari (FA), Anna Anderson (AA), Jonathan Arons (JA), Dawn Padmore (DP), Melodie Wolford (MW) and Can Yasar (CY):
NLE: Congratulations, Francesca Amari! You’re making your New York Cabaret Convention debut on October 13 in Once in a Blue Moon—A Tribute to Mabel Mercer, hosted by Jeff Harnar and Andrea Marcovicci. What does it mean to you to make your convention debut in this show and at this point in your career?
FA: I saw my first cabaret show in NYC more than 25 years ago—the fabulous Barbara Brussell—and I was absolutely gobsmacked by the concept, the artistry, the storytelling and how it impacted me. I felt like I’d found my calling as a performer; 
cabaret “fit” me. Over the next many years, I set out to find out everything I could about the art form of cabaret, discover all the best cabaret performers and take as many workshops and master classes as I could. I had the privilege to work with or learn from such greats as Andrea Marcovicci, Karen Mason, Barry Kleinbort, Marilyn Maye, Chris Denny, Shelly Markham and Craig Carnelia.
And I started making my own way in the cabaret world, but mostly outside of NYC. I made my NYC debut in 2007 at the Metropolitan Room and after moving from my home in Michigan to Palm Springs, CA in 2010, I started creating more and more cabaret shows and performing frequently on the West Coast. It has always been on my bucket list to be part of the Cabaret Convention and to experience these magical nights as a performer. I am thrilled to be working with Andrea Marcovicci and Jeff Harnar, two consummate artists who have long been the torch bearers of cabaret, and my favorite artists in this field.
NLE: Congratulations, Anna Anderson and Jonathan Arons! You’re making your New York Cabaret Convention debut on October 14 in Sammy: All the Way & Then Some–The Songs of Sammy Davis Jr., hosted by Natalie Douglas. What does it mean to you to make your convention debut in this show and at this point in your career?
AA: I am so excited to be a part of the Cabaret Convention this year. I moved to New York City in 2013 and was graciously welcomed into the Cabaret community by people like Susie Mosher, Mark Hartman and Matt Scharfglass. During that time, I was introduced to piano bar by my friend, Anthony Castellano, so I started going there, became a regular and then became a staff member at Don’t Tell Mama, Brandy’s and Stonewall Inn. Being able to be a part of the Cabaret Convention this year solidifies the work and effort I’ve put into this community for the past 13 years. The joy of learning my own voice through Cabaret and through piano bar makes me very comfortable in being able to put on a fantastic performance during the Sammie Davis Jr. portion of the Cabaret Convention this year.
JA: Sammy Davis Jr. has always been an inspiration to me because of his many talents. He was able to do so many things equally well at the highest level—singing, dancing, acting, playing multiple instruments, and his social justice work. So to make my convention debut in a tribute to him means the world to me. Most of my career, I’ve been known as a viral internet novelty sensation “the dancing trombone player,” appearing on various TV shows such as America’s Got Talent and The Steve Harvey Show. To get to sing, play trombone and dance, and be taken more seriously in the cabaret world is a chance I do not take lightly. Thanks so much for having me.
NLE: Congratulations, Dawn Padmore, Melodie Wolford and Can Yasar! You will be making your New York Cabaret Convention debut on October 15 in With a Song in My Heart—A Cornucopia of Entertainment, hosted by KT Sullivan. What does it mean to you to make your convention debut in this show and at this point in your career?
DP: I am very excited and honored to be part of the lineup for this year’s Cabaret Convention. I transitioned to this genre about eight years ago, inspired by my love of vocal jazz and my teacher, Ira Siff, who introduced me to the art of Mabel Mercer. [Padmore’s show, Love…at a certain age, celebrating the legendary Mabel Mercer, was performed at Pangea with music director Brian Holman, directed by Siff.] I’ve never looked back. So, this is a really special moment.
MW: It means the world to me to be making my Cabaret Convention debut. As an actress, singer and dancer who has done over 100 musicals, I’ve had the honor of understudying 24 women in theatre, including the marvelous Ms. KT Sullivan. I 
share stories of my experience as a standby in my solo show Waiting In The Wings, which I’m excited to be bringing to the iconic 54 Below on November 9th. I’m also thrilled that Waiting In The Wings features a song written by my son, Alexander Craven, a young composer-lyricist being mentored by the great Adam Guettel. This is such a great moment for me to enter the beautiful world of cabaret!
CY: I’m thrilled to debut at the New York Cabaret Convention this year! After a decade performing, writing and making my mark in the theater and cabaret community, being recognized feels meaningful. As an immigrant performer, it’s especially significant to be included in this lineup during such a crucial time for NYC’s immigrant community. I’m especially grateful to my cabaret community for supporting me 
and giving me space to share my story. Visibility is powerful; I am proud to say I am here and part of New York. The song KT asked me to sing is very dear to me; it became an anthem, a torch song and fits perfectly with this incredible night she chose to call With a Song in My Heart. I’m coming with a song in my heart, and I am excited and honored to be sharing this with the audience.
Photos courtesy of the artists
