The proclamation will legitimize what was a long-time informal declaration by New York City club owners, originally created as a way to coax audiences out to performances during the late winter month. "The Mayor recognized that nightclub performing in a cabaret setting is a classic part of New York's identity in films, television and literature," said Pomranz in a statement. "Even people who have never been to the city imagine themselves sitting in a sophisticated nightclub, sipping a cocktail and watching a performer in an intimate setting."

March is also an ideal month to highlight cabaret because it kicks off with the Backstage Bistro Awards and ends with the MAC awards, a ceremony which aims to heighten public awareness of the field's contributions and vitality, honor its creativity, and build its current and future audiences.

"We hope this proclamation will draw more attention to this versatile and vibrant art form," Pomranz explained. "Cabaret is New York, as much as theater, galleries and Central Park."