Those Summer Nights

The dog days of August are not dog nights for cabaret fans, thanks to some of the city’s most enterprising venues. For example, Jim Caruso’s Broadway at Birdland series continues in high gear with the dynamic Natalie Douglas (August 5-6), Legally Blonde leading lady Laura Bell Bundy (August 20) who gets all down home performing selections from her new CD Looking for a Place Already Gone, the fabulous Guytunes — Jason Michael Snow, Nick Blaemire, and Justin Keyes — in a musical salute to Shakespeare (August 26), and the always amazing Stephanie J. Block (August 27).

The line-up at the ever-eclectic Joe’s Pub offers more than a few sundry pleasures. Among the month’s highlights are pop music sensation and former Threepenny Opera star Nellie McKay (August 8 and 22), Jersey Boys star Daniel Reichard (August 12), musical theater composer Joe Iconis (August 18), film and stage star Minnie Driver (August 24), pop favorite Michelle Shocked (August 28), and singer-songwriter Bob Dorough (August 30).

Over at The Metropolitan Room, the main attractions include the dynamite trio of Lisa Asher, Scott Coulter, and Tim DiPasqua (August 3), Broadway leading man Martin Vidnovic (August 6), jazz legend Annie Ross (August 7, 14, 21, 28), female impersonator Jimmy James (August 8, 15, 22, 29), singer Mychelle Colleary (August 14, 21, 28), vocal group Modern Man (August 15), and the dynamic duo of Ricky Ritzel and Leslie Anderson (August 30).

At the Zipper Factory this month, you can catch Tony Award winner John Gallagher, Jr. and his band, Old Springs Pike (August 5). Over at Iridium, the new Broadway Swings series continues with local favorites Devin Richards (August 5), Eric Michael Gillett (August 12), and LaTanya Hall (August 19).

Outside of NYC, if you’re heading out to the Hamptons, make sure you make time for a stop at the Bay Street Theatre Comedy Club and check out comic Craig Shoemaker (August 20) and the wildly popular Lewis Black (August 27). The peerless Andrea Marcovicci reprises her popular show Andrea Sings Astaire at the gorgeous Caramoor estate in Katonah, New York (August 1-2).

Heading farther afield, Cabaret Pittsburgh‘s Riverview Series resumes with Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz and singer Lee Lessack (August 31).

As for California dreamers, San Francisco’s Empire Plush Room will host the hilarious Marga Gomez every Monday night; other headliners include Ross Lorenson (August 1-5), Chris Dilley (August 4), Melanie Stace (August 14-19), Joan Rivers (August 24-September 1), and Steven Brinberg (August 24-September 2).

Meanwhile, L.A.’s Sterling’s Upstairs at Vitello will host Broadway veteran Mary Gutzi (August 4), musical theater performer Scott Dreier (August 11 and 18), and singer Kyle Puccia with friends Alistair Tober and Ugly Betty star Ana Ortiz (August 25).

On a sad note, New York City lost yet another of its beloved clubs, Rose’s Turn, last month. The closing of this landmark Greenwich Village institution just weeks after the demise of Helen’s and months after the curtain came down on Danny’s Skylight Room was another blow to cabaret lovers. So go out and support your favorite club before it’s too late!