The line between jazz singing and cabaret singing is often fine, blurred, and crossed—with frequently spectacular results that delight Chicagoland listeners. Chicago Jazz Magazine is thrilled to partner with Chicago Cabaret Professionals via “Spotlight on Cabaret.”
Elizabeth Doyle and David Edelfelt
Over the years, I have been drawn to the cabaret community for many reasons, not the least of which is its more-than-generous spirit. Even before the pandemic, cabaret was a fragile art form, often seeming to teeter on the precipice of extinction. Yet this has never once stopped its artists from sharing their amazing talents for the benefit of any deserving cause or person in need.
So I was not surprised to learn that Chicago Cabaret Professionals (CCP) is turning their annual fundraising gala into a free concert for the staff and residents of Chicagoland nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and retirement centers. Titled It’s a Cabaret Life – A Gift of Music in a nod to the George Bailey fable, I have a feeling many bells will ring as cabaret angels earn their wings.
It is set to kick off via YouTube on Sunday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m., with over 40 Chicago Cabaret performers! They will be lifting up hearts from venues as diverse as living rooms, theatres, sound studios, and nightclubs across the city. The event is sponsored in part by CelloVia, handcrafted spirits.
Want to join the fun? Register at www.ChicagoCabaret.org and subscribe to their YouTube channel to receive notification when the program goes live. Watching is free, though contributions will be accepted.
Got other plans on the 13th? The show will remain available through YouTube for the rest of the season. Joining the live broadcast gives you the opportunity to join a real-time chat and to mingle.
Finding ways to share their gifts despite any challenges they might be facing personally, well, isn’t that the real spirit of the season?
Keep up with the latest in Chicago cabaret news: chicagocabaret.org.
Tracy Adams has spent more than four decades on stages of every kind, from intimate cabarets to large auditoriums, hotel restaurants to European cathedrals. For seven years, he was the restaurant writer for Gay Chicago Magazine. He spends his days as a training manager for an accounting firm. All of these endeavors reflect his personal mission in life, which is to help people grow.