A CONTEST AND A CONCERT

The Mabel Mercer Foundation nurtures
the next generation of cabaret artists

Three cheers for the Mabel Mercer Foundation (MMF) and its ongoing commitment to introducing younger performers to the Great American Songbook and the art of cabaret. This winter, the Foundation has presented two related initiatives: a concert held last January 6 featuring students from its 15-week cabaret workshop, and the upcoming annual American Songbook High School Competition scheduled for March 21. Both programs take place at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, downstairs from the West Bank Café, and are hosted by award-winning singer and Education Director Natalie Douglas.

Mabel Mercer

THE CONTEST

MMF’s teen singing contest will take place on March 21 before a full audience at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Voting judges from the music world will award points to high-school students selected through auditions. Contestants will perform material drawn from the first several decades of American popular music (with 1970 as the cutoff), focusing on standards.

First-, second-, and third-place winners will receive generous cash prizes underwritten by MMF sponsors Adela and Larry Elow. Master pianist Jon Weber will be at the keyboard. Founded in 2018, the contest has become a meaningful launchpad, with winners frequently invited to perform at the Foundation’s autumn Cabaret Convention concerts at Jazz at Lincoln Center alongside established cabaret artists.

Over the years, teens have gravitated toward classic musical-theatre material and major lyricists. The Foundation’s impact is evident in alumni such as Anaïs Reno, the 2019 grand-prize winner, who has since released albums, won additional awards, and toured nationally, as well as Luz Velazquez, a recent runner-up who continues to perform professionally.

Beechman Theatre

THE CONCERT

The January 6 concert showcased eighteen workshop participants, each stepping forward for a solo number. The evening opened with a welcome from the Foundation’s Artistic Director, KT Sullivan, followed by remarks from Natalie Douglas, who also took the microphone for a moving rendition of “God Bless the Child,” setting a high bar for lyric-driven storytelling.

KT Sullivan

The workshop is designed as an experience “open to all skill levels, to explore the art of cabaret,” and the concert gave students the opportunity to perform in the intimate setting of a professional venue. The repertoire ranged widely, from early standards such as “Happy Days Are Here Again” and “Stairway to the Stars” to more contemporary selections, including Olivia Rodrigo’s “Stranger” and songs from musical theatre. The full company closed the evening with “When I Grow Up” from Matilda.

Nate Buccieri, Natalie Douglas

Accompanying the students on piano was Nate Buccieri, a familiar presence on the cabaret scene, whose musicianship and encouragement supported the singers throughout the night. Clearly proud of her students, Douglas later reflected on the experience as a reminder of how inspiring it can be to spend time with talented young performers filled with hope for the future.

The singers in the January 6 showcase were Charles Voukitchevitch, Alice Ivey, Liv Culver, Tobi Meffe, London Santos, Cooper Lantz, Grayson Richmond, Naya Meza-Martinez, Mariely Valentin, Katie Einhorn, Thomas Kines, Toby Sportiello, Sky Staiger, Sally Tamam, Brunson White, Annabelle Duncan, Katana Stoops, and Harry McNeill.

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

American Songbook High School Competition
Mabel Mercer Foundation
Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd Street (downstairs at West Bank Cafe)
Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 3 (doors at 2)
for tickets ($10-$20), visit The Beechman
for more info, visit Mabel Mercer

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦