Blue Wave Cabaret 2024: New York Can Save Our Democracy
“When I launched this series in 2018, I felt that fighting voter suppression and securing voting rights for all Americans was the fundamental political struggle of our time. And it still is, but now it’s even more so because the extreme right in this country–which is a minority in America–is doing everything they can to undermine our democratic system to gain and keep power. The irony of the constant right wing drumbeat about `rigged elections’ is that it’s the Republican Party that is rigging elections with their attack on voting rights.” Stephen Hanks
Heeeee’s back! Editor/writer and former cabaret reviewer Stephen Hanks returns to New York from Sedona, Arizona (where he moved in July 2021) to mount another “Blue Wave” fundraising cabaret variety concert on May 24, 2024 (7 pm) at Don’t Tell Mama. The impresario and avid Democrat produced and hosted 10 previous iterations of fund and awareness raising shows from 2018 (with five that election year) through 2022. This one is dedicated to recently deceased musical theater actor and cabaret performer Sarah Rice, who appeared in multiple presentations and had committed to this one.
Since the series began, more than 30 cabaret artists and four musical directors (including the Award-winning Tracy Stark, who has MDed six of the shows) have lent their talents and passion to the worthwhile entertainments raising over $6,000 for Democratic Senate and Congressional candidates, as well as for Stacy Abrams’ Voting organization in Georgia. When the flare goes up, performers turn up. Aside from the room fee and tech person, every dollar goes to the cause.
Stephen Hanks (Photo by Steve Friedman)
“Every issue that Democrats and Progressives are passionate about, whether it’s supporting a women’s right to control their bodies, enacting gun safety laws, humane immigration policies, LGBTQ+ rights, a more politically-balanced supreme court, etc, etc, is dependent not only on securing the right to vote for all Americans, but to elect Democrats at every level of government from the Presidency to the State Legislatures,” Hanks says. “I didn’t think I’d need to keep producing these political fundraisers to support Democrats and voting rights, but unfortunately it’s become a necessity because the alternative is unthinkable.”
This year’s performers include: Sandra Bargman, Rembert Block, Lane Bradbury, Blair Alexis Brown, Dawn Derow, Meg Flather, Janice Hall, Rosemary Loar, Mardie Millit, N’Kenge, Karen Oberlin, Sierra Rein, Julie Reyburn, Margo Sergent, and Lisa Viggiano. Most of the women have participated in previous shows. Newbies include jazz singer Margot Sergent, who was nominated for a 2024 MAC Award for “Best Recording,” and this year’s MAC Award-winner as “Best Female Vocalist” Mardie Millit.Stark returns again as Music Director.
Individual cast members pick the songs they want to sing but they clear the choices with Hanks who goes with about 90 percent of what’s suggested, mixing ballads, uptempo, very political, and humorous -all on point with the theme.
Many of the ladies will be back again!
Come, bring friends and family, enjoy an evening out that benefits Democracy under seige!
This year the funds are going to specific New York Democratic Congress Candidates who we think can flip seats now held by Republicans because they are in districts Biden won in 2020:
NY CD4: Dem Laura Gillen vs. Rep Incumbent Anthony D’Esposito
In 2017, Laura became the first Democrat to be elected Hempstead Town Supervisor in 112 years.
NY CD17: Dem Mondaire Jones vs. Rep Incumbent Mike Lawler
NY CD19: Dem Josh Riley vs. Rep Incumbent Marc Molinaro
NY CD22: Dem Sarah Klee Hood vs. Rep Incumbent Brandon Williams
Hood is an Air Force veteran, elected councilor, mother raising two young daughters, environmental policy expert, and native Central New Yorker
NY CD18: Dem Incumbent Pat Ryan vs. Rep Challenger Alison Esposito
Also whichever Democrat wins the primary in CD21 which is now held by the incredibly toxic Trump enabler Elise Stefanik.
In 2020, Stacy Abrams wrote:
Dear Stephen, Blue Wave Performers, and Fellow Americans in the Audience tonight,
Behind every vote is a voice, but across our country too many voices are being silenced. We must take action…the promise of Democracy in America depends on free and fair elections–elections where every eligible voter can register, cast their ballot, and have their ballot counted. But the scourge of modern voter suppression and broken electoral processes threaten that promise.
Heading into the election cycle we cannot be successful as Democrats if we allow our country to lie in disrepair. We must proactively protect every vote starting right now. Whether you plan to vote for expanded economic opportunity, access to health care or high-quality public education—the policies you want to see passed in our country require a Fair Fight in 2020…C’mon Democrats, let’s get it done!
Sincerely, Stacey Abrams
Do you feel LESS threatened by what’s going on?!
Don’t Tell Mama
343 West 46th Street
7 p.m. May 24, 2024
