Chicago Cabaret Week 2025

Thank you for your interest.

The purpose of the annual Chicago Cabaret Week is to:

• Put Cabaret on the Chicago cultural map
• Put Chicago on the world map as a cabaret capital
• Strengthen the bonds between and among venues, artists and audiences

To our general public, Welcome! Our next Cabaret Week will take place May 9 to 18, 2025. Ticket info for the Featured Shows and More is now posted at chicagocabaretweek.org (hosted by the Choose Chicago website). If you have further questions, take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions guide.

This page is our Promotion Toolkit

Be sure to BOOKMARK this page to pick up new images and text when promoting Cabaret Week.

The 2025 lineup

CABARET WEEK FEATURED CONCERTS

Opening Night: Robin Watson presents An Edible Array of Music: Tunes to Whet your Appetite
Friday, May 9 — 7:30 to 9 PM
Epiphany Center for the Arts – Chicago
Robin Watson (Jazzlady Robin) has blazed some of Chicago’s premier hotspots — and this Cabaret Week performance includes an eclectic selection of tunes from Ellington to Wonder with a funky twist.

MUSE: Unveiled
Friday, May 9 — 9 to 11PM
Newport Theater – Chicago
MUSE incorporates drag, burlesque, clowning and other art forms to create an intimate, thought-provoking cabaret experience featuring live singing and instrumental music.
Featuring Boobs Radley, Thorne and Whimsy Stiff, joined by some of Chicago’s most celebrated performers from multiple genres.

Encore: The Art of Aging Well
Saturday, May 10 — 5 to 6:30PM
Fourth Presbyterian Church – Chicago
A salute to the Center for Life and Learning, which has offered programs for people 60+ since 1965 at Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue. The cabaret performance will present well-loved songs and crowd favorites, including a parody or two about growing older.
Featuring Anne & Mark Burnell, David Aaron Harbin and Pam Peterson.

Black Voices in Cabaret presents Reimagining Cabaret: The Genres Explored
Saturday, May 10 — 7 to 9PM
Freedom Hall – Park Forest
Reimagining Cabaret is an acclaimed series created, produced, and directed by Lynn Colbert-Jones. This unforgettable event is a thrilling journey through musical genres — in what the Chicago Sun-Times calls “incredible singing, and scatting, snapping, and dramatic flair” that leaves audiences “rapt from start to finish.” 

Ben Jones presents Temptation
Saturday, May 10 — Doors 6:30 PM. Show, 7:30 to 9:30 PM
Hey Nonny – Arlington Heights
BroadwayWorld calls Ben Jones, “One of the most unbelievable vocal instruments in the industry today.” Featuring the songs of Irving Berlin, Lesley Bricusse & Anthony Newley, Nat King Cole, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Peggy Lee, Julie London, Nina Simone, Stephen Sondheim and more.

Nancy Hays and Mary Heffernan present Judy & Liza at London Palladium, A Mother’s Day Tribute
Sunday, May 11 — 4:30 to 6 PM
Fulton Street Collective – Chicago
Enjoy real life mother/daughter duo Nancy Hays and Mary Heffernan’s performance as they lovingly recall the famed 1964 concert of the legendary mother/daughter duo of Judy Garland and 18-year-old Liza Minnelli at the London Palladium, with musical direction by Robert Ollis and a jazz ensemble.

Chicago Cabaret Professionals Musical Monday: Cities of the World
Monday, May 12 — 7:30 to 9:30 PM
Rhapsody Theater – Chicago
Celebrating songs about the great cities of the world. Selections will include the romantic, humorous, well known, and those not as familiar. You will be able to tour these fabulous cities with some of Chicago’s most talented cabaret artists without leaving the comfort of your table. 
Featuring: Jay Cook, Joan Curto, T. Patrick Davis, Laura Freeman, Sophie Grimm, Ester Hana, Brianna Johnson, Marianne Murphy-Orland, Daryl Nitz, Tom Orland, Lou Ella Rose and Kevin Wood. Jim Cox, Bass.

Claudia Hommel & Friends presents From Chicago to Paris with Love
Tuesday, May 13 — seating at 6:30; show from 7:30 to 9 PM
Rockwell on the River – Chicago
Dinner and drink options available from Soul & Smoke.
Claudia Hommel & friends are conjuring up the Seine while looking out at the Chicago River.
The singing company includes Anne Burnell, Ava Logan, Ren Perez, Gaye Klopack, Cécile Savage, Elisabeth Howard, Lauren Lassen, Carl Ratner, Christine Steyer, and Randolph Johnson. With Bobby Schiff & Peter Storms at the keys and Sam Hyson on violin and accordion.

Lexa Maxa presents Give Me Jazz
Wednesday, May 14 — 7:30PM
Davenport’s Piano Bar and Cabaret– Chicago
Lexa Maxa and her band present classical jazz songs, musical theatre hits, and new songs written and performed by Lexa. With Kyle William Stephens on piano, John Lauler on bass and Scott Paeth on drums. Opening set by Zoé Soteres, performing Does This Song Make Me Look Dramatic?

Sarah Siddons Society presents Swell Soirée, the Fabulous Fifties
Thursday, May 15 — 6 to 7:30 PM
PianoForte Chicago
An evening with a little bit of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, honky-tonk country, swing and Broadway. The 1950’s, besides being the decade when the Sarah Siddons Society was founded, had so many great musical genres.
Featuring Cathy Glickman, Carla Gordon, Ava Logan, and Robert Sims.

Lynne Jordan and The Shivers present Naughty Divas: blues & double entendre to disco
Thursday, May 15 — Bar opens: 5 pm; Dinner: 6:00 pm; Performance: 7:15 pm
The Cliff Dwellers – Chicago
Chicago’s favorite Diva, Lynne Jordan, presents a night of cabaret that covers the full spectrum of dynamic hits — including the songs of Alberta Hunter, Ruth Brown, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Gayner, Donna Summer, and Jill Scott.
Featuring Lynne Jordan and the Shivers: Ray Glower, Maurice Fitzgerald and Brady Williams

Joan Collaso & Family
Friday, May 16 — 7:30 to 10PM
Haven Entertainment Center – Chicago
Emmy-Award winning vocalist Joan Collaso will be performing her repertoire of beloved songs. Joan blends the textures of Jazz, R&B, Blues and Gospel with her own distinct sound.
Featuring Joan Collaso, Larry Hanks, Ron Hall (Bass), Kenari Allison, Rayzine Collaso, and Jessica Walton.

I’m M$ B’Havin with my $exagenarian$
Saturday, May 17 — 9 PM to midnight
The Tonk – Chicago 
The music and entertainment of I’m M$ B’Havin and her Sexagenarians’ band is a unique blend of Blues, Jazz, and R&B. Featuring I’m M$ B’Havin, Paul McAdams, Sam Rodriguez, Dave Service, and Rick Hall (Ric Jaz) with special guest Carlos Showers.

The Swingin’ Sisters presents Singing through the 60s.
Sunday, May 18 — 12 – 1:30 PM
Le Piano – Chicago
The Swingin’ Sisters use their amazing harmonies to interpret the swinging songs of the 1960s. This show will renew your love and appreciation for these classic tunes. Enjoy a great brunch menu. 
Featuring Carolyn Broquet, Tirzah Joy, and Barbara Smith. Band: Sami Scot, Jay Whitehouse, and Kent Bredup.

Acts Of Kindness Cabaret presents its Final Bow
Sunday, May 18 — 3 to 5:30 PM
Chicago Theater Works – Chicago
For two decades, AOKC has harnessed the magic of cabaret to support local nonprofits, raising over half a million dollars for meaningful causes while introducing thousands to the beauty of cabaret. Now, as we close this extraordinary chapter, join us for a joyful farewell.
Featuring Hilary Ann Feldman, Cindy Firing, Adam Hibma, Nikki Krzebiot, Marianne Murphy Orland, Tracy Adams, Caron Buinis, Jeanne Whiteside. Andrew Blendermann, piano.

Andy Bossov & Friends Celebrate Allan Sherman at 100!
Sunday, May 18 — 2 to 3 PM
Congregation Bene Shalom – Chicago
Who doesn’t remember “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh”? But parodist Allan Sherman wrote so many more songs than that and inspired all punny people after him. Learn all about history in “You Went the Wrong Way Old King Louis,” fine dining in “Hungarian Goulash,” medicine in “I See Bones,” or the names of all your relatives in “Shake Hands with Your Uncle Max, My Boy.”

Sam Fazio sings The Classics
Sunday, May 18 — 7 to 9 PM
Vincent Restaurant – Chicago
Sam has entertained audiences at some of the most prestigious venues in the country, performing a unique mix of jazz standards and pop classics—all with a fresh, hip sound. A great way to close out Chicago Cabaret Week.

• The Calendar of Featured performances and More Great Shows
• Media Coverage 2024

• Press Release -downloadable
• Guide to CCW 2024 -downloadable
• Suggested Text & Language
• Hashtags
• Video clips
• Volunteer greeters at your Show
• Promo brochure
• T-shirts
• Images
• The Coordinators
• Participation and media coverage from 2023

The calendar of 2025 featured performances:

• May 9 Robin Watson – Epiphany Center for the Arts
• May 9 MUSE – Newport Theater
• May 10 Aging Well – Fourth Presbyterian Church
• May 10 Black Voices in Cabaret – Freedom Hall
• May 10 Ben Jones – Hey Nonny
• May 11 Nancy Hays – Fulton Street Collective
• May 12 Chicago Cabaret Professionals – Rhapsody Theater
• May 13 Claudia Hommel & Co. – Rockwell on the River
• May 14 Lexa Maxa / Zoe Soteres – Davenport’s Cabaret
• May 15 Sarah Siddons Society – Piano Forte
• May 15 Lynne Jordan – The Cliff Dwellers
• May 16 Joan Collaso – Haven Entertainment Center
• May 17  I’M$ B’Havin – The Tonk
• May 18 Swinging Sisters – Le Piano
• May 18 Acts Of Kindness Cabaret – Chicago Theater Works
• May 18 Andy Bossov – Congregation Bene Shalom
• May 18 Sam Fazio – Vincent
  

MORE GREAT SHOWS

• May 11 Nancy Haze and daughter – Le Piano
• May 17 Black Voices in Cabaret – The Haven

IN THE NEWS 2024 !

• Café Carly stops at Hey Nonny for 22nd time “This edition, which is part of Chicago Cabaret Week, will feature singers Carly Stocking, Neil Stratman, and Emily Goldberg,…” —https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/05/01/cafe-carly-stops-at-hey-nonny-for-22nd-time/
• What to do in Chicago: Devo concert, Cabaret Week and a self-guided tour of street murals—https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/05/10/what-to-do-in-chicago-devo-concert-cabaret-week-and-a-self-guided-tour-of-street-murals/
• Irene Michaels – TikTok clip —https://www.tiktok.com/@irene_michaels/video/7368695489812024622
• The Haute Seeker website—https://thehauteseeker.com/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-chicago-this-weekend-2/
• Craigslist for Claudia’s show—https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/eve/d/chicago-romance-language-french-songs/7746956889.html
• Patch for Claudia’s show—https://patch.com/illinois/northcenter-roscoevillage/calendar/event/20240516/4926fd9c-a3a3-41ff-a8e8-25b9635a1108/romance-language-french-songs-for-lovers
• Axios—https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/05/09/mothers-day-events
• NBC – LeeAnn Trotter—https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/things-to-do-in-chicago-this-weekend-may-10-12/3432801/
• Concierge Preferred website—https://www.conciergepreferred.com
• Event Seeker website—https://eventseeker.com/chicago/may-16-2024/452213583-the-juice-man-band
• Times Square Chronicle for Lianne’s show—https://t2conline.com/my-view-why-cant-a-woman-this-woman-can-lianne-marie-dobbs/
• Festivals—https://www.festivals.com/cool-acts-small-clubs-sweet-deals-ten-day-festival-features-a-lineup-of-chicagos-top-cabaret-act-58703
• Daily Herald—https://www.dailyherald.com/20240507/entertainment/best-bets-chicago-cabaret-week-bad-momz-at-zanies/
• BroadwayWorld talks about Muse—https://www.broadwayworld.com/chicago/regional/MuseEarth-Chicago-Cabaret-Week-2024-4122622

TEXT AND LANGUAGE

Please post multiple times throughout April and early May. Posts or email campaigns about your featured show should always include Chicago Cabaret Week, for example:

Check out the full schedule at ChicagoCabaretWeek.org“

“Tickets at ChicagoCabaretWeek.org”

“We are a part of ChicagoCabaretWeek.org“

Optionally: Supported in part by a grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Choose Chicago, the Illinois Arts Council , our ad sponsors and individual donors like you! Chicago Cabaret Week’s media sponsor is WDCB 90.9 FM radio

Cabaret has been at the heartbeat of Chicago’s nightclub scene for more than a century. Unique in the US, Chicago Cabaret Week is a 10-day festival that features a variety of blues, burlesque, jazz, American songbook, world music, R&B, pop, and Broadway by some of Chicago’s finest artists. Sample for $30 or less Chicago’s vibrant cabaret scene; explore places where performer and audience come face-to-face.

LINKS AND HASHTAGS

Join the conversation on social media: @ChicagoCabaretWeek
#ChicagoCabaret
#CabaretWeek2024
#CabaretEveryDay
#ChicagoDCASE
#ChooseChicago

Full Schedule and ticket information at: chicagocabaretweek.org

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chgocabaretweek Tag us on Facebook: @ChgoCabaretWeek. Be sure to tag your Venue.

VIDEO CLIPS

During the first two weeks of April, please share a 15-30 sec. video in vertical position sharing something interesting about you, a rehearsal, or your show on your social media channels.   Example: Why are you excited to be part of this? or what are you working on?
You’ll find a few examples here: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/chicagocabaretweek

Send your video clips to Charles Kouri via text: 312-310-9390 and we’ll post them on this page as well.

THE PROMO/SOUVENIR BROCHURE

In lieu of a playbill or rackcard, we are preparing a trifold brochure (each panel is 3.65 x 8.5) to distribute by mail (3500 pieces) and by hand (3500 pieces). We’re counting on all venues and artists to distribute and to be sure your audience members receive it as a souvenir. The brochure will include the schedule of featured performances, all artist names, venue addresses, and sponsor ads. The Playbill ads submission deadline is April 1, using this form.

AT YOUR SHOW:

Be sure to announce your show as part of Chicago Cabaret Week and let your audience take home the CCW2024 souvenir brochure. Do thank our Chicago Cabaret Week Sponsors, especially Choose Chicago, WDCB, radio, Chicago DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs), Donors and your Coordinators.

VOLUNTEER AMBASSADORS/GREETERS
We strongly recommend allowing one or two CCW volunteers or coordinators (non-paying guests) to serve as greeters and Cabaret Week ambassadors at your show. They can distribute the CCW brochure and if you like, one can also announce or introduce your act as part of Cabaret Week.

MEDIA & SPONSOR COMPS
Several of our media and marketing sponsors may require 2 comp tickets. If possible, please reserve 2 comp tickets with your venue. We will contact you individually with the comp request.

A gallery of images for 2024

---

Chicago Cabaret Week is coordinated by :

• Anne Burnell, Managing Director 
• Claudia Hommel, Working in Concert
• Hilary Feldman, Acts Of Kindness Cabaret 
• Marty Balogh, Chicago Cabaret Professionals
• Kyle Hustedt, The Cabaret Project
• With PR assistance by Charles Kouri and administrative assistance by Katie Rub

The 2023 PARTICIPATING VENUES

The 2023 PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

IN THE NEWS 2023 !