Cabaret 2024: A Night of Music and Fundraising
Kelsey Ross Hara, Alto, closes out Angel City Chorale’s Cabaret with “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
One of the most exciting nights during Angel City Chorale’s Spring 2024 season was the second annual Cabaret. Held at a private home in Brentwood, over 100 guests enjoyed a crisp May evening below the stars with delicious treats from some of LA’s best boutique restaurants, some specialty cocktails, and a show filled with some of Angel City Chorale’s own outstanding performers.
ACC tenor Andrew Cheeseman served as emcee, introducing a myriad of singers with music from several genres. Katherine Williamson opened the show with “They All Laughed” from the classic film, “Shall We Dance.” Broadway songs were also featured, with Nicki Scates singing “I Know the Truth” from “Aida,” Evelyn Yau performing “When He Sees Me” from “Waitress,” and Jo Im sharing her version of “Journey to the Past” from “Anastasia.”
Angel City Chorale’s alto and concert producer Yen King performing “You Belong to Me.”
Three friends-turned-ACC-choir-buddies formed a fantastic trio: Annie Greskoviak, Stephanie Sprauer, and Erin McGinley. The three presented two of their favorite pieces, and American classics: “Evergreen” and “Landslide.” Several other classic hits were performed by choir standouts: ACC alto and art director Yen King sang Patsy Cline’s “You Belong to Me” with depth, ACC soloist Dianne Greene brought her own powerful rendition of Barbra Streisand’s “When Sunny Gets Blue,” and Carmen Sicherman livened the crowd with “Get Happy.”
The audience was more than happy with all the boisterous performances. Shelli Praniewicz sang “The Alto’s Lament” - a song commiserating with her fellow altos over their consistently predictable harmonies. Denny Wynbrandt shared an original piece, called “Day Dreaming,” as he accompanied himself on guitar. And the evening closed with a rousing applause for Kelsey Ross Hara’s powerful rendition of the classic, “Don't Rain On My Parade.”
Shelli Praniewicz presenting “The Alto’s Lament” with fellow alto, Jennifer Katell, accompanying on the keyboard at ACC’s Spring 2024 Cabaret.
Every ACC performance and event includes the same secret ingredient: a large team of volunteers who come together to bring joy to the community through the power of music. Dozens of singers from the choir came together to put on the show, from providing the venue, the beverages, taking tickets, hosting auditions, to setting the stage, Angel City Chorale members gathered together to create a lovely night for all those in attendance.
Angel City Chorale’s own executive director, Winifred Neisser, took the stage to sing “Someday We Will All Be Free. The choir’s own elite accompanist Mark McCormick stepped in to accompany singers and to set the musical tone throughout the evening. Alto Jennifer Katell also stepped in on the keyboard, tenor Will Karr played the guitar, Mitch Weiss took on his role as percussionist, and tenor Galo Lopez even shared his gifts on the trumpet as he and Renee Paladini performed their duet, “Oy Tengo Ganas De Ti/I Have A Desire For You.”
Galo Lopez, tenor, on trumpet with soprano, Renee Paladini, and ACC accompanist Mark McCormick on
the keyboard.
The Cabaret is one of Angel City Chorale’s exciting fundraising events, raising money for the choir to help share music with the greater Los Angeles community. In addition to ticket sales, the event hosts the choir’s annual silent auction. Several items were highlights, including a personal chef dining experience, a curated Bordeaux wine basket, a night at the Magic Castle, and tickets to some of LA’s upcoming shows at the Hollywood Bowl and the Ahmanson Theatre.
More than 100 attendees enjoyed ACC’s Spring 2024 Cabaret and silent auction.
ACC bass Jason Hecht stepped in as auctioneer for the night as guests had a chance to win the most brag-worthy item: the opportunity to win the conducting baton from Sue Fink at this year’s winter concert and conduct the over-150-person choir. Audiences can come see the winner (a familiar face if you attended last year!) take his spot at the conductor’s stand on December 8th at Royce Hall!
But they won’t have to wait too long to see another great Angel City Chorale event. The next chance to see some of ACC’s top-notch specialty acts is coming up. Save the Date for August 17, 2024 for our second annual Singer/Songwriter event.
