Group spreads the gospel of cabaret

Who says Los Angeles isn’t a cabaret town? Certainly not the folks at Cabaret West, a nonprofit group of 500 performers, presenters and patrons who hope to foster the intimate, interactive genre.

Founded 10 years ago by singer-turned-vintage fashion guru Cameron Silver, the Beverly Hills-based group publishes a monthly guide to performances. Its listings show that at least one cabaret event is happening almost every night somewhere in Southern California, whether it’s at the Gardenia or Ten20 in West Hollywood, Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park or the Brass Elephant Lodge in Monrovia.

The calendar, which includes entries for San Francisco and Las Vegas too, is available free on its website. Members, who pay $25 a year in dues, receive additional listings in the mail along with two-for-one discounts at shows.

In addition, the group sponsors events around town such as Sunday’s “In Good Company” concert at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. And the group looks to link fans with the people behind the mike. It claims such cabaret luminaries as Michael Feinstein, Andrea Marcovicci and Corky Hale as members.

“It has created a real community in the cabaret world,” says President Les Traub, who works as a chief financial officer at a bank by day. “People who are looking for this kind of music have a place to go where they can find out what’s available. They also make new friends.”

*

Cabaret West, www.cabaretwest.org, (310) 226-7033.