GUMBO CABARET

Thu., & Fri., July 17 & 18.  GUMBO CABARET.  “Cross Pollination” benefits all, resulting in “healthy” populations…and in-breeding leads to stagnation or worse.

In May, a coterie of Gardenian Angelenos were treated to an exceptional show brought from “Away,”—in this case, New Orleans—in the form of “Gumbo Cabaret,” comprised of Kelly Dixson, Rebeca Leigh, and Harry Mayronne, who weaved traditional and New Orleans jazz together with the Great American Songbook and contemporary pop to bring a taste of The Big Easy” to Los Angeles.  Included in their offerings was “The Oldest Profession,” (Cy Coleman and Ira Gasman, from The Life,—rarely heard in L.A.,)  sung by Kelly Dixson with a power and intention that would have made Lillias White proud.  Coupled with an appearance by a Tennessee Williams marionette, their show introduced fresh and worthy material generally overlooked by the L.A. cabaret scene.  This group deserves national recognition and underscores the idea that exceptional talent can be found in the most insular of places…“exposure” is the key to discovering it…this immediate repeat booking allows the joy of discovery to be brought to a wider audience.