Eileen Fulton is setting the holiday spirit for fans in Manhattan and soon to be fans across the country. The cabaret legend is performing at the famed Metropolitan Room in New York on Friday, December 5, and then an encore on Friday, December 12. Fulton has one of the most sought after voices and cabaret acts in the industry. Her talented musical director, Bob Goldstone, will be performing with her both evenings. “Bob and I have made some great classics a little livelier this year. I’m really excited about the shows and the Metropolitan Room is always a great venue for me. I am so happy they have me as often as they do.”

Photo Credit: Steven Bergman - (Tommy Garrett and Eileen Fulton at Feinstein's on Park Avenue)

They are not the only ones that are happy. Fulton’s fans fly in from across the country and take the train ride from various neighboring states every year to hear and see her perform. The actress/singer recently performed to sold out crowds at Michael Feinstein’s grand establishment on Park Avenue, and the Metro Room at Gotham is lucky to have her again. Sought after worldwide in the cabaret circuits, Eileen had her choice for venues for the holiday season, but decided to stay close to home this holiday. But don’t expect the diva to stay close to home always. Her manager is busy booking her for appearances at various locations throughout the U.S. and Eileen is excited about the new gigs. “I love performing in front of a live audience. I miss that. I love working on 'As The World Turns' but since they have so many cast members and storylines going, I decided now is the time to go back to the basics of my career. I love my fans and the audience can give so much to you and you feel wonderful entertaining before live audiences. At least I do.”

For the two Fridays in December at the Metropolitan Room, Goldstone will have Tom Hubbard on bass and Steve Bartosik on drums. The trio seem to be the perfect addition to an already seasoned performer who seems to only get better by the year. Like fine wine, Eileen’s performances seem to improve every time I catch her on stage.

For reservations, and it’s important to have them as these shows are close to being sold out, call the Metropolitan Room at Gotham at (212) 206 0440. There’s a small cover charge. The Metropolitan Room is at 34 West 22^nd Street (between 5^th and 6^th Avenues).

Eileen Fulton also has a top selling CD, “Along For the Ride,” which is available on Amazon.com.

Other headliners, but these are L.A. based, are Tom Culver, who performs the most astonishing cabaret shows specializing in the great Johnny Mercer songs. Tom says, “I’ve considered myself an historian on Mr. Mercer’s songs and have recently learned of many additions that he did that I had no knowledge of.” Culver will be performing on December 20 at 8 p.m. at the Hollywood Studio Bar and Grill with a great trio. And Culver’s CDs are available at CDBaby.com.

Last but not least, David Johnson, the cabaret crooner who is a find of the legendary entertainment luminary Constance Towers, just wowed them at Vitello’s in the Valley and is busy working on his cabaret acts coming up in early 2009. Johnson’s CD is available on Café Press.

Happy Holidays, go to a cabaret show for the holidays.