A mainstay at New York's Town Hall, the week-long convention will now play the Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The 16th Annual New York Cabaret Convention — benefiting the Mabel Mercer Foundation — will play the new space Oct. 17-23.

The convention kicks off Oct. 17 with an "Opening Gala." Among those scheduled to perform are Karen Akers, Bill Charlap, Jeff Harnar, Rebecca Kilgore, Andrea Marcovicci, Karen Mason, Steve Ross, Sandy Stewart, Paula West, Jane White and Wesla Whitfield.

"Barbara Carroll: A Celebration" is the title of the Oct. 18 evening, which will feature the presentation of the first-ever "Mabel" to jazz pianist Carroll. Those taking part in the celebration include Adi Braun, Eric Comstock, Mary Foster Conklin, Spencer Day, Barbara Fasano, Allan Harris, Laurel Masse, Daryl Sherman and Ronny Whyte.

"Cabaret Today" will be presented Oct. 19 and will boast the talents of Tom Andersen, Baby Jane Dexter, David Friedman, Terese Genecco, Eva Ladas, Lee Lessack, Rosalyn McClore, Sandra Reaves-Phillips, Shawn Ryan, Marcus Simeone, Elaine Stritch, John Wallowitch and Susan Werner.

Turner Classic Movies' Robert Osborne will host "Songs from the Movies" Oct. 20, an evening that will also feature guest hosts Ann Blyth, Arlene Dahl, Sally Ann Howes and Jane Powell. Among those performing great film songs will be Judy Barnett, Joan Curto, Valerie Lemon, Amanda McBroom, Maude Maggart, Sharon McNight, Jeffrey Miller, Phillip Officer, Julie Reyburn, Barbara Rosene, Jennifer Sheehan, KT Sullivan and Margaret Whiting. Tony Award-winning composer-lyricist Jerry Herman will be feted Oct. 21 in an evening titled "Open a New Window." Those singing the songs of the composer of La Cage aux Folles, Mack and Mabel, Mame and Hello, Dolly! will be John Abernathy, Klea Blackhurst, Christine Ebersole, Karen Morrow, Mark Nadler, Craig Rubano, Carol Woods and Lee Roy Reams.

"Centennial Songwriters" will celebrate the 100th birthdays of Dorothy Fields, Harold Arlen and Jule Styne. Singers for the Oct. 22 evening will include Lisa Asher, Anna Bergman, Joyce Breach, Barbara Brussell, Natalie Douglas, Jeanne MacDonald, Sylvia McNair, Craig Rubano, Spider Saloff, Simone, Rebecca Spencer, Julie Wilson and Larry Woodard.

The 2005 Convention will conclude with "Tea for Two," a pairing of eight of the country's top cabaret performers: Klea Blackurst and Jason Graae, Lynn Jackson and Mike Palter, Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael and Georga Osborne and Sidney Myer.

The Rose Theater is located at Frederick P. Rose Hall within Jazz at Lincoln Center at Broadway and 60th Street. For ticket information visit www.mabelmercer.org.