Happy Cabaret Month!

Now a New York institution, Cabaret Month gets underway March 2 with the announcement of the MAC Award Nominations for "outstanding contributions to live entertainment." Sponsored by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets of Clubs (MAC), the nominees will be announced by comedienne Joy Behar and singer Michael Feinstein at B. Smith's Restaurant at 5:30 PM (EST). (Feinstein will be appearing at Rainbow & Stars starting March 31.)

The MAC Awards will be distributed April 19 at the Manhattan Center's Hammerstein Ballroom (West 34th St.), to be directed by Charles Repole. For information call (212) 465-2662.

The MACS are not to be confused with the Bistro Awards, a cabaret honor given by Back Stage magazine. Those will be presented March 9 at the Supper Club. (See the news story, "Cabaret Cavalcade: 1998 Back Stage Bistro Award Winners" for more information.)

Other highlights of the big month include Ann Hampton Callaway offering a special "Songwriters Showcase of MAC-nominated material, March 25 at the Lighthouse (East 59th St.); Dakota Staton at Danny's Skylight Room; the return of comedian Eddie Izzard (in Dress To Kill), and Frances Ruffelle's first NY gig since winning a Tony for Les Miz. Playing at Rainbow & Stars through March 28 are three Broadway ladies, Dee Hoty (Will Rogers Follies), Sally Mayes (Welcome to the Club) and Nancy Opel (Triumph of Love), in Rhythm on the Rainbow...The Hot Harmonies of the Boswell Sisters.

But Cabaret Month isn't limited to Manhattan. At the Cinegrill in Los Angeles, March 8, 17 artists will perform in two shows, with talents to include Anne Kerry Ford (Threepenny Opera on Broadway), composer Albert Hague performing with his wife, Renee Orin; Claiborne Cary, Barbara Brussell and satirical songwriter Roy Zimmerman.

-- By David Lefkowitz