Eine Kleine Live Musik

Lillias White performing at Feinstein’s Cabaret in Carmel, Indiana.

Sprinkled among the pandemic losses have been a few grace notes. Recently I discovered a gift of music in an unexpected place.

It’s been over a year and a half since I’ve heard music or seen theater live. I was surprised to find a first-rate cabaret experience in the most unlikely of places—a Marriott Autograph hotel in the middle of Indiana.

Because of family matters, my husband and I were traveling from our rural Illinois home to Cleveland, a two-day drive for us. We usually stay in downtown Indianapolis, but we researched a new hotel, Hotel Carmichael in Carmel, just north of the city. Upon checking in, we discovered it boasted a Feinstein’s Cabaret starring true Broadway musical performers.

I’d been to Feinstein’s in New York, but I had no idea Michael Feinstein had clubs in California and Indiana.

What an unexpected joy to find a lineup featuring two Tony Award winning singers, Lillias White and Liz Callaway over the course of seven days. That Friday White gave a bluesy rendition of “Put on a Happy Face,” and performed a mix of standards, Broadway and a little Motown. Her new album, “Get Yourself Some Happy,” is available at Lillias White.

After hearing White, we made arrangements on our return trip back to see Callaway the following Friday. She has starred as Grizabella in “Cats,” so her version of “Memory” was as clear as a teardrop. She, too, has a new CD out, “The Essential Liz Callaway,” at Liz Callaway. From Aug. 8 to 9, she’ll be singing live at Feinstein’s / 54 Below, 254 West 54th St. New York, NY, 10019. 

Hearing music in person after such a long isolation made this former arts editor cry. Multiple times. Broadway productions in our living room never measure up.

We have tickets to New York theater in November, but until then, I’m going to seek out more intimate musical experiences.

“What good is sitting alone In your room?

Come hear the music play.

Life is a Cabaret, old chum,

Come to the Cabaret.”