**** Karen Mason is back! This local girl ( Arlington Heights) who has done Broadway and stops all over, returned tonight ( and through the weekend) to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the cabaret on Milwaukee Avenue that is Davenport’s. It is hard to believe but Davenport’s began the Cabaret concept in our city and while others have gone away, they still exist. Many years ago, when I was with The Happy Medium on Rush Street, Chicago was a town with night clubs and live entertainment was everywhere. Then, it disappeared, but thanks to the folks at Davenport’s located in Bucktown ( I think they still call it that), at 1383 N. Milwaukee Avenue ( just down the street from The Den Theatre), cabaret still exists and many singers get their opportunity to entertain us.
Tonight Frank, Jane, Cary and I attended the special engagement of Karen Mason returning for the 25th Anniversary of the rook. She was the very first hire and waited out the obtaining of the liquor license ( she told the story tonight). She is a terrific performer and has a quality that reminds one of the nightclub days of yore. From Gershwin to Sondheim, it doesn’t matter, Karen is smooth as silk and her voice is perfect for telling a story thru song. Last week, on my show ( which you can hear if you go to RADIO on this site) we spoke about the show and her love of the city. It shows in her performance.
I believe the last time I was witness to her show was at the opening of The Lucille Room at Drury Lane Oakbrook. She sparkled that night and was just as strong tonight. The beauty of the room at Davenport’s is the intimacy. You are very close to the performer allowing you to look right into their eyes ( and they can do likewise), making this seem as if you are one-on-one in spite of 40 or so people sitting around you. You will never get this feeling again, so that is why people love to visit and be entertained at Davenport’s.
You can still catch Karen Mason ( and you will want to ) this weekend:
Saturday at 8 p.m.
Sunday 7 p.m.
Let me tell you, you will feel mellow and content after spending a few hours with this wonderful performer.
Davenport’s Piano Bar and Cabaret is open”
Monday 7 p.m.- 11 p.m.
CLOSED TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY
Friday 7 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Saturday 7 p.m.- midnight
Sunday 6 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Again, the address is 1383 N. Milwaukee Avenue
773-278-1830 is the phone and online: www.davenportspianobar.com
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