Welcome

To
54 Below

A Nonprofit Cabaret Venue

This event is being streamed online. To purchase tickets for the in-person event, click here.

Join the Mabel Mercer Foundation in celebrating two remarkable milestones: its 40th anniversary and the 125th year of Mabel Mercer’s legacy.

Founded in 1985 by Donald F. Smith, the nonprofit Mabel Mercer Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the intimate art of cabaret, its timeless songbook, and the enduring influence of Mabel Mercer (born 1900). Renowned for her distinctive interpretive style, exquisite phrasing, and profound emotional connection to lyrics, Ms. Mercer helped shape the American songbook and inspired iconic artists like Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Tony Bennett.

This remarkable evening unites a brilliant lineup of artists who have illuminated the Foundation’s stage over the years — many supported by Donald Smith and some who had the privilege of knowing Mabel Mercer personally. Performers include Carole J. Bufford, Natalie Douglas, Bryan Eng, Jeff Harnar, Karen Mason, Madalynn Mathews, MOIPEI (Mary, Maggy, and Marta), Lee Roy Reams, Steve Ross, Craig Rubano, and KT Sullivan — with Jon Weber on piano and Steve Doyle on bass.

The Foundation’s artistic director, KT Sullivan, and managing director, Rick Meadows, will share stories from the rich history of the Mabel Mercer Foundation — and, most importantly, to toast to the bright future of cabaret. You won’t want to miss what should be a magical evening of music and merriment!

Live from 54 Below is a new series featuring streams of LIVE performances direct from Broadway’s Living Room! Designed to make more shows accessible to fans from across the globe and to recreate the live experience, all shows will be presented exclusively at the time of performance with an in-house audience and will not be available on demand afterwards.