Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs
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The Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs (MAC) was founded in 1983, primarily as an organization for cabaret owners, managers, and booking agents to meet and exchange ideas. The organization started accepting performers in 1985.
MAC is currently a trade organization, designation 501C6, with a dues-paying membership. It differs from an organization designated a 501C3 in that contributions to MAC are not tax deductible. MAC membership has declined since 2003 when it peaked at around 1100.
MAC's first president was Erv Raible, at the time a joint owner of a now defunct New York City cabaret 88's. Past presidents include Jamie deRoy, Michael Estwanick, Barry Levitt, Judy Barnett, and Scott Barbarino. Its current president is Ricky Ritzel, appointed in Summer 2006.
The MAC advisory board presently includes Joan Rivers, Kaye Ballard, Phyllis Diller, Jerry Herman, Liza Minnelli, Rex Reed, Margaret Whiting, and Julie Wilson.
Since 1986, the MAC Awards have been presented by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs at an annual ceremony usually held in late spring. Originally, MAC Awards were simply given by the Board of Directors to whoever they felt had made a contribution to live entertainment, whether a business person, local performer, dedicated critic, or cabaret luminary. Currently the annual Awards Show shines the spotlight on up and coming, locally established, and nationally recognized cabaret, comedy, and jazz performers, as well as behind- the-scenes professionals. Awards are voted by the MAC membership. Honorees and performers at the awards over the years include Sylvia Syms, Liza Minnelli, Beatrice Arthur, Barry Manilow, Rosemary Clooney, Manhattan Transfer, Keely Smith, and Betty Buckley.
