Society Cabaret in the Hotel Rex on Sutter Street in San Francisco is celebrating their 4th anniversary. On Friday September 22nd, local artists dressed to the nines came to the microphone to entertain guests and celebrate. Scott Lacey, owner of Society Cabaret, introduced his partners Christopher E. Nelson (his real-life partner) and Tim and Paula Heitman. Then Scott introduced the "crown prince of cabaret" Barry Lloyd, a first class entertainer and marvelous singer. He was a hoot singing Murray Grand's "I Was Beautiful" at the piano. Barry Lloyd accompanied the next three artists on piano.

90-year-old Maria Diamond is still performing her "Paris" show. She nicely sang the bittersweet Edmund Goulding/Mark Gordon "Mam'selle" from the 1947 film The Razor's Edge and a tango song, Angel Villoldo's "Kiss of Fire," with excellent phrasing.

Next up was JoAnn Gray who vibrantly sang the old Sophie Tucker song "Living Alone and I Like It" followed by Irving Berlin's "I Got the Sun in the Morning" from Annie Get Your Gun with pitch perfect resonance. She was followed by June Kamerling singing vividly "Wanna Sing a Showtune" then giving a mellow rendition of "Times Like This." Benn Bacot, an incredible blues singer I reviewed earlier, sang the old Deanna Durbin song "Can't Help Singing" by Jerome Kern and E. Y. Harburg, then segued into a heartrending version of "When a Woman Loves Her Man" with his wonderful deep voice. Dave Austin accompanied him on the piano.

Linda Kosut took center stage with Dave Austin on piano to brightly sing Jack Lawrence's "Linda" and softly sing Doug Lannie/ Steve Cotler's "Standing on the Shoulders." Next up was the talented Carol Luckenbach who powerfully sang "The Winner Takes It All" from Mamma Mia! and was lovely singing "Where Do You Start." Bill Cooper was brought to the stage and they were harmoniously energizing singing "The Moon Is Yellow" was made famous by Frank Sinatra in 1950.

Bill Cooper held his own with his smooth voice singing "I Fought Every Step of the Way" and "Never Let Me Go," and the crown prince Barry Lloyd came back to entertain us with "And Her Mother Came Too." It was a great night of singing.

For the complete line up of upcoming events at Society Cabaret, visit societycabaret.com or call 415-857-1896 (San Francisco at the Hotel Rex) or 408-676-6471 (San Jose at the Hotel De Anza).