Performance as Catalyst

Produces and distributes music recordings through DIY compilation albums since 1987, including the 2025 release “Someone Like You,” and offers free download links for these compilations via email. Also makes its arts magazine and 30th Anniversary Exhibition Booklet available for download.

Distributes a weekly email newsletter titled “This Week in Black Rock” every Tuesday to over 3,000 subscribers and organizes member events including anniversary celebrations, record release parties, benefit concerts for artists such as Bernie Worrell and Garry Shider, and social gatherings run by volunteers.

Produces orchestral performances reimagining music by culturally significant Black artists such as Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and James Brown, and hosts live performance showcases for progressive Black musicians at major cultural venues including Central Park SummerStage, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, and the Whitney Museum, as well as international locations like France.

Offers educational programs including workshops, panels, instrument clinics, and scholarships to develop musical skills and knowledge. Has provided scholarships for young women to attend Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls and collaborated with Lincoln Center Institute on curricula related to poetry, music, and Nina Simone’s artistic influence.

Provides ongoing programmatic support to address prejudice and discrimination affecting progressive musicians of color and their audiences, with a focus on creative freedom and artistic expression. The organization was founded in 1985 to support Black artists facing constraints in the commercial music industry.

Provides support to young emerging musical artists through direct programming and promotion.

Runs annual songwriting competitions for emerging songwriters under and over age 40, including selection of finalists by a judging panel and final winners chosen by a celebrity judge from the cabaret community. Cash prizes are awarded to winners.

Supports the development and visibility of cabaret as an art form through programming, awards, and public events that highlight performance excellence and innovation in live entertainment.

Participates in city and state legislative hearings to advocate for policies that support live entertainment venues and performers, representing the interests of the cabaret community.

Organizes and hosts educational seminars and panel discussions for members on practical topics including CD production, publicity, and digital marketing to support career development in the performing arts.

Produces and hosts ongoing cabaret series including "Jim Caruso’s Cast Party," "Sondheim Unplugged," "Scat School," and "Spotlight On YOU" open mic nights, providing regular performance opportunities for artists in the cabaret community.

Preserves and maintains an archive of 6,701 photographs documenting the history of cabaret performances and artists.

Serves as booking manager at 53 Above, managing programming and modernizing technical systems, and manages MAC’s social media platforms to promote talent and opportunities, functioning as the organization's digital stage manager.

Organizes and presents the annual MAC Awards ceremony recognizing excellence in cabaret, comedy, and jazz performance, as well as behind-the-scenes professionals. The event includes public announcement of nominees and winners across multiple categories, with access to nominated works provided through curated playlists.

Recognizes sustained contributions to cabaret through the presentation of lifetime achievement awards and special honors such as the Hanson Award, awarded to individuals and collaborators for artistic excellence.

Produces original cabaret works, charity variety shows, and benefit performances such as "Parallel Moments" for tsunami relief and "The Season: Goldie’s Kids" supporting St. Jude’s, as well as long-running productions like "They Write the Songs."

Offers public access to a curated channel of cabaret music through a partnership with AccuRadio and provides playlists featuring nominated works from the MAC Awards.

Makes financial donations to the ACLU Drag Defense Fund, supporting legal protections and advocacy efforts for drag performers and LGBTQ+ rights.