The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) and Queens' restaurateur Charlie Kourakos combine the musical and artistic talents of APAC with the intimate setting of The Cave to present Astoria's first Cabaret/Piano Bar room — "Cabaret at The Cave."

The club presents “Cabaret at The Cave” on Tuesday nights from 8:30PM to midnight, other nights will be added as the club builds momentum. The Cave is located at 31-11 Broadway in Astoria; an easy commute from midtown by taking the N/W train to the Broadway Stop or the R/V/G trains to the Steinway Stop in Queens.

Headliner acts, when booked, perform 8:30PM – 9:30PM, after which the room converts to an open mic with live accompanist. When no headliner act is booked, the open mic begins at 8:30PM. A free buffet is offered for the first hour of open mic, and a full dinner menu is offered throughout the evening. There is a $15 minimum per person for table seating, and no minimum at the bar. Visit APAC’s web site: www.apacny.org for scheduled headliners and more information. To be considered as a headliner act, mail presspackets/CD's/DVD's to: Cabaret at The Cave, 31-60 33rd Street, #B-9, Long Island City, NY 11106.

Television actress (remembered from starring roles on Dynasty, The A-Team, Search for Tomorrow, Ryan's Hope and many others) and veteran song stylist (Don't Tell Mama's, Silver Lining, Merv Griffin, National Anthem at Shea Stadium) Susan Scannell opened APAC in 2001 and has been waiting to expand live performance opportunities in and around the community. Scannell and Kourakos (owner of Astoria's The Cave and Mezzo-Mezzo) met in APAC’s quest for a new performance venue. "The place screamed, 'Make me a cabaret room!'", Scannell smiled. The Cave quickly became a member of MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs). "We have so many wonderful musical theater and pop performers living in Queens, I am sure this will be a big success. Charlie, the owner of the club is wonderfully supportive. Where else does a Cabaret room offer free food? And at the present time there is no room charge or lighting/rehearsal charge to headliners. We also pay our accompanists a bit more than Manhattan in order to attract the best – and it's working!" she beams. “We've got Joe Regan, Sheldon Forrest and Michael Murray on our accompanist roster so far."

After the sold out performance of APAC's production, "Lucky Stiff" on Sunday, February 20th, APAC held a gala VIP night introducing "Cabaret at The Cave" to local legislators and the community. The debut attracted 140 audience members and local legislators, including Council Member Peter Vallone, Jr., his staff, Assemblyman Michael Gianaris' Chief of Staff, Michael Sais, Terri Osborne - Director of Queens County Overall Economic Development Corp., Susie Tanenbaum form the office of the Borough President Helen Marshall, Representatives of Council Member Eric Gioia's office, and others.

The opening night, 'sneak preview', garnered rave reviews from Gala-goers, and the stage was kept piping hot from both talented audience members and musical theatre veterans who never let the open mic drop.