Cabaret seems to be everywhere in North Texas lately. (The Broadway show tune kind – not the strip club kind.) Local cabaret performer and producer Denise Lee launches the first Dallas Cabaret Festival this weekend at the Women’s Building in Fair Park.

She’s enlisted the help of friend and fellow cabaret veteran Jim Caruso for Thursday night’s opening event. Caruso has been hosting a cabaret open mic night at Birdland Jazz in New York City for the past 11 years. “Jim Caruso’s Cast Party” lures showbiz superstars and amateurs alike to the stage every Monday night. Now he’s bringing the party – and singer-pianist extraordinaire Billy Stritch – to Dallas, and it’s your turn to take the stage. Just bring sheet music for your upbeat song, and you’re an instant cabaret star.

Denise Lee always has charity on her mind, and each show she produces supports a needy organization in North Texas. The Dallas Cabaret Festival is no different. Each day of the festival supports a different organization, and Jim Caruso’s Cast Party helps out St. Philip’s School and Community Center. Festival admission is free for the whole weekend, but there will be information on the featured group at each event and donations are encouraged.

Billy Stritch and Jim Caruso