Something for everyone to love this Valentine’s Day with Cabaret Corner

“Cabaret Corner of Love and Laughter,” the third Valentine ’s-themed cabaret show by Cabaret Corner, is set to serenade audiences Feb. 14 and 16-18 at 7:30 p.m. at Studio Jamm. The seven-membered group, directed by Studio Jamm founder Cathi Nett, will perform nostalgic numbers from the 30s and 40s, singing of love, romance, break ups and even payback, giving something for everyone to enjoy.

“I feel like we all need a little love and laughter right now,” said Nett. “The world is in a state where you gotta go somewhere and just breathe.”

Nett moved to the island in 2016, and her background in vocal music and theater arts programs for public schools quickly led to her involvement in music and theater in Friday Harbor. She got her start in the spring of 2017, working as the music director for San Juan Island Community Theatre’s musical production of “Chicago.” From there, she began teaching vocal lessons in her home and found herself wanting to do more.

In 2019, Nett took the opportunity to open SJMA, Studio Jamm Music Academy on Second St. in Friday Harbor, offering music lessons and dance fitness classes. However, six months later, the COVID-19 pandemic halted SJMA’s operations.

During Christmas of 2020, Nett’s son – a Hollywood producer in Los Angeles – visited the island over the holidays, and Nett took advantage of his skills to film a small group of singers performing a Christmas tune.

“It was beautifully done,” said Nett. “And we just thought, you know, what can we do with this group? So I started with that small group and then I just kept adding people until it just became a complete, unified group. Our sound blends, our spirits blend, our compassion for everything in the world and people blend, and we just share light.”

The group became known as Cabaret Corner, and began performing cabaret shows in SJMA’s studio space. The studio is decorated for the performances in the style of a prohibition-era speakeasy, including candle-lit tables and a bar that sells wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages. “Cabaret Corner of Love and Laughter” will be their 13th production since their first production in 2021, and they have received consistent praise and support from audiences and the community.

“One of the things that we hear every single show is that [Cabaret Corner] is such a gift to our community. I can’t tell you how many times we hear that over and over again, so it must be true. And so we hold that sacred and we try to present ourselves as a gift and touch people’s hearts,” said Nett.

In addition to group numbers, Nett is passionate about involving guest performers from the community, adding variation to the productions and showcasing the diversity of talent on the island. This upcoming performance will feature six new guest performers, ensuring a unique experience for new and returning audience members. Nett invites those who are interested in participating as a guest performer in future shows to email info@studiojamm.com.

For those whose style is not a solo performance, they can still get a little music and movement by taking a class at the studio. Currently, Studio Jamm offers DanSing, a low-impact dance fitness class taught by Nett on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 – 6 p.m., and U-Jam Fitness, a high-energy hip-hop and urban dance class led by Abigail Morris on Saturdays from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Learn more about the dance classes, as well as reserve tickets for “Cabaret Corner of Love and Laughter” at https://www.studiojamm.com/event-tickets/. The performances have limited seating and sell out quickly, so it is highly recommended to reserve tickets early.

For those unable to attend the upcoming show in February, keep an eye out for Cabaret Corner’s spring show, “Coffee House Chronicles,” on April 25 – 28.