Photo Coverage: Espinosa, Bean & Reichard at Upright Cabaret's Desert Kick-Off

This past weekend (Feb 27 & 28), L.A.'s famed Upright Cabaret kicked off their 2nd Season of star-studded poolside concert events at the new Ace Hotel & Swim Club with two sold out evenings with the stars under the stars!

Producers/hosts Chris Isaacson and Shane Scheel have re-teamed with Jonathan Heath at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club to create a one-of-a-kind dining and entertainment experience. From relaxing by the pool to lounging at the bar or dining at the "King's Highway" restaurant, guests can enjoy the show in a variety of ways, and best yet...there are no drink or table minimums! Just great entertainment however you like it.

Under the direction of Upright's new Artistic Director, Billy Porter (Broadway: Grease, Dreamgirls, Little Shop of Horrors) the "new generation cabaret" featured an all star cast of performers from stage, record and screen.

This extraordinary event lead by Upright Music Director Chris Bratten featured Broadway stars Eden Espinosa (Broadway: Wicked, Brooklyn, Hair, L.A. cast of Wicked), Shoshana Bean (Broadway: Wicked, Hairspray), Daniel Reichard (Broadway: Jersey Boys, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), Tim Draxl (Australian Cabaret star), Leslie Odom, Jr. (Broadway: Rent, CSI, star of new George Lucas film "Red Tails"), Audra Mae (singer/songwriter, FX's Sons of Anarchy), Jake Simpson (2x Star Search Grand Champion) with special guest Michael Sherwood (son of Legendary Band Leader Bobby Sherwood).

The producers also presented a new sound system called the LS-1800 made by Phil Jones Sound out of St. Louis, Missouri which the company delivered specifically for this event. (www.philjonespuresound.com)

In the Golden Age of entertainment, Palm Springs supper clubs like the Chi Chi hosted all of the great stars of the day and helped define an era of style and sophistication that made Palm Springs famous. Upright Cabaret has reclaimed that era at the desert's most anticipated new leisure property.

Mark your calendars, Upright Cabaret will return to the desert on Fri & Sat, April 10 & 11, 2009 and Fri & Sat, May 22 & 23, 2009 at a new time - Showtime 7pm. Tickets available for these concert events beginning March 6th, 2009.

The Ace Hotel and Swim Club is located at 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA. For more information about Upright Cabaret including advance tickets, visit: www.uprightcabaret.com

Photo Coverage by Tony DiMaio for www.ipartypix.com

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