# Jeff Harnar

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**Jeff Harnar** is an American [cabaret](/source/Cabaret) singer, director, and recording artist.

## Early life and education

Harnar's family relocated often when he was a child, living in [California](/source/California), [Chicago](/source/Chicago) and elsewhere. During this period of his life he was "dreaming and planning for a career in musical comedy".[1] He transferred from [Southern Methodist University](/source/Southern_Methodist_University) to [New York University](/source/New_York_University).[1] Harnar's early hopes of Broadway roles were met with scarce opportunities, so he transitioned to cabaret.[1]

## Career

Harnar has performed for over four decades[2][3][4] at cabaret venues in New York: the Oak Room at the [Algonquin Hotel](/source/Algonquin_Hotel), Feinstein's [54 Below](/source/54_Below),[5] Feinstein's at the Regency,[6] The Firebird Cafe,[7] The Ballroom,[8] The [Russian Tea Room](/source/Russian_Tea_Room),[9] the [Laurie Beechman Theatre](/source/Laurie_Beechman_Theatre), and [Birdland](/source/Birdland_(New_York_jazz_club));[10] in Los Angeles and San Francisco: the [Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel](/source/Hollywood_Roosevelt_Hotel)[11] and the Plush Room at the York Hotel;[12] and [The Pheasantry](/source/The_Pheasantry)[13] in London.

Harnar has collaborated with cabaret, jazz, and musical theatre artists including [KT Sullivan](/source/KT_Sullivan),[14] [Liz Callaway](/source/Liz_Callaway),[15] Nicholas King,[16] [Nicole Zuraitis](/source/Nicole_Zuraitis),[17]MOIPEI Trio,[18] [Jon Weber](/source/Jon_Weber_(musician)),[19] [Sondra Lee](/source/Sondra_Lee),[20] [Clint Holmes](/source/Clint_Holmes),[21] [Sally Mayes](/source/Sally_Mayes),[22] Gabrielle Stravelli,[23] [Julie Wilson](/source/Julie_Wilson),[24] and [The McGuire Sisters](/source/The_McGuire_Sisters) (opening act).[25]

Directing cabaret, he has worked with [Tovah Feldshuh](/source/Tovah_Feldshuh),[26] [Rita Gardner](/source/Rita_Gardner),[27] Dawn Derow,[28] Josephine Sanges,[29] Renee Katz,[30] Margo Brown,[31] Judi Mark,[32] [Anna Bergman](/source/Anna_Bergman),[33] Becca Kidwell,[34] and [Ari Axelrod](/source/Ari_Axelrod).[35]

## Critical reception

Reviewer [Stephen Holden](/source/Stephen_Holden) commented that while Harnar fit the mold of [Robert Morse](/source/Robert_Morse), the dearth of Broadway musical comedy roles led to Harnar's emulating [Michael Feinstein](/source/Michael_Feinstein) instead.[36] In 1991, Holden observed Harnar's evolution from an overly emotive performance style to a more controlled manner with both comic and lyrical strengths.[37] When Harnar performed [Vincente Minnelli](/source/Vincente_Minnelli)'s songs, Holden perceived Harnar's pop [baritone](/source/Baritone) as a "hybrid between [Larry Kert](/source/Larry_Kert) and [Johnny Mathis](/source/Johnny_Mathis)".[38] In 2008, Holden added that Harnar and [Cole Porter](/source/Cole_Porter) were a "perfect fit", while Harnar's earlier performance of [Cy Coleman](/source/Cy_Coleman)'s songbook showed their stylistic differences.[39] In Harnar's 2013 show, Holden identified a tone of self-lacerating critique and a style of humor that was "lightly dusted with arsenic", versus Harnar's more chipper manner in decades past.[40] Holden noted that Harnar's 2014 performance with [KT Sullivan](/source/KT_Sullivan) subverted gender roles, bending familiar songs to "reflect the era of same-sex marriage, gender fluidity and the dissolution of traditional roles".[41]

Regarding Harnar's performance of [Sammy Cahn](/source/Sammy_Cahn)'s songbook, [Liza Minnelli](/source/Liza_Minnelli) reportedly said “I wish Sammy could have heard this; he would have loved it. I certainly did.”[42]

## Awards

Harnar has won [MAC Awards](/source/MAC_Awards) (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) for best male vocalist, major male artist, celebrity artist, outstanding [revue](/source/Revue), major recording, and best director.[43][44][45][46][47] He received [Bistro Awards](/source/Bistro_Awards) for best newcomer, best male vocalist, outstanding show, outstanding revue, and best director.[48][49][50]

Harnar has won five [BroadwayWorld](/source/BroadwayWorld) Cabaret Awards as a performer and two as a director.[51][52] He was awarded the Mabel Mercer Foundation [Mabel Mercer](/source/Mabel_Mercer) Award in 2022,[53] received the Donald F. Smith Award in 2015,[54] and received the [Noël Coward](/source/No%C3%ABl_Coward) Cabaret Award in 2012.[55] He became the National Honoree of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals in 2022.[56]

## Discography

### Albums

- *Jeff Harnar Sings Sammy Cahn: The Second Time Around* (PS Classics 2024)[57]
- *A Collective Cy: Jeff Harnar Sings Cy Coleman*(PS Classics, 2023)[58]
- *I Know Things Now: My Life in Sondheim's Words* (PS Classics, 2022)[59]
- *Dancing In The Dark* (PS Classics, 2005)[60]
- *Sammy Cahn: All the Way* (Jerome Records, 2001)[61]
- *Because of You: Fifties Gold* (Varèse Sarabande Records,1997)[62]
- *1959 Broadway Songbook* (Original Cast Records, 1991)[63]

## References

1. Holden, Stephen (1989-10-21). ["Life Isn't Always a Cabaret"](https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/21/arts/life-isn-t-always-a-cabaret.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved 2025-02-25.

1. Greenberg, Bart (24 June 2023). ["Jeff Harnar and Alex Rybeck: Our 40th Anniversary Songbook"](https://cabaretscenes.org/2023/06/24/jeff-harnar-and-alex-rybeck-our-40th-anniversary-songbook/). *Cabaret Scenes*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["Jeff Harnar"](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jeff-harnar-mn0000190123). *AllMusic*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Holden, Stephen (4 August 1988). ["Review/ Cabaret: A New Singer of Songs"](https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/04/arts/review-cabaret-a-new-singer-of-old-songs.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Higgins, Molly. ["Jeff Harnar is Revisiting Sammy Cahn With an Expanded Album and 54 Below Concerts"](https://playbill.com/article/jeff-harnar-is-revisiting-sammy-cahn-with-an-expanded-album-and-54-below-concerts). *Playbill*. Playbill, Inc. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Gans, Andrew. ["Ziemba, Callaway, Reams and Marcovicci to Join Harnar for A Collective Cy"](https://playbill.com/article/ziemba-callaway-reams-and-marcovicci-to-join-harnar-for-a-collective-cy-com-136243). *Playbill.com*. Playbill. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["Firebird Cabaret Set to Fly"](https://www.nydailynews.com/1998/01/12/firebird-cabaret-set-to-fly/). *New York Daily News*. Tribune Publishing. 12 January 1998. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Greenberg, Bart (20 September 2019). ["Jeff Harnar: Carried Away"](https://cabaretscenes.org/2019/09/20/jeff-harnar-carried-away/). *Cabaret Scenes*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["Award-Winning Cabaret, Concert, and Recording Artist Jeff Harnar Continues The Bradstan Cabaret Series"](https://theeldredpreserve.com/award-winning-cabaret-concert-and-recording-artist-jeff-harnar-continues-the-bradstan-cabaret-series/). *The Eldred Preserve*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Cohen, Alix (14 March 2024). ["Jeff Harnar: It's De-Lovely: Jeff Harnar Sings Cole Porter"](https://cabaretscenes.org/2024/03/13/jeff-harnar-its-de-lovely-jeff-harnar-sings-cole-porter/). *Cabaret Scenes*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Martinez, Julio (24 July 1997). ["On a Clear Day You Can See Forever"](https://variety.com/1997/legit/reviews/on-a-clear-day-you-can-see-forever-3-1117341230/). *Variety.com*. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["A Stellar Convention Lineup / Cabaret stars crowd into San Francisco"](https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/a-stellar-convention-lineup-cabaret-stars-crowd-2776288.php). *SFGate*. Hearst Communications, Inc. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["Jeff Harnar Sings Sammy Cahn – The Pheasantry"](https://muCsicaltheatrereview.com/jeff-harnar-sings-sammy-cahn-the-pheasantry/). *Musical Theatre Review*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Callahan, Steve. ["KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar pay tribute to Sondheim at the Gaslight Cabaret Festival, March 11 and 12"](https://kdhx.org/articles/cabaret/31-kt-sullivan-and-jeff-harnar-pay-tribute-to-sondheim-at-the-gaslight-cabaret-festival-march-11-and-12). *KDHX*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Culwell-Block, Logan. ["Hear Cabaret Favorite Jeff Harnar Cover City of Angels' 'With Every Breath I Take'"](https://playbill.com/article/hear-cabaret-favorite-jeff-harnar-cover-city-of-angels-with-every-breath-i-take). *Playbill.com*. Playbill. Retrieved 12 March 2025.

1. Fassler, Ron (21 October 2024). ["Jeff Harnar Sings Sammy Cahn"](https://theaterpizzazz.com/jeff-harnar-sings-sammy-cahn/). *Theater Pizzazz*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Higgins, Molly. ["Jeff Harnar is Revisiting Sammy Cahn With an Expanded Album and 54 Below Concerts"](https://playbill.com/article/jeff-harnar-is-revisiting-sammy-cahn-with-an-expanded-album-and-54-below-concerts). *Playbill.com*. Playbill. Retrieved 12 March 2025.

1. Fassler, Ron (21 October 2024). ["Jeff Harnar Sings Sammy Cahn"](https://theaterpizzazz.com/jeff-harnar-sings-sammy-cahn/). *Theater Pizzazz*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Culwell-Block, Logan. ["Jeff Harnar to Share My Life in Sondheim's Words With New Solo Album"](https://playbill.com/article/jeff-harnar-to-share-my-life-in-sondheims-words-with-new-solo-album). *Playbill.com*. Playbill. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Patterson, Denny (21 July 2022). ["Exclusive: Nightclub and Concert Artist Jeff Harnar"](https://instinctmagazine.com/exclusive-nightclub-and-concert-artist-jeff-harnar/). *Instinct*. Instinct Magazine. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Lester, Marilyn (3 August 2024). ["Jeff Harnar at 54 Below—A Triumphant Evening Celebrating Sammy Cahn, a CD and a Birthday"](https://nitelifeexchange.com/jeff-harnar-at-54-below-a-triumphant-evening-celebrating-sammy-cahn-a-cd-and-a-birthday/). *Nitelife Exchange*. ScoBar Entertainment. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Higgins, Molly. ["Jeff Harnar is Revisiting Sammy Cahn With an Expanded Album and 54 Below Concerts"](https://playbill.com/article/jeff-harnar-is-revisiting-sammy-cahn-with-an-expanded-album-and-54-below-concerts). *Playbill.com*. Playbill. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Fassler, Ron (21 October 2024). ["Jeff Harnar Sings Sammy Cahn"](https://theaterpizzazz.com/jeff-harnar-sings-sammy-cahn/). *Theater Pizzazz*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Delatiner, Barbara (11 August 1991). ["Long Island Guide: AIDS Benefit"](https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/11/nyregion/long-island-guide.html). *New York Times*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Drake, David. ["The Cabaret Beat: A Collective Cy"](https://playbill.com/article/the-cabaret-beat-a-collective-cy-com-135959). *Playbill.com*. Playbill. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Viagas, Robert. ["Tovah Feldshuh Seeks to Prove Aging Is Optional in NYC and the Hamptons August 1–5"](https://playbill.com/article/tovah-feldshuh-seeks-to-prove-aging-is-optional-in-nyc-and-the-hamptons-august-15). *Playbill.com*. Playbill. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Breyer-Grell, Melody (4 September 2018). ["A Conversation with Rita Gardner"](https://cabaretscenes.org/2018/09/04/a-conversation-with-rita-gardner/). *Cabaret Scenes*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Dain, Frank (3 December 2021). ["A Conversation with Dawn Derow"](https://cabaretscenes.org/2021/12/03/a-conversation-with-dawn-derow/). *Cabaret Scenes*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Cohen, Alix. ["Josephine Sanges: How My Heart Sings"](https://www.womanaroundtown.com/sections/playing-around/josephine-sanges-how-my-heart-sings/). *Woman Around Town*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Mathis, Winston (27 November 2024). ["Renee Katz at Don't Tell Mama"](https://nitelifeexchange.com/renee-katz-at-dont-tell-mama/). *Nitelife Exchange*. ScoBar Entertainment. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Chanin, Myra (8 June 2018). ["Margo Brown's Birthday Debut at Don't Tell Mama"](https://theaterpizzazz.com/margo-browns-birthday-debut-at-dont-tell-mama/). *Theater Pizzazz*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Lester, Marilyn (28 September 2023). ["Judi Mark Reprises "Merely Marvelous—The Songs of Gwen Verdon" on Wednesdays, October 4 and 11 at Don't Tell Mama"](https://nitelifeexchange.com/judi-mark-reprises-merely-marvelous-the-songs-of-gwen-verdon-on-wednesdays-october-4-and-11-at-dont-tell-mama/). *Nitelife Exchange*. ScoBar Entertainment. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Sander, Roy. ["Anna Bergman"](https://bistroaward.com/anna-bergman/). *Bistro Awards*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Greenberg, Bart (21 November 2023). ["Becca Kidwell: If You Hadn't but You Did: Songs of Love, Sex and Murder"](https://cabaretscenes.org/2023/11/21/becca-kidwell-if-you-hadnt-but-you-did-songs-of-love-sex-and-murder/). *Cabaret Scenes*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Poretz, Andrew (2024-02-06). ["A Stunning, Emotional Win for This Cabaret Star"](https://theaterpizzazz.com/ari-axelrods-self-portrait-a-stunning-emotional-win-for-this-cabaret-star/). *Theater Pizzazz*. Retrieved 2025-02-25.

1. Holden, Stephen (1989-10-06). ["Review/Cabaret; A Jeff Harnar Evening Of Comden and Green"](https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/06/arts/review-cabaret-a-jeff-harnar-evening-of-comden-and-green.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved 2025-02-26.

1. Holden, Stephen (1991-02-22). ["Critic's Choice"](https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/22/theater/critic-s-choice-755191.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved 2025-02-26.

1. Holden, Stephen (1993-06-04). ["Sounds Around Town"](https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/04/arts/sounds-around-town-724093.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved 2025-02-26.

1. Holden, Stephen (2008-05-31). ["Jeff Harnar Basks in Cole Porter’s Anything-Goes World"](https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/31/arts/music/31harn.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved 2025-02-26.

1. Holden, Stephen (2013-01-23). ["Jeff Harnar Cabaret at Laurie Beechman Theater"](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/24/arts/music/jeff-harnar-cabaret-at-laurie-beechman-theater.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved 2025-02-26.

1. Holden, Stephen (2014-07-10). ["KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar Reflect a New Era"](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/11/arts/music/kt-sullivan-and-jeff-harnar-reflect-a-new-era.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved 2025-02-26.

1. ["Jeff Harnar Sings Sammy Cahn, the Second Time Around"](https://bocaratonobserver.com/events/jeff-harnar-sings-sammy-cahn-second-time-around/). *bocaratonobserver.com*. 2025-01-09. Retrieved 2025-02-26.

1. ["MAC Awards - 1989 Year by Year"](https://macnyc.com/awards/all-awards/?award-year=1989). *MACNYC.org*. Manhattan Association of Cabarets. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["MAC Awards - 2018 Year by Year"](https://macnyc.com/awards/all-awards/?award-year=2018). *MACNYC.org*. Manhattan Association of Clubs and Cabarets. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["MAC Awards - 2023 Year by Year"](https://macnyc.com/awards/all-awards/?award-year=2023). *MACNYC.org*. Manhattan Association of Clubs and Cabarets. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["MAC Awards - 2016 Year by Year"](https://macnyc.com/awards/all-awards/?award-year=2016). *MACNYC.org*. Manhattan Association of Clubs and Cabarets. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["MAC Awards - 2024 Year by Year"](https://macnyc.com/awards/all-awards/). *MACNYC.org*. Manhattan Association of Clubs and Cabarets. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Eaker, Sherry. ["Spotlight: Jeff Harnar, Appearing March 4"](https://bistroaward.com/spotlight-jeff-harnar-performing-march-4/). *Bistro Awards*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["Kelli Barrett, Molly Pope and Jarrod Spector Among Bistro Award Winners"](https://playbill.com/article/kelli-barrett-molly-pope-and-jarrod-spector-among-bistro-award-winners-com-383863). *Playbill.com*. Playbill. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Dain, Frank (31 January 2018). ["2018 Bistro Award Winners Announced!"](https://cabaretscenes.org/2018/01/31/2018-bistro-award-winners-announced/). *Cabaret Scenes*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. BWW Awards. ["Winners Announced For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards"](https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Winners-Announced-For-The-2022-BroadwayWorld-Cabaret-Awards-20230130). *BroadwayWorld.com*. Wisdom Digital Media. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["Cabaret: It's De-Lovely | Jeff Harnar Sings Cole Porter"](https://theeldredpreserve.com/entertainment/cabaret-its-de-lovely-jeff-harnar-sings-cole-porter/#:~:text=As%20a%20performer%2C%20he%20has,Chicago%20Cabaret%20Professionals%20National%20Honoree.). *The Eldred Preserve*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["Interview: Jeff Harnar celebrates his new album A Collective Cy at London's The Pheasantry"](https://musicaltheatrereview.com/interview-jeff-harnar-celebrates-his-new-album-a-collective-cy-at-londons-the-pheasantry/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20Jeff%20released%20his,of%20three%20BroadwayWorld%20Cabaret%20Awards.). *Musical Theatre Review*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["Donald F. Smith Award, and the Noel Coward Cabaret Award in 2012."](https://www.mabelmercer.org/donald-f-smith-award). *Mabel Mercer Foundation*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["Noël Coward Cabaret Award"](https://alpaca-sepia-8s2t.squarespace.com/noel-coward-cabaret-award). *Mabel Mercer Foundation*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. ["Gala Honorees"](https://www.chicagocabaret.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=748427&module_id=388821). *Chicago Cabaret Professionals*. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

1. Higgins, Molly. ["Jeff Harnar is Revisiting Sammy Cahn With an Expanded Album and 54 Below Concerts"](https://playbill.com/article/jeff-harnar-is-revisiting-sammy-cahn-with-an-expanded-album-and-54-below-concerts). *Playbill.com*. Playbill. Retrieved 27 July 2024.

1. ["A Collective Cy: Jeff Harnar Sings Cy Coleman"](https://open.spotify.com/album/4YmGeEjxaxVp6JzHb5t0sV). *Spotify*. Retrieved 16 May 2024.

1. ["I Know Things Now: My Life In Sondheim's Words"](https://open.spotify.com/album/1t8GNZNE8h7ljMCDp1ksSn). *Spotify*. Retrieved 16 May 2024.

1. ["Dancing in the Dark"](https://open.spotify.com/album/57jLlnDLlwoYkD47UjMMlY). *Spotify*. Retrieved 16 May 2024.

1. ["Sammy Cahn: All The Way"](https://www.allmusic.com/album/sammy-cahn-all-the-way-mw0000210609#releases). *AllMusic*. Retrieved 16 May 2024.

1. ["Because of You (Fifties Gold)"](https://open.spotify.com/album/044JHZ0qJXNl8rmXxgJUUH). *Spotify*. Retrieved 16 May 2024.

1. ["Jeff Harnar - Jeff Harnar Sings The 1959 Broadway Songbook"](https://www.discogs.com/release/10876444-Jeff-Harnar-Jeff-Harnar-Sings-The-1959-Broadway-Songbook-Live-At-The-Algonquin). *Discogs*. 1991. Retrieved 16 May 2024.

## External links

- [Jeff Harnar's home page](http://www.jeffharnar.com/)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Jeff Harnar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Harnar) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Harnar?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.