"The Ladies Who Brunch" Returning to Club Café with Musical Favorites

As a final nod before the summer rays turn into fall, a trio of powerhouse vocalists returns with “The Ladies Who Brunch” at Boston’s Club Cafe on Saturday, September 19. 

“Ladies Who Brunch” is a cabaret-style concert featuring Broadway melodies, comedy, and storytelling. 

John O’Neil, the emcee and head of affairs at Club Cafe, conceived the event. He took inspiration from Sondheim’s virtual 90th birthday celebration during the pandemic, where celebrities Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, and Audra McDonald joined together virtually to sing "The Ladies Who Lunch." 

He said the event is popular among attendees, particularly for the music. 

“We draw from all styles of vocal performance, including classical singers, straight and gay cabaret artists, and queer actors,” O’Neil said.

The event takes place in Club Cafe’s Napoleon Room, which O’Neil said is Boston’s last surviving piano bar and cabaret.

The performance features Kim Lamoureux, Carla Maniscalco-Giovinco, and Michelle Deluise, accompanied by pianist Eden Casteel. 

O’Neil discovered the women through North Shore Voices, a classical vocal ensemble that offers custom-curated concerts. 

Lamoureux, from Middleton, has barely gone a day without singing since birth. From singing in church choirs and youth company musical theater, she graduated from Longy School of Music with a Master of Music in Opera.

Now, she runs her own voice studio, co-produces North Shore Voices, and hosts the Vibrato Bar. She has performed as a classical singer, in musical theater, for films, and more. 

During the event, Lamoureux said they will be singing several familiar musical theater tunes.  

“I’m excited to bring more visibility to North Shore Voices by performing in the Napoleon Room,” Lamoureux said. “It’s a great, fun space to sing in.”

Maniscalco-Giovinco’s dancing feet and singing heart have taken her on several journeys. The Peabody resident is a private studio teacher and co-produces the North Shore Voices. Her work also includes musical theater, stage management, and backstage crews. She is also an educator at Malden Catholic.

“Although I love many aspects of performing, singing is my preferred method of artistic communication,” she said. “I love the visceral, temporal, authentic exchange that it enables.”

Making her debut in the Napoleon room is Michelle Deluise, a frequent guest artist with North Shore Voices. 

She started singing in second grade and never stopped. After performing in choirs and theater productions as a kid, her musical journeys have included performances with Dayton Opera, Tanglewood concerts, and Boston’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross. 

Deluise said the trio has created a “musical-feast” of ballads, showstoppers, and comedic gems. 

“If anyone feels inspired to tap their toes, laugh loudly, raise a glass, or quietly sing along with a favorite tune, we’ll consider that a success.”

Eden Casteel will accompany the trio on piano. She is an opera-trained singer and pianist who has performed with “Ladies Who Brunch” since 2024. 

Casteel said that performers meet individually leading up to the performance. She said they like to be spontaneous. 

“You get a delicious brunch meal, any kind of drink you desire, and live entertainment with three powerhouse vocalists singing right in front of you,” said Casteel. 

Speaking of brunch, Club Café will offer selections from its brunch menu as the performers provide entertainment. The menu features traditional brunch entrees, like fruit bowls, salads, and appetizers. 

“This should be a light, casual good time, and hopefully a fun kickoff for the fall season,” Lamoureux said. 

Guests are welcome to attend and sing along to show tunes on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11:30 a.m. at Club Café, 209 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA. Six more performances featuring different performers will follow throughout the fall. Tickets are $25-$30. Food and beverages are not included in the ticket price. Scheduling and Tickets are available on the website.