Foreign Affairs' creator and co-host Isengart sizzles at the Night Hotel. Filmed on Jun 10 2009. With Michael O'Brian (bass), Ben Clines (drums), Benjamin Ickies (accordion), and Brian Newman (trumpet).
Foreign Affairs' co-hostess Lady Rizo teases the audience with her tantalizing rendition of "Love for Sale".
Filmed on Jun 10 2009. With Michael O'Brian (bass), Ben Clines (drums), Benjamin Ickies (accordion), and Brian Newman (trumpet).
Watch a clip from an exclusive NY appearance of Joey Arias at Foreign Affairs on April 6 2009. With Mike Jackson (guitar), Dave Berger (drums), and Russell Moore (trumpet).
In the spring of 2008, New York-resident Euro-Entertainer Isengart created an underground cabaret night in the loft of a downtown art collective, the Red Bull-sponsored Canal Chapter. He named it Foreign Affairs.
Directed and hosted by Isengart, the weekly shows became spectacles that drew inspiration from the vaudeville and cabaret cultures of Berlin, Paris, Shanghai, Bucharest, and even the imaginary worlds of cartoon movies. Folk singer Tine Kindermann cooed medieval German songs of dark debauchery. The Shanghai Triad played authentic Chinese jazz songs from the 1940's. Burlesque artists Amber Ray and Legs Malone tantalized viewers with their inventive dance numbers. French chanteuse Nicole Renaud enchanted the crowd with her ethereal soprano, and Isengart belted out 80's disco hits mixed up with political ditties from the Weimar Republic era, arranged by producer Rami Ramirez. Gypsy music singer Sanda Weigl sang haunting songs from her native Romania, and singer-songwriter Todd Almond brought down the house with witty and elegant compositions about urban life. In between performance sets, the crowd mingled to the eclectic sounds of DJ Mondo Lucien.
After the loft's lease expired, Isengart brought the cabaret to different venues around town, including Corio Supper Club and The Gershwin Hotel.
In October 2008, Isengart created a Foreign Affairs-inspired Cabaret Night (named The Boulevard of Berlin Dreams) for a special event at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
On February 2nd 2009, Foreign Affairs reopened as a weekly cabaret in the lounge of the chic Night Hotel in midtown Manhattan, this time produced by legendary NYC nightlife maven Lee Chappell and hosted by Isengart and, following Isengart's invitation, singing comedienne and cabaret star Lady Rizo.
FOR THE SUMMER SEASON, FOREIGN AFFAIRS DECIDED TO GO FISHING AND COME BACK JUST ONCE A MONTH WITH THE BIGGEST CATCH. WEEKLY SHOWS WILL RESUME ON SEPTEMBER 16.
Live music by Ray Rizzo (percussion), Mike Jackson (guitar & bass), Yair Evnine (cello, bass, guitar), Eddy Malave (viola), Dave Berger (percussion), Matt Musselman (trombone), Russel Moore (trumpet), and Patrick Farrell (accordion), in changing trio or quartet rotations.
DJ Jon Butler Visuals by Wetcircuit No Cover
9:30 PM - ?
Bathing suits required in pool
Press
Melding burlesque raunch with old-world supper-club glamour, the louche Lady Rizo and Isengart host a night of cabaret at this modern gothic leather-flanked venue. - New York Magazine
Are moody medieval German tunes your cup of tea? Then you're sure to enjoy this speakeasy cabaret night starring a host of colorful crooners, musicians and variety acts, including mesmerizing singer and queer-scene favorite Isengart. - TimeOut New York
Foreign Affairs, an absurdist cabaret hosted by Isengart and Lady Rizo at the modern gothic Night Hotel, deceptively created a posh and well-behaved atmosphere until the music started. Among the well-dressed, fashion forward crowd, Arias With a Twist star Joey Arias cheered while perched at the bar for the performers including the co-hosts, drag legend Sherry Vine and fetishy burlesque artist Amber Ray.
Accompanied by a 4-piece band, every performer showed off great wit and excellent stage presence in the intimate hotel lobby bar. - NY Press (February 3, 2009)
The captivating Joey Arias sang four numbers, including a throaty and soulful "God Bless the Child," (...) all of which brought cheers and ovations. (...)Co-hosts Isengart and Lady Rizo carry the show with powerful voices; Isengart's vintage cabaret is offset by his lithe body and glitter-encrusted nipples, while Rizo's mischievous grin and banter hold the audience captive. - NY Press (April 8, 2009)
Read the full review here.
Performers
past and present
Foreign Affairs has featured some of New York City's most exciting performers, ranging from singer/songwriters, burlesque and boylesque artists, entertainers and musicians.
