This summer audiences can cozy up to a delightfully bold Summer Cabaret Series at Herndon's Industrial Strength Theatre. The Series will showcase national and Northern Virginia musical talent including Herndon High School graduates.

According to Evan Hoffman, artistic director of Herndon's NextStop Theatre Company, and area performing artist Jim Van Slyke, there will be about 18 concerts "featuring an eclectic mixture of Broadway stars, nationally acclaimed cabaret artists and some of the finest local singers in the D.C. Metropolitan area."

"I wanted to both provide a new type of program for patrons and provide another venue for the remarkable singers and musicians in our community to demonstrate their remarkable talents. There was nothing like this available in the Dulles Corridor before now!" said Hoffman.

Van Slyke has lived in the Northern Virginia area for nearly two decades and has traveled the world as an entertainer. He has performed at renowned venues such as Birdland and the Friar's Club in New York City and the White House. He has toured with Neil Sedaka and will bring his own Neil Sedaka tribute to the Cabaret series as well.

"It provides an entirely different perspective and will introduce our community not only to some amazing artists but a theatrical and musical experience that is not easy to find in the metropolitan D.C. area!" said Van Slyke.

To give a hint at the talent there is Erin Driscoll who grew up in Herndon and is a leading lady of the musical theatre scene in the D.C. area. Kim Staley, a Herndon native, who has toured the East Coast fronting Big Bands will be front-and-center. Along with Kate Merryman, another Herndon High grad and graduate of George Mason University, who has performed on area stages.

Helen Hayes awardee Tracy Lynn Olivera will bring her powerhouse voice and Darden Purcell, a Northern Virginia-based jazz vocalist who serves as Director of Jazz Studies at GMU will entertain. Bev Cosham and Terry Allen both regulars in the local DC-area cabaret scene will perform too.

From Broadway there will be Karen Mason who has starred in Broadway shows, including "Mamma Mia!" and "Hairspray." Sally Mayes, a Broadway legend who was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in "She Loves Me" will be In Herndon too.