David Gurland

David Gurland, 43, of Astoria, NY, formerly of South Orange, died Jan. 1, 2011, after suffering a massive cerebral hemorrhage Dec. 28.

A graduate of Columbia High School, South Orange/Maplewood, and of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Mr. Gurland was an acclaimed pop/rock cabaret performer who appeared frequently in New York’s music scene. He garnered seven MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) Award nominations, the MAC/Hanson Award, a Gay and Lesbian American Music Award nomination, and four Bistro Awards, one of which recognized his first CD, released in 1999.

He performed at, among other venues, the Manor in West Orange and, in New York, the Laurie Beechman Theatre, The Cutting Room, The Bitter End, Town Hall, CB’s Gallery and Lounge, The Living Room, Don’t Tell Mama, The Duplex, and The Metropolitan Room, as well as such out-of-town venues as Odettes in New Hope, the Gardenia in Los Angeles, and Twiggs in San Diego. He also sang with the band Uptown Express and recently recorded a CD with them, Take You There.

Mr. Gurland, whose heart and five other organs were harvested for donation, was also an advocate for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues.

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He is survived by his domestic partner, Robert Maitner of Astoria; his parents, Evelyn and Gerald Gurland of West Orange; and his brother and sister-in-law, James and Leslie Gurland, and his nephew and godson, Ariel, all of West Caldwell.

A funeral service was held Jan. 5 at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, South Orange. Donations may be made in Mr. Gurland’s memory to the Ali Forney Center for GLBT homeless youth, 224 West 35th St., Suite 1102, New York, NY 10001.