A Gershwin Valentine

Join The Songbook Singers---Sue Raney, Michael Dees, Kurt Reichenbach, Pinky Winters---as they celebrate Valentine's Day with the music of George and Ira Gershwin. If you aren't in love when you arrive at the theater, you will be by the time you've heard this vocal Valentine.

Featuring:  Jim Cox, piano; musical director
                 Jeff D'Angelo, bass
                 Ralph Penland, drums

Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington, Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
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I am happy and proud to note that the concept of this production came from writer-show biz personality Rex Reed's wonderful Lyrics and Lyricists presentations at New York City's YMHA---i.e. his Ira Gershwin and Salute to Warner Bros galas--- over the last few years. “Gershwin Valentine” would most likely never have occurred to me without my having seen these terrific shows. "Valentine" is Rex-like even down to the very brief narration linkage that I will be presenting between numbers.

Singer Kurt Reichenbach's enthusiasm for my “idea” (of sorts) when I first told it to him, was a major factor in helping to bring “Valentine” into being. Couldn't have done it without him. Also thanks to the Jazz Bakery's Ruth Price who “got” my sell to her for the show right off the bat.

If all goes well, the Songbook Singers and I would like to continue with these American Popular Song tributes on a regular basis. Hope you can come and enjoy our show.

A Michael Dees Affair

Above is some low res video I took of Michael a year or two ago. Looks like Georges Seurat shot it. Neverthess, I think, it still manages to somewhat capture the excitement of a "live" presentation by this wonderful performer.

With his ultra-smooth vocals and easygoing persona, Michael Dees is the consumate singer. For this performance at SoCal's Living Desert Museum, Michael will be accompanied by pianist Terry Trotter's Trio (w/ Trey Henry, Ray Brinker).

Audiences will love the new format of the Living Desert Museum which includes table seating outdoors for the first concert in the beautiful Palm Garden (weather permitting). The remainder of the series will be indoors.

Date: Sunday, January 27, 2013

Time: 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm

Tickets:
Members: $35
Non-Members: $45

The Living Desert
47-900 Portola Avenue

Palm Desert, CA 92260

BOBBI ROGERS R.I.P.

A few years ago I was given the honor/thrill of writing liner notes for a new Bobbi Rogers CD. Yesterday I received the sad news that Bobbi died early New Year's Day. Her obit appears in the Connecticut Day. Two of her biggest fans, in addition to myself, were radio personality Jonathan Schwartz, and Rex Reed.