The hit songs of Frank Sinatra and his bandleader Tommy Dorsey have touched the hearts of millions. Close your eyes and you’ll think “Ol’ Blue Eyes” is back in town when the Grand Rapids Symphony presents “Swingin’ with Sinatra and Dorsey.” Three performances, part of the Fox Motors Pops Series, will take place Friday, Jan. 13 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m. in DeVos Performance Hall.
The velvety smooth hits of Frank Sinatra and the big band sound of Tommy Dorsey will be recreated as the Symphony teams up with guest conductor Jeff Tyzik, vocalist Steve Lippia, trombonist Jim Pugh and percussionist Dave Mancini. The program features the best of Sinatra and Dorsey. Audiences will enjoy a variety of songs made popular by Sinatra such as “Come Fly with Me,” “The Best is Yet To Come,” “New York, New York,” “I've Got You Under My Skin,” “All The Way,” and “Fly Me To The Moon.” Also included in the program is “A Dorsey Tribute,” “Concerto for Trombone,” and “The Lady is a Tramp” from “Babes in Arms.”
“This concert should be a lot of fun,” said Associate Conductor John Varineau. “Steve Lippia is a great, great Sinatra interpreter.”
Jeff Tyzik has earned a reputation as one of America's most innovative pops conductors, recognized for his brilliant arrangements, original programming, and engaging rapport with his audiences. He is the creative force behind the Rochester Philharmonic Pops. He is also principal pops conductor for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Oregon Symphony Orchestra and maintains a busy guest-conducting schedule with orchestras across North America.
Steve Lippia has quickly established his place among the finest interpreters of traditional pop music with his youthful, energetic talent and powerful performance style. His shows introduce a new generation to this timeless music, while continuing to appeal to long-time listeners. Lippia has headlined in highly successful, extended engagements at the Rio Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He has also performed to sold-out audiences with major symphonies across North America.
Jim Pugh is a distinguished trombonist, composer and educator. Over the past thirty-years Pugh has become New York’s top-call freelance trombonist for film scores, records, and music for television and radio advertising. His trombone can be heard in collaboration with leading classical and popular artists and orchestras such as Paul Simon, Barbara Streisand, Tony Bennett, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Pink Floyd, and Frank Sinatra. His sound has also been heard in feature film soundtracks including “A League of Their Own,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “Meet Joe Black” as well as hit Broadway cast recordings such as “City of Angels,” and “Fosse.”
Drummer Dave Mancini has an extensive repertoire of experience. Mancini’s most recent tour was with the legendary trumpet player and former Tonight Show Bandleader, Doc Severinsen. He has also performed with artists such as Chuck Mangione, Eddie Daniels, Urbie Green, Don Menza, The Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band, Bill Dobbins, Rosemary Clooney, Dianne Carroll, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, and Bob Hope. He has shared the bandstand with numerous jazz greats at New York City's famous jazz nightclub, Eddie Condon’s. From 1971 to 1981, he was a member of the percussion section of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tickets
Tickets start at $18 and are available at the Symphony office, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder), or by calling 616/454-9451, Ext. 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.) Tickets are available at the DeVos Place Box Office, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on the day of the concert beginning two hours prior to the performance. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster, 800-982-2787, online at www.grsymphony.org, or in person at Ticketmaster outlets: select D&W Fresh Market and Family Fare stores and Walmart. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee.
About the Grand Rapids Symphony
The Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony was officially organized in 1930 and is recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. Led by Music Director David Lockington, eight concert series are presented, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles. More than 400 performances are presented each year, touching the lives of some 170,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community service programs. The Symphony sponsors the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses, and also provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit www.grsymphony.org.
These concerts are made possible with support from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.