Michael Cavanaugh, star of the Broadway hit “Movin’ Out,” will join the Grand Rapids Symphony for a concert featuring the songs of Elton John, plus Rock hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 21 and Friday, July 22 at Cannonsburg Ski Area, as part of the 17th Annual D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops Series.
Cavanaugh wowed audiences two summers ago with his renditions of Billy Joel classics, anecdotal stories and captivating showmanship. Now the pianist and vocalist is back with this new piano-driven Rock show “Generations of Rock.”
Selections will include Elton John favorites "Philadelphia Freedom," “Rocket Man,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and “Candle in the Wind.” Cavanaugh and his band will also open the Rock and Roll songbook to play some of the greatest hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s including “American Pie,” “Hotel California,” “Live and Let Die,” and an Oldies Medley.
“When Michael Cavanaugh played the music of Billy Joel with us a few summers ago, his performance was a highlight of the entire summer season,” recounts Associate Conductor John Varineau. “Now he's back with his new show ‘Generations of Rock.’ I'm really looking forward to working this extraordinarily talented musician again.”
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and parking is free on the Cannonsburg grounds. Patrons are invited to arrive early to enjoy picnics and pre-concert activities. The family fun area, open from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., features free children’s activities including an instrument petting zoo, face painting and crafts. Dance floors will be available for audience participation. Pre-concert entertainment will be Steve Talaga Trio.
Cavanaugh was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the Broadway Musical “Movin’ Out” which he appeared in for 3 years and over 1200 performances with both Grammy and Tony award nominations in 2003. After “Movin’ Out,” he began touring in his own right, creating a show that reinterprets the modern pop/rock songbook. He continues to perform worldwide for company and charity events as well as sporting events including PGA tour events, the US Open, the Indy 500.
Tickets
Lawn tickets are $14, less for students/seniors ($12), and children ages 2-15 ($5). Ticket prices increase $2 the day of show. Children under 2 are free on the lawn. Reserved seating is available through the Symphony box office at 616/454-9451, Ext. 4, Lawn tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 800/982-2787, at any Ticketmaster outlet or online at ticketmaster.com. Tickets are available at the Cannonsburg box office beginning at 5:30 p.m. each concert evening.
Benefactor Sponsors: Harvey Cadillac, Keyboard World, Quantum Leap Communications, Terry Town RV
Media Partners: Channel 95.7, FOX17, GRNow.com, On-the-Town
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.