If anyone understands the work of George & Ira Gershwin it is certainly Michael Feinstein. The pianist, vocalist, nightclub owner and conductor of the Pasadena Pops spent seven years working with Ira Gershwin from 1976-1983. That time gave him a front row seat into the work we know (and others we don’t) by the brothers. Which is why whenever he leads a Gershwin-centric program it’s an opportunity to hear original arrangements, fascinating stories and celebrate their genius. This Saturday the Pasadena Pops will perform a program entitled Rhapsody in Blue at the LA County Arboretum.
No program called Rhapsody in Blue can happen without a performance of that work for jazz band and orchestra. Joining the Pasadena Pops to play it will be pianist Frederick Hodges.
Singer Patti Austin, who won a Grammy Award for her album Avant Gershwin, will sing several Gershwin and non-Gershwin songs.
Broadway singer and dancer Tony Yazbeck (On the Town, Gypsy) rounds out the program. We will have an interview with Tony later this week about Gershwin, his passion for the material and his career. Two years ago Yazbeck performed in a concert version of the musical Crazy For You. A revival of that musical was announced for the Ahmanson Theatre, but it never happened due to budget issues. Yazbeck would be perfect casting for that show.
There will be non-Gershwin music performed during the concert as well, but George & Ira will be where they should be…front and center.
Grounds at the LA County Arboretum open two hours prior to the start of the performance.
For tickets go here.
All photos courtesy of Pasadena Pops.