KEEPING “THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK”
OF POPULAR MUSIC IN MOTION by bill biss
Michael Feinstein is going to be making beautiful music under the stars with
two of Southern California’s finest symphonies in July. On Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16, he brings the music of George Gershwin and Cole Porter to the stage of the San Diego Symphony “Summer Pops” series and later in the month hits the stage of The Hollywood Bowl for what has been coined “Michael Feinstein and the Singing Stars of Television” on Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30. Here, for The Rage Monthly, he elaborates on his upcoming shows, speaks of his collaboration with Cheyenne Jackson on The Power of Two, one of his latest CDs and shares the joy of making an impact on the youth of today by being somewhat the “Martha Stewart” of The Great American Songbook.
You have two upcoming performances here in California. One with the San Diego Symphony Sum- mer Pops and another at The Hollywood Bowl. For someone who has never attended a performance at The Hollywood Bowl, how would you describe the experience? Going to The Hollywood Bowl is like going to a big party. It’s an overwhelming
experience because it’s such a beautiful place and a great setting for music. It was cre- ated in the 1920s, when they discovered this natural acoustic amphitheatre. It’s one of the great things to do in Los Angeles. The communal experience to be with that many people, all enjoying the same concert is really very, very special. The seating is tiered so no matter where you sit, there’s not a bad seat in the place. What is it like performing on stage at The Bowl? I first did it in 1987 and it was the highlight of my career at that point… and it still is.
There’s something despite the grandeur of it that feels intimate to perform on stage. Working with the L.A. Philharmonic is also very exciting because they are one of the great orchestras. Have you ever shared the same stage with Dick Van Dyke? [Feinstein will be joined by special guests, Florence Henderson, Wayne Brady, Cheyenne Jackson and Dick Van Dyke for these performances.] No, I haven’t. I know him socially. I’ve known Dick for years and his late wife, Michelle, who died fairly recently. He’s a wonderful guy. I’ve sent him sheet music for songs he’s desired to find here and there, but this will be the first time actually being on a stage with him. Will you be singing any selections from your recent album, The Power of Two with Cheyenne Jackson? Yes! Since Cheyenne is part of the concert, we’re excited about doing one or hope-
fully, two duets from the recording. How did this collaboration with him come together for the record? I met Cheyenne at a Christmas tree lighting show that was broadcast on CBS. It was
in New York. Cheyenne was performing and so was I and we just started talking and became friends. I invited him and his partner, Monty, over to dinner and we talked about doing a show together some time. The next time I was scheduled to appear at my own club in New York; Feinstein’s at the Regency, I called Cheyenne to see if he might be interested in putting something together. We created an act which was performed there to such acclaim that we decided to record it. Subsequently, we performed at other places as well. Nice, every performance for you is different of course. You have performed with The San Diego Symphony many times and now, you’ve got the “Summer Pops” performances coming up. I couldn’t think of a better double-bill for these shows than Gershwin and Porter. What have you thought of to bring to the San Diego audience for this evening under the stars? The objective was to pick music that is perfect for the setting and a lot of upbeat ma-
terial as well. Celebratory is the best word. Working with that orchestra is so wonderful because they are great musicians and they have no snobbism about the music that they play as do some orchestras, so I put together a real mixture of my favorite love songs and up-tempo things. The mood in doing an outdoor show like that is always relaxed and fun. It’s fun to look at the faces of people in the audience… people are in all different modes of relaxing and enjoying (laughter).
STAR SPANGLED POPS Marvin Hamlisch kicks off the series as he conducts the 4th of July spectacular, guest performers are, American Idol’s David Her- nandez and Lakisha Jones. July 1,2, and 3
MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS Motown comes alive with the music that defined a generation. Relive the hits of the Motor City: “My Girl,” “Tears of a Clown,” “Heat Wave,” “Baby Love” and more July 8 and 9
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN Gershwin, Porter and more, delivered by to- day’s best interpreter of the Great American Songbook. July 15 and 16
CIRQUE MUSICA Specacular Music with soaring acrobatics, feats of strength with grace, elegance and power. July 22 and 23
RHAPSODY IN BLUE Grammy nominated jazz pianist Eldar Djan- girov delivers an evening of jaza favorites in his debut with the Pops. July 31
BURT BACHARACH His songbook is filled perennial favorites, the maestro and trio envelop the evening with memories and magic. August 7
BEATLES TRIBUTE: THE CLASSICAL MYSTERY TOUR The British Invasion is relived as The Classical Mystery Tour pays tribute to the group that started it all! From The Ed Sullivan Show to Abbey Road, The Beatles are in a class of their own. August 19 and 20
OZOMATLI Culture-mashers and considered the voice of the city of Los Angeles and their music is a collision of hip-hop, salsa, samba and funk. August 21
WYNONNA Come for a wild country night as the “best country singer since Patsy Cline” performs her myriad of number one hits. August 26 and 27
1812 TCHAIKOVSKY SPECTACULAR This is the seasons finale; the 1812 Overture complete with booming cannons over the bay! September 2, 3, and 4
SUMMER POPS MUST SEES JULY 2011 | RAGE monthly 35
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