SPOTLIGHT
HOLLYWOOD BOWL MUST SEES
CHRIS BOTTI A virtuoso trumpeter with many Grammys under his belt, is joined by Bobby McFerrin and the Yellowjackets for an evening of jazz and pop. July 13
Now with the wealth of material from both Gershwin and Porter… do you have a favorite film musi- cal that showcases Gershwin and one that has songs from Porter? I adore Shall We Dance [1937] with Astaire and Rogers, not only their performances, but the orchestrations. With Porter, I love High Society [1956]. The orchestrations for that are fantastic because it’s a combination of Nelson Riddle and Conrad Salinger. You’ve got Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Louie Armstrong and Cole Porter… it’s an embarrass- ment of riches! This latest moniker for you of “ambassador.” That reminds me of Ethel Merman in Call Me Madame. However, it fits for you because The American Songbook is quite foreign to the younger genera- tions. You represent this presentation of the music to others. One of the great things about this music is that it constantly finds new audi-
ences, as it is a multi-generational thing with the Internet being what it is. It is possible for young people to find and discover all kinds of music and singers, songwriters and jazz. I find the popularity grows because of the potential of access. My audiences have become much more diverse as time progresses, which is fantastic. I just won’t call you, “The Hostess with the Mostest” [a song of Ethel Merman’s from Call Me Madam]. Ah, you can if you want! (laughter).
How do you unwind when you are NOT working? When I’m in Los Angeles, I like to go hiking in the hills behind my house, Griffith Park, which is absolutely wonderful. I do like to go to clubs and hear music, even though there aren’t many places to go, compared to what used to exist. In New York, I go to hear this vintage swing band, Vince Giordano and The Night Hawks, which is a lot of fun. Also, I like to go to flea markets and places and look for various artifacts. One of the things that I’ll frequently do in New York is get on the subway, take it to a stop that I’ve never experienced before and just wander around the city. Will you share one recollection of performing and receiving positive feedback from the younger generation about the music that you love? I recently appeared at a junior high school in Los Angeles and was thrilled with the re- sponse from the students. I was asked to introduce this music to them. I just said, “This is music that appeals to me, I don’t know how you’ll feel about it.” I told them these stories and put it out there. The response was so resoundingly positive. There was such adula- tion that it caught me by surprise—I didn’t expect to have that kind of huge reaction. It just made me remember that if you listen to anything without prejudice and just listen to it for what it is, it can be a very powerful experience. That’s what happened. These kids were just listening to music without peer pressure or other people saying, “That’s old or that’s this or that.” The experience was such that it really captivated them and it reminded me that there are a lot of young people who resonate to this and all different kinds of music. But, they’re not represented by shows like American Idol. That’s excellent. Thank you, Michael. Thanks Bill. It was nice speaking to you again. Thanks for writing about the shows.
Michael Feinstein Sings Gershwin, Porter and More San Diego Summer Pops Series Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16
sandiegosymphony.org 619.245.0804 to purchase tickets
Michael Feinstein and the Singing Stars of Television The Hollywood Bowl Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30
hollywoodbowl.com 323.850.2000 to purchase tickets
SARAH MCLACHLAN The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra teams up with this dreamy songstress for the first time in her multi-Grammy career. July 15 and 16
EDDIE IZZARD Stripped to the Bowl is appropriately named as this comic brings his hilarity to the stage for a side-splitting, endlessly hilarious stand up show. July 20
DOLLY PARTON Another bowl debut is had as the beloved Dolly comes to our stage for an extraordinary concert highlighting her 45 year musical career. July 22 and 23
GLADYS KNIGHT The “Empress of Soul” hits the stage with none other than James Ingram as they blend their voices. July 27
HAIRSPRAY Where would we be with out Tracy Turnblad? This John Waters extravaganza is sure to leave you with an unstop- pable beat! August 5, 6, and 7
RODRIGO Y GABRIELA This Mexican duo will fill the bowl stage with passion and rhythm as they are joined by vocalist Bulka and guitarist Javiar Limon. August 12 and 13
JONI’S JAZZ Herbie Hancock, Chaka Kahn, Wayne Shorter, Cassandra Wilson and more will be on hand to celebrate the multi- talented Joni Mitchell’s music. August 17
JOHN WILLIAMS: MAESTRO OF THE MOVIES Okay you movie magic buffs, here’s your chance to relive the masterful sounds from his most powerful film scores. August 26 and 27
HUMAN LEAGUE OMG it’s the ‘80s and a totally awesome line up of music includes hits from The B52’s, Berlin and the Fixx with Terri Nunn as host. September 2
QUINCY JONES
Global Gumbo joins the men in the band in celebration of Mr. Jones’s six-decade career with many, many guest appearances. September 7
A NIGHT AT THE MOULIN ROUGE Paris comes to the bowl! Watch out front row, the high kicking ladies do the can-can in this jazzy cabaret jour- ney with the Paris Combo. September 16, 17 , and 18
SOUND OF MUSIC SING-A-LONG The hills are truly alive and the orchestra is do-re-mi’d at the largest outdoor theatre for this popular and heart- warming sing-a-long. September 24
36 RAGE monthly | JULY 2011
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