Jack Kleinsinger's "Highlights in
Jazz," New York's longest running jazz series is pleased to announce
that legendary vocalist Keely Smith will open their 33rd season
Thursday, October 6, 2005 at 8PM.
Keely Smith (b. Dorothy Jaqueline Keely Smith, March 9, 1932, Norfolk,
Virginia) is a singer most famous for her work with her late husband,
bandleader Louis Prima.
Smith made her professional debut with Prima in 1949, and the couple
were married in July 1953. Throughout the 1950s, Louis and Keely were
the undisputed King & Queen of Las Vegas and have been credited
with essentially inventing the modern lounge act. Performing five shows
a night at the Sahara¹s Casbar Lounge, they became a huge draw for
both
the average blue-collar tourists as well as some of the biggest
celebrities at that time. On any given night, Frank Sinatra, Dean
Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Spencer Tracy, Gary Cooper, Natalie Wood,
Robert Wagner, Howard Hughes, and the young Senator John F. Kennedy
could be found in the audience. Along with many hit records and
million selling albums for Capitol Records Keely Smith holds the
distinction of winning one of the first-ever Grammy Awards in 1959,
performing at President Kennedy's inauguration, receiving a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame and friendships with everyone from The Rat Pack
to Elvis Presley. In 2000 she received the prestigious Cherokee
Medal
of Honor the highest recognition that can be bestowed to a woman in the
Cherokee nation. Her latest recording from Concord Records, Viva
Vegas
is a musical joy ride through Las Vegas, circa 1958. And, as Lady
Luck
would have it, Keely invites listeners and dancers along for the
exhilarating ride. Revisiting and reinventing the songs
that she and
iconic entertainer Louis Prima popularized during their celebrated
reign of the desert oasis.
The incomparable Tony Bennett has gone on record naming Keely Smith
"one of the greatest jazz-pop singers of all time."
Musical director for the show is Dennis Michaels. Featured
musicians
include, Earl Gardner-trumpet, Jerry Vivino-saxophones, Chip
Jackson-bass, Joe Cocuzzo-drums and Ken Ascher-keyboards.
"Highlights In Jazz" Fall Winter Schedule
Thursday, October 6, 2005 "Keely Smith in Concert"
Thursday, November 10, 2005 "Back By Popular Request" feat.
Freddy Cole; Ken Peplowski and Marty Grosz; Vince Giordano and the
Nighthawks
Thursday, December 1, 2005 "Salute to Kenny Davern" feat.
Statesmen of Jazz [Wycliffe Gordon, Houston Person, Harry Allen,
Jon-Erik Kellso, Norman Simmons]; Kenny Davern Quartet [James Chirillo,
Greg Cohen, Tony DeNicola]
Thursday, January 5th, 2006 "An Evening of Jazz Guitar"
feat.
Bucky Pizzarelli, Russell Malone, Howard Alden, Gene Bertoncini, Frank
Vignola; special guests Jay Leonhart and Wycliffe Gordon
There will be at least one special surprise guest on each show!
All concerts will take place at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center
(Borough of Manhattan Community College), 199 Chambers Street (between
Greenwich and West Street).
The tickets are $30.00 and $27.50, for students. They can be
purchased at the theater box office or by calling (212) 220-1460.
Mail Order to:
Highlights In Jazz
7 Peter Cooper Sq.
NY, NY 10010
Enclose self-addressed stamped envelope.
Special mail order only subscription offer: All four concerts $110.00.
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