the Art of Song With Fireworks Features Special Guests Jewel and Michael Feinstein Performing Treasures from the Great American Songbook at the Hollywood Bowl
Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins leads the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in an Evening of Beloved Melodies from Film and Popular Music
FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2009, AT 8:30 PM
SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2009, AT 8:30 PM
The July 24 Performance is a Fidelity Investments FutureStage Concert; July 24 Media Sponsor: Gelson's, The Super Market; The July 25 Performance is Generously Sponsored by Princess Cruises; July 25 Media Sponsor: Hollywood & Highland Center
The Hollywood Bowl's 2009 Weekend Spectaculars series continues with Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins leading the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, along with special guests Jewel and Michael Feinstein, in The Art of Song, a journey through America's most beloved melodies. From pop tunes to movie themes to treasures from the Great American Songbook, The Art of Song with fireworks takes place Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, at 8:30 p.m.
The evening begins with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra's tip of the hat to one of the greatest film and Broadway composers of all time, Irving Berlin, performing the overture "Irving Berlin in Hollywood" arranged by Larry Wilcox. Following is a nod to the "Grandfather of Film Scores," David Raksin, with a performance of the ever-popular theme to the 1944 movie, Laura. The second half open with a playful romp through the classic songs of the great MGM movie musicals, "That's Entertainment." To cap off the evening, the orchestra performs Georges Bizet's "Toreadors" and "Danse bohème," from Carmen, accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display, another of those pyrotechnic shows for which the Hollywood Bowl is famous.
Special guest, pianist/vocalist Michael Feinstein, known as the Ambassador of the Great American Songbook, and one of the premier interpreters of American popular song, joins in to perform selections from his vast repertoire of American classics. Feinstein is internationally recognized for his commitment to America's musical legacy, both celebrating its art and preserving it for the next generation. The Sinatra Project, his new release from Concord Records, just earned him his fifth Grammy nomination. Feinstein is currently preparing a PBS-TV series, "Michael Feinstein: In Search Of" – to start airing in 2010 – in which he discovers treasures of the Great American Songbook around the world. The Library of Congress recently elected Feinstein to the exclusive "National Sound Recording Advisory Board."
Special guest, vocalist/guitarist Jewel also entertains with her picks from the Great American Songbook. The superstar has actually lived the stories told in American roots and country music as her family was among the original pioneers of Alaska, and her grandfather, Yule, drafted the Alaskan constitution and served as the state's senator. Today, Jewel, who was raised on the family ranch, which had no running water or electricity, lays claim to one of the best-selling debut albums of all time, the 12-time platinum Pieces of You. She is also a three-time Grammy nominee, and the author of the best-selling poetry book of all time, A Night Without Armor. In 2008, she paid homage to her rugged roots with the release of her country music album, Perfectly Clear.
The Art of Song
HOLLYWOOD BOWL ORCHESTRA
THOMAS WILKINS, conductor
JEWEL, special guest
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN, special guest
The July 24 performance is a Fidelity Investments FutureStage Concert
July 24 Media Sponsor: Gelson's, The Super Market
The July 25 performance is generously sponsored by Princess Cruises
July 25 Media Sponsor: Hollywood & Highland Center
Tickets ($10 - $116) are on sale now at HollywoodBowl.com, at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office (Tuesday–Saturday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.), or by calling Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000, and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Groups of 10 or more may be eligible for a 20% discount, subject to availability; call 323.850.2050 for further details or group sales. For general information or to request a brochure, call 323.850.2000.
Sophie Jefferies, sjefferies@laphil.org, 213.972.3422; Lisa White, lwhite@laphil.org, 213.972.3408; For photos: 213.972.3034