Steve Lippia, one of the best Sinatra interpreters, is set to appear with The Grand Rapids Symphony in “Swingin’ with Sinatra and Dorsey.”
Three performances, part of the Fox Motors Pops Series, will take place 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 3 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 13-15) in DeVos Performance Hall.
The program will feature, with Steve Lippia, trombonist Jim Pugh and percussionist Dave Mancini with guest conductor Jeff Tyzik,
The program features the best of Sinatra and Dorsey, including Sinatra’s “Come Fly with Me,” “The Best is Yet To Come,” “New York, New York,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “All The Way” and “Fly Me To The Moon.” Also included in the program is “A Dorsey Tribute,” “Concerto for Trombone” and “The Lady is a Tramp” from “Babes in Arms.”
“This concert should be a lot of fun,” said Associate Conductor John Varineau. “Steve Lippia is a great, great Sinatra interpreter.”
Tyzik has earned a reputation as one of America’s most innovative pops conductors, recognized for his arrangements, original programming and rapport with his audiences. He is the creative force behind the Rochester Philharmonic Pops. He is also principal pops conductor for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Oregon Symphony Orchestra and maintains a busy guest-conducting schedule with orchestras across North America.
Lippia has quickly established his place among the finest interpreters of traditional pop music. His shows introduce a new generation to this timeless music, while continuing to appeal to long-time listeners. Lippia has headlined in highly successful, extended engagements at the Rio Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He has also performed to sold-out audiences with major symphonies across North America.
Pugh is a trombonist, composer and educator. Over the past 30 years, Pugh has become New York’s top-call freelance trombonist for film scores, records and music for television and radio advertising. His trombone can be heard in collaboration with leading classical and popular artists and orchestras such as Paul Simon, Barbara Streisand, Tony Bennett, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Pink Floyd and Frank Sinatra. His sound has also been heard in feature film soundtracks including “A League of Their Own,” “When Harry Met Sally” and “Meet Joe Black” as well as hit Broadway cast recordings such as “City of Angels” and “Fosse.”
Mancini’s most recent tour was with the legendary trumpet player and former Tonight Show Bandleader, Doc Severinsen. He has also performed with artists such as Chuck Mangione, Eddie Daniels, Urbie Green, Don Menza, The Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band, Bill Dobbins, Rosemary Clooney, Dianne Carroll, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis and Bob Hope. He has shared the bandstand with numerous jazz greats at New York City’s famous jazz nightclub, Eddie Condon’s. From 1971 to 1981, he was a member of the percussion section of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tickets start at $18 and are available at the symphony office, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 300 Ottawa N.W., Suite 100, (located across from the Calder), or by calling (616) 454-9451, extension 4. Tickets are available at the DeVos Place Box Office, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, or on the day of the concert beginning two hours prior to the performance. Tickets may also be purchased online at grsymphony.org.
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