JANUARY 12, 2016
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#KimmelCenter honors Jazz Legend Nat King Cole with sensational performance by @RamseyLewis and @itsthepizz at the Merriam Theater. Get tix @ kimmelcenter.org
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Amanda Conte
215-790-7847
aconte@kimmelcenter.com
GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING PIANIST RAMSEY LEWIS AND RENOWNED GUITARIST JOHN PIZZARELLI
PAY TRIBUTE TO NAT KING COLE IN STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY RIGHT AT THE MERRIAM THEATER
FEBRUARY 26, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, January 12, 2016) — The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts presents three-time Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis and renowned jazz guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli as they join forces to pay homage to the titan of 1950’s vocal pop, Nat King Cole for one-night-only performance at the Merriam Theater on Friday, February 26 at 8:00 p.m. In Straighten Up and Fly Right – The Nat King Cole Tribute, these master jazz musicians have come together to craft a unique tribute to Nat King Cole that pays accolade to his pop hits, piano technique, vocal phrasings, and lush orchestrations that are indebted to his early roots in jazz.
“Who better to pay tribute to Nat King Cole and the influence of jazz on his sound than two of the most iconic leaders of jazz today,” said Anne Ewers, President & CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. “As they lend a new sound to favorites like ‘Route 66,’ and ‘Unforgettable,’ we’re certain that audiences will fall in love with these songs all over again.”
Ramsey Lewis has been an iconic leader in the contemporary jazz movement for over 50 years. Lewis first captivated fans in 1956 with his release of his debut album “Ramsey Lewis and the Gentlemen of Swing.” Since then, his unforgettable sound and outgoing personality have allowed him to cross over to top both Pop & R&B charts. In 2011 Ramsey’s release of “Taking another Look” marked his 80th collection of songs. Throughout his career Lewis has amassed three Grammy Awards and seven Gold records.
Following the style of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, John Pizzarelli has established himself as one of the prime interpreters of the Great American Songbook, bringing both the cool jazz flavor and brilliant guitar playing and singing to his work.
Other upcoming shows on the Kimmel Center’s Jazz Season include the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (May 15), and the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia (June 18). The Kimmel Center will also present public workshops by the 2015-16 Jazz Residency Artists on March 2 (Korey Riker) and March 11 (Kendrah Butler and Shamika Byrd).
STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY RIGHT — THE NAT KING COLE TRIBUTE
with Ramsey Lewis and John Pizzarelli
Merriam Theater
Friday, February 26, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets are available now and start at $45. Tickets can be purchased by calling (215) 893-1999, visiting www.kimmelculturalcampus.org, or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling (215) 790-5883.
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, The Kimmel Center’s mission is to operate a world-class performing arts center that engages and serves a broad audience through diverse programming, arts education, and community outreach. The Kimmel Center campus is comprised of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, SEI Innovation Studio, and the Merck Arts Education Center), the Academy of Music (owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association), and the University of the Arts Merriam Theater. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is the season sponsor of The Kimmel Center’s 2015-2016 Season. American Airlines is the official airline of Broadway Philadelphia. For additional information, visit kimmelcenter.org.
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