[Dixielandjazz] Tony Bennett - The Operatic Tenor

[Stephen G Barbone]

JUNE 1, 2011, NY TIMES - BY DAVE ITZKOFF
Tony Bennett to Perform at Metropolitan Opera


How’s this for rags to riches: The Queens-born tenor and son of a  
grocer Anthony Dominick Benedetto – you might know him better as the  
enduring pop crooner Tony Bennett – will make his debut on the stage  
of the Metropolitan Opera House at a concert in September, the Met  
said on Wednesday. The concert, scheduled for Sept. 18, will celebrate  
Mr. Bennett’s 85th birthday (which officially arrives on Aug. 3) and  
promote his coming album “Duets II,” which is planned for release on  
Sept. 20.
The Met said in a news release that Mr. Bennett would perform with Lee  
Musiker (piano), Gray Sargent (guitar), Harold Jones (drums), and  
Marshall Wood (bass), and plans a lineup of “pop standards from the  
Great American Songbook, many of which Bennett has introduced and  
recorded to critical and popular acclaim that led to a string of  
greatest hits over his 60-year career.” Mr. Bennett said in a very  
groovy statement that he had “been practicing my whole life to perform  
on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House,” adding: “It’s a dream  
come true.” Tickets for the concert are $50 to $350 and will go on  
sale at metopera.org on Sunday. (END)

Think it will be a sell out?

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband