Chita Rivera, The Gershwins to Be Inducted into Great American Songbook Hall of Fame

The Great American Songbook Foundation and the Center for the Performing Arts have just announced Ira & George Gershwin, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gormé, and Chita Rivera as the three 2015 Songbook Hall of Fame honorees, to be recognized at the SONGBOOK CELEBRATION gala on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at the Palladium.

The Saturday evening gala will feature the founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation, Michael Feinstein, as he inducts a new round of honorees as part of the Songbook Hall of Fame. Conceived as an enduring testament to the Great American Songbook's artistic contributors, the Hall of Fame honors lyricists, composers and performers.

"We intentionally created the Hall of Fame to honor our country's songwriters and artists," said Feinstein, who also serves as the Center for the Performing Arts Artistic Director. "Sharing their music and recognizing their contributions ensures that our heritage endures for generations to come."

To celebrate the amazing careers of the inductees, many performers will be in attendance to celebrate their contributions to the Great American Songbook. Michael Feinstein, Founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation, will be joined by the incomparable Marilyn Maye, Tony winner Karen Ziemba, and 2015 Songbook Youth Ambassadors Lucas DeBard and Madelyn Baillio, as they pay tribute to the Honorees.

Following the Induction Ceremony, Chris Mann will perform Songbook standards in a 50 minute concert performance. After his breakout on The Voice in 2012, where he was best known for his duet of "The Prayer" with Christina Aguilera, Mann has performed for sold out audiences across the country as Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera.

For the fourth year, the Songbook Celebration is presented by Krieg DeVault, with support from Katz, Sapper & Miller LLP, and First Merchants. Inside the Palladium, the evening starts with a VIP cocktail reception, dinner and live auction. Following the Gala performance, guests will enjoy live music, dancing, food and drinks in themed clubs throughout the Palladium in the Katz, Sapper & Miller After Party.

All proceeds will benefit the artistic and educational programs of the Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Gala Performance, and After Party are available now at www.TheCenterPresents.org/Songbook-Celebration.

The Palladium concert hall on the campus of the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana serves as the official home of the Great American Songbook Foundation and the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame. The Great American Songbook Foundation inducts new members annually into the Hall of Fame as part of its mission to inspire and educate by celebrating the Great American Songbook. For more information, visit www.TheSongbook.org.

Photo Credit: Laura Marie Duncan