The Pacific Symphony Presents MICHAEL ANDREW SINGS SINATRA, 11/6-8

Standards made wildly popular by the great male nightclub singers of the 1950s-Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bobby Darin and others-electrify the concert hall for the opening of Pacific Symphony's 2014-15 Pops Season. This high-energy show features award-winning vocalist Michael Andrew, who was praised on Larry King Live, "as one of the great singers of all time." Andrew headlined the world-famous Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center for two years as its main singer and bandleader. He was also the band leader and singer for Merv Griffin's "Coconut Club" at The Beverly Hilton before creating his hit musical comedy, "Mickey Swingerhead and The Earthgirls" and the 18-piece Atomic Big Band featured in the film "Poseidon." Now taking orchestras by storm in cities across America, Andrew joins the Symphony, led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, to recall the "good old days" when music was swinging, jazzy and always came with a Big Band.

The Symphony's Pops opening-"Michael Andrew Sings Sinatra"-takes place Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 6-8, at 8 p.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets are $35-$160; Box Circle, $185. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org

"Every Pops opening weekend is filled with excitement and anticipation, and with good reason!" says Maestro Kaufman. "This year, we are welcoming a terrific singer, Michael Andrew

for a celebration of the memorable music of Frank Sinatra. What better way to ring in the new Pops season than with songs made famous by one of history's greatest singers?

"I absolutely love the recordings of Frank Sinatra and have since I was a young violinist," Kaufman continues. "My appreciation of Sinatra's music grew right along with my education in classical music, and has only grown with the years. And as a professional violinist in the studios of Hollywood, I experienced this amazing singer a number of times up close and personal as a member of orchestras accompanying this true music legend. The greatest melodies, the most brilliant lyrics, and a singer who was simply the best. For me, it will be like a trip down 'memory lane' to be part of a tribute to the 'Chairman of the Board.'"

Andrew is "one of the best talents to come down the pike in 50 years," according to legendary comedian Jerry Lewis. Broadway World says he's "star-making... Andrew's virtuoso performance is startling in its complexity... clearly this is a role he was born to play."

Following intermission, Andrew takes everyone's breath away with a crooning voice in the style of Sinatra and memorable songs including, "Come Fly with Me," "Mack the Knife," "New York, New York," "Ain't That a Kick in The Head," "That's Life" and "My Kind of Girl." The first half of the concert, led by Kaufman, includes a selection of rousing orchestral music that includes the Suite from "The Man with the Golden Arm" and "Chicago" from "The Joker is Wild," along with patriotic favorites in preparation for Veteran's Day: "The Stars and Stripes Forever," "American Salute," "Strike Up the Band" and the "Armed Forces Salute."

"I'm very excited about the first half of our opening Pops weekend," says Kaufman. "We'll begin with the music of Gershwin, and then pay a mini-tribute to the films of Frank Sinatra. From one of his most powerful performances, we'll present music from 'The Man with the Golden Arm,' composed by Elmer Bernstein. And then we'll head to Vegas and music from "The Joker is Wild"! And with our country celebrating one of the most important holidays of the year, we'll join in the celebration of Veterans Day as we honor the courageous men and women of the Armed Forces, both past and present. It will be an exciting and moving tribute befitting such an important holiday."

Andrew's two bands, Swingerhead and The Atomic Big Band, are favorites among audiences and continue to tour the country playing engagements that range from presidential inaugural balls to high-society fundraisers. On the other side of the curtain, Andrew has created extensive work as a composer, lyricist and writer. His shows pay tribute to the writers of the Great American Songbook including Johnny Mercer and Sammy Cahn, and his compositions and musical performances have been featured in major motion pictures including "Heartbreakers," "Inglorious Bastards," "Mad Hot Ballroom," "Bobby Jones-Stroke of Genius" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven." Andrew has been a featured guest artist with symphony orchestras across the nation.

"The Symphony's coming Pops season will be one of our most diverse ever," says Kaufman. "Following our opening will be our Christmas celebration, which will feature the amazing singer, Sandi Patty, as well as a very special guest narrator. Known to television and movie audiences everywhere, we'll be welcoming the one and only Jamie Farr (Corporal Max Klinger from M*A*S*H*)."

Concert sponsors for "Michael Andrew Sings Sinatra" include Catherine and James Emmi (Nov. 6) and Jean Moriarty and Ruth Ann Moriarty (Nov. 8). The Symphony's Pops series receives additional support from the official vehicle, Mercedes-Benz, Avenue of the Arts Wyndham Hotel and media sponsors, PBS SoCal and K-EARTH 101.

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