Utah's SCERA Presents YESTERDAY ONCE MORE Tribute to the Carpenters Tonight, 8/20

Vocalists Joanna Jahn, John Trones and Jen Burleigh-Bentz will offer "Yesterday Once More: A Tribute to the Music of the Carpenters" and recreate the music that still resonates with audiences across several generations. The concert will begin at 8:00pm tonight, Aug. 20 at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre (located at 699 S. State, in the middle of SCERA Park, Orem). Jim Brickman, a Grammy-nominated musician, songwriter, pianist and producer created the tribute show and will attend the performance at SCERA and perform as a special guest during the show.

Karen and Richard Carpenter became international superstars beginning in 1969 with the release of "Close to You" and followed it with other blockbuster hits such as "We've Only Just Begun (especially popular at wedding receptions), "Rainy Day & Mondays" and "Top of the World."

The singers have a wide range of vocal experience. Jahn was featured in the film, A Prairie Home Companion as a member of the Dollys. A classically-trained soloist, she has a self-titled CD and her voice can be heard on many national television commercials.

Of the original Carpenters, she says, they "have always been an inspiration to me as a singer and performer. Between Karen's authentic delivery and genuine tone where it seems she's singing only for you and Richard's brilliant and beautiful arrangements, they really were a perfect blend."

Trones has performed nationally for the past 15 years, often with Brickman. The talented actor, musician and writer recently returned from a sell-out tour through Southeast Asia and can be seen in film roles ("Father Knows Best," "Street Hassle") and several commercials. He has released five CDs and says his interest in the Carpenters began in childhood. "Growing up I very much wanted our family to be the Carpenters. My sisters had all of the Carpenters albums, so their music was a staple in our home. The first album I ever bought was their'Kind of Hush.' Their music made me feel their lyrics; something that does not always go hand in hand."

Burleigh-Bentz spent two years on Broadway as the outrageous Tanya in "Mamma Mia." She has starred in many national tours and professional groups and, when she is home, owns and operates Brickhouse Music with her husband. Her connection with the Carpenters also came early. "I had a music teacher who loved the Carpenters – she introduced us to their wonderful songs. I remember auditioning for a solo part in 'Bless the Beasts & the Children,' and being so touched by the words, even as a child, that I teared up. I feel so blessed today to be able to share their gorgeous melodies."

Composer Jeff Steinberg has orchestrated the score for the concert, and Brickman's signature style has been awarded with six gold and platinum albums.

"Those who grew up listening to the Carpenters will feel a great deal of nostalgia at the concert, and for those new to the music, they should gain an appreciated understanding of music that defined much of the '70s more mellow side," says Adam Robertson, SCERA's President & CEO.

General admission tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for children (age 3-11), seniors (age 65+) and students (w/ID). Reserved area tickets range from $18-$20 for adults and $16 to $18 for children, seniors and students. Tickets are available from 10am-6pm weekdays and Saturdays from 12Noon-6pm at the main office of SCERA Center for the Arts (745 South State, Orem), by calling (801) 225-ARTS, online at www.scera.org or at the gate 90 minutes prior to the concert.

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