John Pizzarelli, Monica Mancini and Cheyenne Jackson to Celebrate Sinatra at VPAC, 12/12

Luminary jazz guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and bandleader celebrates the centennial of the legendary Frank Sinatra with an exclusive VPAC performance: John Pizzarelli: DEAR MR. SINATRA, A SWINGING CENTENNIAL featuring Monica Mancini and Cheyenne Jackson. Pizzarelli, who has recorded with the likes of Paul McCartney, James Taylor, and Rosemary Clooney, will bring his signature swinging song interpretations of "Ol' Blue Eyes" to the VPAC Stage on December 12, 2015.

"For his third concert with us, I charged John with the task of creating an original concert, on the actual date of Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday," says Thor Steingraber, VPAC's Executive Director. "An in-demand artist like John could've been performing anywhere in the world on this special date, and we're proud he has chosen to return to VPAC for the occasion. John is putting together a big band for the occasion, and I added Monica and Cheyenne into the mix, knowing that these three artists will each bring their own individual style to the songs made famous by Sinatra. It's going to be one big musical party."

About John Pizzarelli - John Pizzarelli, has been called "hip with a wink," "madly creative" and "the genial genius of the guitar." Using performers like Nat "King" Cole as touchstones, Pizzarelli has established himself as one of the prime interpreters of the Great American Songbook and beyond, bringing to his work the cool jazz flavor of his brilliant guitar playing and singing.

Pizzarelli was hailed by The Boston Globe for "reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz." Pizzarelli has expanded that repertoire by including the music of Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim and Lennon-McCartney.

Pizzarelli performs annual engagements at the Café Carlyle with his wife, Jessica Molaskey, and at Birdland with his jazz combo. He continues to tour throughout the United States, Europe, South America and Japan, performing classic pop, jazz and swing, while setting the standard for stylish modern jazz.

About Monica Mancini - Monica Mancini is the daughter of famed film composer Henry Mancini and notable studio singer Ginny O'Conner Mancini. Mancini has carved out an impressive career of her own as a concert performer, appearing with major symphony orchestras worldwide, including the Chicago Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Seattle Symphony and the London Metropolitan Orchestra. She is a two-time Grammy nominee whose program often includes the classic songs "The Shadow of Your Smile," "Moment to Moment," "Moon River," "Soldier in the Rain," "Alfie," "Charade," "Days of Wine and Roses" and "Over the Rainbow."

Mancini's more recent appearances have been with the Fort Worth Symphony, Toronto Symphony and the New York Pops Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. The Los Angeles Times has called her, "One of contemporary music's most engaging vocal artists."

About Cheyenne Jackson - Modern matinee idol and Broadway star, Cheyenne Jackson is a multi-talented actor, singer, and songwriter. Whether on stage, film, television, or in concerts, Jackson continues to have one of the most diverse careers in entertainment. He is currently in American Horror Story: Hotel and was recently seen in Steven Soderbergh's Behind the Candelabra with Michael Douglas and Matt Damon. Jackson sang the role of Tony in the 2014 Grammy Award nominated live recording of West Side Story with the San Francisco Symphony conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. For his many accomplishments and activism, Jackson was recently named Out Magazine's "Entertainer of the Year."

Tickets for John Pizzarelli: DEAR MR. SINATRA, A SWINGING CENTENNIAL featuring Monica Mancini and Cheyenne Jackson range from $45 to $100 and can be purchased by visiting ValleyPerformingArtsCenter.org or calling (818) 677-3000. Valley Performing Arts Center is located on the campus of California State University, Northridge (CSUN), 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330-8448, at the corner of Nordhoff and Lindley.

Now entering its Fifth Anniversary year, VPAC's mission is to present a wide variety of performances that not only includes new and original work from the Los Angeles region, but also work from around the world that appeals to all of LA's rich and diverse communities. The Valley Performing Arts Center's 2015-16 Season signals a new era for the five-year old premiere event venue. Under the leadership of Executive Director Thor Steingraber, VPAC expands its programming to include new and original work, and outstanding multi-disciplinary performances. Located on the campus of California State University Northridge, VPAC's season offers a vibrant and diverse performance program of nearly 50 classical and popular music, dance, theater, family and international events that will serve to establish VPAC as the intellectual and cultural heart of the San Fernando Valley and further establish itself as one of the top arts companies in Southern California. The award-winning 1,700-seat theatre was designed by HGA Architects and Engineers and was recently cited by the LA Times as "a growing hub for live music, dance, drama and other cultural events."

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