Whitaker, Cusson & Simpson kick off Upright Cabaret's American Icon Series in Thousand Oaks
By: LA News Desk Oct. 10, 2010
Upright Cabaret announced the performers for their first concert at the Scherr Forum Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.
On Sat, Oct 23, 2010, Matt Cusson, Jake Simpson and Nita Whitaker will sing the sounds of "Motor City" as Upright Cabaret expands their unique, one-of-a-kind cabaret experience to Thousand Oaks, CA.
Produced by Chris Isaacson, the American Icon Series first debuted to sold out audiences at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Now on tour for the 2010/2011 season, the series features Broadway stars, T.V. stars and up-and-coming local artists performing their own selections while highlighting the music of each shows American Icon's.
In this first show, Motor City, Nita Whitaker (Star Search) will pay homage to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, Jake Simpson (Star Search Grand Champion, Oprah Favorite) will sing the songs of Motown prodigy Stevie Wonder and Spectra Records recording artist Matt Cusson will perform the songs of the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Expect to hear favorites like Chain of Fools, Respect, Ribbon In The Sky, Isn't She Lovely, Rock With You, Heal The World and more, under the musical direction of Gerald Sternbach (Reprise Theatre Company, Sondheim's 75th Anniversary at the Hollywood Bowl), in this very special, not-to-be missed, one night only concert.
Tickets $25-40, Senior/Student discount available. Please call the Box Office at 805-449-2787 or online at www.civicartsplaza.com
Subscribe and save 20%! Buy all four shows for the price of three! Season price $128 ($160 Value). Subscription tickets are available by calling (805) 449-2775, Tuesday thru Sunday, noon to 5:00pm.
Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza is located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks, CA.
For more info about Upright Cabaret's American Icon Series, visit: www.UprightCabaret.com
MORE ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Nita Whitaker - Groomed in gospel, trained in opera, honed in pop, Nita's voice is a remarkable instrument that's difficult to define. But when you hear her power chops and sweet high tones, you know you are in the presence of greatness. Pulling all these elements together, Nita has found a beautiful blend of music that soothes the soul and shares stories from life on this her latest CD LifeStories showcasing her songwriting and producing abilities as well.
A former Miss Louisiana, Nita took her southern roots, charm and show-stopping talent to Los Angeles were her incredible voice carried her to Female Grand Champion on "Star Search". With a vibrant and dynamic stage presence that is unequaled, Nita is comfortable singing in any setting, from an intimate club to the Arena Stages, as well as stage, television and movies. In 2005, she was the guest performer at The Freedom Awards honoring Oprah Winfrey, Rubie Dee and Paul Rusesabagnia. She sang duets with Andrea Bocelli during his 2006 Winter Tour singing to tens of thousands nightly. Nita often travels with Multi-Grammy winner David Foster as his featured artist. She has performed and shared the stage with countless celebrities including Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Richard Marx, Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder and Yolanda Adams. Nita's current CD follows two other independent projects titled "Nita Whitaker" and "One Voice". Most recently she toured with jazz trumpeter Chris Botti earlier this year.
Matt Cusson - The Award winning singer-songwriter continues to prove he's the real thing when it comes to sexy and soulful singing and songwriting. His trademark whispery voice, croons with a jazzy lyric tenor-like comparison to Harry Connick Jr., and style influences of Stevie Wonder and Brian McKnight.
He often gives credit to a wide range of performers and legends for his inspiration that include: Take 6, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, MiLes Davis, John Coltrane, Brian McKnight and The Beatles. Even more inspiring is the list of performers he's worked with on stage, such as Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, The Roots, Christina Aguilera, Babyface and more recently, supporting performer with his mentor and friend, R&B sensation, Brian McKnight. ? Matt is also a self-taught pianist and guitarist, who excels in Jazz, Pop, Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Gospel and Rock, demonstrated by his expert writing and arranging skills on his critically reviewed debut self-entitled album (2008). The following year, he won by unanimous vote the "John Lennon Songwriting Contest's" top annual prize - "Maxell Song of The Year" for the jazz ballad, "One of Those Nights", which will be released in September 2010 by Spectra RecordsTM. Cusson is a three-time "Amateur Night at the Apollo" winner, and has performed on "Live with Regis and Kelly", Bravo's "Millionaire Matchmaker", ABC Television's "The View" and is currently a featured performer on the international "Michael Jackson - Man in the Mirror Tribute tour" of 2010-11.
Jake Simpson twice (2003 and 2004) won the top honors in the Adult Singer category on CBS-TV's "Star Search" with his powerful high tenor voice and three-octave range. Growing up in Crocker, Missouri, making music has been one of the most important driving forces in Jake's life. His sound has been influenced by Stevie Wonder, Steve Perry, Donny Hathaway, and the classic style of Sam Cooke. One of the highlights of Jake's life was when he was invited to perform on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." The show, which first aired on June 8, 2004, was one of Oprah's favorites, as she surprised Jake by bringing out his idol, the legendary Stevie Wonder, to duet with Jake on Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely." The surprise thrilled Oprah so much that she included it on her 20th anniversary DVD box-set. In 2006, Jake produced and recorded an all new CD, the holiday themed "Star of Wonder." To bring his holiday music to the masses, Jake then went on to a holiday tour with pianist, Jim Brickman. The concert tour received rave reviews, and Jake specifically being singled out for his "blue-eyed soul" and his "Amen"-inducing rendition of "O Come All Ye Faithful." Since then, Jake has gone on to write, produce, and record a brand new album of his very own! The CD prophetically entitled "My Song" has garnered positive reviews and is gaining radio airplay throughout the U.S. and Europe. In 2008, Jake recorded vocals with American Idol Finalist, David Archuletta on Archuletta's new album due to released in November 2008. In 2009, Jake recorded various tracks with songwriter Desmond Child for Adam Lambert, another American Idol. In Aug 2010, Jake Simpson opened for 3x Grammy nominee Taylor Dayne at Summer Concert Series at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, CA. Check out Jake's new music at www.cdbaby.com and www.itunes.com.
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