Dennis DeYoung from Styx performs with Pacific Symphony, Nov. 5-7

By: Oct. 12, 2009
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LEGENDARY ROCKER DENNIS DEYOUNG—CHART-TOPPING FOUNDING MEMBER OF STYX—JOINS PACIFIC SYMPHONY FOR A MUSICAL JOURNEY THROUGH THREE DECADES OF HITS!

ORANGE COUNTY,CA—Showcasing one of the world’s most recognizable voices, Dennis DeYoung—founding member of the famous rock band STYX—sings live with Pacific Symphony in the intimate acoustics of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall on Saturday, Nov. 5-7, at 8 p.m. "Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx" features music from the group's legendary catalog of songs and is conducted by DeYoung's personal friend and musical colleague, Arnie Roth. During his lengthy career with STYX—which sold more than 35 million albums worldwide—DeYoung enjoyed a string of Top-10 hits (having written eight of the nine top-10 singles), including "Come Sail Away," "Mr. Roboto," "Lady" and "Show Me the Way." His music has unmistakably pervaded the popular conciousness and can be heard on over 30 popular television shows and 15 major motion pictures. STYX remains the only band to ever record four consecutive triple platinum albums. DeYoung replaces Peter Cetera—who was forced to cancel due to a scheduling conflict.

The first half of the concert features guest pops conductor Michael Krajewski and the orchestra paying tribute to the iconic music of the 1950s and ’60s, with new arrangements of "Rock Around the Clock," "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," and "Can’t Help Falling in Love with You."

"Back in 2000, I had come to a crossroads in my life, unsure about what career path I should pursue," DeYoung said of his post-STYX years. "Shepherd, bouncer, philosopher king, ventriloquist or perhaps man on the flying trapeze. Fortunately, I was guided back onto the path of the magical world of music. Primarily because of the smell of the goats and my overall appearance in circus tights, I believe whole-heartedly I've made the correct choice. I will continue to sing, write and perform as long as you allow me this privilege, or 'til I just flat get pooped."

Although he's not "pooped" yet, DeYoung has been a singer, songwriter, keyboardist and record producer for more than 40 years. He wrote and sang numerous classics that include "Best of Times," "Desert Moon," "Don’t Let It End," and the 1979 Peoples Choice Award winner, "Babe." He has recorded seven solo albums including "Desert Moon," the title track of which achieved Top Ten status. Among the TV shows that have featured his compositions are The Simpsons, E.R., Saturday Night Live, and South Park; among the motion pictures to include his music are Virgin Suicides, Detroit Rock City, Atlantis, The Perfect Man, and Fun with Dick and Jane.

DeYoung made his Broadway debut in 1993, starring as Pontius Pilate in the 25th anniversary reunion tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. In May 2008, DeYoung's musical based on the classic Victor Hugo novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame was staged in Chicago at the Bailiwick Repertory Theater.

Roth—a classically trained violinist, conductor, composer, producer and Grammy® award-winning artist—performs across a wide array of musical genres. He has performed with a host of artists, including Il Divo, Diana Ross, Jewel, The Three Tenors, The Irish Tenors, Charlotte Church, Josh Groban, Patrick Stewart, Branford Marsalis and Andrea Bocelli. He is also a long-time member of the Grammy Award-winning group Mannheim Steamroller. He has conducted major orchestras nationwide, and since 2004, Roth has brought critical acclaim to the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra as music director and principal conductor. Under his direction, the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra appeared in a nationally broadcast PBS Special featuring The Irish Tenors.

Known for his entertaining programs and wry sense of humor, Krajewski is a much sought-after conductor of symphonic pops concerts. He is the principal pops conductor of the Houston Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony and the New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra. He also enjoys a special relationship with the Atlanta Symphony, with which he makes frequent appearances as a guest conductor. Krajewski was principal pops conductor of the Long Beach Symphony for 11 years and he held the same position with the New Mexico Symphony for eight years. He is also much in demand as a guest conductor with orchestras across the country. Internationally, he has appeared with Ottawa's National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Edmonton and Winnipeg symphonies; he has also performed with the Hong Kong Philharmonic and the Ulster Orchestra in Ireland.

Pacific Symphony's Pops series is made possible by Pops media sponsor the Los Angeles Times; the Symphony's official airline, American Airlines; official hotel, The Westin South Coast Plaza; official Pops radio station, K-Earth 101; and official television station, KOCE-TV.

Tickets are $25-$150; for more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.pacificsymphony.org.


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