Broadway/cabaret Star Avery Sommers Joins Board For Society For Preservation Of The Great American Songbook

Broadway and cabaret star Avery Sommers has joined the Honorary Board of Advisors for The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook, a non-profit founded by broadcasting legend Dick Robinson to keep this great music playing through its Young Artist Mentorship Program and radio and television shows that provide songbook lovers around the world with free, unfettered access to the music they cherish.

"We are delighted to welcome Avery Sommers to our Honorary Advisory Board joining Jack Jones, Connie Francis, Steve Tyrell, Tony Bennett and other notable performers in our mission to keep the great music playing and preserve its legacy," says Robinson, the owner of Legends 100.3 FM in Palm Beach County and online at www.LegendsRadio.com.

"Avery's talent and passion in creating an entertainment experience for audiences demonstrate her personal connection to the music that is beloved by so many," he adds. "Her stories and memories come to life on stage through the songbook, the very embodiment of the Society's mission to preserve and perpetuate this unique and powerful music."

Avery Sommers appeared on Broadway in Ain't Misbehavin', Show Boat, Chicago, and Platinum, and in the national tours of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with Ann-Margret, and Chicago with Chita Rivera and Joel Grey. She was also seen in Regina Taylor's Crowns at City Theatre in Pittsburgh, and Hairspray at Actors' Playhouse. Sommers has been featured in 10 independent films shot in South Florida, and her current performance schedule includes gigs in New York City and various local venues. She can be heard regularly on Legends Radio 100.3FM and at LegendsRadio.com.

"I grew up listening to the Big Bands. My father loved listening to Big Bands. It was that and Gospel music. That's where my sense of music comes from. I love hearing it and it's a throwback to memories of my parents," says Sommers. "So it's a very special and exciting honor to be asked to be involved in preserving the Great American Songbook. I don't think there's any better music, and certainly the only one with this type of staying power.

"Our goal is to find and nurture talented young people, such as those now being mentored by performers Jill and Rich Switzer. My eyes and ears pop open when these kids sing and they set an extraordinary example for other children," she adds. "I saw a play when I was 8-years-old and I knew then that's what I wanted to do. That's why it is important to keep showcasing these amazing young performers so they can be an inspiration to others."

The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook was founded by Dick Robinson, the owner of Legends Radio in North Palm Beach and its online counterpart LegendsRadio.com. Robinson, who launched his broadcasting career 60 years ago, also founded the Connecticut School of Broadcasting (the nation's oldest and largest group of broadcast media schools) and hosts the syndicated radio/TV show Dick Robinson's American Standards by the Sea. For more information, please visit www.preserveourgas.org.

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