Sting News

William Ross will be at the podium as conductor for the 83rd Academy Awards®, telecast producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer announced today.

First came the Four Tenors, then the Latin Americans, and then the Irish. Now, claiming the North American identity in this friendly battle among male upper-range voices are the Canadian Tenors, coming to Jorgensen's Cabaret Series on Friday and Saturday, February 25 & 26, at 8 p.m. Audience members can enjoy casual fare and drinks, available for cash only, at their tables as they delight in one of Canada's most sought-after exports.

The hits just keep on coming for SPIDER-MAN, but some help is on the way to the show. The New York Times is reporting and we've confirmed that the show has officially brought on Paul Bogaev, a multi-award winning music director-producer, arranger and composer to work on improving the show's many sound issues, including to 'help improve the performance, vocal and orchestration arrangements, and sound quality of the songs and numbers'. Word has also been coming from multiple sources that it's expected that the production will officially announce another delay later in the week (it's sixth) that might push the official opening as far forward as AFTER this year's Tony Awards. The Times is also reporting that 'Bono and Edge are writing new music for 'Spider-Man' now, but Mr. Miramontez said that Mr. Bogaev's role was far greater than adding that music once it is ready. No significant additions have been made to the score so far.'

Today, we are featuring an exclusive conversation with one of the most accomplished and respected stage and television actors of his generation, showing solid proof that a child actor can go on to have a wildly successful career as an adult onstage and onscreen if he has the talent to go with it - the star of the Public Theater's new production of William Shakespeare's TIMON OF ATHENS, Richard Thomas. From the seventies TV smash THE WALTONS to Stephen King's IT and NIGHTMARES & DREAMSCAPES in the 90s and 00s, to Edward Albee's TINY ALICE and David Mamet‘s RACE onstage, we touch upon many of the memorable roles that have made Richard Thomas a household name over the course of his forty years in show business and what the work of William Shakespeare means not only to him and those involved with this avant garde production of the problematic play, but also the pertinent message the show carries with it in these tumultuous times we live in today and what we can learn from it.

Broadway leading lady Kelli O'Hara and opera star Nathan Gunn will perform selections from Show Boat; Carousel; Kiss Me, Kate; Very Warm for May; Love Life; One Touch of Venus; Street Scene; On the Town; Candide; and West Side Story with the New York Philharmonic, in Classic Broadway, conducted by Tony Award winner Ted Sperling, Monday, March 21, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. The pair will perform solos and duets from hit shows by American songwriters Jerome Kern, Kurt Weill, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, and Leonard Bernstein, whose music was matched with words by such celebrated lyricists as Oscar Hammerstein, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and Stephen Sondheim. A complete listing of songs follows.

Arizona-based actress and Invisible Theatre's Managing Artistic Director, SUSAN CLAASSEN, most recently completed a sold-out 5 week run at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood.

Nathan Gunn is one of today's most sought after opera stars whose spectacular voice is matched by movie star good looks.

Whatsonstage.com reports today that Trudie Styler will take the stage with Ian Redford and Russell Barr in Out of Joint's A Dish Of Tea with Dr. Johnson at Customs House in South Shields on Tyneside, March 4th and 5th. Styler will play society hostess Mrs. Thrale, the 'unrequited' love of writer Samuel Jognson (played by Russell). Out of Joint's artistic director Max Stafford-Clark directs.

2010 MAC Award Nominee Joshua Warr is launching his new production company this year and is celebrating with a star-studded concert fundraising event with more than a few tricks in the bag. A dazzling assortment of the best and brightest talent from Broadway, Cabaret, Dance and Magic unite to celebrate the start-up of Art of Warr Productions.

After it's highly successful staging in NYC in June 2010, Allan Buchman has announced the West Coast debut of Twin Spirits on Tuesday, February 15th at the Mark Taper Forum at the Music Center of Los Angeles County. Presented by Culture Project, Sting and Trudie Styler will reprise their roles as classical composer Robert and his wife, pianist Clara Schumann; reading the couple's poignant letters with accompaniment from a six-member ensemble of classical musicians. A portion of the evening's proceeds will be used to support the ongoing work of Culture Project, the Royal Opera House and Mustardseed Arts Trust.

Sh-K-Boom has announced that Broadway favorite Alice Ripley will realease a new album, Daily Practice - Volume 1 on February 15, 2011.

Tony Award winner Alice Ripley is prepping a new solo recording for Sh-K-Boom Records, the same label that released her 2000 debut album Everything's Fine and the acclaimed original cast recording of Next to Normal. Daily Practice: Volume 1 will feature acoustic covers of songs from artists like Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Carole King, Alanis Morissette, Carly Simon and U2. 'It's a collection of songs that I play every day,' Ripley told Broadway.com in an exclusive chat about the new CD. 'I pick up my guitar every day, especially at times where I don't know where I am or who I am. My guitar reminds me... Reminds me of why I wanted to sing and who I am and what I have to say.'

Groundbreaking Irish-American fiddler Eileen Ivers can keep up with classical virtuosi while keeping up the warmth of a kitchen party with her group, Immigrant Soul.

Nick Stefancci Band hosts Official CD Release Show in association with No Pulp Music Feb 12 @ arlene's grocery -8 pm hit

On Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 8:00 PM, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Valentine's weekend with three of Broadway's hottest leading ladies - Debbie Gravitte, Jan Horvath and Christiane Noll - under the baton of NJSO Music Director Jacques Lacombe. In this scintillating evening concert, taking place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, the artists will scale musical-theater heights with timeless classics from Gypsy, Funny Girl, Wicked, Evita, My Fair Lady and Candide.

2011 marks the 13th year that guitar virtuoso Andre Feriante will host his annual Valentine's Day Concert at Benaroya Hall's Nordstrom Recital Hall. This award-winning, neo-flamenco/classical guitar virtuoso performs each year for hundreds of fans who savor the soulful and seductive harmonies his music embodies. It's all about romance but his melded styles and multi-guitar format keep the evening lively and upbeat. Although soft and easy is definitely the theme, things will probably get a little spicy when Andre introduces his two newest loves to the audience: the mandolin and the ukulele. Feriante will perform a musical mix of fiery flamenco, classical guitar standards and spoken poetry set to his original compositions in the style of Neruda and Rumi; followed by a series of romantic favorites performed in the classical and jazz styles and a special tribute to his legendary mentor, Andres Segovia. For the last 20-plus years Feriante has used Seattle as a base for his international career. A poet as well as composer, his artistic path has crossed with numerous Seattle-based musicians, and on special occasions they perform together. For the 2011 Valentine's Day Concert that mix includes: tenor Steve Thoreson, pianist Overton Berry, guitarist Erich Fridrich, and jazz vocalist Annie O'Neill. It is during ACTII of Andante Amoroso when Feriante will introduce this eclectic mix of musical professionals for an improvisational set sure to dazzle with their exquisite musicianship. Andre Feriante Andante Amoroso is Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. in the Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall. Tickets are $40 and are on sale now through the Benaroya Hall Box Office, at 206.215.4747 or online at www.benaroyahall.org. Andre Feriante - www.andreferiante.comAfter 20-plus years of performing and recording, award-winning virtuoso guitarist Andre Feriante has left his musical mark on the classical, world music and fusion scenes. A cross-over artist in the vein of YoYo Ma or Sting, his performance program represents a bold but fluid musical fusion, featuring music from Bach to Leonard Cohen, flamenco improvisation to jazz standards, and even poetry by Federico Garcia Lorca, Rumi and Feriante himself. Born in Naples, Italy, Feriante spent his formative years between Southern Italy and Manziana, a village just outside Rome. At age nine he announced his intentions to be a flamenco guitarist. He worked and saved to buy his first instrument, then at 13, he began studying at the Overseas School of Rome. By age 16, he was already performing the works of Bach, Vivaldi, Albeniz and Scarlatti, and by 18, Feriante had launched his musical career, playing concerts in Rome, Berlin and North and South America. He continued his studies with world-renowned classical guitarists Andres Segovia and Jose Tomas (Segovia's assistant) in Madrid, Henry Rivas in Bogota, Columbia and Leon Atkinson in New York. A nylon string player from the classical tradition, Feriante's creative blend of classical, flamenco, and Brazilian styles speaks to people from all walks of life--from society sophisticates and blue-collar aficionados to Latin devotees and jazz hipsters. Often called the "People's Guitarist," Feriante brings his sensual, contemporary sound to an otherwise traditional genre. His bittersweet style and skillful playing is likened to Brazilian singer-guitarist Caetano Veloso; his style and sound have been compared to Andres Segovia; and his lyrical style to that of Leonard Cohen. Critics cite Feriante's music for its dreamlike healing quality, much like a piece of Impressionist art. Graceful, elegant, and ardent, he explores the delicate aspects of love and loss. Since moving to Seattle in the 1980s, Feriante has established himself as a local favorite, having performed throughout the Puget Sound area in public and private concerts for a virtual "Who's Who of Seattle." His music has been featured on NPR's Hearts and Space and in 2008 he was picked for the MSN celebrity feature, "12 Sexy Bald Men," along with Andre Agassi, Seal, Vin Diesel, Taye Diggs and Patrick Stewart. (http://www.andreferiante.com/article/7.html). In addition to his performance schedule, Feriante currently hosts "La Guitarra" on Classic King FM 98.1, the Arts Channel. Feriante has played a wide variety of venues including The King Cat Theatre (where he opened for Olita Adams and David Benoit), The Frye Art Museum, The Paramount Theater, and the Key Arena, where he performed the National Anthem for the Seattle Sonics. Feriante recently performed with the Northwest Symphony at Benaroya Hall with Heart and Alice and Chains.Festival appearances include the Maui Music Festival, Seattle Folklife Festival, Seattle Hempfest and Bumbershoot. And Feriante headlined "La Festa di Manziana" in Rome. He makes regular appearances on Seattle radio and television and was featured on the Classical King FM Compilation Natural Symphony CD, as well as on the Tigerbreath label with Ottmar Liebert, Craig Chaquico and others. He has played at Javeriana University in Bogota, Colombia, and for Jose Carreras at both Carnegie Hall and Benaroya Hall (benefits for the Jose Carreras Leukemia Foundation). Feriante's albums have consistently charted within the top 10, and, "Bohemian Boulevard," debuted at No. 1 on the world and ambient radio charts. It remained in the top 20 for five months and then went on to win "Best World Album" at the New Age Reporter's 2006 Lifestyle Awards. He recently issued his eighth CD, a limited edition, "Best of Feriante," celebrating his 10th year anniversary Valentine show at Benaroya Hall, and on February 14, 2010, at the 12th Annual Benaroya Hall Valentines show, Feriante will officially release his tenth CD, "Sleeping Lady Serenade." A seasoned, expressive performer whose style is as elegant as it is conversational, Feriante's innovative and effortless style appeals to any ear with a love and passion for music. He has dedicated his life to his art, and his ability to communicate through sound never fails to lead his audience on an emotional journey that is as deeply personal as it is universal. Steve Thoreson - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn3RzCboY0ESteve Thoreson is a tenor of the highest caliber. Critics and aficionados alike compare his voice to that of Luciano Pavarotti. A natural talent from North Bend, Washington, Steve grew up winning every singing competition in his region and early on was sent by the Seattle Opera to study in Siena, Italy. His studies have taken him throughout Europe, including to the renowned Swedish vocalist, actress and teacher, Britt Bern. Thoreson has performed extensively in Sweden, in concert, on radio and television. His singing has taken him to twenty seven countries, performing in churches, piazzas, concert halls and sporting arenas. A powerhouse of Norwegian and Native American decent, Steve Thoreson is a major force to contend with in the world of opera. Overton Berry - www.overtonberry.comOverton Berry began his musical career over fifty years ago at the age of 16 when he played USO shows at military bases on the west coast with the first Overton Berry Trio. In the Pacific Northwest, he's considered "a living legend", and his wealth of experience and generations of fans bear witness to this affectionate accolade. His credits include Music Director for the Peggy Lee Concert at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair; Music Director for the House of Entertainment during the Seattle World's Fair; Music Director for the Canadian tour La Hora de Jazz Concerts; Music Director of the Gene Stridel Show, Hollywood Overseas Committee - Viet Nam; and Music Director of the Overton Berry Trio and the TOBE School of Music. He has played extensively in venues around the world including Sans Souci in Tokyo, the Marriott in Cairo, the Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok, the China Hotel in Guangzhou, China and the Sheraton Hotel in Hong Kong. Eric Fridrich www.myspace.com/ericfridrichEric Fridrich brings a sense of versatility and awareness to his singer/songwriter roots. With touches of rock, jazz, folk, blues and Latin, Fridrich delivers a sound rich in pop hooks, jazz tags and blues turnarounds. This Chicago native adds the influences of such artists as Sting, Neil Young, Sinatra, B.B. King, James Brown, James Taylor, Santana and Stevie Wonder, to name a few. Fridrich offers an acoustic guitar featuring many styles, a harmonica with minor modes as well as blues and a unique vocal style that captivates the audience. His music is extremely accessible, as evidenced by open invitations to play in China, France, Australia, Italy, UK, zchech, Caribbean and all over the US. His recent work garnered a 2006 nomination for 'Best New Artist of the Year' from Seattle Weekly, a full-page feature article in "The Collegient," in-studio interview at KBCS-FM, Channel 5 News exclusive interview, along with a slew of national radio exposure. Fridrich's music speaks for itself. Usually a solo performer, you can find him in Chicago with the likes of internationally respected Nate Lerohl (double bass) who adds the German bow in the Duocracy. In Seattle, you'll find Fridrich leading the Eric Fridrich Trio--with bassist Steve Kim and percussionist Johnny Conga, whose illustrious credits include the Jackson 5, Gloria Estaban, among 20 other Grammy Award winners. Annie O'Neill http://www.reverbnation.com/annieoneillis a native of the great northwest who studied vocal jazz at Cornish College of the Arts and has since focused on developing her performance and songwriting skills. Whether it's a sultry ballad, a full force rock jam, or a raw acoustic tune, Annie is capable of entrancing an audience of any size. Annie's debut CD with LiquidCity offers a variety of textures and genres, ranging from hard edge folk rock quartet songs to lilting piano-based arrangements, stripped down acoustic tunes, a capella, to a vintage jazz cover, 'Angel Eyes'. Highlights include Annie's vocal scat style and searing solos on both electric and slide guitars.

Nick Stefancci Band hosts Official CD Release Show in association with No Pulp Music Feb 12 @ arlene's grocery -8 pm hit

59E59 Theaters (Elysabeth Kleinhans, Artistic Director; Peter Tear, Executive Producer) welcomes On the Square Productions with the world premiere of IN YOUR IMAGE, written by Rob Benson and directed by Deborah Wolfson. IN YOUR IMAGE begins performances on Wednesday, February 10 for a limited engagement through Sunday, February 27. Press Opening is Tuesday, February 15 at 7:30 PM. The performance schedule is Tuesday - Wednesday at 7:30 PM; Thursday - Saturday at 8:30 PM; Sunday at 3:30 PM. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison). Tickets are $18 ($12.60 for 59E59 Members) and are available by calling Ticket Central at 212-279-4200 or online at www.59E59.org.

First came the Four Tenors, then the Latin Americans, and then the Irish. Now, claiming the North American identity in this friendly battle among male upper-range voices are the Canadian Tenors, coming to Jorgensen's Cabaret Series on Friday and Saturday, February 25 & 26, at 8 p.m. Audience members can enjoy casual fare and drinks, available for cash only, at their tables as they delight in one of Canada's most sought-after exports.

Continuing Friday...Rosie's back with her unique, swingin', and sexy tribute to Sting! It's all the buzz!