North Carolina Symphony Presents SIMPLY SINATRA, 5/18-19

Vocalist Steve Lippia joins the North Carolina Symphony next month to celebrate a true American original, Frank Sinatra. The orchestra, led by Resident Conductor William Henry Curry, presents "Simply Sinatra" at Raleigh's Meymandi Concert Hall on Friday and Saturday, May 18-19 at 8:00 p.m.

Steve Lippia has become one of the most in-demand concert vocalists in the nation and has quickly established his place among the finest interpreters of standards and traditional pop music. His youthful, energetic talent and powerful on-stage presence introduces a new generation to Sinatra's timeless music, while appealing to long-time fans.

He takes center stage in Raleigh for a program of unforgettable classics by The Chairman of the Board. Concertgoers will be swept away by Sinatra favorites including "I've Got You Under My Skin," "The Lady Is A Tramp," "My Way, Summer Wind," "You Make Me Feel So Young," "That's Life," "The Best Is Yet To Come," "Luck Be A Lady" and "Come Fly With Me."

"It's an exhilarating night of music and lyrics that will never die," wrote the New York Daily News of this uncanny musical tribute. "Sinatra will never die for his fans, as long as Steve Lippia is there to bring him back to life."

Affirming the singer's skill, The Wall Street Journal reported in June 2000 that "Frank Sinatra's long-time friend and associate Tino Barzie and his musical director Vincent Falcone thought they had stumbled on an old Sinatra recording the first time they heard Mr. Lippia's demo tape. It also fooled Lee Solters, Sinatra's publicist for 26 years."

Lippia has performed to sold-out audiences including many major symphonies across North America. He also headlined extended engagements at the Rio Suites and Casino in Las Vegas and Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, where audiences lined up more than two hours before show time to vie for seating.

Regular tickets to the Symphony's Pops series performances of "Simply Sinatra," May 18-19, range from $40 to $60, with $40 tickets for seniors and $10 tickets for students.

For tickets, visit the North Carolina Symphony website at www.ncsymphony.org or call North Carolina Symphony Audience Services at 919.733.2750 or toll free 877.627.6724. Meymandi Concert Hall is located in the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., in Raleigh.