The Breithaupt Brothers Come Home to Kitchener for Two Concerts

The Breithaupt Brothers Come Home To Kitchener is a showcase of the songs of Don and Jeff Breithaupt performed by some of the Waterloo Region's finest musicians: The New Vibes Jazz Quintet, the Penderecki String Quartet, plus nine vocalists. Don and Jeff Breithaupt are among North America's finest songwriters in the tradition of The Great American Songbook, such as George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin. Don and Jeff are descendants of Kitchener's venerable Breithaupt family. Generations of Breithaupts put their stamp on the establishment, and growth of the town of Berlin which, in turn, became the city of Kitchener. Renowned as a major shoe-making centre of Canada, the Breithaupt tannery provided much of the leather. Central figures in Berlin/Kitchener for generations, four became mayors, including Louis Breithaupt, who was known as "The First Citizen of Berlin". So significant was their contribution, that a street, a park, and a community centre are named for them.

And now, over one hundred and fifty years later, two of Louis' great, great, grandchildren return to their ancestral home to perform their songbook. Renowned for their "modern standards" compositions, the Breithaupt Brothers' songs have been recorded by acclaimed popular artists such as Denzal Sinclaire, Sarah Slean, KellyLee Evans, Ron Sexsmith, Heather Bambrick, and Paul Shaffer. Jeff is Vice-President for Media and Communications at New York's Manhattan School of Music. Don is a recording composer and musicianbased in Toronto and Los Angeles.

Although their family has deep roots in the Waterloo Region, the brothers have never played their music here. By bringing them home to Kitchener alongside some of the region's best, the Breithaupt Brothers Songbook will not only create a compelling artistic event for local audiences, but it will also provide unique opportunity for local talent. Composer Don and lyricist Jeff will work with the artists to prepare their songs to debut at The Registry Theatre, the region's premier community arts venue.

In addition to Don and Jeff, the musical ensemble will be an amalgamation of two of the region's finest instrumental groups. The New Vibes Jazz Quartet is a favourite in local jazz circles, and is led by vibraphone player Andy Macpherson, who is also Executive Producer of the entire project. NVJQ will be complemented by the world-renowned Penderecki String Quartet. Quartet In Residence at Wilfrid Laurier University's famed music faculty, the PSQ are well known for their adventurous musical forays beyond the classical world.

The icing on the cake comes in the form of eight accomplished vocalists, each of whom will put their own spin on the Breithaupt songs. The who's who are Joni NehRita, Derek Hines, Mary-Catherine Pazzano, Brenda Lewis, Denise Baker, Rosie Samra, Robin Habermehl, and Jessie Treneer.

The concert's key sponsor is Breithaupt Law, the law firm of Jennifer Breithaupt who has been a long-time supporter of arts and culture in the Waterloo Region. She is the eldest daughter of James R. Breithaupt, QC. The former MPP for Kitchener was the longest serving member of the legislature since confederation, and himself a pillar of the community, with a particular love of local and military history. Jennifer, Jim, and The Breithaupt Brothers will be welcoming their extended family, and all concert-goers to the Registry for this special musical celebration.

The Breithaupt Brothers Come Home To Kitchener

Friday, June 2nd & Saturday, June 3rd at 8pm

At The Registry Theatre

122 Frederick St. (at Weber St.) Kitchener

Tickets: $30 Online ordering at:

http://www.registrytheatre.com/category/events/registryevents/jazzattheregistry/

Phone 519-578-1570 or at the door