We Could Use This Cherished Sentiment Right Now!

VIDEO: Rare Interview With An American Legend

Philly Pops Sets Sinatra/Bennett Tribute 10/25

The (Re)Born Philly Pops proudly presents its first concert in Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center on Saturday, October 25 at 3 pm with Luck Be A Lady: The Music of Frank Sinatra & Tony Bennett, a one-of-a-kind tribute to two of America’s greatest voices. Guest conductor Herb Smith returns to lead the Pops alongside two outstanding vocalists: Philadelphia's acclaimed Eddie Bruce, and Kelly Levesque, international, multi-genre star. 

This program relives the hits of Sinatra and Bennett, touching on Bennett’s final performances of his incredible life, inspired by the duets between Bennett and Lady Gaga. Featured Pops soloists for these timeless classics will include trumpet player Matt Gallagher, saxophonist Ron Kerber, and trombonist Paul Arbogast. 

Executive Director Matt Koveal welcomes this collaboration: "Luck Be A Lady is more than just a concert, it’s a celebration of the incredible talent we have right here in Philadelphia. Showcasing Eddie Bruce alongside our own world class Philly Pops musicians as featured soloists is a reminder of the depth and brilliance of our local music community. We’re proud to put these extraordinary artists front and center, giving our audience the chance to experience the magic that happens when local talent meets the full Pops sound, while playing the music everyone knows and loves.”

 

Eddie Bruce, celebrated vocalist and bandleader, is known for his electrifying tributes to legends such as Tony Bennett, Anthony Newley, Frank Sinatra, and the great Broadway and film composers, as well as his homage to Philadelphia’s famed Latin Casino. He has headlined sold-out shows at New York’s 54 Below, Birdland and Feinstein’s at Loew’s Regency, Atlantic City casinos and Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center and World Café Live. Known nationally as the host of the TV show Dancin’ on Air and his WWDB Radio talk show, Bruce has expanded his reach with a new big-band album, the reissue of his Tony Bennett tribute, and many high-profile appearances at Phillies games, the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and concerts with the reborn Philly Pops.

 

Kelly Levesque (pronounced ‘Levek’) New York–born Levesque is singer-songwriter whose career launched with a debut on Reprise/Warner Brothers Records at the age of 18. She has graced the world’s greatest  stages, including Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House, Madison Square Garden, the Kennedy Center, and the White House. She has performed with the likes of Sting, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Patti LaBelle, and John Legend, and earned two Top 5 Billboard Classical Crossover albums with the trio Three Graces and Diane Warren’s Due Voci project. Known for her belief in “Music With Meaning,” Kelly has written songs supporting domestic violence awareness and autism advocacy, and contributed her voice to film soundtracks, TV series, and national commercials. She has sung for international royalty, four U.S. Presidents, and Pope Benedict XVI, and is currently co-creating a new dramatic musical with her singer-songwriter husband, Fraser Walters.

 

Herb Smith is a dynamic conductor, trumpeter, composer, and educator whose career spans classical and jazz. Luck Be A Lady marks his much anticipated return to the Kimmel Center after conducting The No Name Pops in a concert titled “Let’s Groove Tonight” in October 2023. Smith is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, who plays third trumpet in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and principal trumpet with the Gateways Festival Orchestra and Brass Collective. He has performed with legendary artists, including Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, the O’Jays, and Jeff Beck. His jazzy Freedom Trio tours nationally, while his compositions, commissioned by ensembles and choreographers like Tony Award-winner Garth Fagan, span genres from reggae to classical. Smith is a frequent guest conductor with orchestras across New York, leading performances from Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man at Black Lives Matter rallies to concerts honoring Harriet Tubman. A dedicated teacher, he instructs at the Eastman Community Music School, leads masterclasses nationwide, and co-founded Herb’s City Trumpets, a mentorship program for Black students in Rochester.

 

For tickets and more information, visit our website: www.phillypops.net

 

About the Philly Pops

 

Founded in 2023, Liberty Bell Pops, dba The Philly Pops, is a versatile ensemble composed of the former musicians of the pre-2023 Philly Pops with a mission to deliver authentic, exceptional musical experiences in the Philadelphia region. Gifted the name Philly Pops by the estate of Music Director Emeritus Peter Nero, the reborn Philly Pops is led by Music Director Christopher Dragon and features world-class soloists. The Pops continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant and diverse repertoire, melding tradition with an innovative approach unbound by musical genre.

 

Liberty Bell Pops, dba The Philly Pops, has no affiliation either legally or artistically with Encore Series, Inc., the former management company of the Philly Pops.

On Thanksgiving Eve, It’s Particularly Appropriate

Fascinating: 'Lost Sinatra' Concert Set For 11/30!

For the first time, unheard arrangements from 1965 written for the legendary Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra, have been recorded by renowned vocalist Brandon Tomasello with the City Rhythm Orchestra. 

On Saturday November 30 at 8 p.m., they will celebrate the launch of their new album, The Lost Sinatra – Basie, with a concert at Scottish Rite Auditorium, 315 White Horse Pike in Collingswood, NJ.  Ticket prices start at $45 and $55 for orchestra seating, with VIP choices of an additional $75.00 which includes Meet and Greet, vinyl and CD or VIP in the Pit for a total of $150 a ticket including the Meet and Greet, vinyl and CD albums. https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/collingswoodarts/7008/event/1396372

These arrangements by the celebrated arranger and trombonist Billy Byers were originally crafted for Sinatra and Basie but never recorded. Bryant Byers, Billy’s son, made it possible for Tomasello to use this material. He even came to Pennsauken, NJ from Oregon to record the album at SoundPlex Studios, the historic recording studio that had once been the home of Victor Records. He plays trombone on the album and in the concert. Tomasello said, "It is an honor to record this music. Not only is it great to work with City Rhythm Orchestra, having Bryant Byers join us adds an authentic and heartfelt touch to these timeless pieces. We are excited to present this music and give the arrangements the attention they deserve."

The concert is unique as it preserves the essence of Sinatra and Basie's musical era. Tomasello has been dedicated to this music for years. Known for his exceptional interpretations of classic jazz and big band music, he often performs Sinatra concerts to sold-out audiences. He has a passion for preserving the legacy of legendary artists.

About Brandon Tomasello:

Renowned vocalist and recording artist, Brandon Tomasello hails from Philadelphia. He has played many of the casinos in Atlantic City and performs throughout the Philadelphia region. Brandon has been singing most of his life, starting in 3^rd grade at Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School. While other kids of his age were into R&B and Hip Hop, he was enjoying the big band sound!  The minute he heard the complex harmonies of saxophones, trumpets, and trombones he was in love! At the age of 19, Brandon was ready to show the world that big band music still had a place in his generation. He opened at Resorts Casino Hotels Superstar Theater to a sold-out crowd in Atlantic City. This led to a 6-month residency, making Tomasello the youngest entertainer in Atlantic City history to have his own headlining extended stay show. 

Brandon has gone on to play at Borgata, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, Harrah's, Tropicana, and many other top venues. He has worked with SNL alum Joe Piscopo, who gave him his nickname, “The Kid”.

In 2020 Brandon recorded his first full-length studio album titled, “My Kind of Swing”, conducted by his long-time musical director and drummer, Mike Nigro, with arrangements written by Ed Vezinho. “My Kind of Swing” is available on all streaming platforms. In 2024, he’s working on his second album using never-before-recorded arrangements for Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. For more information on Brandon, please visit brandontomasello.com

About City Rhythm Orchestra: 

The City Rhythm Orchestra, under the direction of Pete Spina and Nick Vallerio, is celebrated for its dynamic performances and versatility in jazz and big band music. With a rich history of collaborations and live performances, the orchestra remains a prominent force in the music industry.

About SoundPlex Studios: 

SoundPlex Studios is a premier art and music studio complex located at 6713 Rudderow Avenue in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, artistic décor and dedication to producing high-quality recordings, the studio has hosted numerous acclaimed artists and projects, solidifying its reputation as a hub for musical excellence.

And Now, As The BIG DAY Winds Down . . .

Make America This Again pic.twitter.com/6YA1c1eXFI

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) December 25, 2023

A Bit Of Nostalgic Christmas Frivolity

We used to be a proper country. https://t.co/JC7bebBVvv

— ☢️NUCLEAR ULTRA MAGA KING☢️ Deplorable Darrin👑 (@No_hocus_pocus) December 26, 2022

Legendary Philly Radio Personality Dead at 88

 

Legendary Philadelphia radio personality Sid Mark has died at the age of 88. 

Sid Mark has been a staple on Philadelphia radio (and beyond) for more than 60 years. He mellow voice and vast knowledge of all things Sinatra were legendary. But beyond that he was a master purveyor of (and authority on) the Great American Songbook and was also an aficionado of various other music genres. 

From WPHT, 1210 and Audacy:

Sid Mark launched The Sounds of Sinatra in Philadelphia 66 years ago. It all began as a call from a listener, who suggested that Sid spin one hour of Frank Sinatra.

In 1979, Sid took The Sounds of Sinatra to the national level with affiliates in New York and Los Angeles. Soon the show spread across the country to where it is today, airing on nearly 100 stations every week. This is the only radio program of its kind to have been personally authorized by Frank Sinatra.

Sid and Frank developed a personal friendship in 1966. To celebrate the anniversary of the show, Sid was invited to see Frank in Las Vegas. After seeing Frank’s show at The Sands, Sid met Frank and a friendship was formed which would last for decades.

The Newest Attraction On Hoboken's Waterfront!

 

OMG! Has It Really Come To This?!

The Fifty-Year Folly Of Liberal Orthodoxy . . .

The minute I saw Kanye West hugging President Trump in the White House oval office, I thought of Sammy Davis.

I wonder how many people alive today even know who Sammy Davis was.

Sammy was one of the most versatile, most dynamic, most talented entertainers of the 20th century. Sammy could sing, dance, act, crack jokes and do imitations that were so spot-on, you wondered if there was anything he couldn't do. He excelled on the big screen, in recording studios, on Broadway, in nightclubs, on television, in big arenas, Vegas showrooms and everywhere in between. He really was one of America's first superstars.

And he was also one of the first African-Americans to achieve such a stratospheric level of stardom. Of course, Sammy Davis had been entertaining almost from the time he took his first steps. As a youngster, he was part of the Will Matsin Trio, performing with his dad. Sammy knew deprivation, segregation and discrimination -- knew them all first-hand because that's what he actually experienced day-in and day-out.

So, when he was able to, Sammy Davis joined the frontlines in the battle for civil rights. He marched alongside Dr. King and Rev. Ralph Abernathy and Jessie Jackson and so many others who made up the vanguard of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Backed by his pal, Frank Sinatra, Sammy brought notoriety and glamour and cachet to a cause that soon captured the public's imagination.

Before long, Sammy Davis was more than a superstar; he was also an icon and a pop-culture statesman. He was chummy with all the powerful big-name liberals of the time including those in the media, academia and the entertainment industry. He knew senators, congresspersons and governors. And, after he helped elect Jack Kennedy, he counted the President of the United States as his friend.

Or so he thought.

Because, once he served his purpose, the Kennedys jettisoned Sammy. Word was Sammy had become a liability inasmuch as he was married to a white woman.

Sammy Davis learned a hard and painful lesson. When it comes to extending genuine equality to others, liberals don't always practice what they preach. And their hypocrisy can be devastating.

Not amused with the treatment he endured at the hands of left wing elites, Sammy joined the Republican Party and in 1972 endorsed President Richard Nixon for re-election. Sammy entertained at the GOP convention that year. And that's when Sammy Davis and the President of the United States embraced. It came to be known simply as "the hug" and it was truly a seminal moment.

Sammy never seemed so elated and Richard Nixon never seemed quite so natural, animated and totally delighted. In fact, President Nixon even placed Sammy Davis on his National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity -- a prestigious position for any American, let alone for a guy who never even attended school. Sammy now had real clout. And he also had that White House invitation that had heretofore been elusive.

But none of this sat well with the liberal cognoscenti and the Black leaders corralled by the left. They called Sammy a traitor and an Uncle Tom. Blacks accused him of turning his back on them and embracing a white lifestyle. And Sammy received death threats and was warned of organized boycotts.

Now, here we are 46 years later and this nonsense is playing out in front of us all over again.

Yes, it's been almost half a century and we're still seeing and hearing the same thing. Kanye West has also been excoriated. He's been mocked, ridiculed, threatened, slandered and has even had his mental state called into question.

Why? Because as an African-American he refused to tow the liberal line. He insists on raising questions; he demands the right to think for himself; he refuses to fall into lockstep.

And for this, liberals in politics, the media, academia and the entertainment industry have come after him with a vengeance. It's ugly. Very ugly.

Yes, liberals -- the people who preach tolerance and understanding; who have long said they want a free and open dialogue -- are the same ones who insist on a rigid devotion to leftist dogma, especially among minorities. Their message is "think and act our way or suffer the consequences".

One would have thought that after all these decades liberals would be secure enough (and respectful enough of African-Americans and other minority groups) to loosen the presumed reins and relinquish such myopic orthodoxy. But the mere thought of such a move seems to make liberals apoplectic.

Still they call themselves "progressives".  Why then should it be unreasonable to think they might have progressed? Sadly, such is not the case.

Which only makes Kanye West seem all the more insightful.

Or, to quote Thomas Sowell: “It’s amazing how much panic one honest man can spread among a multitude of hypocrites. ”

Click here to read lots more from the Dan Cirucci Blog!

Here's A Tale You Probably Never Heard . . .

Beautiful, Poignant Sentiments From A Great Lady!

A Moment We'll Never, EVER Forget - WOW!

Frank Sinatra reunites Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, ending a decades-long estrangement at the 1976 Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon.
They're all gone now.
If you missed them, you missed one of the greatest eras in entertainment history -- a time that will never be recaptured.

Now THIS Was Like A Genuine Breath Of Fresh Air!

Young people who are informed, engaged, curious, well-rounded and articulate quickly become favorites of mine. More often than not they're a helluva lot more fun to be around than my contemporaries. 

One such person is Rob Lawless. This young man gives me great hope for the future. 

I recently had a super time chatting with Rob who's spending one hour with each of 10,000 people from all walks of life as part of his innovative project Rob's 10K Friends. 

Rob is an extraordinary person with a fascinating story of his own. A Penn Stater who majored in finance he sees himself as equal parts analytical and creative. The youngest of three siblings from nearby Norristown, he's easy-going and inquisitive without being intrusive -- a rare talent these days. 

Rob majored in finance at PSU and worked for a time for an international management consultant firm. But Rob's no mere bean counter or workaday strategist. No, his interests include the arts, current events and pop culture as well. He's currently reading The Voice, the first volume of the landmark biography of Frank Sinatra. He also plays the guitar and likes all kinds of music.

Rob is currently looking for sponsors for his 10K Friends project. It's a Big Deal undertaking but I've no doubt whatsoever that he's up to the challenge.

Keep an eye on this guy. I think he's goin places!
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=robs10kfriends

Must Read Letter Is As Crisp Today As Ever!

In 1990, singer George Michael (who passed away this Christmas) complained about the pitfalls and the burden of fame.
George Michael was an extraordinary talent to who fame came at a relatively early age. Obviously, it was difficult for him to cope with it all, not just then but pretty much throughout his life.
But we still like this letter that the great Frank Sinatra wrote to Michael 26 years ago in which Sinatra  chastised while expressing a healthy dose of respect for his fellow song stylist. And, we absolutely love the last line.
RIP, Frank Sinatra and George Michael.

Remembering Frank Sinatra, Jr. 1944 - 2016

We saw Frank Sinatra Jr. last autumn in The Music Box at The Borgata in Atlantic City.
He performed with a full orchestra and delivered a sight and sound tribute on his dad's centenary. It was an incredible show. There were moments or eerie similarity as Frank Jr. performed his father's songs. And it was almost as if his dad was right up there on the stage -- right alongside him.
Above all, Frank obviously enjoyed performing the music his father made so famous -- the soundtrack of our lives, as it was called. He enjoyed every moment of it.
And so did we. We didn't want the evening to end.
But eventually, every song must come to an end. Little did we know this would be one of Frank Jr's last performances.
Sleep warm, Frankie.

Ten Things You Never Knew About Sinatra

Well, you may think you know him.
You may be certain of it because, after all, he's been an American icon through most of the 20th century and into the 21st.
But you don't know Sinatra -- not really.
We've been reading a lot about Sinatra lately (most notably both volumes of James Kaplan's definitive biography of 'ole blue eyes) and we've discovered lots of fascinating and not generally known bits of info.
In no particular order, here are ten of 'em:

1) Sinatra was a self-described manic depressive who had incredible dark periods -- times when he could not be persuaded to see himself or the world as anything but domed.

2) Early in his career he was urged to change his name to Frankie Satin. He laughed off the suggestion and dismissed it out of hand. "If I had done that, I'd be singing on cruise ships today," he later joked.

3) Sinatra completely broke down when his son (Frank Sinatra, Jr.) was kidnapped by a couple of amateurs. Sinatra Sr. simply could not be consoled.

4) Throughout most of his life Sinatra wore heavy pancake makeup to hide birth scars (caused by forceps) on one side of his face. He wore the makeup night and day, even when he wasn't performing.

5) The Chairman of the Board didn't coin that term himself nor did he coin the term "Rat Pack" to refer to his insider group. Rat Pack was a term coined by Humphrey Bogart to refer to his group of friends which Sinatra was a part of. Sinatra preferred to refer to his own group as "the clan."

6) On some level Frank always remained devoted to his first wife, the former Nancy Barbato who was the mother of his three children. Frank returned home to Nancy and the children often and she always kept a place for him in her home and at the family dinner table. The children believe that their parents continued to have intimate time together. In fact, Frank came very close to remarrying Nancy later in life during a period when he was on the outs with Barbara Marx, the woman who became his last wife.

7) Sinatra hated several of the songs that were synonymous with him (including My Way) and had a distaste for a couple of his big hits, most notably Strangers in the Night and Somethin Stupid. He felt My Way was boastful and that Strangers in the Night was about a gay dalliance. As for Somethin Stupid, he felt it was just that -- stupid!

8) Sinatra attempted suicide at least twice, once by slitting his wrists.

9) Though he was exceptionally well-endowed, Sinatra had no derriere and actually needed to be padded in a couple of movies for rear views.

10) Through most of his life, Sinatra wore elevator shoes which made him appear taller than his height of 5' 8".

And there's more: Sinatra could not scat sing and this bothered him. Also, he greatly envied Dean Martin's natural comedic talent. Sinatra was not particularly adept at comedy. Finally, Sinatra (always a mass of contradictions) was a loner who hated to be alone and his unwillingness to finally turn in each day and get some rest seemed to be related to a haunted fear of death. He apparently feared he wouldn't wake up.

Now you know . . . .

Bombshell: What Frank's Daughter Says About Mia's Son!

Web extra: Nancy Sinatra, Frank Sinatra's daughter, calls rumors about her father having a child with Mia Farrow "nonsense." So much for all the talk about Ronan Farrow being part of the Sinatra clan!

A Century Later: Call Him Irreplaceable

Frank Sinatra would have been 100 years old today.
It's just as well that Frankie's no longer with us because I don't think you would have wanted to see Frank at age 100. 

It probably wouldn't have been a pretty sight.

At the time of his death (at age 83) Sinatra's best years were surely behind him. And Frank wouldn't have wanted you to see him in such a diminished state.
Old Blue Eyes was a proud man who did his living while the living was good. He never missed a moment and rarely missed a beat. He knew how to swing.
I've never been a big Sinatra aficionado but one cannot really appreciate the Great American Songbook without paying homage to Sinatra. For six decades he was The Voice. He was the soundtrack of our lives.
From what I've read about Sinatra (and I've read quite a bit) I'm not sure that if I knew him I would have actually liked him. Frank himself knew that he was a moody, difficult, combustible personality.
But the talent always managed to shine through. As an artist, he was an extraordinary perfectionist: disciplined, hard-working, demanding.
We grant a wide berth to genuine superstars -- people who posses such incredible talent that it takes our breath away.
Sinatra was one of those people.
And so far, no one has replaced him. No one.